So I posted earlier today about some questions in regard to what is covered by insurance.
In talking with some coworkers who have my same health insurance, it seems that my (awesome!) insurance will cover whichever pump I want and that the supplier provides. I haven't called suppliers yet (I want to have as much information as I can first), but if money wasn't an issue, which pump would you choose?
In the research that I've done, I'm seeing that most people recommend either the Medela PISA or Freestyle, but maybe there are others that are great that I'm not seeing? What are the pros/cons of ones you suggest?
In regards to how I would be using it, I'm taking 12 weeks FMLA after baby is born (due 9/30) and plan to EBF during this time - maybe a pumping session here or there to build up a freezer supply for when I go back to work and/or if I'm away from baby for any period of time. When I return to work, I work a modified 2nd shift (typically something like 1-9), except for Saturdays when I work 8 AM - 1 PM. I plan to BF when I'm with baby and pump when I need to do so. I travel a lot, so will likely be doing some pumping in my car. I'm an Athletic Trainer, so sometimes I'm even out on a baseball/softball etc. field and would be using my car to pump. I don't have typical "breaks" during this time, so I will have to time it before/between/after games, so something that doesn't take long per pumping session would be ideal.
Re: Which pump would you choose?
I think it all depends on what you want. I have an Ameda Purely Your Ultra and I love it. The reason I chose it was it's because the hospital grade pumps at the hospital I delivered at are Ameda's. My dad works in the NICU fixing all their equipment.
(ie if something went wrong with my pump my dad prob knows how to fix it.)
Also it was covered by my insurance. My kit was the ultra so it has the cooler, bag, bottles, car adapter, three sizes flanges, and a hand pump adapter. Also the milk never goes through the tubes so I don't have to clean those. (bonus)
I've never pumped in the car with the adapter so i don't know how that rolls but as to the time. It takes roughly 20 min for a good pump. I have days where I get 12 oz in 10 min. I have days where I get 4 in 20. It all depends on how full, how fast my letdown is ect.
The hand pump is a life saver when your LO starts sleeping through the night and your like "OY! my boobs!" but don't want to do a full pump in the middle of the night.
My pump has a speed and a suction knobs so you can fiddle with both. Its something different with the medela pumps but I don't remember what.
I recommend the Ameda Purely Yours because its a closed pump system. I would look into this and make sure you are informed before you make a final decision.
https://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvjunjul04p54.html
Can't seem to make this clicky sorry
I would get the Medela PISA.
I have the Pump in Style Original (hand me down from a friend -flame away!) and it is amazing, so I would have to guess that the PISA would be even better.