is it true that manual pumps are practically useless...

alumsden1 · July 2009

for a mom who will be going back to work 3 days/week? I was reluctant to spend $200-300, but I am hearing that I will quickly become inpatient with a manual pump and that its worth the investment, especially for a part time working mom. Thought and opinions, please! TIA~

Amy

arual82 · July 2009

I'm a sahm and have a medela pisa and an avent isis. The isis is probably sufficient for my needs being at home but the medela makes pumping so much easier and faster. I personally think that an electric is worth the extra money. Especially if I was working.

KatiKM · July 2009

I don't know personally but I have done some asking around to all my Mommy friends. And 3 of them who had a manual pump with DC#1 said they felt that it was hard to use efficently and 1 of them stopped BF'ing partly because of this. (they didn't know if they would have any more kids) She is now on DC 2 and has had much better luck with her Medela.

I am sure some of this could be attributed to being a first time Mom or not working with a LC but I thought it was interesting.

ValerianOddity · July 2009

I have an Avent Isis which I have used a few times. While I think it is by far the best manual pump I have ever used, it comes nowhere NEAR my Ameda Purely Yours for output and efficiency. With the PY, I not only can I pump both breasts at once, but I get twice the milk in half the time from each breast. Pumping regularly with a manual pump was frustrating and time consuming... I worry that if you just have a manual pump to use, the inconvenience of it might discourage you.

If you don't want to spend the $200-$300 for a Medela PIS, I highly recommend the PY. It costs about half as much as the PIS does new, and because the collection system is closed, you could consider purchasing one second hand without worrying about if it would be safe/clean; all you'd need to get would be the Hygienikit for the pump, and that runs about $35.

The_Jen626 · July 2009

I only work 3 days a week, and I love my Medela PISA. It's awesome. I honestly wouldn't be bf-ing anymore if I didn't have this pump.

katlizabeth · July 2009

I work full time, but could not imagine not having my medela pisa...in my case, I'm a teacher, and the time I spend pumping at school takes away from work time, which means I have to take more work home and have less time to spend with my LO. If you can swing it, I'd get an electric.

Melymel80 · July 2009

I only use the manual pump (Harmony) for a quick bottle before we run out...if we are going to be out for several hours and nursing wouldn't be convienent or to pump to comfort wen baby takes long naps etc.

The Electric is used every night to empty and get the stash going. I will use it when I go back to work also. I was using the manual before I got the electric it was a nightmare being the only pump I had.

lappy9 · July 2009

I have used the avent manual and the medela manual and both have worked great for me. I dont pump all day but when i need to pump i can do both sides in under 15 minutes getting at least 1 bottle full. I also have a friend who is pumping one side during the day with her manual and she isn't having any issue getting enough milk. I wouldn't say they are useless.

Mrs.0428 · July 2009

I wouldn't say they are useless. They will get the job done, it will just take longer.

Before returning to work full time I used the Avent Isis at home and had no complaints about it. Now that I am back at work I use the Medela PISA because I can do both breast at once and continue to work while pumping. If I had to use the manual 4 times a day on each breast I think my hands would be tired by the end of the day.

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is it true that manual pumps are practically useless...

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