Is it really worth $279?

caholland

I registered for the Medela Pump In Style. I plan to BF exclusively even after returning to work. I am a teacher and my break is short (30 min if that). I want a pump that is time efficient but $279 seems like A LOT of money! Any advice?

KariChadDora

caholland:

I registered for the Medela Pump In Style. I plan to BF exclusively even after returning to work. I am a teacher and my break is short (30 min if that). I want a pump that is time efficient but $279 seems like A LOT of money! Any advice?

 

Whatever you do, don't get the swing ($150) if you need to pump in less than 30 mins  and planning on continuing to pump when you go back to work.  See my response below in the post PISA vs Swing.

lisaohgee

Worth every penny.

What'sNext?

I am a teacher (elementary) as well and it was absolutely worth the price (for me).  I have the PISA, I would/will pump 15 minutes before contract start time and then during my 30 min lunch.  It was time efficient and easy to tote around.  My students did make a comment about how many bags I carried, (school, purse, and pump), but it was about how I needed so many "purses" and carring my "homework" back and forth.

I did try the playtex pump before returning to work...it took 30 minutes to get the same result as 10 minutes with the PISA.  I wouldn't have been to pump if I stayed with that pump.

caholland

What'sNext?:

I am a teacher (elementary) as well and it was absolutely worth the price (for me).  I have the PISA, I would/will pump 15 minutes before contract start time and then during my 30 min lunch.  It was time efficient and easy to tote around.  My students did make a comment about how many bags I carried, (school, purse, and pump), but it was about how I needed so many "purses" and carring my "homework" back and forth.

I did try the playtex pump before returning to work...it took 30 minutes to get the same result as 10 minutes with the PISA.  I wouldn't have been to pump if I stayed with that pump.

Thanks...that helps a lot! Dumb question...PISA...Pump in Style...what's the A for?

What'sNext?

A - advanced   Our Babies R Us only carries the PISA, I am not sure of the difference.

julyjennifer

A in PISA is for Advanced.

It's a more expensive model that has some added features. I think it automatically changes from a faster suction the first few minutes to a slower suction in the later minutes (to simulate your baby's sucking pattern, which helps you to let down).  With the regular PIS, you manually turn the dial to change the frequency after you've let down.  Not sure about the other differences.  Maybe a fancier bag?

I had the PIS and it was great.  Totally worth the money--especially when you consider how expensive formula is. 

DallasHorn

I'm not a teacher, but will say I purchased my PISA in Nov 2005 and now am using it for #2.  Assuming you'll have more than 1 child, yes, it's worth the investment.

Also, if you'll be short on time...here's a helpful tip.  Buy lots of extra parts and keep a plastic grocery bag with your pump.  After pumping, put the dirty parts in the plastic bag. Just wash in the evening vs. immediately after pumping.  This will save time!

What'sNext?

DallasHorn:

I'm not a teacher, but will say I purchased my PISA in Nov 2005 and now am using it for #2.  Assuming you'll have more than 1 child, yes, it's worth the investment.

Also, if you'll be short on time...here's a helpful tip.  Buy lots of extra parts and keep a plastic grocery bag with your pump.  After pumping, put the dirty parts in the plastic bag. Just wash in the evening vs. immediately after pumping.  This will save time!

Yes!

susiederkins

Rather than think of it in terms of one big cost, think cost per use. It's actually pretty cheap that way.

If my quick calculations are correct, I'm at about 80 cents per use right now. That's less than my morning cup of coffee.

Stellar1

I'm a teacher and go back to work in the fall. I've been using the Medela PISA and LOVE it. I think it is definitely worth the money.

little__bit

If I BF as long as I intend do, my PISA costs $0.30 per use, $0.91 per workday, or $19 per month.  I am more than happy to pay that, especially if I can use it for another child.

JimsBride08

IMO it's worth it.  There are sites you can get it for less.  I know Pumpkin and Mrs. L know them on 0-6/6-12 months and there are probably some on the tri boards too.  I got mine when it was 25% off at Baby Depot, and I've seen coupons for 15% off at BRU specifically for the Medela pump.

Meg41208

you can get it for a lot cheaper at hackleyhme.com.

I got mine for $210 at Baby Depot when they ran their 25% off Medela sale.

but yeah, it is worth every penny.

MamiJam

Definitely!  I asked myself the same thing before LO was born but I do not regret it at all.  It is one of the few things I splurged on and it is worth it.  I only pump for 10 min. 3x at work and it is very efficient.  I also tried renting one from the hospital (Ameda) and the Medela PISA is much better IMO.  It is more comfortable, easy to carry around, discreet, and more efficient.  Good luck and congratulations!!

caholland

You all are wonderful! You have definitely convinced me. I guess I will start saving in case it's not purchased for a shower gift!

anna7602

If I had to buy one big-ticket item for DD myself, it would be this. Above any kind of fancy bedding set or room decor or a swing with a billion features or pretty much anything, really. I have used my PISA so much that the backpack is now falling apart, and here we are 14 months later when the swing, bouncer, infant car seat, play mat and so many other things have been passed on or have been sitting in storage for months. IMO, it's worth every penny.

ValerianOddity

caholland:

I registered for the Medela Pump In Style. I plan to BF exclusively even after returning to work. I am a teacher and my break is short (30 min if that). I want a pump that is time efficient but $279 seems like A LOT of money! Any advice?

IMO, not worth it, when there are other options that are just as good.  I have an Ameda Purely Yours, which costs about half as much; I pump twice daily, getting 6-8 oz. in 10-15 minutes.