Product Spotlight 7/19: Breast Pumps and Accessories

kbrown2385 · July 2019

This week we are discussing breast pumps and 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(s)]:
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] you don't have but are considering? Why?:
Additional thoughts on [breast pump/accessories]:

For FTMs:

[Breast pump] you're interested in:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?:

marebear15 · July 2019

Favorite [breast pump(s)]: Spectra S1
Link/picture: Amazon
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $200
What you like about it: It's hospital grade so you can buy it used without having to worry about contamination. The pump has a let down speed and a pumping speed and pulls out the milk effectively and painlessly. I love the battery! I rarely used it plugged in, and I would just charge it every night. I bought this used from Facebook marketplace from a very kind lady who only wanted $20 for it. She even showed me how all the settings worked and gave me all brand new parts!
What you don't like about it, if anything: The battery drains pretty fast, so just make sure you plug it in every 10 or so uses. I normally only used it 3 times a day, so if I forgot one day, I would still be good.
Is there a [breast pump] you don't have but are considering? Why?: Nope, I love my Spectra
Additional thoughts on [breast pump/accessories]: If your supply ever drops, make sure you are using the right flange size and that all your parts are replaced often enough. I found this chart to be very helpful!

persnickity · July 2019

This isn't going to be popular, but the term "hospital grade" is actually just a marketing term and not recognized by the FDA.

Favorite [breast pump(s)]: Lansinoh Double electric
Link/picture: https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/lansinoh-reg-signature-pro-trade-double-electric-breastpump/1043042166
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $100, free with insurance for me
What you like about it: It's a closed system, so you can't get mold in the tubing. It had a let down speed built into the start of each session. I could use a battery or plug in. I pumped into storage bags directly, which was great!! It was easy to vary speeds and find something that matches DD nursing habits. It was easy to wash, use, and quiet.
What you don't like about it, if anything: I had to make up my own carrying case. The button images wore off by the end.
Is there a [breast pump] you don't have but are considering? Why?: I'm getting the same one again.
Additional thoughts on [breast pump/accessories]: Have spare parts if you pump at home and work. There's nothing worse than forgetting something and needing to drive back to get it. It also helped with having one to wash and one to use. I stuck things in the dishwasher every night and hand washed between sessions.

jaceru · July 2019

Favorite [breast pump(s)]: I used the PISA
Link/picture: https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Expression-Technology-Adjustable-Microfiber/dp/B004HWXCJS?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_2596347011&th=1
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): free for me through insurance
What you like about it: It worked pretty well, was able to consistently pump 3 times a day for 1 year. Never felt like it wasn't getting milk out. Had both let down setting and then regular pump speed.
What you don't like about it, if anything: I kinda felt like the motor wasnt as strong at the end of a year. I didnt have a battery pack so I always had to have it plugged in to use it.
Is there a [breast pump] you don't have but are considering? Why?: I want to try the Spectra this time
Additional thoughts on [breast pump/accessories]: I didnt get the carrying case and got my own pumping bag that I like a lot better. I also got a bottle case with ice pack for storage. My bag was sarah wells (I dont see the same one anymore on amazon) and I also used a sarah well wet/dry bag for pump parts. I just stuck them in there and then in the fridge in between pump sessions.

stashattack · July 2019

Those of you who got their pumps through insurance, how did that work for you? Do you just call them? #cluelessFTM

jaceru · July 2019

@stashattack you're in PA right? You have to order through a medical supply company. My OB gave me script and order form that I sent in with the type that I wanted--there are certain ones that insurance will cover. I had to call them after I delivered and they dropped off at my house the next day.

stashattack · July 2019

@jaceru yup! Thank you for the info! I really appreciate it.

biolprof · July 2019

@stashattack was just about to ask the same question. How do you know which ones are covered by your insurance? Should I just get the script first and then find out?

MrsJessS · July 2019

Like @marebear15 I used the Spectra S1. Mine was new and free through insurance which was nice. I think my insurance has changed what they cover so I may have to get the S2 this time (which does not have the battery) but my S1 is still in great shape and I liked it a lot. It will probably be my go to still because it still works well. But getting the free one from insurance again in case this one bites the big one unexpectedly.

For insurance questions, I would try to find your specific policy first to see if it says what is covered. If that doesn’t work I think the next option would be to go through a DME company who should be able to check what your policy covers as well. I went through The Breastfeeding Shop. They were awesome and got the prescription from my doctor so I didn’t have to do any of that. I think a lot won’t do it until early third trimester maybe? Or that could just be tricare 🤷🏻‍♀️

marebear15 · July 2019

@stashattack @biolprof - I emailed my HR insurance person and asked if breast pumps were covered. They weren't because our plan is grandfathered.

@MrsJessS - Smart to get another one as a back up! I've thought about getting a cheap hand pump in case mine ever dies. It's already gone through 3 kids (1 of mine, 2 of previous owner), and totally possible for it to kick the bucket at any time.

MrsJessS · July 2019

@marebear15 so I just found out I can still get the S1 again! Worst case scenario message me if yours dies and I can send one lol. I won’t be working so I don’t think I’ll use it a ton. I’m thinking of getting a Hakkaa type one this time as well at least for early on to catch the crazy let down

marebear15 · July 2019

@MrsJessS - TY! You're the best. 🤗 I got a Hakkaa last time around when DD was 6 months old, and it would only catch the letdown that was too watery to give DD. I'm curious to see what it will catch during the first two weeks.

valerie4786 · July 2019

For S+TMs:

Favorite [breast pump(s)]: Medela Pump In Style
Link/picture: https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/573/pump-in-style-advanced
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): website says $299+ but my insurance covered mine
What you like about it: it did the job, never had any issues 🤷‍♀️
What you don't like about it, if anything: n/a
Is there a [breast pump] you don't have but are considering? Why?: nope, but I'm probably going to get a 2nd pump through insurance this year (last time they told me I was eligible for a pump every 2 years) so I have one to stay at home and one to stay at work instead of lugging mine back and forth.
Additional thoughts on [breast pump/accessories]: I think there are SO MANY things you can spend hours researching when it comes to kids and a breast pump was one of those things I had zero interest in researching. Both my sisters had this style and it worked for them, so I was already sold on it then I found out it was one of the styles my insurance would cover. Also I used the Aeroflow Breastpumps website and they literally took care of every detail with my insurance, seeing what it covered and what I was approved for. It was seriously the easiest process because talking to someone on the phone regarding my insurance sounds like a nightmare to me. I'm definitely using the website again to get my 2nd pump because it was such a quick, easy, and stress free process to get my pump through my insurance.

Xstatic3333 · July 2019

My thoughts on the PISA are exactly the same as @jaceru’s. One additional pro it had, however, is that Target sells all the parts so if you lose or forget something it’s super easy to fix. Still planning on a spectra this time, though. They seem to be better reviewed overall.

persnickity · July 2019

Also, get a hands free bra for pumping. Makes a huge difference

agrhicks · July 2019

Favorite [breast pump(s)]: i bought a Freemie accessory kit (in the middle) I don’t know if it is my favorite or not yet but I can’t wait to try it.
Link/picture: attached
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): normally $40-60 but I got it at Bargain hunt for $15
What you like about it: it is hands free and doesn’t require I pumping bra. I work for hospice and I’m in nursing school so I do a lot of driving. I’m hoping this will make it possible for me to discreetly pump on my way to school work and save a bunch of time
What you don't like about it, if anything: it doesn’t say it’s compatible with any on my pumps but I was able to hook it up to my Motif pump (on right) and get suction!
Is there a [breast pump] you don't have but are considering? Why?: have considered the spectra or Medela. Have heard good reviews about Both from other mom friends and the freemie attachments are compatible with these pumps. Also if I use Medela I don’t have to carry the whole pump to the hospital during clinicals. I can use the hospital pumps with my attachments.
Additional thoughts on [breast pump/accessories]: has anyone used the freemie before and have any tips/insight??

also- if you plan on BF and don’t have a haaka, get one! (Pictured on left)

agrhicks · July 2019

@marebear15 I had no clue you are supposed to replace the parts that often! 🤭 I always just replaced them as needed???

marebear15 · July 2019

@agrhicks - I definitely don't replace mine as often as that graphic, but when my supply starts to dwindle, I do look back at it to decide which parts probably should be replaced. I think I replaced the duck valve 2-3 times and the back flow protector twice during my 13 months of pumping. They all tore and that's when I replaced them.

kategancla · July 2019

@agrhicks I used Freemie attachments with my Medela pump when I went back to work after my daughter was born. I did like the hands free, and no need for a special bra. I think I only had a couple of mishaps with it. You have to make sure its aligned exactly right or you end up with milk all over the place. Not a good look.

I did feel like my supply (which already wasnt great) started to drop when I was using it, but that could have also been from being back at work and the related stress.

Favorite [breast pump(s)]: Not sure yet. I had a Medela PISA last time and didnt love it. My body didn't always want to respond to it and I often ended up having to hand express quite a bit after using the pump.
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): Mine was paid for by insurance last time. This time I'm on a grandfathered plan, so I'll be purchasing myself.
What you like about it: It had a lot of accessories you could buy, like a battery pack, which was useful.
What you don't like about it, if anything: Didn't really work well for me.
Is there a [breast pump] you don't have but are considering? Why?: I may go with a Spectra this time if I end up pumping. I'm curious about some of the new pumps on the market that are concealed in your bra. The Willow and Elvie are two I know of. I'm a teacher and if I end up pumping at work it will be in my classroom during the two to three 20-25 minute breaks we get through the day. If a student checks out and needs in the classroom to get their stuff, there goes your pumping session. If I had a concealed system I at least wouldn't have to completely unplug and redress to open the door!

c1kc1kpol1cn1k · July 2019

@valerie4786 I had the same pump as you!

For S+TMs:

Favorite [breast pump(s)]: Medela Pump In Style
Link/picture: https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/573/pump-in-style-advanced
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): it was super expensive, in the $400 for me
What you like about it: I liked that you could have 2 at the same time and the speed of it
What you don't like about it, if anything: I felt it took forever to get out and set up, this could be just me and it could apply to all pumps. It was also actually pretty hard to manage pumping with 2 hands at the same time, I know one model comes on with a strap on bra that does it, probably would be easier.
Is there a [breast pump] you don't have but are considering? Why?: Yes, I think I will just get a hand pump from amazon this time. I used this pump probably 3 times total *what a waste* but I ended up just breastfeeding the entire time and used the pump when I started to get engorged in the beginning / or when DD started sleeping longer at night. The hand pump would be a quick fix for this.
Additional thoughts on [breast pump/accessories]: Not really, I never fully researched pumps but I noticed my SIL had a rough time with just the one pump it took her forever to pump out milk (one side then the other). I wanted to avoid that but that's about it. I ended up giving this pump to her for her second baby

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