Talk to me about breast pumps...

kkh2002

bottles and storage.  What do/did you use/recommend?  Especially if you were pumping for a NICU baby.  I'm trying to figure out what I need to buy and it's all so overwhelming!  I wasn't counting on needing all this NOW!

Thanks!

RCH151

I used the Medela Pump InStyle Advanced and used all Medela storage bottles, horns, tubes,etc.  I did use lansinoh storage bags though.  My pump was great - I recommend it.

2BWEDN2007

Before you go out and buy anything I would talk to your hospital and see what they provide. I was allowed to rent a hospital grade pump through the hospital (to take home) and use the hospital grade pumps they had on hand when I was at the NICU. They also provided the bottles and tubing. I received a new set of bottles and tubing every week or two....I can't remember which, but at the most I got a new set every two weeks. They also provided storage containers and labels. I didn't need to buy anything at all!

kkh2002

2BWEDN2007:

Before you go out and buy anything I would talk to your hospital and see what they provide. I was allowed to rent a hospital grade pump through the hospital (to take home) and use the hospital grade pumps they had on hand when I was at the NICU. They also provided the bottles and tubing. I received a new set of bottles and tubing every week or two....I can't remember which, but at the most I got a new set every two weeks. They also provided storage containers and labels. I didn't need to buy anything at all!

Hmmm...well that would definately be ideal in the beginning (though I plan to pump for at least a year for allergy reasons).  If you don't mind my asking, how much did you pay to rent?

Ace1599

I also have a PISA, and I like it. My insurance covered mine, so I got that for work. (Since I am back now) At home, I still use a rented Medela lactina ( I pay $50/month to rent, and will probably contiue to rent it until DS is home and nursing) and at the NICU I use the Medela Classic. Our NICU gave us our first kit for free-2 bottles, horns, tubing etc etc for free. I have bought a 2nd set because I thought it would be easier instead of cleaning them each time, which to me it is. Our Nicu also supplies all the storage containers and lables for free.

Max'smom

kkh2002:

2BWEDN2007:

Before you go out and buy anything I would talk to your hospital and see what they provide. I was allowed to rent a hospital grade pump through the hospital (to take home) and use the hospital grade pumps they had on hand when I was at the NICU. They also provided the bottles and tubing. I received a new set of bottles and tubing every week or two....I can't remember which, but at the most I got a new set every two weeks. They also provided storage containers and labels. I didn't need to buy anything at all!

Hmmm...well that would definately be ideal in the beginning (though I plan to pump for at least a year for allergy reasons).  If you don't mind my asking, how much did you pay to rent?

When I was in the hospital I used the Medela Symphany that they have on hand ( when I was admitted as well as visiting the NICU) I rented a Medela Symphany from the hospital's medical supply store. The nurses had recommended we do this. I pumped exclusively for seven months when my supply was tanking. I paid $80 a month for my rental but it was reimbursed by my insurance company.

meldoo2002

I pumped alot at the NICU with the hospital pumps.  I pumped into the small 2oz. bottles our NICU used, but that was all I was getting at the time.  Now I use a Medela Pump In Style Advanced and pump into the 5oz. bottles that came with my pump.  I also ordered more of the 5oz. bottles online.  When I freeze milk (which doesn't happen often for me) I use Lansinoh freezer bags.

New Wife

I would check with your insurance company before you rent anything on your own. I was lucky enough that while my little guy is in the NICU they cover the cost of the pump(TRICARE PRIME). I used the Medela Symphony in the hospital and after trying others afterward I found it to be the best. I know you can rent them from certain Walgreens and home health supply stores on a monthly basis. I would definetly rec. it considering I tried the pump in style and others and in comparison they are nothing compared to the symphony ($1300 to buy, so its worth renting) I bought the Lansinoh cream and leak pads. I wish I would have known and gotten the cream early to condition my nipples for the soreness so I would do that if you can now......anything helps!

Million$$Baby

I rented the Medela Symphony on the recommendation of the hospital lactation consultant. My NICU requires that all milk be pumped directly into their storage bottles, so they provide them. When I'm at the NICU I pump on their machines and they supplied me with the kit (tubes, parts, etc.) for it.

Oh, and just so you know - some hospitals will write you a prescription for your pump rental/purchase if your babies are in the NICU so insurance will pay the costs. Mine did.

kkh2002

Thanks for the info ladies - I found out that my insurance will cover 80% of rental or purchase of pumps for preterm babies, subject to my major medical deductible (which of course I've not met this year).  But I have a lactation consultant coming by to see me tomorrow so I'll have a better idea of cost and what the hospital will/won't provide then.

Thanks!

southphilly

I much prefer medela's symphony to medela lactina select or pump in style-find it more comfortable and like that it mimics baby's sucking pattern.

 

jennifer griveas

I rented the Medela Symphony for $60 a month, which was covered by insurance.  I got two free sets of tubing/cups etc., and the NICU supplied me with snap top plastic bottles for storage.  By the time my baby came home my supply was pretty much gone, so I just stopped renting, I didn't have to transition to a store quality pump.