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October 2014 Moms
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Manual Breast Pump?

courtney8806courtney8806 member
in October 2014 Moms
I am currently using a Medela Pump in Style and am planning on using it when I go back to work. But it's suuuuch a pain to set up, use, and clean when I'm at home with DD. I was looking at possibly picking up a Medela Symphony for occasional home use. I pump occasionally to build a stash and if DH or my mom gives her a bottle of expessed milk and I miss a feeding. Does anyone have experience with the Symphony? Obviously everyone will be different, but how long does it take you to pump with it (or another manual) compared to an electric? Do you feel that it works well? Difficult to clean? Haha...I'm full of questions!
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Re: Manual Breast Pump?

  • DreadGamerWifeDreadGamerWife member
    I bought one to keep by my bedside to help with night time engorgement.  So, I don't use it to empty me - just pump to comfort - about an ounce or so.  For me, that takes about five minutes or so from start.  If I am using it to finish draining me when C falls asleep before she finishes, it goes a lot quicker as I don't have to mimic let down.

    I think it works well and is pretty easy to clean.  Sometimes, I manually clean it and use the Medela sanitizing microwave bags.  Other times, I wash it in my dishwasher (in a bottle basket most of the parts).  A lot easier than going downstairs to use the electric in the middle of the night.  

    Married 10/06

    Baby Girl "C" arrived on 10/07/14 (39 weeks, 6 days)


     

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  • griffersgriffers member
    I have the Medela Harmony and actually started using it at work instead of my PISA. Its just such a faster set up and I get more out faster. I just wish it wouldn't make my hand cramp up sometimes. But I try to switch hands often.
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  • courtney8806courtney8806 member
    Thanks, ladies!
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  • LindzoidLindzoid member
    I have a medela manual pump that I use to pump the breast LO isn't taking for MOTN and first morning feedings. This is how I built my stash up from day 1. I usually don't even pump as long as LO nurses.
    I am happy with it!!
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  • pushgal84pushgal84 member
    I love my medela hand pump and keep it in my diaper bag. I EP and find that sometimes I'm away from my double electric pump longer than anticipated and need a quick pump. Something to keep in mind is you can only pump one side at a time with the manual, so it'll take twice as long. Your hands will probably get tired too. AND cleaning wise, it's not much less. I can never get as much with the manual as the electric, but frankly, I don't have the hand stamina to manually pump each boob for 15 min! If you're only using it after BFing then it might be a good choice, but if you're planning on a full pumping session, I'd just go with the electric since its faster and more effective IMO.

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  • griffersgriffers member
    I just put my manual still assembled into a freezer bag and seal tight and keep it refrigerated while I'm at work. Makes set up basically non existent and I've never had any problems.
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  • courtney8806courtney8806 member
    Yes! I meant the Harmony. Lack of sleep :)
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  • Leysin97Leysin97 member
    starla487 said:


    alfibet said:

    Never thought of this for MOTN engorgement. Good idea! I asked this before but didn't get an answer, but why put the parts in the fridge? I don't get it :-??



    I think it will stop bacteria from growing. However, if you use a bottle brush or sponge to clean the parts, you spread bacteria as well. So I don't really know. An LC in the hospital told me to do it.

    Wait what? I'm not supposed to use a bottle brush either? I have one I exclusively use for baby stuff.
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