Experienced mamas.. What breast pump do you recommend?

KRISTA555 · May 2010

We haven't bought a breast pump yet because when we go to look at them, we have no idea what we are looking for. We certainly don't want to spend all that money on a mistake. Here's what I need:

Something somewhat affordable. I don't want to get a rickety cheap-o one, but I also don't want to spend a fortune.

Electric, not manual

I'm guessing a dual pump is better because of being able to git r done faster, vs. one breast at a time?? (Yes, I just said "git r done"... I've been in Georgia too long, obviously)

Other than that, I have NO CLUE what I am looking for. Any suggestions are appreciated! Thank you!

P.S. Has anyone had a good experience with some of the brands sold at Target, other than Medela? I know everyone says Medela is best, but I have noticed that the other brands seem to be cheaper, even after my Medela coupon. Thank you!

CaitlinJ22 · May 2010

have you posted on the BFing board? try there.

My friend liked her lansinoh double... i have not used it.

I SAH and only needed one for occasional times away from baby or if I got a clogged duct. I got a single electric medela one for about 68 dollars. It was worth it. I also have a manual which I used a lot in the middle of the night if DS was a sleep and my boobs were ready to explode. It was quiet and I could pump a few oz without getting out of bed.

It depends on your needs. I really would have wasted money if I got a double, but if i was at work and needed to pump a lot, I wouldve needed it.

pumps are not something to go the cheap route with. Pumps are not as efficient as the baby at the breast. Medela is a great brand, I would start there. PLus you never know what will happen. I have many friends who got the mega double pump from medela and ended up using fornula....whatever you buy dont open it until you have the baby so you can return it if necessary. PLus if you are BFing, you wont need a pump in the first few wks as you should let baby control your supply.

GL

Mere7706 · May 2010

I would recommend a double pump for sure! medela is highly recommended by many of lactation consultants I worked with with ds.

I had the Medela Swing- liked but it's a single pump. This time around, I'm buying the In Style Advanced- a double pump.

mommyrenee · May 2010

I think a lot depends on how much you need to pump - will you be a SAHM or WM?

Im a SAHM so I just needed something to use 1-2x/day to build a little stash. I love the Avent Isis Single Electric. It worked great for my needs and wasnt too expensive. Ive heard great things about Medela & dont think you can wrong there. If I had to return to work, I would probably go with their double - so I could get as much as possible in a shorter amount of time.

Reading reviews on BabiesRUs is always a good idea before buying anything.

hderne05 · May 2010

I have/had a lansinoh double electric which I liked. But also only used it every once in a while. Since I knew I wasn't going to use it a lot I bought that one versus the Medela ones since the lansinoh was cheaper. Also got it off ebay new, and that was even cheaper.

izzybella · May 2010

My insurance covered my Medela PISA. It's a double electric and it's awesome. I'd check and see if you can get it through your durable medical goods allowance.

mcadams1 · May 2010

Well, I know you said you already heard about the Medela, but I had it (pump in style) and I really ran it through the paces. I used it heavily all throughout nursing and it never remotely failed. DH even ran it over in his car and it still worked (once we replaced the plastic front panel for $10). You absolutely want a dual. The other feature would be a setting to adjust the intensity of the suction. That will save you a world of discomfort and allow you to pump faster once you let down and turn it up. The dual allows you to save time by doing both sides at once and the non-pumped breast will still let down even if you aren't pumping when you start on the other side, so you don't have to deal with that. Whatever you buy, pumps are the place to spend- but you can always rent a pump from the hospital to give you time to see how much you think you'll use it and how it works for you.

whitehead15 · May 2010

I have the Lansonoh double pump and loved it. I only pumped 1-2 times a day, and didn't use both sides ever. I would nurse on one side, then pump the other. But, I never had any problems with it!

Angela814 · May 2010

Ameda Purely Yours. You have to buy it online, but the company's customer service is excellent. There's another brand that sells the same pump, but I can't remember the name. Both have a closed loop system so milk can't get back into the tubing.

haleybeth81 · May 2010

I have a medela in style and love it. It's almost as good as a hospital one. You could rent one in the beginning and then decide.

The Housewife · May 2010

I can't say enough good things about my Lanisoh Double. I EP'd for 4 months with it and it worked great. It lost suction once but I was able to order new valves online (they were like 50 cents or something super cheap) and that fixed the problem. It is also a closed system so you could buy it used or sell it afterwards if you wanted.

JJ1973 · May 2010

I'm registering for the Medela Freestyle...it is probably the most expensive one out there...but Baby Bargains gave it a good rating and it sounds nice. I'm going back to work full time after three months and will need to almost exclusively pump...that is, if breastfeeding works for me. Like others have recommended, I'm not opening the thing up until I have some success in the beginning and actually need to use it. Since I'll be home for three months, I'm assuming I won't need to pump right away.