Product Spotlight Series: Breast Pumps, Nursing Accessories (week of Oct 30)

doxiemoxie212 · October 2017

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?:

To view past Product Spotlights or view the upcoming schedule, see here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gjNtxy2Kd2JceTYYR5wkwVcpTbU-khgazhjcZnfI1y4/edit?usp=sharing

marcus7676 · October 2017

Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]: I had the Medela Freestyle last time. It was fine. I liked that it had a battery, so I could walk around, use it in the car, etc. My LC told me that it wasn't as strong as the Medela PIS (because of the battery), but I had nothing to compare it too. I also rented a hospital grade pump for a while, but I don't remember which one (it wasn't the Medela). I highly recommend getting a hands free pumping bra (I had the Medela one), which is key if you need to pump. I also had to buy smaller shields. I had a lot of BFing issues and basically EPed, so I had a lot of time with my pump.
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): I paid the upgrade through insurance for the Freestyle.
What you like about it: See above - I liked the battery option.
What you don't like about it, if anything: It's a pump. No one likes a pump.
Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you don't have but are considering? Why?: I've heard great things about one of the Spectra pumps and am considering that this time instead.
Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: I tried every breastfeeding accessory I think. If anyone has questions, let me know.
Additional thoughts on [breast pump/nursing accessory], specifically any tips re: insurance?: This was easy - - I was so stressed over it. My doctor / hospital sent a breastpump sales representative to my hospital room. He already knew my insurance. He gave me my options. Then he brought the pump to the room. SO EASY. I don't think it works like this for everyone.

meagster13 · October 2017

Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]: I had the camera purely yours breast pump (double electric)
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): between 200-250 CDN
What you like about it: double electric so could just sit and let it do its thing. (I only pumped occasionally)
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 plan on trying one of the silicone pumps this time. (Like the haaka) I always had a large let down and think this would really save a lot of milk.
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?

sunshineandwhiskey · October 2017

For S+TMs:

Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]: Medela Pump-In-Style - I had to buy smaller flanges as well
Link/picture: https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/698/pump-in-style-advanced-breast-pump-starter-set
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): It was free through insurance
What you like about it: It was free, lol
What you don't like about it, if anything:
Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you don't have but are considering? Why?: IDK, i'm torn about whether I will even try to BF again this time. I think if i do, I will just get another Medela since I already have all of the parts.
Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: Everyone said to get a hands free bra, but it just didn't work well for me.
Additional thoughts on [breast pump/nursing accessory], specifically any tips re: insurance?: Get one even if you think you wont use it. Its free. All i had to do is call Medela and they took care of the rest for me.

That said - If you are really going to BF and pump, get multiple sets of flanges, a car adapter, pump wipes, and the pump soap. The wipes were awesome while I was pumping at work, and it is nice because you can leave everything in the fridge. Also - start pumping as soon as you can! The sooner you can start building a stash the better.

Oh - my milk also came in while i was in the hospital. It hurt so bad that I asked to pump. They gave me tons of stuff!! Including a manual pump that i used a lot! I would use the manual in the middle of the night if i was super engorged. And I could leave it at room temp until the morning. I also was able to use the manual pump in the car, before I got my car adapter.

basemodel · October 2017

I'm a STM who breastfed for 18 months and pumped at work for 1 year.

Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]: My health insurance provided the Medela Pump in Style Advanced (PISA) free of charge and it worked excellently from the first to last day.

Link/picture:

Image: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81eryoA2dPL._SX522_.jpg

Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
The complete set pictured above is $229 on Amazon.

What you like about it:
I love the initial let-down phase where is pumps hard and fast for 1 minute (I think) to get the milk flowing quickly. My body really responds to it.

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

Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you don't have but are considering? Why?:
Not really, but I have a lot to make sure that I was successful in pumping at work for as long as I wanted to. These are my absolute necessities for pumping at work:

--The 4-bottle cooler and cold pack pictured above (comes with 4 bottles). I have two and they fit both 4 and 8 oz bottles perfectly. They keep the milk good without a fridge and keep it discrete if you put them in your work fridge. Once you stop pumping, they are also perfect for soda cans.
--These knockoff spare parts that are the real deal. They may look scary and like some crummy made in China crap but they work, fit Medela perfectly, and are so cheap. Always have spare membranes and valves in your bag in case you forget, lose, or drop them on the ground during assembly.
--The classic pumping bra, otherwise you're going to be spending 20 minutes holding the flanges up to your chest and believe me, it's hard. It's a necessity. Plus you won't worry about getting milk on your shirt at work. Take off your shirt and normal bra, put that one on and you're good against drips. Probably bring a sweater, too.
--Any bottle brush. You can't just soak milk bottles or put them directly in the dishwasher without scrubbing first. The fat in milk really clings to the walls and lids and you need a stiff bristle brush to get in there and pre-wash.
--Nursing pads. I still have my original set of organic cotton pads you can just throw in the wash. Sustainable, soft, safe, long-lasting, and don't make a crinkly noise.
--A backup manual hand pump. I loved this for pumping the other side when he wasn't that hungry, relieving middle of the night engorgement, and when I would be away from baby but couldn't carry my whole pumping setup.

I haven't yet tried the Milkies Milk-Saver but I definitely will.

Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:
There isn't, really. I haven't tried anything gimmicky but everything I tried above really works and I plan on using this time around.

Additional thoughts on [breast pump/nursing accessory], specifically any tips re: insurance?:
My insurance didn't give out breast pumps until you were well into your third tri, so as soon as I was eligible I got it coming so it would be there if I needed it, even before going back to work.

basemodel · October 2017

ALSO, and I have to mention this because breast pumping is intimidating and there is a lot of misinformation out there, but for any FTM worried about building a stash--feed your baby first, THEN pump or stash-build. There was a woman in my 2015 board who said, "Oh just pump before you nurse and you'll get tons!" NO. THEN THERE WILL BE NO MILK LEFT FOR BABY. FEED YOUR BABY FIRST.

That has been weighing on my mind for three years so please pardon the caps. Read books, utilize your hospital's lactation specialist, and go to Kelly Mom for breastfeeding/pumping advice and don't let your baby go hungry for YOUR FREAKING STASH.

tepr14 · October 2017

Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]: Ive only ever used the Medela
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): Covered by insurance
What you like about it: It worked. Pumping every 3 hours will suck no matter what you're using. I did like that it was small and easy for me to take to work and pump.
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 want to try hands free pumping this time around, would make my life so much easier.
Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: n/a
Additional thoughts on [breast pump/nursing accessory], specifically any tips re: insurance?: different sized flanges, nipple cream, the nipple cover to help babies latch on (I cant remember the name if it right now), MIL also bought me a manual pump and I really enjoyed that as well for quick out and about sessions. DS was in the NICU after he was born so I started pumping while at the hospital. They give you TONS of stuff, bunch of bottles, nipples for bottles, a set of tubing, nipple cream don't be afraid to ask. As far as insurance, Im on SHARP and they wouldnt let me order my pump early. If I remember correctly, I was able to put a request thru my Dr. and once I was in labor then they could order it or they put in the order and we couldnt pick it up until after I delivered. Tbh that first week after delviery is such a blur and I was in the hospital using their pump for a week anyway and using pumps in NICU. I do remember DH was able to just pick up our pump at the hospital though. ALSO save yourself any stress and go see a lactation consultant, our hospital provides them and even after DS was discharged I went to lactation classes to weigh him and it gave me a chance to get out of the house be around other nursing moms and get more comfortable nursing in front of other people. Its also a good chance to ask questions about nursing whats normal what you need help with etc.

manda9485 · October 2017

Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]: the breast pump I've used is the Medella Pump-in-Style Advanced. No complaints here about it, I got it in the over the shoulder bag and it worked perfect, I plan on using it with this My favorite nursing accessory is the "My Brest Friend." Way better than the boppy IMO for nursing!
Link/picture: https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/573/pump-in-style-advancedhttps://www.walmart.com/ip/My-Brest-Friend-Feeding-and-Nursing-Pillow-Green-Paisley/11977715
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): Brest Friend: $35, breast pump: free thru insurance, paid extra for car attachments and extra accessories
What you like about it: The pump works great and I like the Brest Friend because unlike the Boppy, the cushion goes right up to your chest, so baby can't get stuck. It's a flat surface and is a life saver for breastfeeding momma's. I can't rave about it enough!What you don't like about it, if anything: nothing! Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you don't have but are considering? Yes! There is a breast pump attachment called a "Freemie" and it is a hands-free milk collection device. My friend had one with her second baby and swore by it! So I will be purchasing this attachment this time around! Check it out, you can get hook-ups to match most breast pumps! https://www.freemie.com/Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: The boppy, for reasons mentioned above. Works great for tummy time, not so much with breast feeding.Additional thoughts on [breast pump/nursing accessory], specifically any tips re: insurance?: It's super easy, just apply early and you shouldn't have any issues. They walk you thru the process and tell you exactly what you need.Check out this website for more info., this is what I used to order my breast pump with DS. https://www.1naturalway.com/

mytinc · October 2017

I have both the Medela Freestyle and the PISA. I like them both for different reasons and if for some reason I have to buy a new one I'll go with Medela again, and will likely replace whichever one broke.

Freestyle
Pros - Battery operated and rechargable. You won't be stuck next to an outlet while pumping. Very portable and discreet.
Cons - Pretty good suction. Could be better.

PISA
Pros - Better suction than the Freestyle (but I had success with both).
Cons - You need to find an outlet and plug in.

The only reason I have two pumps is because received the Freestyle at my shower for DS1. DS2 went straight to the NICU with his heart condition and I qualified for a free PISA through insurance, so I took them up on that. It couldn't be ordered until I had the baby, and it was delivered to my house within days of him being born. Having two pumps was great. I kept the PISA at work and the Freestyle at home/where ever else it was needed. It was awesome not having to transport the pump to work.

My Must Have accessories if you plan on pumping often (working mom, or exclusively pumping).

Extra Pump Parts
Hands Free pumping bra. The Simple Wishes bra is great and fits a crazy range of sizes, which is helpful when nursing. I had two.
Lanolin or some sort of nipple cream.
Lansinoh Milk Storage Bags (I never pumped directly into the bags, but you can.
Lansinoh Nursing Pads. Leaking sucks.

doxiemoxie212 · October 2017

I have a question related to sanitation. Is this something that will just make sense when you have all the stuff/read the instructions? For some reason it stresses me out that I'm going to not clean the bottles well enough or something?

marcus7676 · October 2017

@doxiemoxie212 I may have been a little over zealous in my cleaning after talking to other moms, but it worked for me. Over a 24 hour period, I used a wet bag to store my pump parts in the fridge. I didn't rinse, just threw everything in the bag. At the end of the 24 hour period, I soaked every part in hot soapy water, washed them with regular (unscented) dish soap and a bottle brush (that was only used for pump parts / bottles), and then sanitized the parts in a bag in the microwave. The bags can be reused 20 or so times. Then, I just let everything dry on a drying rack. It's a little overwhelming at first, but breast milk is actually pretty amazing in its antimicrobial / antibacterial qualities. I also supplemented with formula and used the same process to clean everything. Formula freaked me out a bit more since BM can sit out for 4-6 hours and be in the fridge up to 7 days, while formula must be tossed after use, or kept in the fridge for 24 hours (unused).

tammy574 · October 2017

Favorite: Medela Manual Hand Pump

Cost: Super cheap.

What you like about it:
So I had a double electric Medela pump for free through insurance that was the top-of-the-line. I also used the electric pump that they provided in the hospital while at the hospital for 7 days. So I have had experience with two electric pumps that were great quality. I absolutely hate electric pumps. They are bigger and loud and obnoxious. Take electric so they can only be used with an outlet. There are more parts to deal with and wash. It doesn’t feel natural. They are way more uncomfortable than the hand pump to me. With the hand pump I can pump at the exact pressure and length that I want at any given moment. I have always had a ok supply so hand pumping only took me under a couple minutes anyway. I could do it with one hand while using my other hand and I could do it under a blanket if out and about with literally no noise. In a restaurant, a car full of people. Anywhere. When done I have one or two bottles to put caps on and just one small pump top part to rinse. I would put the small top part in a ziplock in my purse and it was ok if I couldn’t wash right away or could even wait several hours until next pumping at room temp. It fit in my purse and that’s where I kept it so it wasn’t an extra thing to remember.

Is there a breast pump you've tried that you absolutely hate? Any and all electric.

Additional thoughts:
I know I am in the huge minority here! It’s just another perspective! I’m a minimalist and with babies I can’t stand the sheer amount of things and gadgets and items to remember in the sleepless haze. If offered a big multi piece gadget or a small discreet gadget I will take the small one every time. All this to say. Get a hand pump too. It might end up being your best friend.

@doxiemoxie212 It will make sense once you use it what parts need washed. Kind of like anything. Once you use it it makes sense what’s what.

Edit: to make paragraphs for easier reading

sunshineandwhiskey · October 2017

@doxiemoxie212 this may be a UO - but I only sanitized my pump parts, and bottles like once. I just made sure I used hot water and I would soak everything once a week. I kept my pump parts in the fridge in a bowl when I wasn't using them, only for 24hours max. *Shrugs* I reused formula too as long as it was within 12-24 hours. That shits expensive.

buffalove1211 · October 2017

Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]: Last time I used the Medela P.I.S.
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): Insurance paid for it
What you like about it: It got the job done! I didn't have anything to compare it to.
What you don't like about it, if anything: My tubes got mold in them. After googling, it seems that it isn't uncommon. I called Medela and they overnighted me new ones for free.
Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you don't have but are considering? Why?: The Spectra! Although Medela seems to be the go-to brand, when I started reading mom blogs and things, people seem to really love their Spectra and claim to get more milk.
Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: I wouldn't say hate, but when I used the car plug the pump was less powerful and I got less milk.
Additional thoughts on [breast pump/nursing accessory], specifically any tips re: insurance?: The hands free bra is a MUST. I needed the larger flanges because my boobs are fairly large. Also, go buy extra parts! Insurance: The doctor wrote the prescription for the pump when I was about 36 weeks. I ordered it with the pharmacy in the doctor's office and the process was extremely easy.

I agree with @marcus7676. Realizing that I could throw it all in the fridge and only clean and sanitize once a day was a god send! With an extra set of parts I was able to only need to do the whole cleaning process even less frequently as I got more savvy over time.

mytinc · October 2017

I'm with @sunshineandwhiskey. I hand washed pump parts (and bottles) daily with antibacterial dish soap, and let them fully air dry (we didn't towel dry). I might sanitize everything once every month or two, but that was it. My thought was that my house isn't a medically sterile area, so parts wouldn't magically stay sterile.

I also had a medically fragile child with DS2, and still didn't sterilize regularly. (He also stayed healthy, had he caught more colds or anything I would have been right on the sterilizing) That would take too much time. Pumping is already cumbersome enough without the added step.

izza2 · February 2018

Bumping this.

Tip for other FTMs, or anyone getting a breast pump:
Use the website AeroFlow Breast Pumps to handle your insurance, finding out what pumps you're eligible for (and what the upgrades would cost), and then ordering the pump. I haven't gotten to the ordering part myself, but it was easy to put my info in the site and have them contact my insurance, contact my physician for a script if needed, and then get back to me (I think it took 2 weeks?) about my options.
You can shop for not only the breast pump, but any accessories or additions you want all in one place. There are reviews for the site and for the pumps, and some Q&As for each pump that I found useful, too.

I was able to make a spreadsheet of every pump my insurance covers, what is included with the pump, what the upgraded version would cost/come with, and what the warranties are.

And now for my own question:
I was wondering if anyone has ever used or heard anything about the Ameda Finesse?
I've read some reviews and intend to read more, but right now it looks like that pump would be the best option through my insurance.

I've had some friends also suggest Spectra, and I'd lean toward the S9 pro versus the S2 for that one -- any thoughts on those as well?

ahill24 · February 2018

Favorite [breast pump/nursing accessory]: Spectra S1

Link/picture: https://www.amazon.com/Spectra-Baby-USA-Hospital-Rechargeable/dp/B00DBKFFJM/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1517667076&sr=8-3&keywords=s1+spectra

Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): Small upgrade charge through insurance.

What you like about it: Battery, portable.

What you don't like about it, if anything: I didn't have much to compare it to at the time.

Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you don't have but are considering? Why?: I was considering a different pump or the Spectra S9 as I'll be pumping on the go much more frequently but then I've read the S9 is not as strong and not to use as your primary pump so... Also, I'll be investing in the milk catcher/silicone pump for while I nurse https://https//www.amazon.com/Haakaa-Silicone-Breastfeeding-Manual-Phthalate/dp/B01F8W7CF0/ref=sr_1_8_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1517667225&sr=1-8&keywords=silicone+pump Oh and I want to try the FREEMIE cups. @manda9485 If these work, they will be a lifesaver. Sometimes I think I'll need to pump in front of people bc I'll be in a residency setting.

Is there a [breast pump/nursing accessory] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: I used the hands free bra (simple wishes) for months then found some bras that were nursing/ pumping bras in one and it was so much easier for me to not change every time I needed to pump. This time around I will really be limited on pumping time so every minute counts! https://https//www.amazon.com/Dairy-Fairy-Nursing-Hands-Free-Pumping/dp/B00QMW6KKY/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1517667416&sr=1-4&keywords=dairy+fairy+pumping+bra

Additional thoughts on [breast pump/nursing accessory], specifically any tips re: insurance?: I'm sure other people have said this but get extra bottles and flanges (and an extra pump if you can borrow one). I left all that stuff at work and it saved a big headache of transporting it. I used the sterilizing bags (sometimes) and a portable bottle drying rack so I was not sharing any stuff with people at work.

srb1028 · February 2018

@izza2 I also went on a website similar to that where it told me I was eligible for a few different models, including the Ameda Finesse, Spectra S2, medela PIS, and an evenflo brand. I was not able to find much info on the Ameda Finesse, as far as reviews, but based on my research of reviews, the Spectra S2 seems to be better than Medela and is highly rated (Amazon).

I am also interested in hearing any STM/STM+ thoughts on here if anyone has used the Spectra S2 or Ameda finesse.

izza2 · February 2018

@srb1028 - The Finesse I only saw reviews on their own website, which is okay, but I prefer when I read reviews on a third-party site that's not biased (i.e. Amazon; where there were zero reviews from what I saw?).
I've heard great things about the S2, though! I've had friends that tried both the Medela PIS and the S2 and said the PIS basically killed their nipples but the S2 worked much better.

I'm sorry I can't compare the S2 and the Finesse for you, but I'd look at reviews on Amazon for the S2. From what I read about the Finesse, people seemed to have issues with it having any power or with it not having the right size flanges.

elsie42 · February 2018

Nursing pillows count as accessories right? I'm wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the Boppy vs the My Brest Friend pillows. A friend just told me she had both and liked MBF better so I'm curious if others have the same opinion!

sunshineandwhiskey · February 2018

@elsie42 I used a boppy with DD. I actually have two. One for upstairs and one for downstairs. I love it and it worked well for me. I brought it to the hospital too which I think helped. I was able to figure out if it worked for me right away.

marcus7676 · February 2018

@elsie42 I have the boppy and tried MBF. I found the MBF a bit too hard and awkward. A little pillow actually worked the best for me.

LaceyBee522 · February 2018

@izza2 Thank you for the rec on the pump website. This is something I've been putting off.

AFM, I'm leaning toward the Spectra S2. It seems like the best option for lots of pumping. From what I've read, with two babies I'm going to need as much power as possible. Like @ahill24 I'm planning to get the Freemie collection cups as well, since it seems like I'll be constantly BFing or pumping.

MoonOverGoldsboro · February 2018

If anyone ends up exclusively pumping (or needs some extra power, @LaceyBee522), I'd recommend seeing if your insurance covers the rental of a true hospital grade pump, like a Medela Symphony. I rented a Symphony from the hospital where I delivered for about six months, because I was a WAY under-producer and needed the help, and the output I got from that far exceeded any other pump (I tried both a Spectra and Medela PIS). It is not easily portable, but the power is great.

Again, I don't think it's necessary unless you're EP-ing or have production issues. I personally am hoping to get by with a Spectra 2 this time around, because I hope BFing will go better this time.

LaceyBee522 · February 2018

@izza2 How long did it take for you to hear back from Aeroflow? I'm being impatient....

@MoonOverGoldsboro Thanks! It would be great if I could do a rental. If I can't, my other choice (and what I plan to use long term/back at work) is the Spectra.

sunshineandwhiskey · February 2018

@LaceyBee522 I tried Aeroflow and it took them a week. However, my insurance doesn’t work with them. When did you fill it out?

izza2 · February 2018

@LaceyBee522 - I think mine took 1.5 to 2 weeks? It could've just been a week and I felt impatient, but I'm pretty sure it was closer to 2 weeks. I'm pretty sure that if I didn't hear anything from them for 2 weeks, I was going to call and see if there were any updates.

LaceyBee522 · February 2018

@sunshineandwhiskey @izza2 Thanks guys! Yeah, I'm definitely just being impatient...I think I filled the form out on Saturday. I'm so used to instant gratification!

krash_ · February 2018

After reviewing this thread multiple times, looking at all the reviews on Amazon, and contacting my insurance to see what is covered, I think I am going to go with the Spectra S2 pump. My only concern is that I would like to pump directly into bags. I've looked into the Lansinoh bags and they have an adapter to pump directly from most pumps but the Spectra isn't one of them. The Kiinde bags have an adapter for the Spectra but I don't like the price of them and the fact that they wont be as compact in the freezer with the twist top.

Can anyone recommend a breast milk storage bag that you can pump directly into from the Spectra S2?

pupsicle23 · February 2018

Seeing this thread reminds me I need to bust out the ol’ Medela and get new accessories.

FWIW my body shape and small boobs never seemed to work with a boppy. DD would lie on it and still feel too far away, and it would slide down if I tried to scoot it up. A friend of mine had twins and swore by the MBF. I saw her tandem feed with it once and definitely saw why. It’s bigger, if I remember correctly, so both babies could prop on it.

The boppy was useful for tummy time and assisted sitting when DD got a little older.

edit bc wording was a little creepy

krash_ · February 2018

I have done far too much research into breast pumps. I have officially decided to go with the Spectra S2 (unless my insurance will let me upgrade to the S1 and cover the difference. The S1 has a rechargeable battery that you can get 3-4 pumping sessions out of) but if you were like me and on the fence because the bottles/parts for the Spectra are less than ideal then you can get this adapter to use Medela parts. Then I can use the Lansinoh breastmilk storage bags and pump directly into them. A YouTuber that I follow that recently had a baby also recommended this insulin cooler bag for storing bags of pumped milk. It can hold 3-4 bags of breastmilk depending on how full they are and would take up MUCH less space than the bottle coolers. If you don't already have Medela parts you can get the shields, valves and membrane in one assembly.

Overall I will be spending about an extra $30 in parts but I feel it will be worth it to have exactly the set up that I want. Pumping into bags will be two less bottles I will have to wash and less wasted milk from what gets lost when transferring. Our daycare provider also said that all we need to do is bring in the bags of frozen milk and she will keep a bottle for our baby so we will hopefully have minimal cleanup in our house.

doxiemoxie212 · February 2018

@krashke is it bad that I don't want to do any of the breast pump research, and I want to just do whatever you do because at this point I trust that you've done proper research??

I still feel completely overwhelmed by the breast pump thing. I do not know why. It's like I have a block against it.

krash_ · February 2018

@doxiemoxie212 haha you're more than welcome to just do what I do but I know you work from home so you might not have the same needs that I do going back to the office. I think you will find what works best for you and while I have researched wasted time figuring everything out, its likely that that wont actually work for me when the time comes.

doxiemoxie212 · February 2018

@krashke seriously, I was about to choose the Spectra because I think it's prettier. Choosing it because you chose it surely cannot be a worse reason. lol

krash_ · February 2018

@doxiemoxie212 SAME! Like why do the Medela pumps have to be so ugly!?!

elsie42 · February 2018

I'm probably going with the Spectra too. The main pro to me over the Medela is that it's a closed system. With the Medela milk can get into the tubes and grow mold. They also are only supposed to be used for one child whereas a closed system pump can be used for multiple children. If changes get made to health care laws and pumps are no longer required to be covered by insurance in the future at least I'll have one that I can use again.

Plus, pretty

sunshineandwhiskey · February 2018

I’m jealous of you ladies getting the spectra. My insurance only covers medela and ameda.

krash_ · February 2018

@sunshineandwhiskey which is interesting because the Spectra pumps are actually less expensive than Medela. They want us to be consumers of healthcare but then they don’t let us make consumer decisions.

MoonOverGoldsboro · February 2018

@krashke My one complaint about pumping into bags is that I find the volume measurements inaccurate, unless you really work to get the bottom of the bag flat before measuring. And even then, I frequently found the measurement to be above half an ounce off or so. I preferred pumping into bottles for this reason. I’m not sure if accuracy is going to matter all that much to you, but just something to keep in mind.

amys614 · February 2018

@krashke like @doxiemoxie212 I too am glad you did the research. I got a wild hair up my arse last weekend, went to yummymummy, plugged in my insurance, and picked the spectra2 based off of ONE thing I read a while back...sooooo not like me to not research something to the umpteenth degree, but I just didn't wanna. I'm glad to hear you think it's worthy because it will be the one showing up on my door step pretty soon

thanks for figuring out all that adapter stuff too!

BurlapandLace · February 2018

I have my Medella PIS that insurance covers from DS still. But I’ve been meaning to look into seeing if insurance will cover a new one for this baby, since I’ve heard such great things about the spectra. Thanks for all that research @kraske - that will save a lot of us a lot of time!

in regards to nursing pillows, I had a MBF with DS and I hated it. I sold it and a friend gave me an extra Boppy to try this time around.

I also kept my pump parts in the fridge since I pumped multiple times in 24 hours. Then I mostly just hand washed them like discribed by PPs (we had no dishwasher). I rarely actually sanitized them. Now that we have a dishwasher that gets run basically daily as it is, I will likely just runy pump parts through that (with sanitiation feature I always use) once a day. But honestly, if I didn’t have the dishwasher, I certainly wouldn’t be doing it daily (and won’t be if I don’t have a full load for the dishwasher on a given day). Definitely not after every use. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

my big piece of advice/must have item is the Lansinoh Soothies. Stock up on those bad boys. (And you can make them last longer that the instructions would like you to believe).

The Lansinoh milk storage bags were also my favorite. Because they are larger and therefore can freeze flat. Which makes a huge difference in storage. The Medela ones (unless they have changed them in the last three years) do not. And they make storage in the freezer a PITA.

Also - look into the soda box storage trick for storing frozen milk bags.

Oh! And if you are planning on traveling at all with your pump (whether it be to work or on a trip or whatnot) I highly recommend a backpack style bag for it. They might not seem heavy, but the pump with the bottles and the bags and the cooler and ice packs and yadayadayada - it can get really heavy. (I seriously regretted my shoulder strap bag on a trip away from DS for two days to Vegas where I was pumping around the clock and had to carry that bag around everywhere. It hurt and I wish I had a backback).

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