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Re: Product Spotlight 4/16: Breast Pumps + Accessories
*typo
I got the spectra and pumped into kiinde bags (so durable and they stand up when you disconnect them) with the kiinde adapters. It was quiet enough that I frequently pumped during conference calls and no one heard it. The Sarah wells pump bag and wet parts bag were a splurge but worth it. I’d toss my pump flangles into the wet bag and pop it into the fridge between sessions so I only had to wash them in the evenings rather than after every session.
ETA: @BusinessWife totally worth it. The pump fits in and you can leave it in the bag and just plug in everyday. It just looks like a nice bag and I love mine.
https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/157/harmony-breast-pump
The manual pump was my backup and it worked really well when I needed to use it, it just took more effort because I couldn't do anything else while pumping.
I brought an insulated bag with my pumping stuff (except the actual pump) in it that I kept in our work fridge; it's just a regular lunch bag so it was discreet. I refrigerated my parts between sessions, although I've heard they recommend against that now. An extra set of accessories can be helpful, or multiple sets if you pump a lot. I used the bottles that came with the pump to express directly into, then I would combine them into a spare bottle so I could use them for the next pumping session. At home I measured out anywhere from 2-4 oz into freezer bags and froze them flat. I kept those in a gift bag in the freezer with a cut at the bottom of the bag to pull out the oldest ones first - there's a bunch of examples on Pinterest. That worked well for us, especially since I we didn't need bottles every day and I had a good supply. I was able to just use the bottles that came with the pump and a couple of extras that I got as freebies that had flat caps instead of just nipple lids and didn't have to buy any extras.
Expecting again -- EDD 7/27/20
I hated the Lansinoh and Medela freezer bags. They were always leaking. The ones I thought worked best and I NEVER had to deal with leaks were the Target Up&Up brand.
The Spectra worked great and I have zero complaints. It was very adjustable. I used kiinde bags with adaptors to store milk. The Harmony was awesome for long car rides or nights out and I definitely recommend getting a small manual pump for these types of occasions. The kiinde bags with adaptors worked for that too
I will get the Spectra again and have my old one at home so I don't have to transport a pump everyday. I felt like a total bag lady with my purse, pump, and giant lunchbox.
i had the PISA. I hated pumping, but I’m not sure if it was the pump itself that was the problem. It worked well enough for me although I did have a couple of issues with milk backing up in the tubes. I’ll probably stick with that this time around again since I already have all the accessories.
Like @spottedginger I just refrigerated my parts between sessions and washed/sanitized everything at the end of the day. I had an insulated back I kept it all in at my desk (with a bunch of ice packs). That worked well for me.
Repeating what some others have said: the storage bags I used (Lanoish) did tend to leak. Medela makes reusable plastic storage tubes that I’m hoping to try.
I used microwaveable sterilizing bags that were an easy system for me.
Don’t forget to purchase nursing pads! I leaked a lot at the beginning. I used lanoish pads and liked that they had adhesive to keep them in place on my shirt or bra.
Did anyone try the milkies milk saver ones? I'm not sure if it's gimmicky or totally awesome. Or what about reusable cloth ones? Any good recs?
I am eligible for another pump through my insurance for this pregnancy so I plan to get another Medela since I have a lot of bottles and spare parts for the Medela but only one set for the Spectra so Medela will be my main pump again this time.
Storage bags seem to be a really personal preference. I hated the Medela bags and loved the Lansinoh ones. I did have 2 leak during the thaw process, but for how many I used 2 wasn't bad. I also thawed milk bags in a clean zip lock bag so if it leaked I could still use the milk.
Lansinoh disposable breast pads were my favorite. Their regular ones, not the super duty/overnight ones. You can generally get a big box for pretty cheap on Amazon.
MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks
DS born 9/13/16
BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
BFP #1: 1/23/2012 DD: Born 9/20/2012
BFP #2: 12/30/2017 DS: Due 9/10/2018
But if you’ve got low supply issues, that little extra is really nice!
MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks
DS born 9/13/16
BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
https://www.target.com/p/bamboobies-milk-proof-regular-overnight-washable-multi-colored-nursing-bra-pads-4pk/-/A-15833418?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9029975&gclid=Cj0KCQjwttbWBRDyARIsAN8zhbLjScizP4Ze0EZAFQ-w-1G-jIW_bUU07leXRNRJotNIZCgk63MWL7EaAmUlEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
i think it’s totally dependent on how your boobs are. With DS, I could use my cloth reusable ones with no problem. I only used disposable if I was going to miss a nursing session.
With DD, I had to use disposable because I’d leak through the reusable ones every time. Even when I weaned her at a year old, I still needed the disposable ones.
BFP #1: 1/23/2012 DD: Born 9/20/2012
BFP #2: 12/30/2017 DS: Due 9/10/2018
I also tried location cookies and every other food type suggestion. I’m not sure those made a difference, but the cookies were yummy and a good way to get calories in when I was too exhausted/busy to eat real meals
Also I preferred the disposable pads too. I just felt better being able to throw them out since I got milk blebs a couple times and a few clogs.
For supply, the best things - totally aside from supplements, which can be helpful, too - are usually plenty of time with baby at the breast (which isn't a variable you can always control, but don't skip nursing sessions for bottles whenever possible), plenty of calories, and plenty of water. I think true supply issues are rare, but sometimes we're dealing with life circumstances that mess with the natural mechanisms that keep supply sufficient. So try to not to stress over it and know that if you have trouble, you can try some relatively simple stuff and supplement with formula if you need to.
Expecting again -- EDD 7/27/20
Done. ;)
Hopefully, I don't get a polite email from the FSA people saying I need to provide an alternate payment method for the bag. :#
I got some reusable nursing pads from Walmart that worked great. The Lansinoh disposables were ok but tended to bunch up on me a lot.
I found I liked the Target brand and Lansinoh freezer bags the best because when laid flat they froze nice and thin and even. The Medela brand was more like a triangle shape even when froze laying flat, which makes storing annoying. They also hold less milk and leak more in my experience.
Im also forcing DH to buy a chest freezer this time to share between BM and freezer meals!
MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks
DS born 9/13/16
BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
Apologies to anyone who really does keep their freezer meals next to their number twosies. :D
BFP #1: 1/23/2012 DD: Born 9/20/2012
BFP #2: 12/30/2017 DS: Due 9/10/2018
MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks
DS born 9/13/16
BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
But yes the coconut water seemed to help. Also just staying super hydrated was important.