Let's talk about boobies! (Breast pumps STM )

danakatiepfoltzer · August 2014

I am super excited! I just found out my insurance will cover an electric pump up to $500.

I already have a manual medela but I want an electric. My hand always cramped up with the manual.

Can you suggest electric pumps you like and why you liked it?

Thank you:)

Lanatir · August 2014

I have a Medela PISA. It is still working just fine after I pumped exclusively all of DD's milk for about 23 months of her life.

It's a double electric and has the option to close one side so it's a single electric.

If you haven't had a double electric before, I'd look into either buying a hands free pumping bra or taking a sports bra that fits you and cut holes in it so you can have the flanges under the sports bra and then the collecting bottle on the outside. It leaves your hands free for compressions or to drink/read/eat.

Haha FTM and STM who have no pump experience, keep posting threads like this so those of us with experience keep remembering more stuff to put in every post. haha.

danakatiepfoltzer · August 2014

Lanatir said:
I have a Medela PISA. It is still working just fine after I pumped exclusively all of DD's milk for about 23 months of her life.

It's a double electric and has the option to close one side so it's a single electric.

If you haven't had a double electric before, I'd look into either buying a hands free pumping bra or taking a sports bra that fits you and cut holes in it so you can have the flanges under the sports bra and then the collecting bottle on the outside. It leaves your hands free for compressions or to drink/read/eat.

Haha FTM and STM who have no pump experience, keep posting threads like this so those of us with experience keep remembering more stuff to put in every post. haha.

Ya I really want to get a double I think. It took forever to pump both sides with a manual and my hand hurt after! Thanks for the sports bra tip! I have some old ones I could cut!

And yay for remembering more stuff!!

Stargirlb · August 2014

Medela... Can't remember the model but it was a single electric. Was great

rachel+family · August 2014

Medela Swing @Stargirlb‌
I have that one and love it too. Plus it's really easy to replace parts. Toys r us, amazon and even shoppers drug marts sell replacement parts

danakatiepfoltzer · August 2014

rachel+family said:

Medela Swing @Stargirlb‌ I have that one and love it too. Plus it's really easy to replace parts. Toys r us, amazon and even shoppers drug marts sell replacement parts

Did you need to replace a lot of parts? Just wondering how often parts need to be replaced? That's something to consider I suppose

Stargirlb · August 2014

Yes Rachel! Loved it for casual but regular use. But I also wasn't pumping out of necessity or to feed my own baby... It was just to donate. For someone going back to work or pump for primary feeds I would totally recommend a double.

Stargirlb · August 2014

I never had to replace any parts myself but those little white valve cover things are easy to lose. Mine came with some extras

danakatiepfoltzer · August 2014

Stargirlb said:

I never had to replace any parts myself but those little white valve cover things are easy to lose. Mine came with some extras

Oh ok, I still have some of those from my manual medela.

danakatiepfoltzer · August 2014

@ExcitedMama2‌ this one has a car adapter for using while commuting

https://www.target.com/p/medela-pump-in-style-advanced-breast-pump-with-metro-bag/-/A-10762138#prodSlot=medium_1_8&tempterm=Electric+Breast+Pump

danakatiepfoltzer · August 2014

ExcitedMama2 said:

@danakatiepfoltzer‌ NICE! Now I live a mile from work, so I won't be using it on a regular basis...although nice to have that option to pump in the car if needed!

Ya I like that option too especially for long car trips!

Stargirlb · August 2014

I found pumping before nursing worked well for increasing my supply. Since baby's mouth is more efficient than a pump. For like 3 months I would pump before I nursed (only once or twice a day,) and in no time I had a freezer packed full of milk!

Stargirlb · August 2014

Of course that meant he would be pretty pissed for that session until a second let down came. Haha

Lanatir · August 2014

saiven said:

Wow. Pumping seems complicated. Well, at least I have other J15 moms to help me out...

It's not that complicated. I guess it sounds like it sometimes, but I didn't think so.

danakatiepfoltzer · August 2014

ExcitedMama2 said:

danakatiepfoltzer said:

ExcitedMama2 said:

@danakatiepfoltzer‌ NICE! Now I live a mile from work, so I won't be using it on a regular basis...although nice to have that option to pump in the car if needed!

Ya I like that option too especially for long car trips!

Did you see that all the Medela pumps come with a free accessory starter set until 9/13? Says the set is normally $33 or something...has storage bags, cream, and some other stuff...

I saw that it came with the set but I didn't see the expiration date. Oh darn, that means I have to go shopping soon

Thanks for pointing it out!

danakatiepfoltzer · August 2014

CrazyMonkeyBear said:
Man, I was kind of hoping we could also talk about our actual boobs... I mean, mine are super big and heavy and they're itchy (

Haha well I can talk about actual boobs too! Mine were lopsided from breast feeding (2 cup size difference) but all the lovely pregnancy hormones beefed up my little boob and now they are even again! I was actually really excited about this!

XomgitsshanX · August 2014

My insurance only covered 5 different electric pumps which is fine w me. Super excited that it'll even cover one! It also covers replacement parts and if it needs fixing within 36 months. I ordered the medela from yummy mummy they process through insurance and do it all!! It'll be my first pump but am really wanting to pump/breastfeed

w my first i was 17 and impatient. I'm hoping I'm able to achieve my own goal for this baby.

rachel+family · August 2014

@danakatiepfoltzer‌ I just like that the parts were so available so it felt like insurance in a way. I did replace the clear long tube just because I hear it's a good hygiene thing to do? My old one works fine as well

Lanatir · August 2014

Huge... Sorry. Copied from my FB pumping group. Since we also don't have any serious BFing posts on the front page....

So, ladies, when you start pumping if you can't nurse already straight out or chose to pump from day one, baby's tummy is small. Also why they eat so frequently.

Stargirlb · August 2014

Lanatir said:

Huge... Sorry. Copied from my FB pumping group. Since we also don't have any serious BFing posts on the front page....

So, ladies, when you start pumping if you can't nurse already straight out or chose to pump from day one, baby's tummy is small. Also why they eat so frequently.

wish i could like this a thousand times.

danakatiepfoltzer · August 2014

rachel+family said:
@danakatiepfoltzer‌ I just like that the parts were so available so it felt like insurance in a way. I did replace the clear long tube just because I hear it's a good hygiene thing to do? My old one works fine as well

Oh ok

that's good to know!

GromMom · August 2014

I used a medela hospital grade then an ameda double electric. I found the ameda easier to clean, but I liked the flange accessories better for medela. Basically if your nipples are larger or smaller you may need a special kit. In medela they give you different flanges in that kit and ameda they give you inserts which I didn't like. I ended up just using the large without the medium inset do I'm not sure if my milk production would have been better with the proper sized flange. Keep in mind this is nipple diameter, not breast size. If I hadn't meet with a lactation consultant I would have injured myself with regular flanges.

LovelyLips · August 2014

Last pregnancy my milk supply never really came in. Plus DS wouldn't suckle due to jaundice In first 24hrs and by the time he would it was really too late and my supply never really came in.
MW made me give formula in hospital due to baby being sleepy and poorly and not feeding and this really upset me. It was either that or him get formula through a tube in the special neonatal unit.
I felt a massive failure. I only had an avent hand pump and that was crap.
In a nut shell I gave him breast once a day and formula rest of the time. Better than nothing right?

This time I so want to do it properly and breast feed again from the start. If that means buying a super expensive pump that's what I'm gonna do!

I've been looking at the Medela Freestyle double pump. It looks good and can be hands free and can work either mains or battery operated. You can buy a bra that the breast suckers goes into so it can be handsfree. Has great reviews. It's expensive though but I think what the hell. It's only money right?!
In UK we don't have the insurance thing so it will come out of my pocket but I saw it on amazon cheaper than the baby shop so probably go for that.

danakatiepfoltzer · August 2014

GromMom said:
I used a medela hospital grade then an ameda double electric. I found the ameda easier to clean, but I liked the flange accessories better for medela. Basically if your nipples are larger or smaller you may need a special kit. In medela they give you different flanges in that kit and ameda they give you inserts which I didn't like. I ended up just using the large without the medium inset do I'm not sure if my milk production would have been better with the proper sized flange. Keep in mind this is nipple diameter, not breast size. If I hadn't meet with a lactation consultant I would have injured myself with regular flanges.

Good tips! I never would've thought about that

[Deleted User] · August 2014

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mmooki · August 2014

I started out with the medal hospital grade pump since dd was in the nicu. I used it for 2 months. Then I switched to the Pisa and it worked great. I won a pumping bra at a big latch on event I went to right before I started back at work and that worked great for me.

rachel+family · August 2014

@LovelyLips‌ also if you spend money on an expensive pump then you will likely save money on formula too. Win win! Good luck

storm08 · August 2014

I had an avent double electric that worked well for one year of work pumping. A double electric is definitely worth it you need to pump at work. Having a hands free pumping bra was a necessity. I used lansinoh storage bags to freeze milk. Based on what I've seen from my insurance company's website I'll be able to get a medela Pisa, hygeia enjoye, or ameda purely yours. I think I'm going to go with the medela this time since all of the parts are so easier to find. I still have my old avent, but I think the motor was starting to go, so I'd feel better getting another through insurance.

letsgox · August 2014

@CrazyMonkeyBear‌ -- I told H how heavy they felt. He just kind of gave a generic response. Fast forward to him copping a feel the other day and he says, "Wow, they really are heavy!" So romantic.

tarynlphillips · August 2014

GromMom said:

I used a medela hospital grade then an ameda double electric. I found the ameda easier to clean, but I liked the flange accessories better for medela. Basically if your nipples are larger or smaller you may need a special kit. In medela they give you different flanges in that kit and ameda they give you inserts which I didn't like. I ended up just using the large without the medium inset do I'm not sure if my milk production would have been better with the proper sized flange. Keep in mind this is nipple diameter, not breast size. If I hadn't meet with a lactation consultant I would have injured myself with regular flanges.

@GromMom, this is super helpful! My insurance only covers an Ameda electric pump and so I have been considering just purchasing a Medela PISA. I am not sure what to compare them to, but my nipples seem large? At least much larger over the last few months than they have ever been. The bummer about the insurance one is that it can't be ordered until our son is actually delivered and then they ship it.

I guess I had only heard of friends using Medela and it seems to be a favorite to where I don't even know if getting the Ameda would be beneficial? Has anyone else used an Ameda electric pump?

rainbows · August 2014

Any way to know what size of breast shields you are going to need beforehand? Im looking at a Medla PISA, but my insurance wont cover a breastpump, so Im considering getting a preowned and buying new tubing and stuff. Dont want to have to buy every size of breastshield if there is a way to get an idea of what size im going to use in the first place.

Also, this thread has been super helpful, didnt even consider needing a special bra for handsfree pumping

Stargirlb · August 2014

rainbows said:

Any way to know what size of breast shields you are going to need beforehand? Im looking at a Medla PISA, but my insurance wont cover a breastpump, so Im considering getting a preowned and buying new tubing and stuff. Dont want to have to buy every size of breastshield if there is a way to get an idea of what size im going to use in the first place.

Also, this thread has been super helpful, didnt even consider needing a special bra for handsfree pumping

you will most likely be fine with the one it comes with.... if the fit feels a bit off you can always get a new size then. It won't be a huge rush at first. It's ideal not to start pumping until your milk has come in and the baby is established nursing, because having to pump AND nurse around the clock (like newborns often do,) can be physically and mentally exhausting. I didn't take my pump out for at least a few weeks. Your baby's mouth is by far the best pump! Then once your milk is in and baby is nursing, you can start pumping and see how the standard size pump breast shield is working out. (most likely it will be fine, if not size up/down then.) If you aren't going back to work right away, there is no urgency at all, but if you are, you will probably be wanting to start building up a freezer stash and gettin' more serious with that pumping

GromMom · August 2014

tarynlphillips said:

GromMom said:

I used a medela hospital grade then an ameda double electric. I found the ameda easier to clean, but I liked the flange accessories better for medela. Basically if your nipples are larger or smaller you may need a special kit. In medela they give you different flanges in that kit and ameda they give you inserts which I didn't like. I ended up just using the large without the medium inset do I'm not sure if my milk production would have been better with the proper sized flange. Keep in mind this is nipple diameter, not breast size. If I hadn't meet with a lactation consultant I would have injured myself with regular flanges.

@GromMom, this is super helpful! My insurance only covers an Ameda electric pump and so I have been considering just purchasing a Medela PISA. I am not sure what to compare them to, but my nipples seem large? At least much larger over the last few months than they have ever been. The bummer about the insurance one is that it can't be ordered until our son is actually delivered and then they ship it.
I guess I had only heard of friends using Medela and it seems to be a favorite to where I don't even know if getting the Ameda would be beneficial? Has anyone else used an Ameda electric pump?

I thought the Ameda was good but I just had issues with the flange sizes, I would still get it versus purchasing one for full price of another brand. I was given a chart at the hospital with nipple diameters, you could probably go on the Ameda website and see if there's a chart or at least a size, so you could measure and get an idea. The nurse at the hospital just eyeballed it for the Medela pump so it's not really that scientific, or she just looks at nipples all day, HA.

The other thing is I was comparing a hospital grade with a regular double electric, so don't count out the Ameda just because of my review. I really think it also depends on how you get the settings dialed in. The Ameda was much easier to clean imho which was a plus

rainbows · August 2014

bookworm92 said:

Any way to know what size of breast shields you are going to need beforehand? Im looking at a Medla PISA, but my insurance wont cover a breastpump, so Im considering getting a preowned and buying new tubing and stuff. Dont want to have to buy every size of breastshield if there is a way to get an idea of what size im going to use in the first place.

Also, this thread has been super helpful, didnt even consider needing a special bra for handsfree pumping
Are you in the US? The affordable care act made it so all insurances have to cover breast pumps. The only way your insurance doesn't have to cover is if they were grandfathered in. I would double check.

My plan was grandfathered in. I already checked, thanks though!

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