Good breastpump?

AshSchultz

I know this is a rather personal question... But after coming to the decision to breastfeed... now I need help. I'm not going to run out and buy one tomorrow.. I want to be sure that it'll work out for me first...

What is a good breast pump? One that is not too expensive (b/c they do get pricey- wow!), but that works well for you?

I need ideas.. I'm new to this whole thing.

Thanks in advance.

Elaine&Matt

I love my Medela Pump In Style.  It is on the pricey side.  But it's paid for itself already in what I've saved in not buying formula.  Also, my lactation consultant said that it's a good one if you plan on having more than one child.  It will hold up for more than one.

MrsKLB

I use the Medela Freestyle and I love it!  It is very small (just a little motor that comes out of the bag) and comes with the hands-free attachment (which is a must if you have to pump a lot!).  A lot of ladies on here also use the Medela Pump In Style Advanced.  I think it is very similar to the Freestyle but doesn't come with the hands free and may be attached to the bag?  I'm not 100% sure.  Either way, you can see a comparison on the Medela website.

If you expect to have to pump a lot (because you'll be a working mother, etc.) then definitely get a double pump with a motor (not one of the ones that you have to manually pump). 

One suggestion that I was given is that you may want to wait until after DC is born to purchase the pump.  You want to make sure that breastfeeding is going to "work" for you before spending the money because they are typically non-returnable.  If you need a pump in those first few days for any reason then you can rent one from the hospital... or have someone run out and buy it for you. 

ebearwife

I have a Freestyle and it was worth EVERY PENNY.  I waited to get it and I am sorry I did.  I was so engorged waiting for that thing to come it was unbelievable.  I could have pumped bottles of milk just to relieve the engorgement alone, not to mention how great it would have been to get up and pump for 10 minutes and go back to sleep instead of laying there miserable wondering if I should wake the baby.  This time the pump is goingto be ready to go, maybe even to the hospital.

mingaling2

I have the Medela Pump in Style Advanced, and I made it hands-free with (no joke) hair ties - works like a charm and I can work and pump at the same time.

maykat

I strongly recommend renting a pump from the Hospital for the first few weeks.  The hospital pumps are stronger and can help bring your milk supply in.

I tried BFing and it didn't work out for me.  Neither one of my kids would latch on.  This is after countless lactation consultations.  This may have been because both were jaundiced (due to different blood types than me).

I was all set to buy a pump so I would have it ready when I got out of the hospital, but I'm so glad that I waited.

Mrs.Guz

I have the Medela Pump In Style. It is pricey, but worth the price, IMO. Honestly, I would wait until your milk comes in to purchase a pump, just in case BFing doesn't work out.

cookielady

I've got a pump in style to sell.  It's in great shape even though it's used.  I'd sell it for $90.  Let me know.

Laura

AshSchultz

Laura-- PLEASE save that thing.. haha.. I am going to take everyone's advice and make sure that breastfeeding works for me, so I would like to wait....

But if it works out, I'll be calling on you... I am due in 24 days.. not too much longer before I know.

Thanks!

cookielady

Not a problem.  I've got so much on my plate with a 2 week old, that listing it isn't high on my priority list.    Just let me know!
lauramc47 at hotmail dot com

BottomStar

You really can't go wrong with a Medela, and I've heard good things about Ameda as well ( i think they may start a bit cheaper).  One tip is to check with your insurance company because mine paid for part of mine, which is why I was able to upgrade to the Freestyle.