If you've used a manual pump...

kerrbear72 · April 2011

How often did you pump? How time consuming? What pump did you use?

I'm starting to have a bit of angst over spending $300 on an electric pump when my mind is considering it a luxury.

(I will need to pump no matter what as I'll be going back to work).

Callidryas · April 2011

Check with your hospital about renting a hospital grade Madella from them, it may work out more expensive in the long run if you use it more than 6 months, but if you use it for only 1 month your only out that months rent.

tokenhoser · April 2011

If you'll be pumping at work, you really should shell out for the double electric.

~signed, the cheapass that's just going to use a manual, but isn't going back to work while bf-ing.

mrbear83 · April 2011

DH and decided to split the difference and get the Medela swing - electric, but a single pump. Got it with a coupon at BRU, and was a good price.

AnneShirleyBlythe · April 2011

Manual is for part-time and emergency use only. If you go back to work shell out for the double electric.

kerrbear72 · April 2011

AnneShirleyBlythe:
Manual is for part-time and emergency use only. If you go back to work shell out for the double electric.

Fair enough. That at least makes me feel like its more of a need than a want.

ksdodge · April 2011

If you are going back to work and plan on pumping you will for sure want a double electric, otherwise you will be spending a ton of time and much more effort pumping.

iris427 · April 2011

If you're going back to work you do NOT want a manual pump. They take forever, your hand gets tired, and they aren't as good at getting milk out or stimulating more milk.

Rent a hospital grade pump. You'll pay more in the long run but it will be less money up front. And it will be the fastest, most efficient way to pump milk and maintain your supply. If you don't want to rent, you really should spring for a good double electric pump, unless you are OK with supplementing with formula.

theaustins05 · April 2011

DH and I had a discussion about this today.

I have been having anxiety dreams about lack of sleep after baby because I plan to BF but I don't want to shell out for an electric pump, so baby will have to be nursed by me.

He said I should just get a manual but everyone says they are really more work than they are worth.

IDK what to do.

iris427 · April 2011

kerrbear72:
AnneShirleyBlythe:
Manual is for part-time and emergency use only. If you go back to work shell out for the double electric.
Fair enough. That at least makes me feel like its more of a need than a want.

If you're a working mom who breastfeeds, a pump is absolutely a need. I would venture that it's really a need for any breastfeeding mom. Even a SAHM should have at least a manual pump for emergencies IMO.

Don't feel bad about buying a pump. Moms can make themselves feel guilty about anything--don't let that happen! Squash the mommy guilt!

iris427 · April 2011

theaustins05:
DH and I had a discussion about this today.
I have been having anxiety dreams about lack of sleep after baby because I plan to BF but I don't want to shell out for an electric pump, so baby will have to be nursed by me.
He said I should just get a manual but everyone says they are really more work than they are worth.
IDK what to do.

Get a manual pump. They are $40. You never know when you'll end up with a clogged duct or have something unexpected come up where you will need to be away from your baby for a few hours. They are not more work than they're worth if you just want a pump for situations like that--they are totally worth it.

kerrbear72 · April 2011

iris427:
If you're going back to work you do NOT want a manual pump. They take forever, your hand gets tired, and they aren't as good at getting milk out or stimulating more milk.
Rent a hospital grade pump. You'll pay more in the long run but it will be less money up front. And it will be the fastest, most efficient way to pump milk and maintain your supply. If you don't want to rent, you really should spring for a good double electric pump, unless you are OK with supplementing with formula.

Not unless medically necessary.

I'm just being an a*s. I have the money to spend on it but I just don't want to lol

BF'ing is super important to me so I really shouldn't be thinking this way to begin with. Saving a buck or two isn't worth a decreased supply, etc.

I appreciate the kick in the butt.

Peejee · April 2011

kerrbear72:

How often did you pump? How time consuming? What pump did you use?

I'm starting to have a bit of angst over spending $300 on an electric pump when my mind is considering it a luxury.

(I will need to pump no matter what as I'll be going back to work).

coolstorybro but if you play it right, with the coupons and discounts regularly available from BRU you can get a higher end electric double pump for about 200. I know, 200 is still decent change but it's better than a poke in the eye!

kerrbear72 · April 2011

iris427:
kerrbear72:
AnneShirleyBlythe:
Manual is for part-time and emergency use only. If you go back to work shell out for the double electric.
Fair enough. That at least makes me feel like its more of a need than a want.
If you're a working mom who breastfeeds, a pump is absolutely a need. I would venture that it's really a need for any breastfeeding mom. Even a SAHM should have at least a manual pump for emergencies IMO.
Don't feel bad about buying a pump. Moms can make themselves feel guilty about anything--don't let that happen! Squash the mommy guilt!

lol You're right. In my head I'm telling myself how many other things I can get for the baby with $300 if I just suffer with a manual pump. Thankfully, you've given me legit reasons why thats not an option.

And HOLY CRAP you're 37 weeks! AHHH!!!!

tokenhoser · April 2011

theaustins05:
DH and I had a discussion about this today.
I have been having anxiety dreams about lack of sleep after baby because I plan to BF but I don't want to shell out for an electric pump, so baby will have to be nursed by me.
He said I should just get a manual but everyone says they are really more work than they are worth.
IDK what to do.

There are a couple that get really good reviews - the Avent Isis and the Medela Harmony. I'm in the same situation as you. I just want a pump on hand to use when I need to be away from the baby (like, I have to get dental work done in June) or if we can swing it so DH can do a feeding at midnight so I can sleep for 5 hours straight. I don't forsee having to pump enough to replace more than 1 feeding at a time, so I really do feel that a manual is fine.

I also think that even if it's not fine, if I buy an electric I want a manual as a backup for portability and power outages. So if I change my mind, I don't consider it a wasted purchase. The manual pumps are cheap, anyway.

IU_baby · April 2011

There are some double electric pumps that have good reviews while not costing $300 like any of the Medelas. Have you considered the Lansinoh Double Electric? It's $140 or under.

If you're going back to work, you need a double electric pump. It's definitely not a luxury, it's a necessity.

iris427 · April 2011

kerrbear72:
iris427:
kerrbear72:
AnneShirleyBlythe:
Manual is for part-time and emergency use only. If you go back to work shell out for the double electric.
Fair enough. That at least makes me feel like its more of a need than a want.
If you're a working mom who breastfeeds, a pump is absolutely a need. I would venture that it's really a need for any breastfeeding mom. Even a SAHM should have at least a manual pump for emergencies IMO.
Don't feel bad about buying a pump. Moms can make themselves feel guilty about anything--don't let that happen! Squash the mommy guilt!
lol You're right. In my head I'm telling myself how many other things I can get for the baby with $300 if I just suffer with a manual pump. Thankfully, you've given me legit reasons why thats not an option.
And HOLY CRAP you're 37 weeks! AHHH!!!!

I know, it's totally freaking me out! I'm ready but so not ready.

I exclusively breastfed for 6 months and I had a really good milk supply. And the most I could get from a pumping session with my manual pump was maybe 4-5 oz total and that was if my baby hadn't nursed in a while. I was always amazed at how much milk my SIL could get with her hospital grade Medela that she rented, and how quickly the milk came out. I'd rent one of those if I were working, personally.

theaustins05 · April 2011

Iris & Token

Thanks I will be looking into a manual, I'm glad the avent got good reviews because I have avent bottles and they don't fit any of the other pumps without a converter thing.

marcierin · April 2011

I have used the Avent manual pump with my last two LOs. But, I didn't work. It was very easy and efficient for me. If I end up going back to work, I will be getting the Avent Isis double electric. They are $200.00.

AnneShirleyBlythe · April 2011

iris427:
kerrbear72:
iris427:
kerrbear72:
AnneShirleyBlythe:
Manual is for part-time and emergency use only. If you go back to work shell out for the double electric.
Fair enough. That at least makes me feel like its more of a need than a want.
If you're a working mom who breastfeeds, a pump is absolutely a need. I would venture that it's really a need for any breastfeeding mom. Even a SAHM should have at least a manual pump for emergencies IMO.
Don't feel bad about buying a pump. Moms can make themselves feel guilty about anything--don't let that happen! Squash the mommy guilt!
lol You're right. In my head I'm telling myself how many other things I can get for the baby with $300 if I just suffer with a manual pump. Thankfully, you've given me legit reasons why thats not an option.
And HOLY CRAP you're 37 weeks! AHHH!!!!
I know, it's totally freaking me out! I'm ready but so not ready.
I exclusively breastfed for 6 months and I had a really good milk supply. And the most I could get from a pumping session with my manual pump was maybe 4-5 oz total and that was if my baby hadn't nursed in a while. I was always amazed at how much milk my SIL could get with her hospital grade Medela that she rented, and how quickly the milk came out. I'd rent one of those if I were working, personally.

This is so odd. I got RIVERS of milk so very quickly with my Avent Isis (manual) but it always took way more time with my Medela.

kerrbear72 · April 2011

IU_baby:
There are some double electric pumps that have good reviews while not costing $300 like any of the Medelas. Have you considered the Lansinoh Double Electric? It's $140 or under.

If you're going back to work, you need a double electric pump. It's definitely not a luxury, it's a necessity.

No, I havent. I've had the Medela PISA in my head and that's why I've stuck with. I suppose I really should do some research on other brands!

BellaBleu23 · April 2011

Lurker from June 2011....

If you decide to either rent a hospital grade pump or spring for the double electric, talk to your insurance company first. Many of them are covering breast pumps now. Or, if your insurance won't cover it and you have a FSA, breast pumps are eligible now.

ToBeMrsC6907 · April 2011

kerrbear72:
iris427:

If you're going back to work you do NOT want a manual pump. They take forever, your hand gets tired, and they aren't as good at getting milk out or stimulating more milk.

Rent a hospital grade pump. You'll pay more in the long run but it will be less money up front. And it will be the fastest, most efficient way to pump milk and maintain your supply. If you don't want to rent, you really should spring for a good double electric pump, unless you are OK with supplementing with formula.

Not unless medically necessary.

I'm just being an a*s. I have the money to spend on it but I just don't want to lol

BF'ing is super important to me so I really shouldn't be thinking this way to begin with. Saving a buck or two isn't worth a decreased supply, etc.

I appreciate the kick in the butt.

I've said this on these boards a million times before, but check with your insurance to see if they will cover one! Mine was covered as DME (durable medical equipment) 100% with a doctor's written script for one. My sister's was covered at 80%.

And if not, if you have a flex spending account you can use that to get one- BF'ing supplies are now tax deductible!

Cassondra09 · April 2011

Just another thought... the double electrics are an investment, but in the end still cheaper than buying formula!

ToBeMrsC6907 · April 2011

Cassondra09:
Just another thought... the double electrics are an investment, but in the end still cheaper than buying formula!

Yes

So so so true! Great point!

Nuttyone · April 2011

So it appears I am the odd one, but here's my take. I have had several friends who have really struggled with BF and ended up being told by the pediatrician that LO wasn't getting enough and needed to supplement with formula. They ended up switching all together to formula because it was too hard to try to keep up with both.

I have read that you don't really start pumping until 2 weeks anyway (those with experience, please chime in!) So I am planning on renting one for a month, see how it goes, then shell out the money for my own. I just loathe the idea of spending $200-300 on a piece of equipment that I may use for a few times, then discover my body has other ideas.

Hope this helps give another perspective...

pinkflipflops44 · April 2011

Kerr I have some coupons from target for pumps but not sure which ones.. if you decide on one that is not medela (cuz i know that is not what it is for) hit me up and i will check them for you.. they don't expire until the fall? i think so no worries on time.. just let me know!

kerrbear72 · April 2011

pinkflipflops44:
Kerr I have some coupons from target for pumps but not sure which ones.. if you decide on one that is not medela (cuz i know that is not what it is for) hit me up and i will check them for you.. they don't expire until the fall? i think so no worries on time.. just let me know!

You rock (and I miss you!)!

kammmmay · April 2011

tokenhoser:
If you'll be pumping at work, you really should shell out for the double electric.
~signed, the cheapass that's just going to use a manual, but isn't going back to work while bf-ing.

I have to agree. I'm getting a manual, just because I will be home all the time and hardly plan on using it, so I can't see spending the money. If you're going to use it at work, it will save a lot of time and stress though!

Temp38995750004016 · April 2011

kerr - just chiming in...I went to a breastfeeding class last night and asked some questions. I will not be pumping while I work so I was interested in hearing about the manuals. Manuals take, on average, 40 minutes PER BREAST per session...that's a whole freakin' lot of time!

The medical grade pumps (at my hospital at least) use the same motor as the Medela PISAs and they are $60-75 per month to rent. If you plan to pump more than 3-4 months you are better off just buying one anyway, if you do the math.

kerrbear72 · April 2011

pook:
kerr - just chiming in...I went to a breastfeeding class last night and asked some questions. I will not be pumping while I work so I was interested in hearing about the manuals. Manuals take, on average, 40 minutes PER BREAST per session...that's a whole freakin' lot of time!

The medical grade pumps (at my hospital at least) use the same motor as the Medela PISAs and they are $60-75 per month to rent. If you plan to pump more than 3-4 months you are better off just buying one anyway, if you do the math.

Well that's a sure fire way to get myself fired and fast! lol

I guess maybe its worth renting for a month to see if I actually can BF and then going from there. I would just HATE to purchase one, try it for a week and never really have a supply come in or what not.

Temp38995750004016 · April 2011

I know exactly what you mean. I got a PISA, but I'm not opening the box for 2-3 weeks to make sure breastfeeding is working out.

ToBeMrsC6907 · April 2011

Yup, I didn't get one until DS was like 4 weeks old.

Want a personalized experience?

If you've used a manual pump...

Re: If you've used a manual pump...

Choose Another Board

Search Boards