Breast pump question

AmadorRose · February 2016

So I know we've had several threads about pumps but I can't find one that relates to my question. Any advice would be appreciated because I know we're hitting crunch time and I need to make a decision.

For the different options I'm offered that my insurance will covered, I'm looking at the Medela PISA or the Spectra S2. Everyone seems to love the Medela but the open-system concept makes me nervous, as I may have to pump in the field (dirty environment with far higher chance of dirt and grime getting all up in the parts. I also wouldn't have access to clean the parts properly if I had backflow. It also doesn't have the sucking options that the S2 has.

The S2 is hospital-grade and the sucking strength can be adjusted to match your baby, which is especially helpful if you have trouble with letdown or production from what I've read. It's a closed system, so it seems like there would be less chance for bacteria to grow if I get sent to the field.

The problem is that I don't know anyone with the S2 and the people I know who have used the Medela used the version before the PISA. I'm seriously worried about making the wrong choice and hating the pump or not being able to pump and being forced to give up bfing before I'm ready.

blonde151188 · February 2016

I don't know how much help this will be to you, but I am an avid medela fan. I used my freestyle for 3 kids until it just died and I went to the medela manual after that.

That being said, this time around I chose the spectra. All the reviews seem to be good, and you can't beat hospital grade. I went with the S1 because it has a battery whereas the S2 does not and I usually end up pumping in my car at work.

I hope that helps, that someone who swears by medela is going for spectra. Haha mine is coming in Thursday, and with baby being here this week, I'm sure I'll start using it by Sunday at least, I'll make sure to let you know what I think. Hopefully that's in enough time for you to make a decision?

AK118 · February 2016

I have no mom experience with them, but faced the same choice you have. I went with the spectra (upgraded to 1) because of the reasons you mentioned. I think some people prefer the Medela because the parts and accessories can be purchased at various retailers and Spectra is online only. From what I've read, I think you'll be happy either way.

spicedice · February 2016

As someone who used to exclusively pump, I would go for hospital grade over a normal pump any day of the week!

brie_and_almonds · February 2016

I can't speak to the Spectra vs. Medela scenario, but I will say that I have the PISA and the "open system" concept had me a bit worried until I got the actual pump. The tubes connect from you to the pump, and when you look behind the faceplate of the pump, it's just a silicone disk that moves in and out to create suction. It would be very easy to wipe down if it got dirty, though in 18 mos of moderate use (pumping 8x/day for the first 4-5 months, then 3 or 4x from 5-15, and once from 15-18) mine never needed it.

As far as milk backflow goes, I only had that happen a couple of times. It was pretty easy to avoid by making sure I didn't let the bottles get too full or bend over while attached to the pump.

ETA: Condensation did sometimes build up in the tubes, so I would let the pump run with just tubes attached for a couple minutes after I finished pumping to dry them out. That more than anything might cause them to get a bit dirty if you are in an environment with a lot of particles in the air. Not sure if the climate had any connection to that or not, or if it's something that would need to be done with the Spectra (probably depends on what point the system becomes "closed"), but it's something to consider.

Monicagail1 · February 2016

I've seen a lot of chatter about the Spectra S1/S2 recently in another group I participate in. I've used a Medela PISA and Symphony in the past. I preferred the Symphony over the PISA, but I am seriously thinking about getting the S1 this time around. The battery pack option would be great for me, as I'm on the road a lot during the day (although I did use a battery pack and power cord converter for the car with my PISA), and the different phases of suck options seems great too. Those in the other group who have used both overall seem to prefer the Spectra, although there are always some people who liked the Medela better.

CCLow87 · February 2016

Now I'm having FOMO over this spectra pump! I bought the medals freestyle awhile back, and didn't know anything about the spectra. I used a PISA with my daughter and it was great, but I didn't have anything to compare it to.

AnnikaD20 · February 2016

I used a PISA last time and loved it, and I have no experience with the Spectra. I don't think I ever once had any milk backflow, so I'm not sure that's a huge thing to worry about. The PISA has a letdown/stimulation mode and a pumping mode, and I wonder how that compares to the sucking options on the spectra. You can adjust the intensity of both the letdown mode and the pumping mode on the PISA, which like you said is pretty important. (There's a sweet spot where you get good flow without putting too much strain on your nipples.)

Anyway, the PISA is a really good pump and I think it would meet your needs, but given the choice I'd probably get the Spectra. It sounds like people who have used both like the Spectra better.

blonde151188 · February 2016

CCLow87 said:

Now I'm having FOMO over this spectra pump! I bought the medals freestyle awhile back, and didn't know anything about the spectra. I used a PISA with my daughter and it was great, but I didn't have anything to compare it to.

No clue what FOMO is

, but I've gone back and forth, and back and forth on whether to get what I know (freestyle) or take a chance with the spectra. I LOVED the freestyle, and like I said it worked awesome through 2 1/2 kids, So I think you'll be good with the freestyle. I was going to get it again, but DH convinced me to try the spectra.

Ready4theParty · February 2016

I am a huge Medela fan. With my first I was given an Ameda which I absolutely do not recommend. So I went and bought a Medela freestyle. I love it and plan to use it for this Dd but would like a back up just incase. I've heard good things about the Spectra but will be sticking to the Medela this time around.

emgee27 · February 2016

This post came just in time! I thought only the PISA was covered by my insurance, but the Spectra S2 is listed in my options online too. Thnx for the post!

CCLow87 · February 2016

blonde151188 said:

CCLow87 said:

Now I'm having FOMO over this spectra pump! I bought the medals freestyle awhile back, and didn't know anything about the spectra. I used a PISA with my daughter and it was great, but I didn't have anything to compare it to.

No clue what FOMO is , but I've gone back and forth, and back and forth on whether to get what I know (freestyle) or take a chance with the spectra. I LOVED the freestyle, and like I said it worked awesome through 2 1/2 kids, So I think you'll be good with the freestyle. I was going to get it again, but DH convinced me to try the spectra.

lol Fear of missing out!! :P

TKaiser91 · February 2016

I used the PISA last time and loved it. I got a new one through insurance, also a PISA, because that's all they offered. Had they offered the Spectra I would have gotten it instead. Even though I love my PISA and I have all the extras and to go bag for it, I've heard wonderful things about Spectra and would have wanted to try it.

pinottoparenthood · February 2016

The PISA is great. I was never able to clean my pump or any of the parts during the day,but I just kept them in Ziplocs in my mini fridge and ran through the dishwasher at night. I don't know anything about the other pump so I'm probably not that helpful!

AmadorRose · February 2016

Ya'll are so great! I only know people with Medelas and when my mom was an l&d nurse, all they used were Medela. I'll have to check into how much an upgrade on the spectra would be because I'm sure I'll need to pump away from a plug at some point and I'm not keen on the manual pumps. It really sounds like I can't go wrong either way!

As long as I have all of your wisdom, would you advise getting a manual pump for just in case the good pump breaks or dies? I'd hate to be stuck without one and have to wait for a replacement...

blonde151188 · February 2016

AmadorRose said:

Ya'll are so great! I only know people with Medelas and when my mom was an l&d nurse, all they used were Medela. I'll have to check into how much an upgrade on the spectra would be because I'm sure I'll need to pump away from a plug at some point and I'm not keen on the manual pumps. It really sounds like I can't go wrong either way!

As long as I have all of your wisdom, would you advise getting a manual pump for just in case the good pump breaks or dies? I'd hate to be stuck without one and have to wait for a replacement...

After my freestyle pump died with my 3rd, I bought a medela manual and used it as my primary pump for months. I used it every day, multiple times a day and it worked just fine. So if you want to, it wouldn't hurt.

cmjenkies · February 2016

I'm sticking with the PISA likely, knowing that I will be doing a lot of pumping on the road and can get an car power adapter. I feel like I'd rather that over the battery option. I've used Medela in the past so I'm comfortable with their products.

imrachellea · February 2016

@AmadorRose I bought the Medela Harmony, a single manual, when my stupid Ameda just wasn't cutting it anymore. It worked fantastically. To the point that I used it only. Yeah it was a pain to pump each side separately, yeah it was a pain that I had to do it manually, but in the end it worked better than my double electric Ameda. Needless to say, I'm glad I got a double Medela this time around (though am also having FOMO on this Spectra now, that I've never heard of haha). The Harmony isn't bad to have around, especially as something to take to the field if that is a sometimes but not always situation. I got mine for only $20-25 (can't remember exactly) and Burlington and I have it ready to go this time around as well.

cmjenkies · February 2016

@imrachellea I liked the Harmony too really - j just got another for this one on super clearance for 10$. It's so handy to have.

CCLow87 · February 2016

I always recommend a manual! It's great for girls nights out, date night, etc if you need to pump to keep up supply!

Lilpenguin3 · February 2016

I'm getting the spectra after talking to a few people in my new mom's group. A few girls have it and love it. Apparently it's big in Europe I think but doesn't get a lot of recognition here bc everyone just gets the medela.

pinottoparenthood · February 2016

blonde151188 said:

AmadorRose said:

Ya'll are so great! I only know people with Medelas and when my mom was an l&d nurse, all they used were Medela. I'll have to check into how much an upgrade on the spectra would be because I'm sure I'll need to pump away from a plug at some point and I'm not keen on the manual pumps. It really sounds like I can't go wrong either way!

As long as I have all of your wisdom, would you advise getting a manual pump for just in case the good pump breaks or dies? I'd hate to be stuck without one and have to wait for a replacement...

After my freestyle pump died with my 3rd, I bought a medela manual and used it as my primary pump for months. I used it every day, multiple times a day and it worked just fine. So if you want to, it wouldn't hurt.

I had a manual pump, and while it came in handy a few times in a pinch (pumping in a bathroom stall at a wedding reception, etc.), I really didn't like it. It took forever, made my hand sore, wasn't as comfortable, and I couldn't do anything else while I was pumping. I didn't have a really nice one though.

cmjenkies · March 2016

Where are you guys ordering your pumps from? I've seen a few different options but any personal experience or recommendations?

AmadorRose · March 2016

cmjenkies said:

Where are you guys ordering your pumps from? I've seen a few different options but any personal experience or recommendations?

I'm ordering mine from pumpingessentials.com because they take my insurance and their customer service is supposed to be amazing.

yodiggity · March 2016

Mine is being ordered through McKesson but my insurance company is handling all that. I just had to email them the prescription and tell them which one I wanted. They're suppose to ship it on 3/8 (a month before my dd).

mumidi · March 2016

I got a Medela from McKesson. My only choices through my insurance were Medela and Ameda. I had inquired through Edgepark and they told me I had to wait until I delivered. When I contacted McKesson they checked my insurance and said I could order right away. I think I did everything on a Tuesday and had my pump by Friday. Super easy.

skc040512 · March 2016

McKesson here, too...My insurance won't pay for it until I deliver though, so McKesson will let you place your order on hold, and then you just have to call them from the hospital to release it. It ships in 4-5 business days, or you can pay to overnight it.

yodiggity · March 2016

That's so dumb that they make you wait. I think it depends on the insurance company though rather than McKesson because like I said, that's who mine is coming from and my insurance company wont let them ship it til 30 days prior to my EDD.

I do know BRU rents pumps but honestly it's probably cheaper/easier just to buy a manual and use the manual for a few days til your electric pump arrives. Plus the hospital will have them to use while you're there at least.

skc040512 · March 2016

yodiggity said:

That's so dumb that they make you wait. I think it depends on the insurance company though rather than McKesson because like I said, that's who mine is coming from and my insurance company wont let them ship it til 30 days prior to my EDD.

I do know BRU rents pumps but honestly it's probably cheaper/easier just to buy a manual and use the manual for a few days til your electric pump arrives. Plus the hospital will have them to use while you're there at least.

Yeah, I'm not too worried. I'm planning on BF as much as possible anyway. I figure I'll be in the hospital one of the days, and I'm a super light sleeper so when the baby is awake, I'll probably wake up too...might as well BF her then, too! I'm off work for a minimum of 10 weeks (no idea if I'm going back STILL because my boss keeps going back and forth on how he wants to hire...), so I've got plenty of time to adjust

kalanieileen · March 2016

Looks like my insurance only covers breast pumps through their own hospital. So I can get a hospital grade breast pump after he is born. I've called so many places to see if my insurance works with breast pump providers and apparently they don't. So bummed I have to pay for medela if I want to try it!

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