Manual pump only?

Eshugars

I realize this has probably been covered before, but I can't find any pump posts that aren't mostly insurance related  - I apologize in advance of this seems redundant.

 Do you ladies think I could get away with just owning a manual breast pump?  I was thinking about ordering the Medela Harmony.  I'm a FTM planning on being a SAHM, and I hope to EBF, but realize I will most likely need some kind of pump for any supply issues/ if I want to ever leave the baby with someone else for any amount of time.  And the Harmony seems to have good reviews, except they're mostly from ladies who used it as a secondary pump to their electric. I  just really don't want to spend the money on an electric pump if I don't really need it, but I also don't really want to spend the money on a manual pump if it's just going to be a PITA resulting in me eventually buying an electric one anyway.  So... thoughts, experience, and opinions would be appreciated.  

 Thanks!

jackson290721

I plan to only have a manual pump. The thought of an electric terrifies me haha

I have no personal experience, however know a lot of moms who only used a manual as a back up to EBF. obviously if you run in to problems BF you will probably want an electric. But if it's smooth sailing, I think a manual will be fine.  

thegoodpotato

I know that in Canada, hospitals will rent out high-grade electric pumps, so you might want to look into that.  That way you know you can get a backp if you find you need it?

Jasmineeelizabeth

I bought the manual advent pump, I'll be a SAHM so I don't see the point of spending all that money.

I'll consider renting from the hospital if I need more than that, but I doubt I will.

My Mom was telling me that she found it more comfortable, and easier to express her own breastmilk into a bottle and never used a pump at all. I think it all depends on the person. 

eaglesfan700

I am a SAHM, so technically didn't need a pump.  But I like to spend some time away from baby.  My double electric pump ended up being the best investment I made.  

I did buy a manual pump once for travel and it was completely worthless.  For me, double electric was the way to go (I have a Medela PISA).  It was worth every penny and lasted through multiple children.  My sister gave me hers, and I replaced the tubing and flanges

[Deleted User]

Laurendag:

Get the manual, don't open it. Rent the hospital pump the first few days if you can. If you find you don't need an electric, stick with the manual. If you do, return that thing before you regret it. Manuals really are only good for one thing IMO and that is just every once in a while. Otherwise you'll end up with man hands

Haha man hands, no thanks. 

meltoine

I was given an electric as a gift and bought a manual later for traveling. I really like the manual better. I think I get better results with it, even though it takes some effort. As a SAHM you should be fine. 

And, as PPs said, you can always rent a hospital-grade electric if you have serious issues with latching or sometime. And, BRU/Target/Wal Mart are never far away if you decide you need a double electric in the next 30 minutes.  

opheliainwaders

Also, check your insurance. It may be that there's no price difference for you, so you can wait a little while and determine what you need after the baby arrives. I know that I can get either a manual or an electric covered, so I'm just waiting to see which I need.

Eshugars

Thanks for the input!  Manual it is unless I find a pretty great deal on an electric one.

klyann

I had a manual for traveling, but even as a SAHM who EBF, I was glad I had an electric.  It will take you twice as long (if not longer) to pump, since you can only do one side at once.  And since you are having to sit there and pump with your hands, they are not free to do ANYTHING else really.  My hands would cramp up too.   Also if you have trouble with let down, the manual might be difficult too.

Pumping sucks in general (IMO) but it is nice to have a stash so you can get away for more than a couple hours.   Manuals aren't very expensive, so go ahead and get one, but be flexible that you might need something more later.