All About Breast Pumps

SnarkasaurusRex · January 2017

Hey ladies! I figured that a lot of us probably have questions about how to obtain breast pumps and/or are looking for recommendations about which pumps to get. So, here's the thread for all of your breast pump thoughts and questions!

Obtaining Your Pump
Most insurances cover a breast pump through the ACA (though I have recently learned that some plans are grandfathered in and do not provide this benefit). You can call your insurance company directly to figure out what they will cover for you, or you can use a tool on the Medela site to find what pumps your insurance provider may cover and through which vendors you can purchase your pump. Most of the vendors will allow you to complete a form online to request a pump, and they will verify with your insurance that you are covered and contact your OB/midwife for the prescription.

Choosing A Pump
If you are planning to pump a lot, you may want to look into the double electric pumps, like the Medela Pump-In-Style, the Ameda Purely Yours, the Lansinoh Signature Pro, or the Hygeia Enjoye (these are the most commonly covered double electric pumps). These pumps allow you to pump both breasts at the same time. If you go this route, I also recommend that you get a hands-free pumping bra (or make one with an old sports bra) for extra comfort. Not all pumps are created equal, so once you know what pumps you are qualified for, do some research and read reviews to see how other women liked different pumps before making your decision. In general, everyone will respond to different pumps in different ways, but there are some that have a reputation for being better than others.

Most breast pump companies also offer a single electric pump that will pump one breast at a time. These are generally more affordable and may be a better option if you cannot get a pump through your insurance.

If you are not planning to pump often, you may want to get a manual breast pump (like the Medela Harmony). These can only pump one breast at a time, but I know some women feel as though they are able to get more out with a manual pump, and they prefer them to the electric pumps. These are also more affordable if you are in the position where you cannot get a pump through insurance.

If you find yourself in a position where you require a hospital grade pump, contact your insurance to see if they will cover the cost of renting one. You will need to purchase your own accessories (tubing, flanges, valves, etc.).

Pump Accessories
Insurance companies do not have to cover any accessories for your breast pump. You will probably need to purchase additional values and tubing for your pump, especially if you pump often. What accessories you need will depend on what pump you get and how often you plan to pump, and most brands are not interchangeable with each other. Some accessories that you may want to invest in include:

An "accessories kit" for whichever pump you choose (usually includes additional tubing, valves, shields/flanges, and any other membranes your pump may need to have replaced)
Hands-free pumping bra
Breast milk storage bags (or additional storage bottles)
Cooler w/ice pack for storage on-the-go
Steam Cleaning Bags (that go in the microwave for quick sanitation of your pump parts)

It's also helpful to have an additional set of pump parts if you're going to pump often because it saves the amount of washing you'll need to do (I kept a set of pump parts at work and one at home so I didn't have to haul them back and forth every day).

Used Pumps
If a pump is not covered by your insurance, you may look into getting a used pump. Pumps that are "closed system" are generally the safest, as the expressed breast milk is never in contact with any of the internal pump parts - you would just need a new accessories kit for yourself.

Overwhelmed?
Contact an IBCLC! You can use this website to find one near you (if you are in the US). IBCLCs are generally happy to discuss your needs and concerns about pumping and can provide recommendations on which pump will best fit your needs.

(If there's anything incorrect in here or anything that you think I should add about general pump information, let me know! Pregnancy brain has me feeling stupid today.)

smoochie041719 · January 2017

Thanks so much @SnarkasaurusRex super helpful info for getting started!

All pregnancy I have just assumed I would get a medela pump through my insurance, but it has come to my attention that it would require me to use a transformer to covert the wattage since we live in England. Transformers are bulky, heavy, and expensive so I wouldn't want to buy an extra one since pumps are already bulky enough to cart around, but that would mean I could only pump near outlets where we already have one (the kitchen, the TV, the office) if I get the Medela which is not ideal. So... changing plans. The Spectra is dual voltage and could plug in anywhere and is also offered through my insurance. I'm wondering if anyone has any knowledge or or experience with the spectra products? Thanks!!

SnarkasaurusRex · January 2017

I got an Ameda Purely Yours through insurance, at the recommendation of a friend who is an IBCLC. I was surprised when she recommended it over the Medela, which I had heard universally good reviews about, but I decided to trust my friend. Honestly, I hated that pump. I never felt like I got enough suction through it. I had to switch to exclusive pumping for a few days when DS was in failure to thrive and was hospitalized for an IV, and a small part of me blames the pump on killing my admittedly dismal supply by the time DS was able to nurse again. I switched to a hospital grade pump and didn't use that pump again until I went back to work. This time, I am trusting my gut and getting the Medela.

That being said, I know plenty of people who have gotten the Ameda and loved it...I may have just gotten a bad pump OR my supply issues were just so bad that there was no saving it no matter what pump I used, haha, but I figured I would share in case anyone was interested in hearing about it.

mrsstuessy · January 2017

Count my vote for the manual pump. I always got SOOOOOO much more from the manual pump. I would get maybe an ounce from each breast using the electric pump and I would sometimes get a good 3 ounces from each breast using the manual pump. Also, the manual pump was so much faster. A good 5 minutes one at boob and I was good. It would be double that time with the electric. My boobs never liked the pump much though. I wasn't working much so I never needed to worry about pumping all that much, so the manual worked great for me. Honestly, I am considering skipping the electric one this time. Insurance will cover one for me, after she is born so I guess I will get one. But, I might just keep it boxed up if I can. I shouldn't have a huge need for pumping away from her again.

catem07 · January 2017

@mrsstuessy what kind of manual pump did you use?

KirstinH88 · January 2017

With DS, I was unaware that insurance covered a breast pump. So I registered for a manual pump (I believe Medela). I'm going to start this off by saying that I did not have the best BF-ing experience and I'm hoping that this time will be better. But I hated my pump!! Or maybe I just hated that I didn't have a ton of milk production! Either way, ugh....I was really discouraged a lot during BF-ing. I was the first of my friends to have a child and my sister never BF'd, so I didn't have a ton of support or help. And I never reached out to a LC except for the one visit while I was in the hospital. I'm definitely learning from my past experience and doing everything different this time. I will be getting an electric pump. I'm going to reach out to every single friend of mine who is/has BF'd (there's tons now!) and I will definitely be setting up an appointment with an LC for a few weeks PP just to make sure that everything is going well (in their opinion).

Didn't mean to go off on a tangent, but I'm going to get an electric. Most likely Medela because I've heard wonderful things about it. But I am going to reach out to my BF-ing moms and get their recommendations as well.

HGRich · January 2017

@BabyBlake042017 I've been looking at Spectra too, so I'd be interested in hearing the same.

mdlorenz · January 2017

I've heard really good things from moms who have used the Spectra. No complaints.

Mama5181 · January 2017

After a terrible headache I just ordered my pump with insurance. Based on the recommendation of my J13 BMG I went with the Spectra. They all rave about it.

@KirstinH88 I also had an awful first go around with BF. So I'm hoping and praying this time is so much easier. I pumped after every feeding for months. I hated pumping!!! I used a hospital grade rental for the first 3 months. That thing was so much better. But eventually I adjusted to my madela pisa. Man I hope I don't have to go through all thy again.

mrsstuessy · January 2017

@catem07 I used the Medela Harmony manual breast pump. It's $24ish from Amazon or Target, probably everywhere they sell baby stuff. I ran that baby into the ground. Got a good 20 months of breastfeeding/pumping with that, using it usually once a day, sometimes more. Best $24 I ever spent. Getting myself a new one for this baby. It's funny. I was given a barely used breast pump from a friend, but my mom was bringing it to me and couldn't get it to me until about a weeks and a half after DD1 was born. We picked up the manual one the day after we got home from the hospital because my sanity needed DH to do one of the night feedings with DD1. Only used the nice electric one probably about 25 times over the entire 20 months of breastfeeding I did with DD.

https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Harmony-Manual-Breast-Pump/dp/B0006HBS1M

SnarkasaurusRex · January 2017

@catem07 I also had a Medela Harmony manual pump. I didn't use it much because my IBCLC wanted me on the hospital grade pump or with DS nursing as much as possible. I did find it really easy to use, but I didn't get much production with it (which really means nothing, because I didn't get much production with any pump, haha). The girls in my old BMB could pump INSANE amounts with their manual pumps.

shaunessa · January 2017

mrsstuessy said:

@catem07 I used the Medela Harmony manual breast pump. It's $24ish from Amazon or Target, probably everywhere they sell baby stuff. I ran that baby into the ground. Got a good 20 months of breastfeeding/pumping with that, using it usually once a day, sometimes more. Best $24 I ever spent. Getting myself a new one for this baby. It's funny. I was given a barely used breast pump from a friend, but my mom was bringing it to me and couldn't get it to me until about a weeks and a half after DD1 was born. We picked up the manual one the day after we got home from the hospital because my sanity needed DH to do one of the night feedings with DD1. Only used the nice electric one probably about 25 times over the entire 20 months of breastfeeding I did with DD.

https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Harmony-Manual-Breast-Pump/dp/B0006HBS1M

I think I will try this one this time around! I had an electric and it was pain to take from home, to work, then back home. After reading some reviews on it, sounds like I can get quite a bit in 10 minutes. Thanks for the link!

JustAnotherUsername16 · January 2017

@BabyBlake042017 Spectra is AMAZING. It's relatively new, so you may not hear as much about it but it is consistently getting rave reviews - in fact consumer reports is now ranking it as the top dual breast pump. There are three things that sold me on the Spectra:
1. It's a closed system pump - way more sanitary (Medela is open system - not terrible but you need to clean it a lot more and in a more intense/detailed way)
2. It's a dual pump and most moms who have used it and other pumps swear they got more milk from the Spectra because of the let-down system in the pump
3. It's SOOOO quiet. It doesn't sound like machinery or like a breast pump at all. This is great if you are pumping late at night, or if you, like me, are planning on pumping at work and don't want everyone outside your door to hear you pumping haha.
It's not covered by a lot of insurance plans which is a huge bummer, but if yours does cover it I highly recommend it!!! My insurance plan covers it but it was on back order because it was their #1 choice from moms, but no worries it got here in plenty of time! Just one mom's opinion

MWoodside · January 2017

I have experience with 2 types:

1. Ameda Purely Yours: 5 stars! This pump still works great 6.5 yrs after initial purchase. I had a problem with it once- my fault, I was trying to put something away while pumping and walked too far and it fell off the table. Ameda was amazing with regard to customer service! They overnighted me a pump and in the meantime found a local place with hospital grade rentals right by my work and put one on hold for me. I had to front the $50 deposit and they sent me a check immediately for reimbursement. I went back to this pump after my free pump for DD2 failed (details below) and it still worked perfectly. I love that it's a closed system.

2. Hygeia Enjoye: 1 star. Two thumbs down. Also a closed system. This pump worked well initially. 1 year and 2 days after I received the pump, I noticed milk IN the tubing- this is never supposed to happen with a closed system. I stopped using the pump immediately and called customer service. They took a hardline stance on the 1 year warranty being 2 days past and told me any repairs to the pump, even though it appears to be a manufacturing defect, would be my financial responsibility. They required me to send the pump back at my own expense, with no replacement provided by them, along with $300 non-refundable. At that point they would open it up, determine the cost of repairs and if I chose to proceed with repairs it would be at my own expense if it was over the $300. I chose to throw the pump in the garbage and use my Ameda again.

I should be eligible for another pump unless something changes with Federal guidelines before April. I will get a new Ameda Purely Yours if I can.

smoochie041719 · January 2017

Thanks so much @JustAnotherUsername16 that's super helpful and makes me feel so much better about choosing it. I'll go read a few of the reviews online too!

MWoodside · January 2017

Also, unless there is a medical reason you would need to pump immediately after birth, I recommend waiting until after birth to order the pump. If you intend to BF you need to establish supply anyway, and pumping too soon can lead to massive over supply (ask me how I know. I had this with DD! and it was a headache, let me tell you.) Ordering now will begin the warranty and you will lose 3ish months of your 1 year warranty.

schef070911 · January 2017

@MWoodside That is a good point re:warranty! I had not thought of that. I won't need to pump right away, I'm just worried about how long it will take everything to happen with the ordering.

Thanks all for the advice and @SnarkasaurusRex for starting this thread!

JustAnotherUsername16 · January 2017

Also... most insurances won't let you order a pump unless it is within 30 days of your due date anyway. Usually, if your doctor calls in a prescription for you, they will let you know when you can order.

I'm starting to feel like a Spectra salesperson, but they give you an extra year on your warranty as well so it's 2 years instead of a year. Also nice.

catem07 · January 2017

My doctor ordered a pump for me. I didn't even know it was happening until the medical supply place called and asked if I wanted to pick it up (free) or have it shipped to me ($8). I didn't have to pay anything other than the shipping.

twistsandturnsto2 · January 2017

I had issues BF and after 3 weeks morphed into a exclusive pumper for the duration. For that reason, I will have my pump ready to go at the time of delivery. I wish I would have gotten more support from a LC, this time around I definitely will.

I EPed for 6 months until I weaned- it was hard and I could have kept going but we decided to go back into tx for no. 2. I went through 2 Ameda Purely Yours pumps in that time. Their customer service was great, my pumps- not so much. The first one was from a legit "bad batch" and crapped out rather quickly. I'm going(if possible) with the Medela PIS this time around. It's the pump my hospital uses as well and should LO need to spend time in the nursery again and I have to pump in the hospital, I will get to take home extra parts from them.

Blueberry85 · January 2017

I'll second @mrsstuessy and recommend the Medela manual pump, as well. So quick and easy. I tried my electric pump a couple times, but I definitely did not get as much milk, and I also felt like a cow. I don't know, it was just uncomfortable - physically and emotionally - for me. I've also bought a whole new manual pump for this baby. Even though I'm a SAHM, I like being able to pump to occasionally offer a bottle, especially as we'll be around a lot more family for this baby's infancy, so I'm planning on taking advantage of all the willing babysitters.

rachelmiller03 · January 2017

I have the Medela Pump in Style, and had great results. I got it before DS was born, and I am really glad to have it right away. My milk came in about day 3, and I was so engorged about day 5 that I needed relief. I also found out I have an overactive let-down, so pumping just a little before bf-ing helped to not "hose" DS. I used my Medela for almost 11 months 3-4 times a day. As long as I ordered new part every few months (which are very inexpensive), I didn't have any issues.

I pumped at work, I'll be honest, it is really hard. It is not a "break". I felt terrible every time I had to stop what I was doing to go pump. If I was in a meeting that went long, and was nervous I would let down during the meeting. I am the only person in my office who pumps, so it was also awkward to tell co-workers, "sorry, I have to go pump now". I would have much rather been breastfeeding my baby. I do not look forward to doing it all over again just a year and a half later. However, because of my pumping, I was able to not only feed my son for 14+ months, but another adopted baby as well. Any FTM's or BTDT moms have questions about pumping, breastfeeding, or just support, I am here for you!

SnarkasaurusRex · January 2017

I'd also suggest getting the ball rolling on getting your pump ahead of time. As I mentioned before, I had severe supply issues so I needed to start pumping right away to try and save my supply. Plus, I had brought my pump with me to the hospital and the IBCLC taught me how to use it before I ever left, which was super helpful. Most insurance companies will not ship your pump until 30 days before your due date (with DS I think mine arrived two weeks before), so you wouldn't burn THAT far into your warranty and you would have the pump if you needed it right away.

catem07 · January 2017

@SnarkasaurusRex That's a great idea, to bring the pump to the hospital. I'm going to do that!

Goodmorning12 · January 2017

Jumping from March Moms but I'd suggest getting that pump sooner rather than later. You never know when you will need it...as soon as 28 weeks hit (when my insurance would cover it) my OB gave me little choice in the matter. Madela arrived 2 days later.

Mama5181 · January 2017

I'm not trying to start a debate but with the possibility of health care changes with a new president taking office was another reason I went ahead and got my order placed for my pump. I know it's a long shot but I just didn't feel like risking not getting one covered.

SnarkasaurusRex · January 2017

@Mama5181 That was exactly why I got the ball rolling last weekend, then the midnight vote happened a few days later. While I don't think a repeal would happen over night, and I don't know (legally) how it can affect plans for this year, I'd rather not risk it, especially since it's starting to look like they'll repeal ACA before coming up with a replacement.

HGRich · January 2017

@rachelmiller03 you got to help feed an adopted baby??? I love it! My mother adopted my older brother as a baby and said she wished she could have had someone to provide breast milk. That's awesome.

zenurez · January 2017

It was also suggested to me that I order my breast pump early since it's unclear as to what changes the new government might bring to my health care plan.

Also, I was told i could order 90 days in advance of birth several times. Today they told me it's close enough I can go ahead and order, even though it's like 98 days out. Lol.

I'm getting a Spectra S1 because I may need the battery option for my work. It costs extra. The S2 is entirely covered by my insurance, but I'm worried I'd have to buy a converter to use in my car with the S2. Of course, maybe the converter is less than the additional cost for S1. Lol.

pammasu0909 · January 2017

BTW, a lot of pump accessories can be purchased through an FSA, you jsut have to purchase through an approved vendor.

rachelmiller03 · January 2017

@hgrich yes, I was blessed with an amazing supply. I was able to give my colleague and his wife over 2,000 oz for their beautiful baby boy. My husband always said it was my "calling" in life to feed all the babies. And if I didn't have to work full time, I probably would!

super_sam03 · January 2017

Luckily, my insurance covers breast pumps. My doctor got the paperwork out to a vendor and I just had to pick which one I wanted (went with the Medela Pump in Style) and they will process the order 90 days prior to my due date. I just emailed them today to make sure it's been processed and I should receive it soon. Also, based on what everyone's saying about the manual pump, I had some extra buckaroos on an Amazon gift card, so I ordered the Medela harmony manual pump. I added accessories to my registry since that is not covered by insurance.

catem07 · January 2017

I can get the Harmony manual pump through my FSA store but it's almost $20 more than it is on Amazon. Given that I expect to spend all my FSA money this year, I'll probably just pay for it out of pocket.

lovelongdog06 · January 2017

Super bummed. I found out today the pump I wanted, the Spectra, isn't covered by my insurance. In fact, the only pump that IS covered, is the Ameda Purely Yours, which doesn't seem to be the greatest. Now I have to decide whether to shell out the cash for the one I actually want or use the Hygeia I already have.

LittleChick2 · January 2017

I use got the ball rolling on ordering my pump yesterday. After looking through several old threads I decided to go through the website Aeroflow, they'll handle everything from contacting my insurance and determining coverage to ordering the pump. From what I've read if insurance doesn't cover the Spectra that I want, I can just pay whatever the difference is.

ebloom3 · January 2017

We bought ours the first time (DD was born in 2011) and used it for both kids (DS was born in 2013). I exclusively pumped with DD and BF DS. I work, so I had to pump at work. I had the Medela PIS and loved it. I am considering getting a Medela Sonata this time. The other pump had some age on it and I like the features of the Sonata.

cafedisco · January 2017

I agree with waiting for warranty purposes. But I would not wait until after birth. I had to pump nearly immediately because my baby had jaundice and my milk did not come in...If we were trying to figure out how to actually get the damn pump during that time, it would have just added to the stress.

Another manual pump lover here! I liked that you could stop and start without the hassle of connecting/unconnecting. I pumped during a few weddings that way too. Way easier than trying to bring the whole setup.

I had the Medela. The biggest learning curve for me was that I didn't realize you could get different size flanges (the plastic part that goes over your breast) for several months. This made a big difference in comfort for me. I ordered a lot online that came with lots of sizes and shapes to try and a mom from my BMB split it.

Since I still have my Medela, I'll be getting a new brand this time to see if something works better for me. Even though I had supply issues, I think part of my trouble was I never responded to the pump. I only ever got drops, except from my manual.

cafedisco · January 2017

Pumpin Pals was the name of that kit. I can't add a link from mobile but it's easy to find on Amazon.

Nolegirl1185 · January 2017

I do not have experience as I will be a FTM but I spent weeks reading reviews and asking on many different facebook groups for other mom's opinions on breast pumps. The one that my insurance covered that had the best reviews was the Medela Pump in Style so that it was I ordered. I did this several weeks ago as I was told it would need to be done so many days in advance. From the time I filled out the online order to arrival at my house was 4 days. I really hope that it works out for me!

jennielynn+ · January 2017

I have the Medela PIS and my OB recently ordered me the newest lansinoh. It supposedly has neat app that helps monitor stuff. I had no issues with my MPIS except nipple shields. I had no idea I was using the wrong size. My pepperonis are large but, turns out my nips are not what they appear. I'm actually smaller than standard and had much better and faster results after ordering a smaller size nipple shield online. Of course baby can always get more than the pump will.

I want to tell the FTM that medela also gives you free access to an online academy where you can learn about your boobs in action, boob troubles, pumping and bf. It is very informative. I had no idea things like milk knives and thrush were normal. Of course, when this board moves to fabo, a lot of golden wisdom will be passed around in real time.

I'm also going to get a hand pump for the car for this baby. I think it will be great to have on hand if I'm out and about or baby is napping.

chelle087 · January 2017

@jennielynn+ I bought the car adapter for my PIS when I was pumping for DS. Might be an option for you if the hand pump
doesnt work out as planned.

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