Overview of electric breast pumps prescriptions in France between 2014 and 2024 based on national health insurance open data.
Xavier GOCKO, Pauline MATHOT and Catherine PLOTTON
Breastfeeding has proven health benefits for both mothers and children, as well as economic advantages. In France, 77% of mothers initiate breastfeeding after delivery, but the proportion declines rapidly within the first two months. After 10 weeks of paid postnatal leave, many mothers must balance their desire to breastfeed with their working lives. The use of electric breast pumps may help when returning to work, as well as in managing other challenges related to breastfeeding. Electric breast pumps are reimbursed when prescribed by a doctor or a midwife. In 2019, the prescription rules changed, shortening the initial prescription’s duration for an electric breast pump.To describe trends in electric breast pump prescriptions between 2014 and 2024.This epidemiological study is based on open data from the French health insurance system between 2014 and 2024. It includes comprehensive data on electric breast pump prescriptions, information on prescribers and users (region and age group), as well as reimbursement costs. These data were cross-referenced with demographic indicators on births, mothers, and medical density.This study shows an increase in reimbursements for electric breast pump rentals per child. Prescriptions by general practitioners rose rapidly after the 2019 change in prescribing rules accompanied by a decline in hospital prescriptions. There are significant regional disparities in the number of weekly rentals per child, with lower ratios in the Paris region and in overseas departments and regions. Despite an increase in the number of electric breast pumps rented and weeks of use, the overall cost has decreased since 2019.The transfer of hospital prescriptions to GPs, without any impact on midwives' prescriptions, highlights the growing role of GPs in promoting breastfeeding. Regions with more disadvantaged populations tend to use breast pumps less frequently, which is consistent with the literature, as socioeconomic disadvantage is described as a negative determinant of breastfeeding.Electric breast pumps thus appear to be an increasingly common tool, both in mothers’ habits and in medical practice, for promoting breastfeeding and prolonging its duration.
