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?:
Re: Product Spotlight 12/25: Breast Pumps and Accessories!
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): I got it free through 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.
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.)
DD1: 8/2014
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
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?
DD1: 8/2014
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
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.
Me: 37 Him: 38
Married 11.07.2015
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.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_qtCqAb8JND4CB
DD1: 8/2014
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
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
Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]: reusable breast pads
@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.
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.
Married 9/28/13
DS born 11/12/15
EDD 8/13/18
DD1: 8/2014
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
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.
Married 9/28/13
DS born 11/12/15
EDD 8/13/18
@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!!
DD1: 8/2014
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
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
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.
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
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.
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.
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.
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
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.
ETA they ain't cheap..
Married 9/28/13
DS born 11/12/15
EDD 8/13/18
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.
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.