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

spottedginger · February 2018

Completely lurking over here. @krashke I used the spectra s2 and the kinde adapter system to pump directly into bags. It fit well with no leakage or lose parts. The bass are sturdy and can stand upright (awesome while you are disconnecting and getting situated) or be laid flat (awesome for freezing).
They have 50% off codes for the initial adapter package and bags fairly often. The individual bags are more expensive but at the end of the day, I was so worn out that one less thing to scrub for the next day was priceless. Hope this helps!

krash_ · February 2018

@MoonOverGoldsboro I have read that a lot but wouldn't you measure the amount that baby ate based on what is the the bottle the feed from. I.e. transfer it after its been thawed into a bottle with measurements and see how much you have. I would think you might loose some in the transfer anyway.

Follow up, it is really that important to track exactly how much the baby ate? I feel like that is something that would drive moms of newborns to insanity. Some days they will eat more and some days they will eat less but as long as they are fed they're ok.

mytinc · February 2018

@krashke - Accurate measuring is more about not thawing more than necessary because once thawed the milk has to be used within 24 hours. You also don't want to not thaw enough and have a ticked off baby while more milk is thawing.

MoonOverGoldsboro · February 2018

@krashke What @mytinc said. It’s not really about knowing how much baby eats, it’s more about knowing how much you have. And if you’re sending to daycare particularly, you want to know how much you’re sending. I was also a severe underproducer and had to supplement with formula, so it was important to me to know exactly how many ounces of BM I had on hand. This may not be as big of an issue for someone with plenty of milk—I certainly hope that’s the case for you!

in terms of knowing how much baby eats: My babe was a preemie, so we were pretty militant about making sure he had enough as a newborn, but for a healthy, full-term baby, it’s nothing to sweat about. Most babies just eat when they’re hungry and stop when they’re not.

krash_ · February 2018

@MoonOverGoldsboro yeah I am a well intentioned FTM trying to plan for what will be ideal but as you all know that might not happen so we will have to adjust from there.

izza2 · February 2018

Finally bit the bullet and ordered my breast pump.
I was caught between the Spectra S9 Plus and the Ameda Finesse.
[I considered the Spectra S2, because I've heard good things, but I really need the battery option.]
Went with the Ameda Finesse.

I don't know if it was mentioned on here, but there's a website "The Pumping Mommy" that reviews breast pumps and gives some pretty helpful information on each pump she's tried. I read reviews on Amazon and on the pump ordering site I used, but I felt like her reviews were honest, but also didn't just completely bash or completely love each pump, which a lot of regular reviews tend to be (like... one bad thing about the pump, and most "regular reviews" will just end up being completely bad, versus also talking about any good points).

I figure if the Ameda doesn't really work for me, I have a pump my SIL gave me that we just need to buy flanges/bottles for. And in the end, I'll have a tote bag, freezer bag, 3 ice packs, and 6 bottles to use.
The Ameda Finesse also had the best warranty, which I liked. 2 years on the motor, and 90 days on parts/accessories. Most others are only 1 year on motor, and may have the 90 days on parts/accessories.

kellicoptor062018 · February 2018

HELP - been doing insane breast pump research this morning and as a FTM I have one main question:

I will be going back to work after baby arrives but only part time, which in my case will end up being about 12 hours a week (4 hours early morning/ three days a week). I know I’ll have to pump at work some but since it will be infrequent I can’t decide if I really need a battery powered electric pump or if I’d be better off just getting a manual pump to carry with me to work. Any STMs have any insight??

BurlapandLace · February 2018

@kellicoptor062018 - I would definitely suggest getting an electric pump. Your insurance should cover one, so I would definitely take advantage of that. And manual pumps are usually pretty inexpensive if you end up wanting one of those.

But even as a SAHM, I used an electric pump to build up a small stash to have it I wanted to leave baby with hubby for a couple of hours, or if we went away for a day on a trip or something. It’s always nice to have a little extra stash for situations you might not think of (outside of just when you are working).

mytinc · February 2018

I'd go electric if possible. They're more efficient for getting the milk @kellicoptor062018

izza2 · February 2018

@kellicoptor062018 - New to breast pumps over here -- but I'd go for the electric pump regardless of whether you end up using it at work or not.
Manual pumps are super cheap, like someone else mentioned. So if your insurance is going to cover an electric pump, it's worth it for them to pay for the expensive one.

kellicoptor062018 · February 2018

Thanks for the feedback @izza2 @mytinc and @BurlapandLace! I probably should have clarified I’m definitely getting an electric pump but I was looking at the Spectra 2 vs upgrading to the Spectra 1 since it is battery powered and I could take it to work with me. It’s just such a small amount of time I wasn’t sure it’d be worth it to lug the electric pump to work (I also walk to work FYI) or if I should leave the electric at home and just do manual pumping at work since those are pretty cheap to have on the side.

BurlapandLace · February 2018

@kellicoptor062018 ~ Like @mytinc mentioned, electric is generally going to be much more effective at getting them milk out, so I would make sure you have one of those. I can’t compare a battery to an electric, but I know they are much more effective than manual. Pumping when you are away from your baby (at work) is likely going to be the most difficult to pump, so you want to make sure you are being as effective as possible. That will mean carrying a heavier pump around, but breastfeeding is about supply and demand. So if your body gets used to producing less at a certain feed/pump (because you are using a manual at work) then you could run into production issues when baby is actually nursing on that same feeding time on different days (when you aren’t at work), if that makes any sense.

kellicoptor062018 · February 2018

@BurlapandLace that makes complete sense! Hadn’t even thought about the whole supply and demand side of things!

icecubeinthedesert · February 2018

So along similar lines to @kellicoptor062018, I'm debating between pumps. I will be pumping at work for the most part, and I take public transportation in, so it would be ideal to have a strong pump that can be left at work. I too am looking at the Spectra S1 or S2 for that. But my insurance doesn't cover hospital grade pumps at all, which the Spectras are considered. Since it looks like they aren't unreasonably priced through Amazon ($160 for the S1 and $110 for the S2, plus a registry completion discount of close to 20% with our Amazon credit card), I was thinking of getting one OOP, then also getting a free one for at home, travel, etc, but also electric. So cool, that's great. But my question is, would it be better to get the Spectra S2 (no battery, but cheaper) for work and get a more portable one at home (like the Medela freestyle)? Or the other way around (S1 for work and PISA for home)? Where has portability been there most important for you? Should I just get the freebie one first, see how it works for me the short term and assess the needed for the Spectra later? I worry about doing this off the bat and potentially limiting my milk supply. (Asking all of this generally to STMs)
And yes, I know a PISA alone would probably get the job done for my absolute needs, but I feel like 1) it might make things much easier if I only have to transport bottles and 2) I like the idea of the stronger Spectra for most of my use since I worry about supply issues (member of the itty bitty tittie club here, although I know that's not always indicative of a supply issue). Please talk me down if I'm just being a spoiled brat.

Edited because autocorrect hates me.

sunshineandwhiskey · February 2018

@icecubeinthedesert personally, I plan on waiting to see how BF goes this time before I invest in the spectra. I can only get the medela through insurance, and I have one previously and yes it does get the job done. But I feel having a better one would make pumping at work far less of a hassle. It was a pain last time and I think that led to my BF demise. If I feel good come August, I’ll order the spectra for work (the non battery one) and keep my medela at home. I often left my pump at work too with DD because I was lazy, and just used the manual at home. I’m trying to be more positive and invested this time hoping it’ll help prevent my struggles that I had last time. And don’t worry about boob size! I’m itty bitty too and had no problem

basically- after you get through the first couple weeks, you’ll know what works. Wait and see what needs you have and go from there.

krash_ · February 2018

@icecubeinthedesert have you checked with your insurance to confirm specifically what pumps are covered? Because while the Spectras are marketed as “hospital strength,” they are for personal/home use. It is my understanding that insurance won’t cover a pump like the Medela Symphony. I think the distinction is single use vs multi person use. The Spectras are closed systems which makes them better for not getting breastmilk into the tubing and housing which makes them better for possibly using again but I don’t think they are technically considered multi use. PISA is an open system and eventually the strenghth of an open system pump will wear out.

icecubeinthedesert · February 2018

@krashke, I was going to call and ask specifically about the Spectra, but they were very clear that "hospital grade" pumps are not covered, even as an upgrade option. But depending on where I look some say that Spectra is "hospital grade" and others say "hospital strength". I did call insurance just to get the general information, and they just referred me to companies they contract with to supply the pumps in-network. I won't be able to get the detailed info from those companies until I get a prescription from my OB for a pump. I did run my info through Aeroflow Breast Pumps, but their upgrade charge for the Spectra is actually more than getting it through Amazon with the completion discount, so I figure if that's the case, I'll just get a PISA and pay for the Spectra OOP. Why not two pumps for less than the price of one through my insurance?

Anyways, maybe I'm jumping the gun before I really can get all the details (next appointment with the OB is middle of March), but mostly trying to think out the scenarios now.

marcus7676 · February 2018

Crap. I just looked up my insurance and they only cover 1 pump every 36 months. I got one for DS in September 2015. So that means I won't be eligible for one until September.

Do I pay out of pocket for one? Hope like hell my old one works? I don't really want to wait until September (when I'm back at work) if my old one doesn't work.

elsie42 · February 2018

@marcus7676 if you buy one yourself and keep the receipts will they reimburse you in September?

lisa2589 · February 2018

You ladies have got me thinking. I have a brand new Medela Freestyle from when I was pregnant with DD that has never even been opened. Breastfeeding wasn’t working and I was too overwhelmed with emotions to even think about trying to figure out how to pump. I’d like to get the thing ready to use this time so that it’s an option for me if I get to that point again. How soon should I take it out of the box? What are the steps I need to take to get it ready to use? I’m assuming there’s some kind of instructions for this in the box. Also, do you recommend taking it with to the hospital? I’ve heard some say to begin pumping early to get your milk to come in, in case LO isn’t latching great, but I’ve also heard it’s beat to wait a few weeks to begin pumping. I’d like to have some sort of plan before I get to the hormonal storm...

marcus7676 · February 2018

@elsie42 good question. I'll have to look into it.

@2589 you'll need to sanitize the parts before using - - there should be instructions in the box about what pieces come off. My H was the one who figured it all out (I was so overwhelmed) so it should be pretty easy to do now. Don't take it to the hospital. If you need a pump, they'll have one for you. I wouldn't pump at the beginning if your LO is latching because you'll cause an oversupply. DS wouldn't latch for me, so I had to pump at the hospital with a hospital grade pump. Don't practice pump before baby because, for some women, it can cause contractions.

ramennoodlegif · February 2018

@2589Absolutely take your pump to the hospital ***ETA-not to use; just for instructions, if needed***. The LC at my hospital showed me the correct way to use it, and gave me the correct size flanges. If you are able to contact your hospital's LC now (assuming there is one,) you may consider asking their opinion on when to start pumping, given your concerns. Or you could check out https://kellymom.com/
Also, the hospital I delivered at had two levels of free BF classes, and we were shown in the more in-depth level how to use a pump correctly. I enjoyed the classes, but forgot what I had learned about the pumping aspect by the time I actually delivered. I opened my pump well before ever using it, but that was kinda unnecessary since it was pretty easy to use and required no kind of prepping (aside from sanitizing pump parts.) It wouldn't hurt to look over the guide that should come with it, just in case you had any questions for your LC.
Sorry for the rambling.

sunshineandwhiskey · February 2018

@2589 Agree with @marcus7676 - sanitize the parts and stuff, and just be familiar with how to use it. For me, though, it didn't "click" with how to actually use it until i was home and ready to pump. Don't bring it to the hospital either. They have theirs you can use, and they actually gave me tonsssss of stuff when I asked to pump - even a manual pump. My milk came in with a vengeance the second night, and I was dying, so they let me pump.

LaceyBee522 · February 2018

@icecubeinthedesert I don't know what my insurance will cover yet. However, I put the Spectra on my Amazon registry, because I plan to do what you talked about and leave one at the office. I agree, I thought Amazon's pricing was fairly reasonable in the scheme of things and not having to drag a bump to work and back home on the Subway will be sooo worth it.

LaceyBee522 · February 2018

I think this is pretty new, so I'm assuming no one has tried it yet. However, has anyone heard anything (good or bad) about the Willow "wearable" breast pump?

https://www.willowpump.com/

Also, I just learned my insurance covers the Spectra S2, but it is an upgrade of $135, which is hilarious, since I think I can just buy one for $160 on Amazon...my insurance sucks.

ETA - OMG, I just read more about the Willow. It is frickin' $500!! That is so not happening. It better turn my breast milk into gold or something.

silvergreen · February 2018

Alright, so I ordered my breast pump through Aeroflow today and went with the Spectra S1 based on all of the reviews. Insurance only covers $120 of it (it costs $255 OOP) even though they fully cover other pumps on the same site that cost $300??

Anyway...being a FTM I honestly feel like my brain can't compute all the little parts that put it together. I know a lot of you ladies recommended getting extra parts. Should I be getting extra everything?

Parts that come with the Spectra S1:

Locking rings and discs
2 - Backflow protectors
2 - Standard 24 mm size flanges
2 - Standard 28 mm size flanges
2 - Milk collection bottles and caps
2 - Duck bill valves
2 - Tubing

So far I've gleaned from these posts that I should also be looking into getting the following things that don't come with the pump:

storage bags (Lasinoh brand)
nipple pads (got the nipple butter already)
car adapter
pump soap/wipes
handsfree bra

Regarding extra bottles: do most bottles fit regular breast pumps or do they have to be specific to that brand?

Image: https://media.giphy.com/media/3o7btPCcdNniyf0ArS/giphy.gif

krash_ · February 2018

@silvergreen FTM so not speaking from experience but from my research it is hard to find bottles that fit the Spectra pumps. Some bottles fit Medela pumps but Spectra has a wider opening than Medela. You can get this adapter to connect smaller mouth bottles to the Spectra but depending on what your process will look like it might be easier to just pump into the Spectra bottles.

icecubeinthedesert · February 2018

@silvergreen, just my two cents, but throwing it out there since I saw the same thing with my insurance coverage: I'm going to get the Spectra S1 OOP through Amazon ($160 plus 15% completion discount through my registry and 5% cash back with our Amazon credit card). It ends up being cheaper than going through Aero flow. Then I'm going to get the PISA that's covered 100% by insurance. Why not get two pumps for the same cost you would pay Aero flow for one? Then you have a backup and/or could leave one at work.
And if you're getting the S1, you might not need a car adapter since it has a built in battery. Any STMs recommend getting one anyways for emergency charging, or is a backup manual pump usually ok?
For some reason all the bottles I was looking at are wide mouthed and compatible with the Spectras (Avent, MAM, and Comotomo).

Can you pump into the Comotomo? I saw that it is compatible, but do you need a rigid bottle due to the suction?

silvergreen · February 2018

@icecubeinthedesert Omg, I didn't even realise it was that cheap on Amazon. That's an awesome suggestion! And funny you mention Comotomo because those are the bottles on my wishlist, so I'm also curious to know.

lisa2589 · March 2018

I spent quite a while today poring over this for the 3rd time. A few more questions I have- Is it just as easy to pump into a bottle and then transfer to a bag if it needs to be stored? Or are the bags that connect to the pump better/worth it? Also, I have a Medela freestyle (currently waiting on insurance to let me know if they will cover anything different) and it looks like the Lansinoh bags are preferable to the Medela bags, so go ahead and get the adapter piece for that?

ramennoodlegif · March 2018

@2589 I can count on one hand the number of times I pumped into bags. For me, pumping into bottles was easier because I have one boob that makes substantially more milk than the other and it was easier to portion the bags as I poured. I also preferred the Lansinoh bags to the Medela bags.

izza2 · March 2018

@2589 - No first-hand experience, but I plan to pump in to the bottles and pour in bags unless I start having issues with the bottles for some reason. My thought was what @kfren said - if you have a higher supply in one breast (or a higher supply in general), you'd have to pour milk from one bag to another to keep the portions appropriate for LO. So IMO it'd be easier to pump and pour bottle-to-bag than try to pour bag-to-bag. When I try to picture pouring from one bag to another, all I see is disaster.

sunshineandwhiskey · March 2018

@2589 Same as the other ladies. I pumped into bottles, and then transferred because I could portion how I wanted to better that way. Plus it just felt "safer" haha I was always paranoid I would spill an entire bag or something. I only used Medela bags, but i know a lot of people preferred Lansinoh.

ramennoodlegif · March 2018

@2589 Another thing too, that I think may have been mentioned at some point in this thread, is that pumping into bags doesn't always give you an accurate idea of how much milk is really in there. If the bag isn't sitting up perfectly straight, it can be hard to tell what you're working with.

lisa2589 · March 2018

@kfren @izza2 @sunshineandwhiskey thank you!

@sunshineandwhiskey so no issues with the Medela bags leaking, they stood up okay to transfer the milk into, and laid flat to freeze okay?

sunshineandwhiskey · March 2018

@2589 Nope, no issues! I should preface with I did not have a huge stash, though, and stopped pumping/BF at 6 months. We supplemented for 3 of those 6 months too.

doxiemoxie212 · March 2018

FYI, I ordered my breast pump less than a week ago and it arrived yesterday lol so my concerns about it taking a while were unfounded.

becca_123 · March 2018

I put my info in Aeroflow on 2/26 and they still haven't given me results. They called me last Friday saying they'd have info for me on Monday but still nothing

starla487 · March 2018

My tips:
Get a good manual pump. When I’m traveling, this is way easier to set up in the MOTN. It takes a little longer, but I get bigger yields for whatever reason. YMMV.

Apps are considered nursing accessories, right? Nancy Mohrbacher has a breastfeeding app that is pretty much that Le Leche League book without the shaming. Good for quick reference at your fingertips because your phone will probably be in hand while nursing.

I used a Medela last time and probably will again just because I have everything from last time and don’t want to purchase more sans replacement parts.

You WILL need to sterilize your parts nightly if you are blessed with thrush all all. I got microwave bags and a steamer.

But for pumping at work, everything got tossed in a ziplock and thrown in the fridge. Washed at home with Dawn.

Amphibious22 · April 2018

Is this thread getting revived AGAIN? You're damn right it is!

So after spending literally all day doing research on pumps, I am leaning heavily toward the Lansinoh Smartpump. It's covered by my insurance and has really good reviews on both aeroflow and amazon. With my insurance, I had a lot of options, like almost too many options, but I have it narrowed it down to this one, the Ameda finesse or the Spectra S1 (which is an upgrade for $100). Weirdly the S2 isn't covered at all for me. The Medela PISA is also covered, but something about it rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it's because I'm a hipster and Medela is too mainstream for me, idk. I know spectra has gotten a lot of love on this thread, but the lansinoh smartpump seems to have similarly good reviews, it just maybe isn't as well known? Has anyone else done research on this pump or have any experience with it? Thought I'd get your trusted opinions before I pull the trigger on it.

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

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