Nursing pumps

[kinntj]

O.k. My sister is scheduled to have a c section on Monday due to breech position nephew (I guess he didn't like being upside down). I asked what she wanted and she would like an electric breast pump. I have no idea to even know where to begin to research this.

I thought we had some wonderful DIS moms who have been there and done that who could give me a hand.

My mom and I are going to split the cost and would want something moderately priced. Not top of the line, but not cheaply made so it breaks easily either. KWIM...

Thank you!

 

[tanyaandallie]

Is she returning to work and will she be pumping while at work? Or does she need something that is just for occassional use?

If she is returning to work and will be pumping a lot, I would recommend either the Medela Pump in Style or the Ameda Purely Yours. These are the 2 pumps that really are the best for moms who need to maintain their supply and pump for baby while away from baby.

 

[kinntj]

She is a working mama.

Thank you for your suggestions. I'm going now to research those.

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

I have a Medela that I used for my son and I think it was a couple hundred dollars but for us it was worth it b/c he didn't want to nurse so I pumped several times a day and supplemented with formula so I got a lot of use out of it. If your sister is going to be using it several times a day as well then I would highly recommend it. I think some of the cheaper ones don't have as strong of a motor so it takes longer to pump and also might not last as long.

 

[bechtelca@comcast.ne]

Please please please only buy a medela, ameda, or avent pump. the rest are crap! I would strongly recommend the medela pump in style. it's pricey, but well worth the money. Mine lasted through 3 kids and more than paid for itself if I would have had to use formula instead (not an option!). As an OB nurse with advanced lactation training, Medela would get my recommendation in a heartbeat!

 

[mrstomrice]

I suggest you try renting one from the hospital first, before investing the money. The ones from the hospitals are better quality and in case nursing doesn't work out for her, you won't have a huge investment. Just a thought. Good luck!

 

[tanyaandallie]

I suggest you try renting one from the hospital first, before investing the money. The ones from the hospitals are better quality and in case nursing doesn't work out for her, you won't have a huge investment. Just a thought. Good luck!

A rental pump is never a bad idea. But, often times 2 or 3 mos of renting a pump is the same price as purchasing a new pump!

Here are a few links regarding choosing a pump.


http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/pumps101.html

http://www.artofbreastfeeding.com/?p=15

If she is returning to work, the Purely Yours or the Pump in Style or a hospitla rental are the best options. Any other pump is not strong enough and does not work well enough to maintain supply while away from baby.

 

[kinntj]

A rental pump is never a bad idea. But, often times 2 or 3 mos of renting a pump is the same price as purchasing a new pump!

Here are a few links regarding choosing a pump.


http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/pumps101.html

http://www.artofbreastfeeding.com/?p=15

If she is returning to work, the Purely Yours or the Pump in Style or a hospitla rental are the best options. Any other pump is not strong enough and does not work well enough to maintain supply while away from baby.

Thank you for this information. I thought I would help out with buying this for her since money is short and it'll save her from having to go to formula.

Thank you guys so much!

 

[Lstar311]

I agree with the pps Medela pump in style

 

[AngieWin]

Have her check with her insurance to see if they will pay for a pump. Some insurances will, mine did not however. It is worth it to ask.

 

[alyssa810]

My insurance also covered the medela pump in style advanced...I also had a place where I was going to be able to get it for a $15 co-pay but the lactation consultant at the hospital took care of everything for me so the pump was delivered to my house before I got home. I also used a pump in the hospital, and they let me keep the extra parts so I had extra tubing, bottles, and the attachments.

 

[emh1129]

The Medela Pump in Style is top of the line. It's truly an investment.. it will last and it's so very efficient, that she will be able to spend less time pumping.
I just bought one at Target for $225 (I had a 10% coupon). Expensive, but worth every penny.
Medela also stands behind their products if she should ever have a problem.

 

[TashaRVT]

The best type of pump to pick up for your sister is, without a doubt, hands down a Medela. I know they're quite a bit more expensive than others, but THEY ARE WORTH IT!!! I used a Medela with both my babies; I had the type that pumped both sides at once, and I'd say it would take an average of 10-15 minutes for both sides! And, well, I was a big milk producer, but I'd end up with anywhere from 6-10 oz every 3 hours or so.

DD9 couldn't latch (due to weirdo issues), so I pumped and bottle fed for her first 3 months; the Medela was a life-saver!!

 

[janey99]

Another vote for the Medela Pump n Style. I'm using one right now (well, not right this second ). I tried several weaker/cheaper ones with DS1, before I chose the PIS. This time around with DS2, I went right to the PIS and I'm so happy.

Good luck to your sis!

 

[two-foxes]

I am an Ameda Purely Yours fan. The only downside is that parts are not as easily found in retail stores as Medela. However, if she should decide to re-sell her pump when she is done with it, the Ameda is the only pump certified by the FDA as the milk never touches an internal parts...that is a HUGE selling point for someone looking to buy a used pump. You know that your milk will never be in an area that the previous owners milk was !

My favorite website for purchases is www.momsmaternity.com. I was very happy with their customer service. Your sister will love you if you get one of the hands free pumping bras, too!

 

[Nicolepa]

I bought both of my Medela Pump In Styles on Ebay. The first was new in box & was signifigantly less than the store. After I was done w/#2 I sold it to a friend for almost what I paid for it and she thought she was getting a bargain.

W/#3 I got a used one on Ebay for $100. Just buy new tubes and you are good to go!

 

[rt2dz]

Even as a SAHM I had the medela pump in style. I found it worth its weight in gold. I started with an Avent and didn't like it a whole lot.

When I had #3 he went to the NICU and I went to recovery (c-section); couldn't go see him personally for the first 24 hours. I did not find the hospital pump any better than my Medela, but four days of rental in the hospital cost as much as buying my pump brand new (from an online retailer). Thank goodness for insurance.

 

[nikkers]

I had the Medela Pump In Style. I loved it. I pumped for 12 months with both of my kids. My insurance paid for my pump. My doctor wrote a perscription for it. I got it while I was in the hospital. He said it just needed to be coded as a medical need.
If you buy a used pump, make sure to get all new accessories. The tubes have to be bought at a medical supply store. Most Babies R Us have a list of where to buy new tubes.
Good luck!

 

[wlwilliams9]

I have a Medela Pump in Style, which I think costs around $250 (my insurance covered the cost). I loved using it when I was nursing. The Medela seems to be the most popular and my hospital recommended it. Your sis should check to see if her insurance will cover the cost before you buy one.

 

[DVCJones]

Another vote for the Medela Pump and Style. I bought one when I had my first DD and it proved to be a life saver when I went back to work after 10 weeks. I also used it for my second DD. It was well worth the money.