What’s Inside:
- Who needs a hospital-grade breast pump
- What makes a pump hospital-grade
- The rental process at The Medicine Shoppe
If you’re a new mother who needs a reliable, powerful breast pump, you may have already discovered that not all pumps are created equal.
The pumps available in retail stores are designed for mothers with established milk supply who pump occasionally. For mothers who need to pump frequently, establish supply from birth, or support a baby who can’t yet latch, a hospital-grade pump is a different category of equipment entirely.
The Medicine Shoppe in Kitchener rents two hospital-grade double electric breast pumps — the Medela Symphony and the Ameda Pearl — by the day, week, or month with a minimum two week rental.
Who Needs a Hospital-Grade Breast Pump?
- Mothers of premature or NICU babies who need frequent stimulation to establish and maintain supply
- New mothers whose babies are having difficulty latching
- Anyone recovering from a difficult birth or C-section where skin-to-skin contact was delayed
- Mothers with low milk supply who need a stronger motor than retail pumps provide
- Mothers returning to work early who need to maintain supply while away from their baby
- Anyone whose personal pump has stopped working or isn’t meeting their needs
What Makes a Pump Hospital-Grade?
Hospital-grade pumps are built for frequent, sustained use. They have stronger, more consistent motors than retail models, which means more effective milk expression with less effort. They’re also designed for multiple users — each mother uses her own personal collection kit, while the pump motor itself is shared. This makes rental both hygienic and cost-effective.
The Medela Symphony and Ameda Pearl are both used in hospital NICUs and maternity wards. If you were using one in the hospital after delivery, you can continue with the same pump at home without interruption.
What to Expect When You Come In
Renting a breast pump at The Medicine Shoppe is straightforward. Our staff will walk you through both pump models, explain the differences, and help you choose the one that fits your situation. We’ll make sure you know how to use it correctly before you leave.
We also carry compatible collection kits for both the Medela Symphony and the Ameda Pearl, available for purchase. Your collection kit is yours to keep — it never gets shared.
Rental is available by the day, week, or month
- $95 per month, the first month paid on pick up
- Minimum 2 week rental
- Price of collection kits is $79.95.
Frequently asked questions
1. Does Insurance Cover Breast Pump Rental?
We can provide a written receipt for submission to benefits.
2. Should I Buy or Rent a Hospital-Grade Breast Pump?
It depends on how long you plan to pump and why. If you’re establishing supply from birth, supporting a NICU baby, or dealing with latching difficulties, a hospital-grade rental pump is significantly more powerful than anything available for purchase at retail — and renting makes more sense than buying a pump you may only need for a few months.
If you’re a healthy mother with an established supply who pumps occasionally, a personal pump you purchase is usually sufficient. A good rule of thumb: if you need to pump more than once or twice a day, a hospital-grade rental is worth it.
3. How long can I rent a pump?
- We collect the first month rental at the time of pick up.
- Minimum 2 week rental.
- Refunds made, where appropriate when pump returned early.
4. Is the pump sanitized between rentals?
Yes. The pump motor is cleaned and sanitized between users. Your personal collection kit — the tubing, flanges, and bottles that come into contact with milk — is purchased separately and is yours alone.
5. Can I use my own collection kit with a rental pump?
Medela and Ameda collection kits are compatible with their respective pump models. If you already have a compatible kit from a previous rental or hospital use, ask us whether it will work with the pump you’re renting.
6. What if I need the pump longer than I planned?
It’s no problem to have longer. We go month to month. Return it when you’re ready.
If you’re pumping frequently, establishing supply from birth, or supporting a baby who can’t yet latch, a hospital-grade rental can make a real difference.
Stop by The Medicine Shoppe in Kitchener to see both models, and find the right fit for your situation.