Going to SAH - Manual pump okay?

Katyebobatey · April 2012

A question from a lurker-

I will be staying at home for a while when this LO is born and planning on BF. I'm planning on pumping occasionally so that I have a stash to let my H feed him once in a while or when I'm away for an afternoon.

Can I get away with just getting a manual pump? (I registered for the Medela harmony). If I was going back to work or needed to really create a huge freezer stash, I know an electric pump would be much easier/faster. But a manual is so much cheaper...

What do you guys think?

jw87 · April 2012

I had to pump a lot and the thought of a manuel just stresses me out. Pumping is stressful enough.

If it will be a very rare occasion then I think it would be okay. I've actually never tried a manuel.

HarrietNJMommy · April 2012

My double electric is worth its weight in gold and I'm a SAHM. Sure, you could get away with a manual pump, but it's so much easier and faster (for most people) with a double electric.

Also, if you are going to have a "stash" you will need to pump more than "occasionally" - you need to train your body to produce "extra" milk. It's not just pumping when you feel like it. I mean, yes, you could do it that way, but you really won't pump that much........

There are many double electric pumps. The Ameda Purely Yours is a good one (and much cheaper than the Medela PIS which is what I have).

Good luck in your search!

Stacyc625 · April 2012

HarrietNJMommy:

My double electric is worth its weight in gold and I'm a SAHM. Sure, you could get away with a manual pump, but it's so much easier and faster (for most people) with a double electric.

Also, if you are going to have a "stash" you will need to pump more than "occasionally" - you need to train your body to produce "extra" milk. It's not just pumping when you feel like it. I mean, yes, you could do it that way, but you really won't pump that much........

There are many double electric pumps. The Ameda Purely Yours is a good one (and much cheaper than the Medela PIS which is what I have).

Good luck in your search!

Yes

roxy_jj · April 2012

I did work and used a pump for that, but even when I was on maternity leave I still pumped quite a bit. After my first was born, I wasn't sure if I was going to go back to work and I still bought a double electric pump. Even during my time on maternity leave, it was worth the cost.

susanmosley · April 2012

I pumped twice with a Medela Harmony. I think I got an ounce total. It clearly didn't work for me, nor did I give it enough of a try. It totally turned me off of pumping in general, so I just didn't. If I decide to pump with another baby, I will not bother with a manual again.

pepomntpat · April 2012

I have only used a manual pump and it was perfectly sufficient for me and DD. I rarely had to pump at all after six months because I'd nurse her to sleep at night, go out for a date with DH and be home in plenty of time for any MOTN feedings.

alli2672 · April 2012

I agree that this is one of those things you should really consider buying.

If you are having trouble coming up with the money, take back the crib bedding set and the high chair (you can get away with just a sheet on the bed and a booster seat with a tray for feeding).

pepomntpat · April 2012

I want to add that you can get a manual now and upgrade if it doesn't end up being enough for your needs. It isn't like they don't let you buy a pump after your baby is born. That is what my LC suggested in the hospital where she gave me my manual pump for "free" (tell that to my insurance company-lol) and it ended up being plenty for my needs.

I got side eyes from lots of people, but I always figured Target, WalMart, BRU are all within five miles of my house and all have pumps. Same with formula. I never needed either one, but they were all within minutes of my home if I ever did.

eaglesfan700 · April 2012

IMO, a manual pump is completely worthless. I bought one for travel and it sucked

My Medela PISA was my most prized baby item. I had a huge stash of over 100 oz both times. I loved that thing, worth every penny

littlemomma10 · April 2012

HarrietNJMommy:
My double electric is worth its weight in gold and I'm a SAHM. Sure, you could get away with a manual pump, but it's so much easier and faster (for most people) with a double electric.
Also, if you are going to have a "stash" you will need to pump more than "occasionally" - you need to train your body to produce "extra" milk. It's not just pumping when you feel like it. I mean, yes, you could do it that way, but you really won't pump that much........
There are many double electric pumps. The Ameda Purely Yours is a good one (and much cheaper than the Medela PIS which is what I have).
Good luck in your search!

All of this. I seriously debated getting a manual, and originally decided to get a single electric.I quickly upgraded to a double, and have no regrets.

HarrietNJMommy · April 2012

pepomntpat:
I want to add that you can get a manual now and upgrade if it doesn't end up being enough for your needs. It isn't like they don't let you buy a pump after your baby is born. That is what my LC suggested in the hospital where she gave me my manual pump for "free" (tell that to my insurance company-lol) and it ended up being plenty for my needs.
I got side eyes from lots of people, but I always figured Target, WalMart, BRU are all within five miles of my house and all have pumps. Same with formula. I never needed either one, but they were all within minutes of my home if I ever did.

You could also rent an electric pump and see how it goes.......

JOEBunny · April 2012

Depends on your kid. With DD, I pumped a lot. I had a medelia PIS and it was essential. With DS, I never pumped at all, and as a result, never really went anywhere without him, until he was 15 months old.

SHAYD12 · April 2012

I liked my cheep single electric from Walmart. I can't remember the brand but it was like 40 bucks and it worked great for every here and there feedings.

sophie206 · April 2012

I started with a manual and then quickly went to a single electric and then finally, I got to borrow my sister's double electric for a few months when she was done BFing. I highly recommend an electric because with a manual, while it does do a sufficient job, I had to use 2 hands. There is sooo much multi-tasking those first few months that I really needed my other hand free to do other things while I was pumping--feed myself, pacify the baby, drink coffee, whatever.

Of course if you get a double electric you likely will be using both hands, but it is done in a matter of minutes. I found it took probably 3x as long to finish pumping both sides manually. Good luck! I think it's good for women who are planning to BF to have a pump before baby arrives, regardless of the type. (My OB had me pumping before my supply even "came in" to speed my milk along and I was thankful I didn't have to run out to buy one. Renting is also an option, as others mentioned)

ETA - I have this one and it got the job done

lexusolsen · April 2012

HarrietNJMommy:
pepomntpat:
I want to add that you can get a manual now and upgrade if it doesn't end up being enough for your needs. It isn't like they don't let you buy a pump after your baby is born. That is what my LC suggested in the hospital where she gave me my manual pump for "free" (tell that to my insurance company-lol) and it ended up being plenty for my needs.
I got side eyes from lots of people, but I always figured Target, WalMart, BRU are all within five miles of my house and all have pumps. Same with formula. I never needed either one, but they were all within minutes of my home if I ever did.
You could also rent an electric pump and see how it goes.......

Harriet has given you great advice! Look into renting one,then decide if you can go with a Manuel pump. I also have the Ameda and I love it! I rented a hospital grade Medela pump from the hospital but found I preferred my Ameda. Good luck with your decision.

StatlerWaldorf · April 2012

I had a manual and an electric. I could not get any breast milk with the manual. It was worthless.

bim38106 · April 2012

I agree w/ Harriet and some of the other pps.

I also wanted to add, for me, electric was pretty necessary w/ DD1. I kept getting clogged ducts and it was so painful! I had a manual pump on vacation and it did NOTHING for me. I really needed an electric pump during those times. W/ DD2 on the other hand, I rarely pumped and never got a clogged duct...so it's hard to say what you might really "need".

Katyebobatey · April 2012

Thank you so much for your invaluable wisdom ladies!! I had no idea - always thought the electric ones were just for women who needed to pump a lot a build up a really big supply.

I will look into how much it'll be to rent one, but I'm now almost leaning towards registering for a double electric since so many of you gals had much better results with it. Off to do more research!

So glad I asked instead of assumed!! Thanks again

MrsC17 · April 2012

I might be in the minority but I found my electric pump to be useless- I got way more milk out of my manual pump than I ever did out of my electric.

MainelyFoolish · April 2012

HarrietNJMommy:
pepomntpat:

I want to add that you can get a manual now and upgrade if it doesn't end up being enough for your needs. It isn't like they don't let you buy a pump after your baby is born. That is what my LC suggested in the hospital where she gave me my manual pump for "free" (tell that to my insurance company-lol) and it ended up being plenty for my needs.

I got side eyes from lots of people, but I always figured Target, WalMart, BRU are all within five miles of my house and all have pumps. Same with formula. I never needed either one, but they were all within minutes of my home if I ever did.

You could also rent an electric pump and see how it goes.......

I highly suggest not buying an expensive double electric pump (or at least not opening the box) until you are sure you are going to breastfeed.

I started out with a hospital rental pump. I had every intention of breastfeeding DD but things didn't work out that way. I'm so glad I only spent $20 on the rental and not $250 for a Medela pump I couldn't use.

Dochas · April 2012

You will not have more time to pump as a SAHM. A manual would NEVER have worked for me. I ended up getting a double instead of the single I had originally purchased.

Timshel17 · April 2012

I'm also in the minority here; I think a manual would be just fine. I never registered for an electric or planned on buying one, but a friend of mine loaned me her Medela PISA (at her insistence). I used it every now and then, but I liked my manual pump much better. I have the Avent Isis and I always got just as much out of it as the PISA. Having to do it manually (sometimes everyday) was worth saving the money to me. That said, I did find an Avent single electric pump for $50, so I've been using it now. I do think that if you have to, you can get by just fine with a manual.

I'd buy a manual now and would wait to buy an electric until after the baby gets here. It's nice to have a manual as back up and you can have that if you need it in the beginning. Wait and see if you really want it/need the electric.

Julia_JJ · April 2012

sophie206:
I started with a manual and then quickly went to a single electric and then finally, I got to borrow my sister's double electric for a few months when she was done BFing. I highly recommend an electric because with a manual, while it does do a sufficient job, I had to use 2 hands. There is sooo much multi-tasking those first few months that I really needed my other hand free to do other things while I was pumping--feed myself, pacify the baby, drink coffee, whatever.
Of course if you get a double electric you likely will be using both hands, but it is done in a matter of minutes. I found it took probably 3x as long to finish pumping both sides manually. Good luck! I think it's good for women who are planning to BF to have a pump before baby arrives, regardless of the type. (My OB had me pumping before my supply even "came in" to speed my milk along and I was thankful I didn't have to run out to buy one. Renting is also an option, as others mentioned)
ETA - I have this one and it got the job done

As a hands-free option, I had a bra for my double electric - best invention EVER. Hands-free pumping!

SpartanGirl · April 2012

I will agree with the ladies that a double electric is really useful, even as a SAHM. I pumped just for a small stash for bottles when I was gone and the electric pump was a lifesaver.

Renting from your hospital to try it out is a good idea. Also check with your insurance - I know some ladies who were able to get some coverage on a breast pump. My DH's employer had a LifeWorks program that offered Medela PISA for half price.

MesmrEwe · April 2012

If you want a great manual pump, look down at your hands! You'll have less cramping and will get the job done far more efficiently and you'll save the $40.

That said, I've only heard good things about the Ameda pumps. With Medela, the way to go is a hospital grade rental pump. I had a PIS to start this time around (I'm EP) and it lasted around a month then is pretty much DOA.. The nice thing about the hospital rentals is that if you ask when you're at L&D they'll set you up with a pump kit for it that you can take home with you. Insurance will cover it so that's the advantage there. With the Medela the Lactina kit doubles as a manual. If I was going to purchase another pump, I would purchase a Hygeia since it's basically the same as the Medela but they're a closed system so you can resell it when you're done, they've got a 3-year warranty which most brands only have a year, and they're cheaper than a Medela. Right now, and until I'm done pumping, I'm using a rental Lactina. I don't respond well to the style of the Symphony rental (I need to adjust the speed/suction independently), but until LO arrives you won't know which you respond best to when pumping..

Finally, you get what you pay for. A good pump will serve you well.

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