Moms...Breast Pump Reccomendations Pls

LPQueenie99 · October 2011

Hiya ladies. I'm trying to get my life under control here and start thinking about what things I need for Baby H. I know breast feeding isn't easy nor is it something everyone can do, but it's my intention to do so. Since I will be returning to work soon after the baby arrives I'd like to be prepared (or as prepared as possible). So I'm looking for your expertise...could you please tell me about the pump you use and it's pros and cons. Some of the ladies I work with have given me their recommendations, but I'd like to hear what you all have to say as well.

TIA!

Huzzy · October 2011

I used the medela freestyle. I liked that it was battery operated so I didn't have to worry about being plugged in. It was great for pumping on the go. My friend borrowed mine once (she has a pump in style) and she said that the pump in style works a lot better. I don't know.. I never tried the pump in style so I couldn't tell ya that in my experience. I bought my freestyle from bestbuybaby.com. It was a lot cheaper there than anywhere else. I also never bothered with the handsfree option of my pump... It never worked for me. Instead I made my own handsfree bras by cutting little holes in some cheap sports bras and slid the flanges in that way... Worked awesome for me and then just would cover the holes it breastpads and just wore them under my scrubs. Any other questions just let me know!!

murrr23 · October 2011

I have the Lansinoh double electric. I bought it in '08 when I had dd. I got it b/c I didn't know how well or how long I'd be pumping and it was half the price of the others. ($120 on amazon). I used it for a year for dd, pumping 2x/day, 5 days a week with no problems. Its parts are interchangable w/the Ameda. I have used the same pump now w/ds for the past six months, again no problems so far. I did change out some of the parts since they wear out (rubber valves, tubing, and rubber bladder). The parts are cheap too. HTH.

nybride10 · October 2011

AJ was using his gums to feed on my boob and it hurt like hell so we had to supplement and pump. i used the medela pump while i was in the hospital. it was only a single one but my aunt gave me the double pump for when i was at home. I bought the supplemental pieces (bottles and nipple shield) at BRU. The fastest "pace" was too strong and tugged on me too much.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3214492 (sorry not clicky)

FWIW: I would suggest not opening ANY of your breast pump accessories and kits. You can't return once the seal is open. I had no idea AJ was not going to get enough sugar from me. That's why I needed to switch to formula feedings. DH and I went to BRU last night quickly and I was able to return the accessory kits because I didn't open it. Got back my $50. The pump and parts aren't cheap so I would wait till you're home from the hospital to be sure you are breastfeeding.

LPQueenie99 · October 2011

nybride10:

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3214492 (sorry not clicky)
FWIW: I would suggest not opening ANY of your breast pump accessories and kits. You can't return once the seal is open. I had no idea AJ was not going to get enough sugar from me.

Thanks Diane, this is the one most of the ladies I work with recommended. I don't plan on opening anything until I know it's all going to work out for sure. I just want to get myself as prepared as possible because I know March is going to be here before I know it and returning to work will too.

nicinnewyork · October 2011

LPQueenie99:
nybride10:

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3214492 (sorry not clicky)

FWIW: I would suggest not opening ANY of your breast pump accessories and kits. You can't return once the seal is open. I had no idea AJ was not going to get enough sugar from me.

Thanks Diane, this is the one most of the ladies I work with recommended. I don't plan on opening anything until I know it's all going to work out for sure. I just want to get myself as prepared as possible because I know March is going to be here before I know it and returning to work will too.

i would say get this one. i had the pump in style, it was great and worked faithfully for us for 7 months while i was working. but the base is a little bulky (even though i had it in the backpack.) my friend used the PIS in the hospital and then bought the freestyle and told me she liked the freestyle better, but she didnt mention any performance issues. you may want to consider renting from your hospital and seeing if they have one you like? sometimes they'll have more than one kind. plus it's kinda expensive if you dont end up using it.

Melanie2003 · October 2011

i used the medela pump in style advanced both times (same one). I EP'd for Ava for 6 solid months, and I pumped for Samantha when apart from her for 7.5 months.

this is my suggestion though - rent a hospital pump for a month. see if you need it. see if breastfeeding works, or see if it doesn't and you want to only pump (i did that and hated it). i think it's worth $65 or so to see if you really need a $250+ pump or not.

the hospital grade one will also be stronger than the retail ones, and will help your supply, especially if you are returning to work quickly. It takes 8-12 weeks for your supply to regulate. if you are away from baby during that time (say starting at 6 weeks) - you would want the stronger pump to help you.

LPQueenie99 · October 2011

Melanie2003:
this is my suggestion though - rent a hospital pump for a month. see if you need it. see if breastfeeding works, or see if it doesn't and you want to only pump (i did that and hated it). i think it's worth $65 or so to see if you really need a $250+ pump or not.

Thank you Melanie and Nicole, you girls are so smart - renting first!!! I am gonna keep all this info from you girls so I'm armed and ready to go when it's time. Keeping it positive.

mrsredmoose · October 2011

I just bought the Medela PIS Metro Bag from BRU (FYI, I got a good deal by using a 20% coupon and my 10% registry completion combined). I hope it works well for me. (Also, if you go the BRU route, don't buy it too early as you can only return it unopened within 45 days).

I found Baby Bargains 2011 very, very helpful in making these choices. The book grades an explains all the stuff you need for baby like strollers, pumps, car seats, cribs, gliders, bottles..... I'm in Goshen; let me know if you want to borrow my copy for a while

Jen&Louie · October 2011

I have the Medela Pump in Style Advance Backpack. It's a double pump and can either be plugged in, used on battery or with the car adapter (I used it all three ways at some point or another).

Mine was a hand me down from my sister and is now 5 years old (I replaced all tubing and parts) and I don't think is a stong as some on the market now so, I'm looking into another before baby #2 arrives. This one is the front runner right now:

http://www.amazon.com/Hygeia-EnJoye-Breast-Pump-Black/dp/B0028MI4M4

LilacStar11 · October 2011

I have the medela pump in style. I used it every day just to build up a supply for times when DH wanted to feed LB. It worked wonderful. I love it and plan on using it again with DS. It had different settings so I could find out what was right with my body. It was plug in, battery operated and also had a car jack.

Regardless of what you get, I just recommend a pump that has two shields that pump simultaneously. Otherwise it takes WAAAYYYY too long. GL!!

Also, check with your insurance company because some of them allow you to write off the purchase of your pump or may even cover part of the cost!

billyandsara · October 2011

murrr23:
I have the Lansinoh double electric. I bought it in '08 when I had dd. I got it b/c I didn't know how well or how long I'd be pumping and it was half the price of the others. ($120 on amazon). I used it for a year for dd, pumping 2x/day, 5 days a week with no problems. Its parts are interchangable w/the Ameda. I have used the same pump now w/ds for the past six months, again no problems so far. I did change out some of the parts since they wear out (rubber valves, tubing, and rubber bladder). The parts are cheap too. HTH.

I have this one also and have not had any problems with it. I wasn't sure how long I planned on pumping since I am a SAHM but it worked great for the price.

JSweetieXO · October 2011

http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2011/08/02/breast_pump_rentals_to_be_covered_by_insurance_under_obamacare.html

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=45266

These were just posted on my month board. Apparently they are going to be covered by insurance?

summerbride11 · October 2011

I use the Lansinoh Double Electric as well. It has everything I need: battery operated, BPA Free, several settings and it was affordable. I think I got it for $120 when the breast pumps at BRU went on sale (which happens every 3 months).

http://www.lansinoh.com/products/double-electric-breast-pump

Additionally, I use the hands-free bra and I love it. I got it from Amazon with the registry completion discount. At work, I can actually close the doors to my office and walk around, file, type, etc. I choose not to make phone calls when pumping because it would produce a weird background noise, but if I had to I could.

http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Hands-Free-Breastpump-XS/dp/B00295MQLU

Oh and I used the Medela nipple shields as my chest got very soar as the milk was coming in. They were a life saver.

Augustbride · October 2011

I had a PIS medela with DS. It was also used by a friend. The only reason I am not using it again is that they don't make the parts to fit it. (was from 2003) any more. If you end up pumping at work double electric hands down. Burlington has great deals on Medela's. FYI my insurance will only cover a pump if you are separated from the baby so NICU or a medical issue (tongue tied) Don't open it until you need it. I got another PIS for this baby. I pumped at work until LO was a year it is not easy to pump at work unless your work really supports it.

One of the reasons I went with Medela over a less expensive brand was the parts. I can buy almost everything I might need if something breaks in Target or BabiesRUs. This was important as I could not go without my pump for a day while I waited for a part to ship from the internet. Last time I had a metro bag this time I have a tote.

ssage · October 2011

A friend of mine just got one from a mom's group in her area. I would definitely check that kind of stuff b/c I hear they are quite expensive.

Jenniferk08 · October 2011

LOVE my Medela PISA. The only con I have is that I wish it was something I could throw in any bag and not just the one that comes with it. Other than that we're 8+months going strong with it.

Also if you plan on pumping get a handsfree pump halter. Trust me it's worth it.

bonitatinabina143 · October 2011

I have the medela freestyle. I love it! It's portable and doesn't need batteries changed.

Moms...Breast Pump Reccomendations Pls

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