OT:Need Reccomendations for Br. Pumps.

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Not sure if i use the word bre*st on these boards, so i am trying different ways to abbreviate it. Can anyone give me any good reccomendations? there are like 100 pumps out there! i'm at a loss each time i go into the store. Thanks a bunch! I have time i am not due until January 5th but i wanted to make sure i don't waste my money.

 

[rcraw45425]

Been a while, kids are 8 & 10 but I rented a double Medela from a medical supply company with my first. SHe was a preemie and I was having to pump and take it to the nursery for her. THe double (industrial strength as DH referred to it) worked soooooooooooo much better than the single. I'm pretty sure that now they have a home version of the double available, think I saw it in the Right Start or One Step Ahead catalog a few years back. Good luck, it really is better for the baby, older one was almost two before she had a cold.

 

[all4fun]

Congrats on the impending arrival! Like the pp my ds was a preemie and I started out using a hospital grade pump (rental: Medela Lactina) which was covered by insurance, but then when I went back to work I switched to a more portable Medela Pump-in-Style (PIS) which worked just as well. I actually pumped a total of 7 months exclusively so got quite a bit of use out of that pump. It also depends on how much pumping you'll be doing. If you're going to be using it every day (e.g. while you're at work) then I would recommend you get a double electric because that will save you so much time over the manual versions. Also check with your insurance. I got my pump at a reduced cost through my HMO (this was a regular benefit, not related to ds being premature). Not all insurance company's provide this benefit but it doesn't hurt to ask. hth!

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Thanks a lot! i am trying to gather as much info as possible!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Medela if you can afford it--I used another model which works fine as a budget pump. But did enjoy medela the second time around when it was loaned to me.

Ameda is what I used the first time--less fancy set up....and you had to control the air flow with your thumb to do the pumping. With Medela, that is not necessary and it is a nicer set up.

But either will work.

 

[mareed]

Something from Medela (different varieties depending on your needs - i.e. working away from baby and pumping multiple times per day or just for occasional use), or Avent Isis for a manual pump. Other than the Avent, stay away from anything made by Gerber, etc. (i.e. bottle companies).

 

[nemomama]

Like someone else said, I agree that it depends what you will be using the pump for. If you plan on pumping a lot to build up a freezer supply or if you're going back to work, then the Medela Pump in Style is great. I like the "traveler" version because it comes in a backpack. If you will be primarily nursing and only using a pump occasionally, then there are manual pumps you can try...I remember a friend of mine talking about the "Isis"? I think that's what it was called. Personally, I'd never have the patience for a manual pump. I love the Pump in Style because it's so easy to use and so fast.
Anyway, congrats and good luck!

 

[iheartdisney]

Another fan of Medela! I bought the Pump-in-style double pump for DS and absolutely loved it! I went back to school at night after he was born, and it was AWESOME!!!! I would use the car adapter and pump between classes.
I had tried the Avent manual with DD (the first) after all of the good reviews that came with it, and it was absolutely AWFUL!!! I never got more than an ounce, even when totally engorged (TMI, I know!) and it was a torture device straight from the Dark Ages!

 

[rchristiansen]

Another vote for the Medela Pump in Style. I really liked it. Also I was able to order addtional "shields" so I didn't have to worry about sterlizing at work because I pumped twice a day. Also, I found an adapter for the Avent bottles that screwed right onto the pump and into the Avent bottles. PERFECT for day care!

 

[Colinsmom]

For a double electric (frequent pumping, like if you pump at work): Medela Pump-In-Style. I've also heard good things about the Ameda Purely Yours but haven't personally used one.

For a manual pump (infrequent pumping, usually for a SAHM): Avent Isis. Hands down, nothing else compares.

 

[amarberry]

I used the Medela Pump in Style as my primary pump. It's was recommended by the book Baby Bargains and ALL of my friends. I also had the Avent Isis for traveling when I didn't think that I'd need to pump (but didn't want to be pumpless...just in case). The Avent is very compact, well rated, and any only cost about $40...compared to $250 for the Medela.

 

[Kermit]

I strongly recommend that you don't make a purchase until your baby is born. It's great that you're getting ideas now, and it's wonderful to be informed, but you can't make your final decision until you know what your needs are. If your baby is premature, has a really bad latch, or something like that, you'll need to rent a hospital grade pump. Nothing else will get your milk to come in and keep your supply up in the early weeks.

If you're planning on returning to work, you can either rent a pump or use a Medela Pump In Style. I think the Ameda pumps are supposed to be okay, but I don't know anyone who has one and loves it. If you're just going to pump occassionally, the Avent Isis is the preferred hand pump. I've only used a hospital pump and PIS, I know lots of people who like the Isis. In fact, I'm a breastfeeding counselor, and I recently worked with a mom with a preemie who can only let down for the Isis but not the hospital pump. She said that the part you put on your skin is much more comfortable on the Isis.

 

[daisylou]

I purchased an Ameda Purely Yours through my hospital lactation department. And I am really pleased with it. It is the only other double electric pump that is comparable to the Medela PIS. Plus it retails for quite a bit cheaper too. My traveler style pump cost me $160, the cheapest Medela's I could find were close to $300.

After you give birth ask the hospital nurses to teach you how to pump. You will get to keep the tubing and breast shields you used in the hospital. If you purchase a pump from the same company you will have a spare set which will cut down on the cleaning and sterilizing you have to do. I bought the Ameda because that is the system my hospital used and if you buy through them you get a substantial discount.

I have also heard good things about the Avent Isis for infrequent pumpers. Definately not recomended for moms who work full time. In fact the only two pumps my lactation consultant recommends are the PIS and Purely Yours. She said all the other cheaper Gerber and First Years electric pumps are not strong enough to keep your supply up.
GL!

 

[Mrsduck101]

Just another vote for the Medela PIS. I tried to use the Harmony manual pump, but I was getting tiny amounts and hurting my hands/wrists in the process. I am actually at SAHM, but I wanted the pump for now and then. Even for occasional use I am glad I bought it. Obviously it wasn't cheap, but some things are just worth the money, KWIM?

 

[Chereya]

I have the Ameda Purely Yours as well as the Ameda Isis Hand Pump. The Hand Pump I used as a backup or for "quickie" sessions. We chose Avent bottles to feed with so it's nice and convenient to be able to just pump directly into the bottle that will be used for feeding.
I chose the Purely Yours because it was cheaper than the Medela and also because I heard it was more sanitary. (It has valves that prevent milk droplets from getting suctioned into the tubes.) It works great - it's a double electric but can be used as a single as well for times when your baby only drank from one side and you want to even out the other side and save it for later. It has a quiet motor and it's easy to put together and also take apart and wash.

I bought the tote bag version (black microfiber) which came with a matching cooler bag w/ 3 hard side blue ice blocks and elastics in the cooler to hold them. It also came with 6 bottles w/ caps for pumping and storage.

This is such a personal matter, it's hard to say what you'll be most comfortable with until you try it. I've heard of ladies who bought 3 different systems because for whatever reason, it didn't suit them. Most though find that whatever they buy, works well and they are happy campers.

I have seen brand new in box Purely Yours on Ebay for $125.00 sold by medical supply companies that I guess use Ebay as a loss leader.

Congratulations on your pregnancy and good luck with all of the decisions regarding baby gear!

Chereya

 

[NotUrsula]

If you buy a premium double electric pump, check on buying it from the hospital's lactation service. Most of them do not charge sales tax, which can mean a significant savings.

BTW, Pumps usually cannot be charged to FSA accounts or insurance unless a baby ends up in neonatal ICU for an extended period.

 

[grlpwrd]

I still use my Medela Pump in Style that I bought in 1998... I've used it for 3 kids already - we have 5 kiddos.

It's worth the investment in terms of breastfeeding, if you work or if you just want to pump, and if you plan on having more kids and will breastfeed them as well.

GL and congrats!

 

[BiniB]

Another vote here for the Medela Pump in Style.

I used some goofy hand-pump thing they gave me in the hospital for a couple of days when DS #1 was born - my wrists were so sore & fingers cramped. It's one of those baby products that are definitely worth the investment. I haven't used it yet with my new little one but I'm very glad to know that it is in my closet if & when I want to use it!

Congrats on your pregnancy!

Robin

Bobby - 3/1/2002
Andy - 5/9/2005

Counting down the days until our first family disney trip!!! Nov 30th - Dec 5th 2005

 

[rcraw45425]

I think the pump in Style must be the one that Medela came out with after my experience with the hospital grade one. THe hospital one was awesome, but also was the fact that the supply company I rented from only charged $25 a month to rent it. By the time I looked into them for DD8 (we had relocated) the local supply companies refused to rent them so I purchased the battery/travel Medela, not near as good. I had other issues, BP went sky high so I had to go on meds and DD8 had to go on formula. It all worked out though.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

WOW! soo many good tips here! thanks a bunch ladies! i will be an infrequent pumper as i am a SAHM but have ultra sensitive skin and even a cheap bra irritates EVERYTHING. Thanks again.