Breast Pumps

JasonKristen · July 2016

I just got off the phone with my insurance company and they said I am good to go to put in an order for a breast pump. I have previously used Medela with no issues, but was wondering what others thought of these brands: Ameda, Freemie, Spectra, Lansinoh, and Hygeia?

What are you getting and why?

618mom22boys · July 2016

My insurance covers those as well but I'm going the rental route (which insurance covers also) and getting an Medela symphony. The reason I'm getting a rental is 1. This is my last baby so I don't need to keep it. 2. I had low supply with my last two and ended up renting a hospital grade pump in he end anyways.

I had an Ameda and Lansinoh and personally for us they did not work. I also think the lansinoh and Ameda are basically the same pump. I've heard great things about the Spectra

camichael84 · July 2016

I got a Hygeia through my insurance with my first. It was decent, but I also ended up renting a hospital grade Medela pump due to low supply. Once my supply got better, I still used the Hygeia when I had to pump on the go (I could plug it into the car, it's lighter and easier to travel with). Not as good as the hospital grade, but no complaints with it.

However, I think I'm going to get the Spectra this time. I've also heard good things about it, and I still have my Hygeia if it doesn't work out.

Ampip2270 · July 2016

I have a Spectra 9+ which was small, portable, and rechargeable (didn't need to be plugged in to work) I love love loved it. I pumped for 11 mos after returning to work and it was a great trusty reliable piece of equipment! I will be getting the Spectra 2 this time around and leaving my 9+ at work (unless I need it for a weekend out or something.)

Sarafuss · July 2016

I chose the Spectra S2. I've gotten Hygeia and Ameda from insurance in the past and they were just okay. I loved the Medela Symphony I rented for my third baby. I had already gotten a Hygeia through my insurance but then I decided to rent and pay OOP since she was in the NICU and the NICU had Symphony pumps set up to use there as well.

I've heard awesome things about the Spectra S2 and that it is comparable to the Medela Symphony so I'm hoping it lives up to it's reputation!

JennM205 · July 2016

I had the Ameda Purely Yours, because that is what was covered by insurance. I liked it all right but also have nothing else to compare it to. I'm curious what I will get this time - thanks for the reminder to call insurance, btw!

The Ameda lasted me the full year after returning to work but definitely wasn't as "strong" at the end as it was in the beginning (or so it seemed...maybe I was just more used to it?) Whatever I get this time around, I hope it works as well or better!

kosmo86 · July 2016

FTM here but I did a ton of research before I chose the spectra s2.

https://bestclothdiapers.net/breastfeeding/the-top-rated-breast-pumps
https://www.mamamilesfiles.com/#!Spectra-S2-vs-Medela-PISA-A-THROWDOWN/c1a1n/562b981f0cf2dee0be972d3b

AnnaS930 · July 2016

I used a Medela Pump in Style last time, only ended up breastfeeding/pumping for 10 weeks but it worked great.. and lent it to a coworker when hers died and it worked great for her too. This time I ordered an Ameda since my Medela still works great. Will try out both, perhaps keep one at home one at work if I am pumping when I come back... won't know until the time comes!

mjpatzwa · July 2016

I'm ordering the Spectra S2 after lots of research and recommendations from other BTDT moms who have tried several different brands. The idea is that it's more of a suckling than a sucking-- more comfortable and it has a good letdown feature compared to the others. Also, has a nightlight. Only downside is that you have to plug it in-- no battery!

drmh22 · July 2016

I used a Medela PISA last time, and loved it. I May get something else this time since my PISA still works fine. A girl needs options!

miam4 · July 2016

I had the Ameda Purely Yours also covered by insurance with DD. They said this time I can either get medela or ameda. I guess I am gonna get the ameda again, just because I have all the parts and because I really like that it has 2 compartments to place the bottles. I was checking the medela they offer and it does not. I had 2 friends that used the medela from the insurance and they would spill the bottles all the time (all know this because they used my office to pump!). I never had that problem, since I could place them on the bottle holders.

nativetexan512 · July 2016

I ordered the Medela Pump In Style without the backpack or bag through insurance. This is the model most friends have which is why I picked it, now wondering if I should have done more research.

estephenson13 · July 2016

i loved the Medela Pump In Style that I used with my last pregnancy! @nativetexan512

KimmySchmidt · July 2016

I called my insurance company today, and now I could have written the exact same post as the OP.

I see see the spectra is polar but I'm curious if anyone has any experience with the freeemie. The no-cone thing looks very inticing.

ketomommy · July 2016

Has anyone found a good website to compare them all?

JasonKristen · July 2016

@KimmySchmidt I am very intrigued by the freemie too. I was hoping someone in here would have a review. After pumping at work for 2+ years I really really really like the idea of popping those in my bra.

PSUBecky23 · July 2016

Ladies who have used the Spectra S2, what bag did you get to carry it in?

mjpatzwa · July 2016

nativetexan512 i'm sure you will be fine, PLUS if your friends have it then they often know hacks and tricks-- so you have a leg up

mjpatzwa · July 2016

@KimmySchmidt friend said you can buy the no cone attachments and attach it to spectra. She said she would show me how if I went that route-- but there is probably a youtube video somewhere.

Alyeena · July 2016

I had a question. I will be a stay at home mom so I am wondering if getting an electrical pump is worth it? I was thinking of going with a manual one since if baby latches well I should not have to use it that often, or am I wrong?

Any other stay at home moms have any advice?

steminist · July 2016

@Alyeena FTM, so I'm interested in the responses you get, too. I will say, though, I will be getting an electric pump for those times when the baby isn't hungry yet, but I feel full of milk. My SIL wasn't a SAHM, but she did pump sometimes before returning to work anyway so that BIL and others could participate in feedings, and so that she could have a bit more flexibility with timing/scheduling the baby. I am also planning a trip without baby at the end of November for my other BIL's kid-free, out-of-state wedding. I'll reevaluate going later, but I am planning to pre-pump enough milk for my parents to watch and feed LO for a long weekend.

Alyeena · July 2016

@Jabreen I was worried about that too if I feel full of milk and baby is not hungry, will the manual pump be enough. Or if I have a low supply and end up needing to feed often.
I just don't know if it is an irrational worry : /

camichael84 · July 2016

@Alyeena I'm a SAHM, and I still needed my electric pump. I actually even rented a hospital grade one. In my case, it was a supply issue at first. Then it was good for pumping when baby was sleeping, and I was full and for a freezer stash. Having milk froze in the freezer was nice so that I could occasionally go out without her, and not have to worry about being home at a certain time to feed her.

This is my personally experience, though. I know some SAHMs who did great with manual pumps. If you insurance covers an electric, then I'd encourage you to get it. If not, you could start with a manual, and get an electric later if you find you need it.

Alyeena · July 2016

@camichael84 Thanks for the input

We don't have insurance that is the main reason I was hesitant, since it is so much more expensive to get an electric one. I mean we can afford one if I end up needing it so I will probably get the manual one first and maybe electric later if I need.

The only annoying thing is they don't sell the mendela ones in Canada, so we have to drive 2 hours to cross the border to go buy it. It's a little silly.

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