Breast Pump Talks

blossomingmama

My pump research has started. I still own the Spectra S1, has a lot of life left. Looking for a hands free option. I do know the wall pumps generally have more suction as they are wall units with a direct source of power, however I know I will be on the move and need a portable. Recommendations on a portable unit? I've tried Momcozy S2 and the motor blew on me within 30 days of using, not looking to experience that again. Thoughts? 

thescarletmom

So I actually just ordered my pumps recently. I really wanted two pumps, so I ordered the Spectra Gold Portable for my office pump (it will live there because in the past I've forgotten my pump at home and work over 30 minutes away, huge disaster), and the Willow Go as my back-up/home/on the go pump!

I used the Medela PISA with my 1st (a wall plug in) and I think it was effective but I *hated* it, so inconvenient. I had the (i think 3rd gen?) Willow with my 2nd, and the Willow Go with my 3rd. I also hear that generally wall pumps have more suction/power, but I have an oversupply every time and never had any issues with exclusively using the Willow personally. Still got tons of milk and didn't get clogs or mastitis like it wasn't removing milk efficiently. I really like the Willow Go because it can hold up to 7 oz per side, which is better than any other in-bra pump I've seen! And has easier to clean parts than others like the Elvie. I went with the Spectra because even though I've never used one, I feel like I consistently hear it's one of the best out there and I'm hopeful it's great too. 

midnightatsunset

This is more of anti-recommendation because I am looking into a new breast pump myself: I did a ton of research and just said "screw it"and selected the Ameda Joy Plus which was covered by my insurance. It wasn't so horrible I hated it off the bat but it was finicky and often drained me unevenly which meant more time spent pumping. I was a bit of an overproducer and my son went through some really intense bottle-hating phases so I used it less and less until I finally called it quits and nursed him exclusively for the last 4+ months we did breastfeeding.

In my research I came across a YouTube channel called "New Little Life" which reviews breast pumps and has equipment to measure suction!

thescarletmom

@midnightatsunset oh you triggered a repressed memory for me!! I used the Ameda initially with my first and it was such an utter piece of garbage I ended up switching to the Medela pretty immediately. Sad to hear that it has all the same problems that had back in 2016 still.

emeraldcity603

I have had the same breast pump for 11 years. It’s the medela and has always worked great. I have never been one to pump a ton just in the beginning for a small stash and as necessary in later months. It gets the job done. I wouldn’t mind looking into a portable one since I could pump on the go. It is hard to be tied to a pump with a lot of kids running around. 

thescarletmom

@emeraldcity603 my first baby couldn't latch, he had jaw issues. So I exclusively pumped with him, and I think under different circumstances I would have loved the Medela. But being chained to a wall for 20 minutes every 3 hours while caring for a baby is not great. My 2nd refused bottles so I didn't use my pumps much at all after my supply regulated around 2 months, but having a portable with multiple kids is a huge game changer. Highly recommend one! I have my recommendation above, but my good friend is using the eufy s1 pro and really likes that too.

midnightatsunset

I'm curious how many people have paid for a breast pump out of pocket vs going through insurance. I know everyone's cost-benefit analysis is different, but I might have a trait that causes my milk to taste like metal when it gets chilled (which might be why we had so many bottle-battles with my firstborn). So if that's the case, I don't really want to pay more for a pump I then can't really use. What makes the cost of a pump worth it for you?

RoseShadow873

@midnightatsunset I have always got the insurance ones (like the Spectra), they seemed good to me. I'm somewhat intrigued by these wearable ones people are talking about but then some of the reviews make them sound like people have issues, I'm afraid to spend money on something that might not work well.

thescarletmom

@midnightatsunset So I bought two pumps - one was insurance paid (though I paid an upgrade fee) and the other was out-of-pocket from FSA funds. It sounds to me like you have a high lipase-esque issue, even if that's not exactly what it is? If you don't have a need to pump, I don't think you really need one! At least not a $$$ one. Having a cheaper manual pump, just in case, might be a good safety net but I don't remember if I saw any manuals on the aeroflow website when I ordered. I've been thinking about grabbing the Willow in-bra manual pump for emergencies, I think its about $30. Milk is good at room temp for 4? hours, and sometimes you just need to pump for pain relief, or if you get over-engorged or have a strong let down some people will use a manual for a minute or two before nursing so that baby doesn't choke on the strong flow/can latch easier once the breast has softened a tiny touch. If you think none of the situations would apply to you though, I think its perfectly reasonable to just pass up this item as not necessary for your needs! Tons of "must have" baby items that are not universal! Huge perk of being a STM+ is knowing what makes sense for your family.

midnightatsunset

@thescarletmom I was struggling to think of the word, but yes, I think that's it. At least as sure as I can be without being "diagnosed." I had never even heard of it until I was talking with a mom friend after I had completely weaned my son and she has the same thing. Thanks for the feedback and suggestions!

thescarletmom

@midnightatsunset usually you hear high lipase described as being a soapy taste (like cilantro for some people) after it's been frozen and thawed, but I think a metallic taste is possible too! I don't think anybody would "diagnose" you with it - I presume since you described the taste that you tasted it yourself and it was odd? That's all the criteria they go on. It tasted off/bad even when it had been stored properly, and baby won't drink it. Hopefully you can make a decision you feel good about!

crizz13

I highly recommend ordering through Aeroflow. They take care of all the insurance stuff and paperwork for you for no charge. They also show you which ones you get free and which you have to pay a portion out of pocket. Also, they’ll text you throughout your postpartum when you’re eligible for free replacement parts. It makes everything SO easy! 

winniebobinnie

I did tons of research and got the Baby Buddha 2.0 through insurance on Aeroflow. Also got the Motif breast milk storage bags (about 400) through insurance on there.