Breast Pump Recommendations

jwarnerb · November 2013

Hey! So, it is a little early but we decided to purchase a breast pump before the year is out because we want to use some of our leftover Health Savings Account dollars (and prescription sunglasses! We overestimated the amount this year).

Based on one very brief look through at the store this is kind of what I'm thinking right now: Medela Freestyle Breastpump.

Since it's a big purchase I'd love some input. Let me know if you've loved or hated any brands or models.

tbmadeamistake · November 2013

I was lucky enough last time to use my ex-SIL's pump, a Medela Symphony. It's their hospital grade, costs about $1800 new, dual pump, amazeballs. I cannot use it this time as she has her own baby with new hubby right now, but I'm seriously considering another Medela. I need to do some serious research and see what, if any, my insurance will cover.

mattanda2011 · November 2013

I have the Medela pump in style. I liked it a lot and my LC recommended it because the parts are interchangeable with the Medela hospital grade pump if you happened to need that for any reason. The Medela freestyle has parts that only work for that one and no other hospital grade parts.
I used mine daily to pump for my daughter while I was at work and we made it to 9 months EBF

Gardenergirl131 · November 2013

A friend suggested renting the hospital grade pump. I haven't looked into that thoroughly yet.

Mrs_D_in_KY · November 2013

I used the Medela Pump in Style shoulder bag when I EPed my son. Medela is a pretty good brand for a double electro pump and their customer service is awesome. If my old pump has pooped out from EPing for a year, then I will be getting another Medela.

KristaU831 · November 2013

Check what your insurance covers.

Mine doesn't cover a pump at all, manual or electric, hospital grade or home use style (we have tricare and they will cover a pump if baby is in the nicu) and I'll be getting an ameda purely yours on my own dime.

flerlgirl · November 2013

I have the one you linked and I liked it. Two things that were big for me were for it to be electric and for it to be double. The hospital pumps are great but they are pretty expensive to rent and it would kind of leave you up a creek at work or anywhere you needed to go.

hjl050308 · November 2013

I was very happy with the Medela Pump in Style back pack. As others said their customer service is great. I received many replacement parts (new tubes, flanges,etc) for no cost. I'll be getting a new Medela again for this baby.

KristaU831 · November 2013

joules235 said:

@KristaU831 said:

Check what your insurance covers.

Mine doesn't cover a pump at all, manual or electric, hospital grade or home use style (we have tricare and they will cover a pump if baby is in the nicu) and I'll be getting an ameda purely yours on my own dime.

It is required that they cover the pump under the federal affordable care act. The only exception are "grandfathered in plans"

Tricare is exempt/grandfathered. It's military health insurance. We don't pay for anything else, like birth, will be free so shelling out a couple hundred bucks isn't that bad considering we have no other medical bills.

kaitlin&kurth · November 2013

I love, love, love my Medela pump in style. My daughter was born at 34 weeks and it was a huge help so that I could EBF her and I continue using it to keep a stockpile in the freezer for nights out. But, you'll definitely want a double pump and IMO the more you spend the better. The hospital I was at only offered a cheap pump for us to use and it was awful. I could get more by hand expressing. This is one place you do not want to skimp.

kimmyberly26 · November 2013

I love my models in style. Definatly invest in a hands free strap or bra for pumping too.

nunzchucks · November 2013

I used the Ameda Purely Yours and loved it. I liked the closed system (no milk in the tubes).

GolfWidow001 · November 2013

I've been told that in order for insurance to cover it, you have to get a prescription for it from a doctor, which would limit you to buying it from a medical supply store.
Has anyone else heard that? I'd like to get the electric double medela one, but wasn't sure how that would work with insurance covering it.

nunzchucks · November 2013

Also, whatever you decide...a double electric pump is worth the money if you're going to pump for an extended period of time.

jwarnerb · November 2013

Thanks, all! I am looking in to what our insurance covers and am definitely getting a double. Looks like Medela Pump In Style is the winner so far... the Amazon reviews agree with you ladies.

Will update on insurance info if it is interesting in any way...

mom2be614 · November 2013

I used a Medela Pump in Style, too. Can't say I loved pumping, but this one did the job well and quickly :-)

Also, a tip for hands-free pumping: I cut slits in an old sports bra rather than buying a pumping bra. It worked great!

DaisyHeadMayzie · November 2013

I tried the Medela PISA and the Ameda Purely Yours. My body didn't respond well to the Ameda but the Medela worked great.

curlylocks3 · November 2013

joules235 said:

@KristaU831 said:

Check what your insurance covers. Mine doesn't cover a pump at all, manual or electric, hospital grade or home use style (we have tricare and they will cover a pump if baby is in the nicu) and I'll be getting an ameda purely yours on my own dime.

It is required that they cover the pump under the federal affordable care act. The only exception are "grandfathered in plans"

And many get around it by paying for a manual pump only.

mek20 · November 2013

My insurance company covered a double electric, but it had to be purchased from a medical supply store. I couldn't just go to target/walmart and pick one up. I have the Ameda purely yours and it worked for me. I also just purchased the freemie collection cups which is a hands free pump. Excited to try it! Does any one know if insurance covers a pump for a second pregnancy? I don't want my old pump to lose all of its juice for baby #2

Pepper6 · November 2013

S/O pumping, for those who have pumped before, about how long did it take and how often did you need to do it? I know I'm getting a little ahead of myself, but we only have one room in my office that I could use to pump and I'm just curious as to how long I'd be taking up that space since it gets used by others.

Maneal · January 2014

@mom2be614 thanks for that tip!!! I'm l about DIY and saving money when possible!

Sareynoo · January 2014

I used the medela pump in style advanced in bag and it worked great for me. I'm reusing it for this baby! Great product!

Gigi8212 · January 2014

I borrowed a Medela pump with my dd but had to give it back. I had supply issues with pumping and had to occasionally supplement dd with formula. It was a nightmare because she had a formula sensitivity and pretty much every formula we tried made her very ill.

Because of that, I would prefer a hospital grade pump this time to try and help my output. Not sure how portable those are though, since I will need to take it to work. I also need to see what my insurance will cover, since I would be renting the hospital grade.

beasley1114 · January 2014

Question: If I plan on staying home with baby, is there any reason I would need a pump?

gregsgurl81304 · January 2014

I used the Medella Swing, and loved how portable it was. I think any Medella pump would be a good choice to go with.

gregsgurl81304 · January 2014

@beasley1114

I was a SAHM and I still used my pump often. We saved a lot of the milk to mix with the baby food once DS started on solids. If I went anywhere without DS, he was able to have a bottle of BM, and there were a few times when DS would sleep through the night unexpectedly and I would wake up in pain because I was so full that I had to pump to relieve the pressure. I also needed to have one when DS was about 10 mos old because I started to loose my milk production and it helped to pump to try and continue to increase the production so I could continue to nurse until DS was a year old.

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Breast Pump Recommendations

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