Pregnancy Freebies Every Mom Should Know About

From baby diapers and baby wipes to baby formula and baby clothes, preparing to welcome your newborn into the world is no easy feat. Researching and absorbing all of the new information can sometimes feel like you’re drinking from a firehouse (or baby bottle?). Trying to stock up on all the essential baby items can add up, but don’t sweat it—there are tons of baby freebies for you to take advantage of, mama!

While the last thing you might expect when expecting is discounts and free items, there are many ways to leverage your insurance benefits to get the biggest bang for your buck. Don’t know where to start? That’s where we come in. Our team of expert couponers and experienced industry professionals have the hacks on all the ways you can save during and after your pregnancy. Here are some of the products and benefits you can get at almost or no cost to you:

Some moms already know this, but before spending hundreds of dollars on the newest and fanciest breast pump, you should check with your insurance. Many pregnant women are shocked to find out that they may be able to receive a breast pump for little to no cost through their insurance benefits, thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Many moms can even get additional accessories for a small out-of-pocket cost, such as breast milk storage bags, nursing pads, pillows, coolers, and more.

Saving money on a breast pump means you have more to spend on some helpful breastfeeding and pumping accessories. Moms always rave about disposable nursing pads (and hydrogel breast pads), breast pump backpacks (which can double as a diaper pack!), nursing pillows, compression socks (and other compression wear), baby bottles, and more. We also wouldn’t blame you for spending it on a shopping spree for adorable baby clothes, though…

Each mother and baby are different. Heck, even each breast is unique, which is why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all breastfeeding journey. Sometimes, moms need a few tips on how to help their infant latch or how to make the entire process go a bit smoother. Using our Lactation Services, you can connect with professional lactation educators, consultants, registered nurses, and more to answer questions about your new baby. They even include support groups if you need a little advice from moms who have been in a similar situation.

Yes! Expecting moms approaching their due date might be interested to know they could also receive lactation support and services through their insurance. Here at Aeroflow Breastpumps, we offer online breastfeeding and lactation classes taught live by certified instructors available at no cost to you through your insurance.

The process is quick and easy when you work with our team—just fill out our Qualify Through Insurance form online today to learn more. Once approved, you’ll have access to our 20+ live classes taught by certified instructors to help you learn everything you need to feel confident about welcoming your baby and beginning your breastfeeding journey. You can also book a private appointment with a certified breastfeeding expert to get individualized support when you need it.

Compression garments provide support and relief for pregnant and postpartum moms by stabilizing the abdomen with supportive panels. Most insurance companies will cover compression garments to help ease the pain associated with pregnancy and postpartum recovery. To see if your insurance will cover compression garments, fill out our form, and one of our team members will contact you with information specific to your coverage guidelines.

Some of the most helpful compression gear include support bands, compression socks, and postpartum support clothes. Support bands help relieve the pressure that causes pregnancy-related pain or discomfort by shifting the baby's weight off the abdomen, hips, and lower back. Compression socks are also helpful by minimizing the risk of varicose veins and helping prevent swelling. They can be worn during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Recovery support garments are typically worn one week to four months after delivery to give extra support to mamas who need some extra support as their body adjusts postpartum.

Our favorite hack for first time or new moms? Baby boxes! While baby registries are no secret, some stores like Target, Walmart, and Amazon welcome moms-to-be by including free baby samples and baby sample boxes when registering with their company. Simply create your baby registry online with the participating store of your choice, confirm via email, and either pick up your gift bag in-store for the baby gear you need. Cost of shipping and shipping protection for the free gifts are typically not included, but Amazon will ship your bundle to your door without a shipping fee. Aeroflow also makes it easy for our mamas to sign up for their own Amazon baby registry for baby items—look for the link after you fill out our Qualify Through Insurance form!

These bundles and baby registry welcome boxes are loaded with tons of free baby products and free pregnancy sample packs for you to try. Usually, they will include pacifiers, shampoos, lotions, and more. Plus, they throw in a lot of great pregnancy coupons! This will help you discover your favorite brands before your baby even arrives. You can then decide which full-size goodies you would like to keep on your registry and which ones you’re comfortable leaving off.

Note: Amazon requires at least one purchase of over $10 to be made on your registry before shipping your bundle.

What did mamas do before modern technology?! We’re kidding, of course. But there are tons of free baby apps for new and expecting moms to use on their smartphones and tablets that assist with breastfeeding, tracking baby milestones, connecting with fellow mamas, and more! Here are some of the most popular ones out there:

• Ovia helps new moms and families track their most precious moments from fertility, pregnancy stages, and their baby’s development. Connect with other moms and families for advice in a safe community and celebrate achievements with friends!
• The Pumpspotting app helps you identify a place to breastfeed or pump wherever you are. The app lists comfortable, clean, private places with accessible reviews from fellow mamas. You can also connect with moms for how-to’s and personal stories, from first-timers to those who’ve been around the block!
• Breast pump manufacturers such as Medela and Lansinoh offer apps to help you hook your smart pump to your phone, keep track of pumping schedules and output, and much more!
   

These baby apps can be a fantastic resource for all moms, whatever stage you’re at in your pregnancy journey! You don’t have to do it all—let some of these technologies take on some of the stress and put your mind at ease.

Yes, you read that right! Prenatal vitamins, routine checkups, and newborn care are extremely important for healthy pregnancies, which may be available to you for little to no cost through your insurance.

Even if you don’t have health insurance, many states offer programs that offer these essential nutrients and care for you and your baby to ensure you both have a happy and healthy experience. Be sure to research the available resources that your state offers to know what kind of care is available and what costs you are responsible for.

Additionally, you and your baby need to stay ahead of your health by catching any complications before they become serious problems. To ensure the health of potential or expectant moms, most insurance plans offer preventative screenings, including:

• Preeclampsia prevention and testing
• Maternal depression screening
• Bone density scans
• Rh incompatibility screenings
• Tests for UTIs and other infections
• Diabetes screenings
• Vitamins and supplements
• Birth control
• Well-woman visits and exams
• Breast and cervical cancer screenings
• STD testing
   

…and more. Contact your insurance provider to determine what is covered by your plan.

There you have it, mama! Take some time to check into your insurance coverage (or fill out our form and let us do it for you!) to understand exactly what your plan covers. Be sure to take advantage of all the free baby stuff, baby boxes, and more—you deserve it!

As always, we are happy to answer any questions you may have along your pregnancy, breastfeeding, or postpartum journey. Visit our website for our FAQs, information on getting a prescription for a breast pump from your healthcare provider, insurance eligibility, and more. You can also reach out to us directly by calling 1-844-867-9890 and stay up to date by following us on social media and joining our Pumping Room community, where fellow mamas share parenting tips, tricks, and stories from their own parenting journeys.