Insurance and the Breast Pumps.

Okay so lets see if we can't break this down into easy steps. It might seem a bit overwhelming but I promise it is worth the effort. 

1. Start with a phone call. Yes you can probably find what you qualify for by looking at your insurance's manual on line. They however are hard to read, understand and are generally hard to navigate. So look at your insurance car and find the Medical  number. 
2. Follow the prompts and be ready to ask questions and take notes. 

• Explain how far you are in your pregnancy and that you would like to know what you are covered for.
• Write down and note who you spoke with and what the outlined for you.

 3. The two most common options are 

• They will tell you an amount you are covered for. You will have to purchase and be reimbursed. 
• They will give you a list of suppliers that you work with to get a pump. This may mean you are limited to certain pumps. 

4. Follow through. Keep all you notes together and remember to write down who you talked to and when. It is a process. After each step you take your a step closer to a pump! So although its covered its not really free you have to do a bit of foot work. 

I know this seems like a lot but each company is different so it is best to allow them to guide you. They have the information there on their computer system. I am happy to answer questions and help guide anyone who would like a little help. Leave comments here or on Facebook. 

My insurance gives me a price that's covered and then will reimburse me for my pump. We are not through the whole process yet but when we are I will blog that as well. 

We did however already receive our pump and we did an unboxing video check it out below!

New giveaway!

We are having a giveaway on our Facebook page please check it out and enter!

Facebook.com/thisnursingmama

Congratulations Jessica! We hope you are enjoying your new book.

Prenatal pains and how to cope...

Because lets face it coping is all you really can do. Unless you are in supreme perfect condition before you got pregnant chances are you have got aches and pains.For me I started out with chronic back and knee pain and carrying a heavy  front load only adds to it. Plus the oldest two did some permanent damage to my poor tail bone.  So here are some of the ways that I deal with my pains.

1- Breath and Stretch- Every now and then my body will lock up and the tears will start to fall. First thing I have to do it get myself to STOP. I am a pretty driven person who is pushing the boundaries of my body. Stop, breath slowly and deeply and stretch the area that is bothering you. For me its my hips that usually set me off. Leaning down and supporting my upper body with a table I sway from side to side slowly until the worst has worn down. also simply flexing your feet( pulling your toes up and pushing your heel down) is a great stretch for the whole leg.

2-Use hot and Cold-  does not matter what one , use what feels good where it feels good and often. Ice massages can be great for sore knees and backs. Try freezing water in small Dixie cups. Then just pull the top of the cup off as the ice melts. Alternate between both hot and cold.

3- Ask for help.  I know it is the hardest thing in the world for me and i am sure for some of you. But if ever there is a time to just take it easy and even look weak its pregnancy and postpartum. So if you can not do it in one try ask for help.

4- Talk to your provider. They may know of a million ways that can help your specific pains. Don't be brave ask. Or they may even give you medicine or other remedies that can help, but if you say nothing then you are not truly giving the accurate account of how your pregnancy is going. And those men and woman are there to help.

5- Massage with the knobble- This little thing can take my 10 pain down to a 4 pain. It gives a great sensation both with self use and with the help of a kind soul. Here is a little video that gives a good jest of the product.