What type of breast pump do I need?

LadyLiberty2011 · May 2012

There are so many different kind of breast pumps: single, double, manual, electric. I have registered for a double electric, but it is so expensive. How long does it take to pump one breast? Manual seems tiring.

Now, I'm ultra confused because my sister (who is due any day now) is planning to breast feed for 6-8 weeks only while she is on leave. She took back her pump. I would think she may need to pump though at some point at at least need a basic. Am I wrong?

I want to breast feed as long as I can up to the first year, but plan to return to work after my 3 month leave. Someone with some experience give me some tips!

ataylor979 · May 2012

I plan to pump when I return to work as well. Not pumping during the day when I was bf'g my daughter wasn't an option. I made so much milk that if I didn't pump my breasts would swell to ginormous proportions and would get hard and lumpy and would hurt. If you're not making much milk though, I could see being able to go a long time without pumping.

RockyMtnMama · May 2012

I bf two kiddos and went back to work around 10-12 weeks with both. With a good double-electric pump, you are spending $200-$300 but it works and it got me through 2 years of pumping at work. I pumped 2-3 times per day and got all the milk the kids drank.

As for kind, I got the Medela Pump In Style, but there are a lot of good double electric pumps. Yes, you want double b/c esp. early one boob will leak while the other pumps and it's just mroe efficient and less messy at work - plus it's much faster. I would pump about 20-min each time I took a break.

I also just transferred my milk from the pump bottles to breast milk bags and then kept everything (pump, bags, etc.) in the fridge between pumping in order to avoid washing/sanitizing at work.

LadyLiberty2011 · May 2012

Also, this is my first child and my sister's first child. I just feel like she may need a pump and not know it that yet. Of course, she could rent one. How much in demand are rental pumps from the hospital?

RockyMtnMama · May 2012

LadyLiberty2011:
Also, this is my first child and my sister's first child. I just feel like she may need a pump and not know it that yet. Of course, she could rent one. How much in demand are rental pumps from the hospital?

If your sister isn't planning to bf after 8 weeks when she's back at work, she could get a cheap hand-pump to help alleviate some of the pain/engorgment of quitting, but wouldnt' want a big double pump to keep stimulating milk production or it would take longer.

tamaratoday · May 2012

I intended to breastfeed DS#1 but it didn't work out the way I planned. I bought a Medela Pump In Style and exclusively pumped for over a year with DS#1 and for 10 months with DS#2. There are so many pumps out there and it really depends on what your needs will be, but either way, I would recomend a double electric. Manual is hard on the hands!

melody921 · May 2012

If you're going back to work, you need a double electric. It's strong and time-efficient. They're expensive, but worth it, IMO. Manual just seems ridiculous to me.

tami&chase · May 2012

You should get an electric. Medela makes really good ones. You may be able to buy the pieces and rent the pump from the hospital you deliver at.

I am pregnant with my second. I breastfed my first until 14 months. I was able to be with her most the time and otherwise had a manual but I would not recommend a manual for serious pumping. Imagine hooking a tube to your engorged aching breast and manually pulling a lever to get milk out. It goes s..l..o..o...w... Electric is way worth the price especially if you are going back to work. Happy hunting!

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