Ep. 441: How to pick the best breast pump for you with Kristen Krahl

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In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Kristen to break down how to actually choose a breast pump and prepare for pumping… without the overwhelm.

They talk through when to order your pump (hint: don’t wait until baby is here), how insurance coverage works, and why you may need to advocate for yourself to get what you want.

Kristen explains the difference between primary and secondary pumps, and why wearable pumps aren’t always the best place to start if you’re trying to build and protect your milk supply. They also get into what actually matters when it comes to effectiveness, portability, and real-life use.

One of the biggest takeaways? Flange sizing. Most pumps come with sizes that don’t fit the majority of people, and that can seriously impact output and comfort. They walk through how to measure, test, and find your correct size without wasting money.

They also cover pump parts, when to replace them, how to clean everything safely (without overcomplicating it), and how to use your pump settings in a way that actually works with your body.

If pumping is part of your plan, this episode will help you feel way more prepared and way less confused walking into it.

Timestamps 00:00 Why Flange Size Matters 10:52 Do You Actually Need a Pump 19:22 Ordering Through Insurance 27:10 Primary vs Wearable Pumps 35:47 Flange Sizing + Fit 55:21 Pump Parts + Cleaning 01:09:06 Settings + Features 01:16:18 Insurance + Final Tips

Guest Bio:

Kristen is a Certified Lactation Counselor, CLC, and mother of 5 earthside. She has been pumping for 7+ years for her multiples and 3 singletons. Between her own experiences of both exclusively pumping, feeding at the breast and formal CLC training she is able to share a mix of real experiences, expectations and training based advice.

Kristen Krahl, CLC

bemybreastfriend.com

Instagram: @bemybreastfriend: https://www.instagram.com/bemybreastfriend

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bemybreastfriend?si=oBmm2NxV1c1gztrU

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bemybreastfriend/

https://aeroflowbreastpumps.com/blog/can-i-get-a-breast-pump-through-insurance#:~:text=Yes%2C%20and%20that's%20why%20we,support%2C%20counseling%2C%20and%20equipment.

https://aeroflowbreastpumps.com/blog/understanding-the-affordable-care-act

Understanding the ACA

Get Kristen’s Be my breast friend’s road map to breastfeeding here:

https://bemybreastfriend.com/products/breastfeeding-road-map

Snag Kristen’s pump comparison chart here: https://bemybreastfriend.com/products/pump-comparison-chart

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