August 2018 Moms

Product Spotlight 12/25: Breast Pumps and Accessories!

I almost forgot today was Monday!

This is a place for FTMs to ask questions and S+TMs to share the wealth of knowledge they've accumulated on baby products. Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product to help streamline and make it easier to refer back. This week it's.... breast pumps and nursing accessories! (Note: we have another thread scheduled to talk more specifically about formula and formula-feeding accessories.)
 
Please use the prompts below to try to share as much relevant info as you can in a format that is easy for those reading to absorb/respond to. If you'd like to recommend/ask questions about more than one product, please copy/paste the prompts as needed.  

For S+TMs: 
Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
What you like about it:
What you don't like about it, if anything:
Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you don't have but are considering? Why?:
Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: 
Additional thoughts on [breast pump/nursing accessory], specifically any tips re: insurance?:

For FTMs:
How often do you drive/do you want to use your carseat as a carrier: 
[breast pump/nursing accessory] you're interested in:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?:


«134

Re: Product Spotlight 12/25: Breast Pumps and Accessories!

  • ecwkecwk member
    edited December 2017
    Favorite : Medela Pump In Style Advanced (Starter Set) 


    Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): I got it free through insurance 


    What you like about it: I've nothing to compare it to but it worked great for me! 


    What you don't like about it, if anything: 


    Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you don't have but are considering? Why?: I have those pouch things you put in your non nursing side that's supposed to collect leaking milk. Never used it last time but definitely will this time! 


    Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: 

    Additional thoughts on [breast pump/nursing accessory], specifically any tips re: insurance?:

    I don't know what I expected as a FTM but if you want to pump handsfree you need a pumping bra too! You can cut slits in a sports bra too! 

    Lactation consultants won't give you a nipple shield easily, at least in my experience. I would not have been successful at breastfeeding without one and I used the Medela ones. If you need one as I did (in our case due to poor latch / nipple issues / mild lip/tongue tie) then do not feel guilty about it! 

    When freezing breastmilk, push as much air out of the bags as possible. Freeze the bags flat for easier storage and defrosting. 

    If you don't seem to be responding well to the pump, check that the flange is the right size for you. 

    Be sure to call different vendors. The first vendor I called did not offer the pump I wanted and eventually ended up getting. You may need a prescription from your OB to get the pump. 



    August '18 April Siggy Challenge: April Showers





                                                              Lilypie Maternity tickers
                                                                                           

    Pregnancy Ticker
  • Loading the player...
  • Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]: I have an Ameda
    Link/picture:
    Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): It was covered by insurance.
    What you like about it: it works well and is compatible with a lot of other bottles.

    What you don't like about it, if anything: It isn’t as popular and you have to order replacement parts online.

    Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you don't have but are considering? Why?: I hear good things about the Spectra. If I get another one through insurance I may consider switching.
     
    Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: Nursing covers never worked for me. I do the two shirt method 

    Additional thoughts on [breast pump/nursing accessory], specifically any tips re: insurance?: The website yummymummystore.com is really good at making it easy. You give them all your information and they contact your doctor and insurance company for you. They really took care of everything and made it simple.
    *Siggy Warning*
    Lilypie Second Birthday tickers

  • @lalala2004 I used yummymummy too! It was so, so easy!

    Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]: I used the Hygeia Enjoye breast pump and I really liked it. I exclusively pumped until DD turned 1, so my pump was practically my best friend.  :p

    Link/picture: https://yummymummystore.com/hygeia-enriche-q.html (Having trouble with hyperlink! This isn't the exact one I used but they probably changed it in the last few years.)

    Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): I got it through my insurance so I'm not sure. I think it was probably mid-range though. 

    What you like about it: Really easy to use and it was never painful at all, even on the highest setting. The parts held up really well and were very easy to clean. 

    What you don't like about it, if anything: Nothing really, but it was the only one I used and I have nothing to compare it to. 

    Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you don't have but are considering? Why?: Nothing I can think of yet. 

    Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: Agree with @lalala2004 that nursing covers were really difficult to use. I'm lucky that my workplace offers pumping facilities, but they were tiny rooms that were usually occupied by several pumping women, so I tried using the covers at first, but eventually stopped being shy and just let it all hang out!  ;)

    Additional thoughts on [breast pump/nursing accessory], specifically any tips re: insurance?: A tip I learned that was helpful is that you don't have to clean your pumping parts after each use. I dumped the milk into containers, then put the parts back together and placed them in a large plastic bag and stuck it in the fridge. By doing that, I only had to clean the parts once a day or every 2 days since they stayed cold and didn't get gross!
    *TW*
    Me: 31 | DH: 33
    DD1: 8/2014  <3
    TTC #2: 6/2017
    BFP 8/3/2017 | CP 8/4
    BFP 10/16/2017 | CP 10/21
    BFP 12/18/2017 | CP 12/28
    BFP 2/15/2018 | EDD: November 2nd | It's a girl!
    DD2: 10/2018  <3
  • SmashJamSmashJam member
    edited December 2017
    @offtoneverland @lalala2004 I am a STM+ and had never heard of yummy mummy-where was this the last two times?!?! I just checked it out and it seems my insurance will cover a spectra not JUST a medela PISA which is all they offered me last time...must be that was all the people around me had in stock. Thanks for the info!
  • I meant to add above that it is handy to have a hand pump as well!! 


    Does anyone know if insurance typically covers a pump for a second+ child. DS will be 29 months next August if that means anything... I guess it depends on insurance but just wondering if anyone has experience? 

    August '18 April Siggy Challenge: April Showers





                                                              Lilypie Maternity tickers
                                                                                           

    Pregnancy Ticker
  • @ecwk Yes, I'm pretty sure you can get a new pump each calendar year. Maybe that's not standard across all types of insurance, but that's what I've heard. 
    *TW*
    Me: 31 | DH: 33
    DD1: 8/2014  <3
    TTC #2: 6/2017
    BFP 8/3/2017 | CP 8/4
    BFP 10/16/2017 | CP 10/21
    BFP 12/18/2017 | CP 12/28
    BFP 2/15/2018 | EDD: November 2nd | It's a girl!
    DD2: 10/2018  <3
  • Mobile bump is giving me a hard time tonight, sorry if the formatting is a disaster!

    Pumps: I started with a Medela freestyle and manual harmony, switched to Spectra S1 about 3 months in because I didn’t respond well to the medela.

    Medela freestyle was $380 and Spectra S1 was $200. I didn’t go through insurance because they didn’t offer the models I wanted. I didn’t even think to call other vendors! *duh*

    I loved the Spectra and would recommend it to anyone, it used more of a suckling sensation rather than the vacuum that the medela used and I responded to it much better. I had low supply so I was willing to try anything to get a better response. I only pumped until 6 months because my supply tanked after going back to work and I was losing my mind watching my output drop. Fed is best!

    I would also recommend considering bringing a small manual like the harmony to the hospital. It can help draw those first drops of colostrum to the surface quickly to help LO latch 

    Also ditto the hands free pump bra, using a sports bra is a great tip!

    Breast massage before and during the pump session will help get more milk out so having a hands free bra is awesome.

    The right size phalange is key, there are all sorts of diagrams in Google land to help you find your fit or a lactation consultant will help. 

    1000x yes on the pump parts in the fridge. Lifesaver. Also, have backup valves and membranes on hand. When those things go out the suction tanks and it takes forever to finish.
    Aug '18 Siggy Challenge - April Showers


    Me: 37   Him: 38
    Married 11.07.2015

    Pregnancy Ticker
  • Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]: Medela Pump in Style Advanced
    Link/picture:
    Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): 100% covered by insurance- I had OB write a prescription for it
    What you like about it: it got the job done
    What you don't like about it, if anything: I EPed (exclusively pumped) because DS struggled with latching and was loosing too much weight. Anyway, the motor started to become much less effective and louder as I got closer to the one year mark, likely due to heavier use than is generally expected (many ladies only supplement by pumping).
    Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you don't have but are considering? Why?: n/a
    Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: 
    Additional thoughts on [breast pump/nursing accessory], specifically any tips re: insurance?: this time I plan to ask for hospital grade quality because it’s more efficient and effective. Definitely make sure you get the hands free bra and the special soap to clean the bottles. Due to EP, I purchased 4-6 sets of supplies because I was going nuts constantly washing parts. Even if you plan to EP, nursing bras are a must in my book. Buying all needed supplies in advance is very important- it can be difficult to get it all together after LO arrives- even if you don’t plan on pumping until you go back to work.
  • Yeah, I think I’ll buy a hand free pumping bra this time to make it easier. I may even try to pump while doing my work from home job to save time. So I’ll definitely be looking for recommendations for that. I don’t plan on working outside the home as much this time, so likely won’t be pumping as much, but I still want a stash for date nights and such.
    *Siggy Warning*
    Lilypie Second Birthday tickers

  • melpropmelprop member
    edited December 2017
    I had DS 7yrs ago, and first used my pump 7 yrs ago tonight, so things have changed a lot since then.

     Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]: Phillips Avent double electric pump (I’ve heard these pumps have gone down in quality since then.)

     Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $200 in 2010 (before ACA covered pumps)

     What you like about it: It’s a closed system unlike the Medela, so you don’t have to clean the tubing. All the parts that touch milk are dishwasher safe, and back then the pump came with 2 sets of parts. It could be used as a single or double pump. It was very comfortable, and my supply didn’t drop when I had to pump more often than nurse.

     What you don't like about it, if anything: I’m not sure if it still works like it’s supposed to. It’s been sitting in my attic for 6 years, though, so I’m not complaining if it doesn’t work anymore.

    Is there a breast pump/nursing accessory you don't have but are considering? Why?: If my ins will cover a free pump, I want to get a Spectra. It’s also a closed system, and I’ve heard very good things about it. If my ins won’t cover it, I may buy one myself if my Avent pump won’t work. Also, when I would pump and not freeze milk, I used Evenflo storage bottles I found for about $1 each. They come with flat caps for milk storage, and they’re marked in oz. For freezer storage I used ice cube trays, then transferred the cubes into dated quart freezer bags. It was much easier to pour milk into a freezer tray than to get it into storage bags.

     Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: I hated the handsfree bra. Maybe because I have pretty small boobs, but it never worked for me.

     Additional thoughts on [breast pump/nursing accessory]: Even if your ins covers a nice pump, invest $25 into a good single manual pump. You never know when it’ll come in handy. I used one to relieve pain from fullness while DS was asleep or when he only nursed on one side. It was also nice for pumping on long car trips, when it was easier to pump & bottle feed than to nurse, and when I didn’t have easy access to an electric outlet.
  • How did I forget the hands free pumping bra?! It was such a lifesaver for me. A friend told me she cut slits in a sports bra but that never would have worked for me because I'm a DD and need all the support I can get. I used the Simple Wishes hands free bra ($35 on Amazon) and loved it. When pumping I would just flip my nursing bra down and zip the hands free bra over top. Easy peasy and I could read a book or play on my phone while pumping! Link in spoiler.
    *TW*
    Me: 31 | DH: 33
    DD1: 8/2014  <3
    TTC #2: 6/2017
    BFP 8/3/2017 | CP 8/4
    BFP 10/16/2017 | CP 10/21
    BFP 12/18/2017 | CP 12/28
    BFP 2/15/2018 | EDD: November 2nd | It's a girl!
    DD2: 10/2018  <3
  • Worst accessory ever: reusable breast pads. I thought I was doing something good by getting cotton breast pads, but I leaked through those things so quickly. Disposable ones are the way to go.

    Tip: if your pump isn't doing the same suction it once was, try replacing the membranes. Made all the difference for me.

    I'm definitely going to invest in a manual pump this time. I got suck with dead batteries at a wedding once, and that was not a pretty sight 
  • @7425cait Had to jump in to give my opposite opinion, no offense. Every body is different.  :*

    Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]: reusable breast pads
    Link/picture: whatever was cheap on Amazon
    Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $
    What you like about it: Soft and washable so you don't have to buy again.
    What you don't like about it, if anything:
    Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you don't have but are considering? Why?: I think I have all the things...
    Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: I couldn't do disposable breast pads because they would somehow always flip and stick to me, which was painful. I just changed the reusable ones often.
    Additional thoughts on [breast pump/nursing accessory], specifically any tips re: insurance?: +1 for hands free pumping bra. I usually pump one side while nursing on the other, and that was the most reasonable way to do so. Also it is very boring to pump both sides if you have to hold with two hands and can't bump while you pump  :D
    TTGP December Siggy Challenge: Favourite Holiday Movie Moment

  • Has anyone had experience with the Naya? I think that is the one I am going to get but wanted to see if there was any feedback from users. I will be going back to work at about 12 weeks and hubby will be taking care of the little one and I will be pumping. I have a design sales job where I am on the road a lot meeting clients and need ease of use, quiet, lightweight and the best pump out there. If anyone knows of a better option let me know!
  • **lurking until S18 is open**

    @lalala2004 I absolutely love the Rumina pumping bras (the kind that actually have straps like a real bra, but they have all kinds, available on Amazon). You can wear it all day and use it as a nursing bra too. I hated the idea of having to change bras to pump hands-free at work. They are kinda pricey but totally worth it IMO for the convenience. I have three and rotate through them. I’m pretty sure they will hold up for this next LO, though I’m still pumping at work for the time being. 
  • These flanges were a LIFESAVER for me. I exclusively pumped due to latch and overproduction issues, and was very prone to clogged ducts and *TMI Tuesday* yeast infections on my nipples. These are a must have for anyone with a larger chest (I'm 34DDD when not pregnant/nursing, currently wearing my 36 F/G nursing bras and 36DDD sports bras).
    I also had the Freemie flange/cups, which unfortunately did not work for me, but they would have been absolutely amazing if they had.
    https://www.amazon.com/Pumpin-Pal-Mesh-Bag-Lansinoh/dp/B00GJ4QTRE/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1514295089&sr=8-4&keywords=pumping+pal+flanges
    @ecwk I wish I had tried nipple shields. My lactation consultant was dead set against them.
    Me: 28, DH: 40
    Married 9/28/13
    DS born 11/12/15
    EDD 8/13/18
  • @lakesideknitter I know the reasoning behind withholding the shields but it sort of infuriates me. We went through two days of hell at the hospital with breastfeeding issues and had to supplement a little bit of formula which was so not what I wanted. Once I got the shield then BOOM perfect nursing and he weaned off of it at a few months old. This time I'm bringing shields with me just in case!! 

    August '18 April Siggy Challenge: April Showers





                                                              Lilypie Maternity tickers
                                                                                           

    Pregnancy Ticker
  • @ecwk What do the shields do? Do they help with latching? I hated breastfeeding DD, hence my exclusive pumping, so maybe the shields would help. Although my issues with breastfeeding were more than just the latch, but anything helps! 
    *TW*
    Me: 31 | DH: 33
    DD1: 8/2014  <3
    TTC #2: 6/2017
    BFP 8/3/2017 | CP 8/4
    BFP 10/16/2017 | CP 10/21
    BFP 12/18/2017 | CP 12/28
    BFP 2/15/2018 | EDD: November 2nd | It's a girl!
    DD2: 10/2018  <3
  • @ecwk - when you say he weaned off of it - do you mean the shield or nursing altogether?

    Thank you so much for this reminder. I will most definitely be bringing shields to the hospital this time around. If things go the way they did last time, I would 100% switch to formula over EPing. It was hell. I had to pump every 3 hours around the clock or I would get clogged ducts without fail. Even if I went 3.5 hours instead of 3. It was brutal.
    Me: 28, DH: 40
    Married 9/28/13
    DS born 11/12/15
    EDD 8/13/18
  • @lakesideknitter EPing mamas are hands down absolutely amazing. YPure champion for having done that, I don't think I couldn't have! He weaned off the shield around 12 weeks but continue doing to nurse without it well past husband first birthday! 

    @offtoneverland they can allow baby to get a better grip on the nipple. If you have small or inverted nipples or baby has latch issues, they can help enormously. They are a PITA because you always need to have them clean and on hand. They don't "stick" to your skin so can fall off if baby unlatches. But as I said, they saved my breastfeeding. LCs will be very reluctant to hand them out but better use the shield than leave the hospital without a good latch. My initial experience breastfeeding was a very dark time for me. I felt so inadequate and helpless. Never again!! 

    August '18 April Siggy Challenge: April Showers





                                                              Lilypie Maternity tickers
                                                                                           

    Pregnancy Ticker
  • For S+TMs: 
    Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]: I had both the Medela PISA and the Spectra S2. I would far and away recommend the Spectra. 
    Link/picture:
    Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): I got the PISA free through insurance and paid I think $200 for the Spectra. I felt like I needed 2 so I could leave one at work and not carry it back and forth. 
    What you like about it: The Spectra is more like a suckling baby and the Medela was more “harsh.” I used the Medela for months though, so it wasn’t awful, just not as gentle. The Medela accessories were better than Spectra though, so I combined them. 
    What you don't like about it, if anything: the Spectra bottles were strange and leaked. I always transferred to Medela bottles right away. 
    Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you don't have but are considering? Why?: Not really—I felt like I had more than enough “stuff.” I’d recommend a nursing bra though so you can double pump. 
    Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: make sure to get a nursing bra small enough. Also make sure to get the right flange size for the pump. 
    Additional thoughts on [breast pump/nursing accessory], specifically any tips re: insurance?: I transferred small amounts of milk to bags (like 2 oz each) and froze them laying down. KellyMom is a great website resource and ABSOLUTELY look up pace feeding. We had so many people try to watch my son who said he was hungry and tried to over feed him. Babies only drink 1-1.5 oz and hour, hence why I’d freeze small bags so that it wasn’t wasted by heating up too much. I quit pumping about 6 months ago but am still nursing my 17 month old and am very passionate about breastfeeding, so if any ftms have questions, feel free to reach out!
  • So this is more of a breastfeeding accessory question! I am very allergic to adhesive. I cannot wear pads or pantiliners because I will break out in a rash (feels spectacular as well
  • So I put a smiley face in and it killed the rest of my post. Thanks TB! So here’s the rest to the best of my memory. I plan on using reusable most of the time so that I don’t have to deal with the adhesive, but it would be nice to have some disposables just in case. Does anyone know of a disposable brand that doesn’t have adhesive on it? Or has anyone used disposable pads and not taken the paper off so the adhesive stays covered? Or any other tips and tricks to try and stay rash free? Thanks!
  • @kc0711 you can definitely use them without uncovering the adhesive.
    *Siggy Warning*
    Lilypie Second Birthday tickers

  • @kc0711 I preferred using the disposable breast pads without uncovering the adhesive. I tried a few times with the adhesive but it was awkward and wrinkly and never in the right spot. They worked perfectly without using the adhesive!
    *TW*
    Me: 31 | DH: 33
    DD1: 8/2014  <3
    TTC #2: 6/2017
    BFP 8/3/2017 | CP 8/4
    BFP 10/16/2017 | CP 10/21
    BFP 12/18/2017 | CP 12/28
    BFP 2/15/2018 | EDD: November 2nd | It's a girl!
    DD2: 10/2018  <3
  • Thank you @lalala2004 and @offtoneverland I’ll give that a try when the time comes!
  • Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]:  I have only used the Medela PISA for my 2 littles. Or a manual Harmony. They worked well, and I made it 3-4 EP with both kids. Going back to work before 8w is what set me up for failure. 
    Link/picture:
    Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): PISA was free with insurance, I did by the little add-on $100 thingy that had the ice pack+ 4 bottles+ cooler. Made it pretty nice to take milk home at the end of the week. 
    What you like about it:  They are common, so finding extra bottles or parts is simple and cheap. I also was able to get a used pump off eBay so I had 1 for home and 1 for work. Then I didn't have to worry about forgetting parts. 
    What you don't like about it, if anything: I don't feel like it did the best possible job of removing the milk. I think I might try out a spectra if ins. will cover it. 
    Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you don't have but are considering? Why?: Nope. 
    Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:  Hands-free pumping bra. I have yet to find one that actually fits my Js or has the nipple holes in somewhat correct spot. 
    Additional thoughts on [breast pump/nursing accessory], specifically any tips re: insurance?: See what insurance will cover(once we are in end of 2nd tri), then see what is available in your area and how long before birth you can get it. That will give you some time to make sure it works, and make sure there isn't user error when its go time.  


    Formerly known as Kate08young
    August '18 Siggy April Showers:






    Me: 28 H: 24
    Married: 7/22/14
    Baby L: 8/4/2015  August 2015 Moms
    Baby E: 11/18/2016   December 2016 Moms
    TTC #3 08/2017  BFP 11/27/2017. 
    Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well. 


  • ^ did you try cutting holes into a sports bra that you already own? I did that to avoid spending a ton on a handful free pumping bra, and it worked pretty well.
  • 7425cait said:
    ^ did you try cutting holes into a sports bra that you already own? I did that to avoid spending a ton on a handful free pumping bra, and it worked pretty well.
    I also can’t find any sports bras that fit. I have fairly small band size, and large bust.


    Formerly known as Kate08young
    August '18 Siggy April Showers:






    Me: 28 H: 24
    Married: 7/22/14
    Baby L: 8/4/2015  August 2015 Moms
    Baby E: 11/18/2016   December 2016 Moms
    TTC #3 08/2017  BFP 11/27/2017. 
    Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well. 


  • New to the board but seeing this had already been covered...here is some input.

    Go through Aeroflow online to get your pump...they are awesome and do all of the insurance work for you plus email you reminders of when you are due for free accessories.

    I had the PISA for #1.  It was fine.  Do NOT upgrade to one of the fancy medela carry bags, they are garbage and mine fell apart my first month back at work.  Any large tote will work.  I also buy the medela ice pack on amazon and then use a regular insulated freezer bag for my milk during the day.

    For #2 I went balls to the wall because I knew breastfeeding worked for me.  I got a gently used hospital grade medela symphony from eBay and it is THE SHIT.  I went back to a new PISA on vacation for a week bc the symphony is large and heavy and I didn't want to pack it and the difference was nuts.  It is so much faster and gentler.  If you have the cash (won't be covered by insurance), do it.  You can also rent them.  Sometimes insurance will cover rental with a prescription (if your baby is a preemie or for example).

    You want to use lansinoh freezer bags.  Medela brand is horrible.

    If you have medela parts, be aware that there are like 5 different size breast sheilds.  You may need to buy a special size.  I need the Small even though I have natural 32DDD breasts.  You will know if you have the wrong size because pumping will hurt your nipples.  It should not hurt.

    That's all the info I can think of now.  I'm happy to answer questions.
  • FYI: Target brand milk bags are similar to Lansinoh, but much cheaper.
    *Siggy Warning*
    Lilypie Second Birthday tickers

  • I sometimes had trouble with holes in the Target bags, and it's super frustrating to pour in milk and see it leak out.  But I didn't try a lot of other brands, so I don't know if that's common.

    Also, I didn't pump directly into the bags, I usually spilled when I tried to do that, so it doesn't matter if you use a bag that matches your pump.  I'd pump into the bottles, then pour into the bags.  You can use a breast shield as a funnel, too.

    And I'll echo what others said about not putting too much in the bags.  In addition to it being much easier to have the right amount of milk, the bags can crack if they're too full in the freezer, which you only discover as you thaw them later and the milk all leaks out.
  • I found that if I froze the bags flat, laying on a cookie sheet, then put 1 days worth of bags into a ziplock it worked out better if there happened to be a hole. The milk was still contained and was somewhat easy to pour into the bottle.


    Formerly known as Kate08young
    August '18 Siggy April Showers:






    Me: 28 H: 24
    Married: 7/22/14
    Baby L: 8/4/2015  August 2015 Moms
    Baby E: 11/18/2016   December 2016 Moms
    TTC #3 08/2017  BFP 11/27/2017. 
    Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well. 


  • Question that is nursing related: I have hand me down nursing tank tops that, from my limited usage of them, I discovered contribute to mastitis for me, I assume because they are too small/too tight. What are everyone's fave nursing tanks? I just want to throw em in my registry for later.
  • SmashJam said:
    Question that is nursing related: I have hand me down nursing tank tops that, from my limited usage of them, I discovered contribute to mastitis for me, I assume because they are too small/too tight. What are everyone's fave nursing tanks? I just want to throw em in my registry for later.
    I used the Target ones.
    *Siggy Warning*
    Lilypie Second Birthday tickers

  • edited January 2018
    @SmashJam are they too tight on you because of a small band size/large bust combo? La Leche League had nursing tanks by band/cup size when I was nursing >2 years ago.
    ETA they ain't cheap..
    Me: 28, DH: 40
    Married 9/28/13
    DS born 11/12/15
    EDD 8/13/18
  • @smashjam I bought the bravado ones with DD2 and they are very comfortable and supportive, though expensive.  They come in band/cup sizes up to 40f/g.  I am a 32DDD so the added support was necessary.  If I'm not at the office, I'm wearing one (currently nursing DD2).
  • Since it seems like most of these have been covered I will freestyle here.

    I have the Medela PISA which I really liked. It was on my registry so I don’t remember how much it was but I’ve heard Amazon is definitely the cheapest. I have 2 sets of parts and liked the ice pack and cooler to bring milk home at the end of the day. I also got an Ameda free through insurance which was great to have at home so I could pump after the first morning feed before work. The parts didn’t work with my hands free bra so I would have to hold them but I think it worked fairly well. There are a lot less parts to clean than the Medela which was a plus when I was traveling (and much smaller to pack).

    I used my hands free bra all the time at work, Lanishoh bags (way better than Medela), and reusable pads. I’m also allergic to adhesive and didn’t have good luck with the disposable ones. I would pump into a bottle then transfer to bags at the end of the week to freeze.
  • One thing I would add is if insurance doesn’t cover a breast pump for you. I recommend buying second hand. I got two double electric pump in style Medelas for a total of $25. I three out all the tubing and anything that came in contact with milk and ordered replacements from amazon for about another $15 bucks. 
  • I second everything @lakesideknitter said! 
    I had the Medela PISA with those Pumpin Pals flanges she linked above.  I did try the freemies but I felt like I never got the same production from them.  I'm also larger up top and when my milk came in my tiny newborn could no longer latch (latched fine when he was born) so I EP'd for....maybe 10 days or so?  I can't really remember but it was such a challenge, so hats off to those EP Mommas, that is tough. 

    I was not mentally prepared for how hard it would be to keep up my production once I returned to work and had to start supplementing almost immediately, even though I was pumping 4x a day at the office.  BFing is a commitment.  I'm glad I did it, but its much more that I expected.


Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"