The Product Spotlight Series continues! Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product. If you discover something new or are new to the board, you're welcome to comment on threads like these throughout your time here, not just when it's their week in the spotlight.
FTMs are encouraged to ask questions & STM/+s encouraged to share their knowledge based on experience. You can use any or all the prompts relevant to you below to share info in an easy-to-read format--or none of them. Pictures/screen grabs, if put in spoilers, are welcome! This week it's... Breast Pumps and Accessories!
S(+)TMs: Give us the pros and cons of what you have, or ask about what you want. What brand(s) have you used? Which one is best and why? Are you dreaming of any that are on the market now? Battery powered or outlet? Open or closed system? What are the best accessories? How did you go about getting one through your insurance?
FTMs: What brands are you interested in? What questions do you have?
To view the upcoming PSS schedule, based off of
S19's, see here:
March 2020 PSS Spreadsheet!
Up next week: Diapering!
Re: Product Spotlight Series: Breast Pumps & Accessories!
What brand(s) have you used? I have a Spectra S1 and love it. Super simple to use, powerful, nightlight option, and QUIET. I can't imagine being tethered to a wall outlet - the built in battery was/is a lifesaver.
Battery powered or outlet? Battery powered with a/c adapter option
Open or closed system? CLOSED. Not sure why anyone would want to deal with an open system ... ew.
What are the best accessories? Uuuuummmmm maybe have a couple different size flanges handy when you first start out in case your nipples are't standard size. I think mine came with two different sizes, and having the correct size makes all the difference in the world when it comes to efficacy and comfort.
How did you go about getting one through your insurance? Most pump sites will bill insurance for you, but it never hurts to talk to your insurance provider first. My insurance gave me a list of websites/manufacturers that they worked with.
*Formerly LuND*
Me: 35 | DH: 37
TTC: 7/2016
Low AMH, mild MFI
BFP 7/29/17
EDD: 4/5/18
DS born 4/4/18
BFP #2 7/2/19
EDD 3/13/20
I had a Medela last time that was free through insurance (i knew nothing about open v. Closed, etc) and then i upgraded to a Spectra later on.
Best accessorie: freemie cups and then the duck bill flanges instead of the standard ones that came with the Medela.
I loved BFing my daughter and really look forward to the experience again! Last time I stopped at 14 months (totally dried up) and I’m hoping to go longer this time
Baby #2 Due 3/7/20
I also got the Ameda manual pump and it sucks so look for a different manual. I highly recommend getting a manual in addition to the double electric. There are times when you just need to pump a bit off for comfort and a cheap manual (usually like $20) is so small and easy to stash in a purse or diaper bag.
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17 DS1 born on 3/2/17
EDD 3/8/20 DS2 born on 3/10/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
I also likes the kiinde system bc you can directly pump into the storage bags. However, it’s probably not worth the money. But there were a lot of times I was traveling and needed a small portable way to handle pumping and saving milk and the kiinde made my life easier. It’s expensive, but very convenient. I had normal, cheaper storage bags for every day use.
Married: 8/22/15
BFP #1: 8/22/17 | DS: 4/20/18
BFP #2: 7/14/19 | EDD: 3/18/20
I had Freemie cups which I loved for pumping at work. FFFC: I really hated pumping at work and wasn't that into breastfeeding *gasp*. I stuck with it in earnest for 6 months and continued morning feedings until 12 months, but felt relieved to be done.
https://haakaausa.com/products/haakaa-silicone-breast-pump-with-suction-base-5-oz-1pk-1?variant=27408158017
Married: 8/22/15
BFP #1: 8/22/17 | DS: 4/20/18
BFP #2: 7/14/19 | EDD: 3/18/20
as far as accessories, I recommend the haaka! So cheap and well worth it. It’s also good to have a manual pump on hand for “emergencies”. One time I was at a meeting in a tiny town and brought my pump but forgot one piece of it. I had a manual and was able to use that. Lastly, a good pumping bra is a necessity. I didn’t like the Medela one but I can’t remember which one I ended up loving. I’m sure I’ll dig it out with my maternity stuff soon.
If I can get another pump this time (I think I can?) then I'll get the Spectra.
I ended up hating and resenting the Medela pump. I worked without a fixed office, and the desk I did have was open plan. I would be in three different places or more in a working day, So I had to carry around my pump and my milk in an ice bag all day with me and it made me absolutely miserable. I think I would have pumped for longer if the pump was not so bulky, and heavy and the process of finding somewhere to pump not so onerous. It was so annoying to have to find a room with an outlet, with a door that could close and did not have a glass panel (like two or three times a day!).
Basically : consider your working conditions carefully when looking at what each pump offers. I think the Spectra would have worked better for me and might have helped me get to a year bfeeding instead of 9 months.
@silverhope I also used the kiinde system when working because it was so much easier. That said, I felt really guilty about its environmental impact (seems so wasteful) but I was desperate for anything that made pumping easier and it definitely did that!
Married: 8/22/15
BFP #1: 8/22/17 | DS: 4/20/18
BFP #2: 7/14/19 | EDD: 3/18/20
After hearing @stassischroeder review of the Spectra 1 I might get that with the Freemies that match that system (depends what insurance will help cover). Originally I was just going to use the Freemies that I had but they have upgraded and I think it leads to less spillage.
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17 DS1 born on 3/2/17
EDD 3/8/20 DS2 born on 3/10/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
@laurenm2123 my cousin just got the Willow and loves it but man is it pricey! Also I feel like my boobs are too big for it when I’m breastfeeding.
Baby #2 Due 3/7/20
@varimama I think freemie cups are only as hands free as using a traditional pump with a pumping bra. You're still tethered to your pump. I only had the cups...they do sell a pump that clips on your belt, but I didn't have that. I used mine with my medela.
I found this artical comparing the Freemie pump with Willow and Elvie. Personally, I'm much too cheap to get a $500 pump (Willow and Elvie) but the Freemie pump is having a once a year sale right now and I'm actually considering getting one for $150 - $200.
https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-quiet-breast-pumps-elvie-freemie-willow.html
https://freemie.com/collections/once-a-year-sale?gclid=Cj0KCQjw2K3rBRDiARIsAOFSW_6gZcpfJt7qpTup7LvhNVqp3dCxQBNoGnHhAtpjs0s0hhPObUyxJg4aAl3yEALw_wcB
For DS, I used the Aeroflow website to get the Spectra S2 (the pink one but I'm not sure the difference between it and the S1). The website was awesome, I just gave my insurance info, and they acquired the Rx from my OB and got back to me with my allotted spending amount to use on their site. I honestly can't remember if it was 100% covered, but close enough for sure. I'll be using the Spectra again, it's quieter, more gentle, and maybe it was the better BF'ing relationship I had with DS from the start but I had better outcome with it. I do wish the accessories and bottle compatibility were comparable to the Medela.
- I bought a Banana Fish pumping bag from Target, it's much larger than the Medela backpack, and I would have to pull the whole pump out to use it. I used my Medela battery pack with the Spectra, but the cord was long enough that I just used the outlet as often as possible because if the batteries started going out it would weaken the suction.
- It has a wide mouth connector, so not many compatible bottles to hook up to the pump and not many bottle and nipple purchasing options through Spectra (in 2018). I tried Philips Avent but didn't feel it connected well. I ended up just using the bottles it came with, transferring to Lansinoh storage bags (I like these better than Medela and Up and Up), and then into the bottle for daycare the next day. I'm sure we'll have a bottle highlight, but DS refused bottles until 7 months, so I tried out a TON!!
- The Lansinoh pumping bra was the only one I used for both, it worked well enough to never pursue another option.
- I second the Haaka!! But actually for me, these knock offs from amazon worked better as they were smaller and lighter (and 2 for 1!). I can't find the exact ones, but something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Breast-Protective-Portable-Feeding/dp/B07J55V2Z3/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=breastmilk+collector&qid=1567610986&s=gateway&sr=8-7&th=1
I think that's it!!- I'll probably get the Spectra 1 (I think it's maybe $30-$50 out of pocket to 'upgrade' through my insurance)
- Register for a Hakaa (there are multiple types of Haaka's now, so not sure which one to get)
Thanks again for all of the input from the STM's!
EDD: 3/19/20
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17 DS1 born on 3/2/17
EDD 3/8/20 DS2 born on 3/10/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
EDD: 3/19/20
EDD: 3/19/20
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17 DS1 born on 3/2/17
EDD 3/8/20 DS2 born on 3/10/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
There are grandfathered plans from pre-ACA that don't cover pumps. Also, there are non-insurance plans such as healthcare cost sharing plans that are excempt from the ACA that may or may not cover pumps. They aren't required to because they aren't insurance, and people who have them technically are exempt from the ACA requirement to have insurance. I know lots of people who colloquially refer to them as "their insurance" because it is similar, and it's easier than explaining every time in non-medical settings.
https://www.lucieslist.com/2019/10/21/wireless-breast-pumps/
*Formerly LuND*
Me: 35 | DH: 37
TTC: 7/2016
Low AMH, mild MFI
BFP 7/29/17
EDD: 4/5/18
DS born 4/4/18
BFP #2 7/2/19
EDD 3/13/20
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17 DS1 born on 3/2/17
EDD 3/8/20 DS2 born on 3/10/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17 DS1 born on 3/2/17
EDD 3/8/20 DS2 born on 3/10/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)