[sarahelaine57]

Ok so recently I have been thinking about what will happen when I go back to work and one of the major issues is breast feeding...so I have a few questions for you ladies to see what your opinions are on breast pumps:

What brand did you get?
What model?
Could I get away with using a manual? (I will only be pumping maybe twice a day at work)
Did you purchase it before or after you had the baby? (I am hoping to be able to breast feed but know a few women who planned on doing it and it just didnt work and I dont want to spend a lot of money on one if I wont even use it possibly)
Would you use a used pump?
Where is the best place to buy one from? Cost wise and service wise....

Thanks ladies! I cant believe I am at the point of thinking about breast feeding...seems like just yesterday my baby was the size of a piece of rice, lol!

[infertilitynovice]

The choices can be overwhelming, but I broke out my "Baby Bargains" book for ya. Here's what they say about manual pumps, mini electric (battery), and electric:

The manual pumps are not recommended for mommies working full time. They are for occasional use or to relieve engorgement. However, the best one is the Avent Iris for about $50.

Mini Electric pumps are also not recommended for full time working mommies, but are okay for part time. They say the sucking action is 9-15 cycles per minute, whereas your baby's sucking action is 50 cycles a minute. If you are needed to pump a couple of bottles a day, this is not a great option b/c it will take way too long. They recommend the Medela Swing Breast Pump in this category but many report wishing it was a double rather than single pump.

High-end double pumps are the best option for full time working mommies, babies with latch on problems, and women with low milk supplies. They like the Ameda Purley Yours ($150 for pump or $250 for "CarryAll" version), the Avent Isis IQ ($135 for single, up to $350 for double), and the Lansinoh Lightweight Double Electric Breast Pump for between $300 and $400.

As for rental pumps they are "hospital" grade pumps but are often heavier than personal use pumps. The interior parts are sealed to prevent contamination from one user to the next. And the rental pumps are held to FDA standards for safety. This books says they run about $45/mo and the user has to buy a "collection kit" that runs $45 to $60.

Personally, I wouldn't have a problem with a rental pump. If it helps to put the idea of "sharing" this type of thing into perspective, most OB/GYNs use sterilized speculums (a few might use the plastic disposable, but they aren't popular due to their rough edges). When you think of it that way, putting something on my breast that was on someone else's breast is no where near as "ooey", ya know?

I'm planning to breastfeed for the first year. I'm also not working that year, but I want to pump so that my DH can be included in the bonding. I will be buying the mini-electric type pump.

I hope someone here can offer some real experience with these.

Happy shopping!

[Eriksgirl19]

I was told that I absolutely should not purchase a used pump because the internal working system can have residue from the previous user. The ones you rent are cleaned completely & new tubing is put in, so you don't have the same problem.

I am going to purchase a Medela double electic pump. I think it's about $300 from Babies R Us, but my medical provider (Kaiser) sells it for $265. My goal is to breast feed for one year and since I'll go back to work after 3 months, I think a high-end model will be worth the investment since it will allow me to pump more efficiently.

[tracilynn]

I would invest in a good pump since you are working. I tried to save $$ when I had my daughter (years ago) and bought a mini electric and pumped when I went back to work and my milk supply suffered.

This time I am buying a used Medela Pump in style original pump from a friend who only used her pump one time, she pumped 2 oz and later that night had to be hospitalized and put on heavy duty meds so she couldn't breastfeed any longer. I am still going to buy a brand new tubing pack for $25 though. It's basically brand new and I'm buying it from her for $100.

They JUST came out with a new Medela pump in style advanced which is the pump most stores carry for around $300 and because of that the pump in style originals are selling for $225-250. Supposedly the only difference between the advanced and the original is that the advanced will let you pump manually too.

go to breastpumpsdirect.com they have a feature that will let you compare pump specs side by side of all the main breast pumps.

[sarahelaine57]

Thanks so much ladies, that is a lot of great information!!! I also feel the same way about used, it isnt so much as putting it on my body but giving my baby milk that might have someone elses bacteria or whatever in it...I guess I have a little more time to decide and maybe wait until after my shower and use whatever gift certificates I get on it and that was I can get a more expensive model and my DH wont have such a heart attack over it, if it was up to me I would just go and buy one now but he is a penny pincher, especially now with all the expenses that come up with getting ready for a baby! I just hope I can breastfeed and it works out because I know sometimes it doesnt. Thanks again ladies!

[infertilitynovice]

I guess I should clarify that I also wouldn't purchase a "used" pump from some random person for the same reasons you ladies have mentioned. I wouldn't be adverse to renting one from a reliable organization that maintains the hermetically sealed pump insides though. Two totally different things.

Thanks for the breast pumps website. I'll have to check that one out.

[sarahelaine57]

I wouldnt mind renting one from the hospital or a service but at this point I would need it for an extended period of time so I think buying one would be the best bet for me...I wonder if insurance would cover some of the cost...I will have to check that out. And thanks Traci for the website, it was a lot of help!

[infertilitynovice]

I agree Sarah. I don't think it makes much sense to rent long term, but if one were only planning to breastfeed for a few months, as many do, then renting makes more sense in that type of situation.

I think if I'm only planning to pump a bottle or so a day (maybe even less than that) so hubby can participate too, then the mini electric should work well enough.

My good friend bought a manual and only used it occasionally at the beginning. She said her hand killed her from the squeezing motion and it took forever to get enough for a feeding. Doesn't sound like much fun to me

Has everyone else heard of the breastmilk charity that ships donated breastmilk overseas to African orphanages? It is just the coolest thing I've ever heard of. I am planning to look into doing that with "extra" milk.

[shb24]

I definitely recommend the Medela In Style pump. I got mine from JCPenney after doing a lot of research on cost. I waited until they had a 20% off anything special (which they often do) and got it for just under $200 I believe. I've been pumping twice a day at work and have more milk than needed and haven't needed to use a drop of formula. It's been great.

[srlegaspi]

I went to Motherhood and rented one for $59 per month (hospital grade)....it's great!

[Lacey]

Some already mentioned the same brand. But I work on a labor and delivery unit and we suggest Medela. They are more pricey, but they are the best.

If you do not want to buy one, you can look into pharmacy's also. Sometimes they rent them out. Kind of depends on how long you plan on breastfeeding whether it's cheaper to buy or rent. Hope this helped some!!

[sarahelaine57]

I do know I plan on breast feeding/bottle feeding with pumped milk for as long as possible, or at least 6-9 months so I guess the best bet is to actually buy one...I learned that lesson with the doppler, at this point I could have bought two dopplers at the rate I have been renting it. I am still doing research but Medela seems to be in the lead with satisfaction and quality but there was one other, maybe playtex that got good ratings too, I will have to start writing this stuff down so i can remember, darn pregnancy brain!