Breast Pumps

moonlady-2

Is there a better breast pump if you have very large breasts? I am 32gg.

cait5413

moonlady-2 said:

Is there a better breast pump if you have very large breasts? I am 32gg.

You'll just need to make sure you have the right size flange--and that is based on nipple size, not breast size. It may be harder to find a hands-free pumping bra, but if you can find a sports bra, you can always cut holes in it and insert the flanges. It doesn't work as well as a hands-free, but it does the job. 

muskratbaby

I just went online and ordered the Spectra S2 through my insurance. They won't process the order fully until I reach my 3rd trimester in about a month, but I feel better having read this thread and filled out the online form!

tracefacemsu

I've been primarily lurking over the past few months, but I'm waking up this thread since I just received a used Medela Pump in Style Advanced and Harmony from a friend. I've been looking up replacement parts and wanted to confirm what I should get. @eazybreezy225 would you be willing to weigh in?

Here's what I have so far:
https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/920/pump-in-style-advanced-replacement-tubing
https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/669/breast-shield-with-valve-and-membrane

Do I also need a new diaphragm for the Harmony?
https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/469/harmony-diaphragm-puller-and-o-ring-assembly

splsmama2016

tracefacemsu said:

I've been primarily lurking over the past few months, but I'm waking up this thread since I just received a used Medela Pump in Style Advanced and Harmony from a friend. I've been looking up replacement parts and wanted to confirm what I should get. @eazybreezy225 would you be willing to weigh in?

Here's what I have so far:
https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/920/pump-in-style-advanced-replacement-tubing
https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/669/breast-shield-with-valve-and-membrane

Do I also need a new diaphragm for the Harmony?
https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/469/harmony-diaphragm-puller-and-o-ring-assembly

With the Harmony I purchased used from a local mom, I bought a new "parts kit" for the harmony. Depending on your hospital, they may actually use the Harmony there, and you'll be sent home with a new kit anyways. You SHOULD be able to buy new part kits at stores like babies r us, sometimes target, buy buy baby, and even Amazon. It will come with new tubes, membranes, valves/flanges, shields, and diaphragms for the harmony. The harmony kit should also come with a hand pump too. 

cait5413

I did not get anything for my pump, use a pump, or even see a pump when I was in the hospital, so I wouldn't necessarily count on pump parts from your hospital. I have bought replacement parts for a Medela from Maymom on Amazon which seem to work pretty well and are cheaper, but I can understand wanting to go with the real thing! If you just need different size flanges or something, the Maymom ones work. 

ab920

I used the Medela Pack and Style, tote bag one with my first baby. I won't be using it again or getting another. I always felt like it didn't pump all the milk out (I had my flanges checked). It just didn't feel like strong enough suction for me. I then used a Medela hand pump and found that one got out much more milk. 

I think I'm going for the S2 this time! 

elev2017

I just ordered the Spectra S1 yesterday! With my insurance (United Healthcare) it was discounted to $65 and my payment/the shipment will go through a month before my due date unless they come earlier than that (which is a definite possibility with twins).

blueskies17

@leilagphillips awesome! I want a Spectra S1 and have United Healthcare as well. Did you just call their member line and ask about ordering it, or did you have to go through a website/third party? 

kyrwyn

@leilagphillips I'd like to second @blueskies17 's question.  Is it available to singleton moms, too? I will confess that I'm always flummoxed by how to figure out stuff with my insurance.

elev2017

@blueskies17 @kyrwyn there was a pamphlet I received in the packet my OB gave me that referred me to this website: https://acelleron.com/breast-pumps/order/#pumpForm

I filled out some really basic information on my insurance and location and then it showed me specifically which pumps were free through my insurance and which were "premium" at a discounted price. I picked the one I wanted and filled out a short form, but I don't think it even asked me whether I was having twins or not. After I submitted the form, I received an email the next day telling me to call a specific number to give them my payment information. I called in, spoke to a really friendly customer service rep, and used my HSA card to pay the additional amount. It was super easy!

kyrwyn

@leilagphillips I think you just lowered my stress level about this hugely. Thank you. That's one thing I can take care of easily and ahead of time! I'll try it out when I get home!

elev2017

@kyrwyn Glad to help! I was stressed about it too, so I was super relieved when it turned out to be such an easy process!

abcola

I used aeroflow and the process could not have been easier. I opted for the Spectra S1 which was 95$ extra and I believe it will be here tomorrow!! They contacted my insurance and my Dr. I highly recommend using them if you can. 

elcd458

@abcola  I'm ordering the S1 through Aeroflow too! Do you have BCBS? It seems like they will send it as long as I'm at least 28 weeks, so I'm just going to wait to get the note from the doc at that visit.  
For anyone curious, the Spectra S2 (same as S1 but doesn't have a rechargeable battery component) was free through Aeroflow and BCBS.

blueskies17

@leilagphillips thanks so much for the link! @kyrwyn I agree, navigating insurance is always such a nightmare! 

abcola

@elcd458 I do have BCBS through my work, and they let me order it even though i'm only 23 weeks. They contacted my Dr. for me so I didnt need a note. 

ngarciabyu

@abcola @elcd458 I also ordered through Aeroflow and have BCBS through DHs work. I ordered the S2 and it was completely free. They verified my insurance and called my midwife practice and I got fedex shipping confirmation yesterday that it's on its way! Super easy process. I don't think it took me but 5-10 min of my time. I just went with the S2. I'm a SAHM and really don't plan on pumping unless I have a planned outing away from baby or just need some relief. Hopefully I picked the right one! Lol

elcd458

@abcola @ngarciabyu
Have you guys thought about a bag for the pump yet? I was all set to get a Sarah Wells bag but the one I liked (the "Annie") has been discontinued and all the rest look... meh.

cait5413

I think it depends on your state and BCBS plan, because mine will not work with Aeroflow. Even though they are all BCBS, they are not all the same. 

I stuck my pump in the free bag the hospital gave us with some diaper samples and stuff in it. I did not buy a special bag for it. 

abcola

@elcd458 I definitely have Sarah Wells bags saved, but need to keep looking around. I know if I'm pumping when I go back to work then I'll definitely want one but I might hold off on purchasing until I know for sure I'll be pumping (I want to give breastfeeding an honest go, but dont want to put too much pressure on myself just in case it doesnt work out/I decide to stop)... Have you seen any other brands that look promising?

blueskies17

Acelleron didn't have my state listed (NY) so I tried Aeroflow and it was so easy to order! I ordered the Spectra S1. I paid $95 since it's an upgrade and t'll be shipped to me a month before my due date (ship date varies by insurance policy)! Thanks for the tips ladies! 

ridedatide

Well thanks to you ladies I just started the process through Aeroflow.  The other site did not work with my insurance in the state of Florida. Now I guess I just wait for a call. I've decided to go with the S1. I've been looking at it for a while and with all of you also getting a Spectra I decided that my initial hunch was right. Thanks for helping me have confidance in my decision.  

ashtynmo

I have Aetna and got the Spectra S1 (the battery option) free and they delivered it at like 18w, no need to wait. I easily placed the order at https://www.myehcs.com/.

MJDsquared

I messaged my insurance asking about this, and they told me I have to contact Pacific Medical Systems, Inc. They also said, "Once the baby is born, you can call this number." UGH. Annd the three listed on their website as covered by insurance are the Medela PISA, the Ameda Purely Yours Ultra with Dottie Tottie (WTF?) or the regular Ameda Purely Yours.

I looked at the 'for sale' section to see if there were any I'd want to just pay the difference and it's just other variations of Medela/Ameda.

ngarciabyu

@elcd458 shoot I haven't even thought about a bag for the pump. I guess I should look into some. Yes anyone have any recommendations? Extra points for links so I can see what people actually buy/register for in terms of bags.

cait5413

@MJDsquared Medela does make good pumps. Out of your options, I'd go with them

MJDsquared

@cait5413 Thank you! I didn't know much about Ameda at all so I was leaning towards Medela but I'm glad to have that validation!

threatlevelmidnight

Does anyone know about Target's breast pump program? Not sure if they still do it, but with DS, I just called the number, gave them my insurance info and then they had me email them the copy of my midwife's written prescription. They sent everything over to my insurance so I didn't have to and my pump came within a week. It was super easy!

AFrye0726

@ameliabedelia-2 If you wanna save money, get a pumping bra. Best thing ever.  I even made one out of sports bra that I had first before buying one.  
I got so much planning done (meal planning, Christmas, etc while I was pumping last time.)

elev2017

@alyssaleighw I haven't used Target's program, but I heard a service through Babies 'R Us does something similar as well.

dkizz82

@AFrye0726 do you have a good one you suggest? 

splsmama2016

You can rent a Medela Symphony (hospital grade) from BRU. I didn't know Target had a program!! That's cool. 

@MJDsquared try edgepark.com
they take almost all insurance companies and have multiple choices. 

dkizz82

@AFrye0726 do you have a good one you suggest? 

AFrye0726

@dkizz82  I had luck with this one.   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GU1P6R0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

But I've heard good things about the simple wishes as well.  

Sorry it took so long to respond, it's been a crazy week. 

tracefacemsu

@splsmama2016 @cait5413 Thanks for the tips, ladies! I didn't know about the Maymom kits. I'll probably go with those instead of the Medela. I'm still not quite sure what parts I need to replace for the Harmony--I haven't been able to find a replacement kit.

splsmama2016

@tracefacemsu Im 95% certain the Harmony is JUST the hand pump where the hospital grade is the Symphony. I looked at BRU the other day at the replacement parts and that's what I saw. I'd just buy a new replacement kit, since it will have all the pieces you'll need

beary67

Does anyone have experience working with 1 Natural Way for getting their pump?  Any issues?

andipandicWed121369

Got my pump today.  Insurance was such a pain to figure out but worth it!

whiska

I got my free Spectra S2 from Edgepark this week! Still haven't unboxed it though. Now I'm just watching all these how to videos and cleaning/maintenance tips -- it's crazy how much there is to still learn!  And I haven't even even gotten to the zany nursing habits and behaviors babies can go through