Product Spotlight: Breast Pumps and Accessories

chaos-and-coffee · November 2019

Taken from April:

Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product. Feel free to comment on threads like these throughout your time at the board, not just when they're in their week in the spotlight, if you discover something new OR are new to the board. This week it's.... Breast Pumps and Accessories!

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. Pictures/screen grabs, if put in spoilers, are welcome!

For all:

Brand
Pros/cons
Battery powered or outlet?
Open or closed system?
Accessories?
Compatible bottles?
Tips on dealing with insurance
Pumping bras?

alli392 · November 2019

Yes! I loved my Spectra. So easy to clean because it was a closed system, relatively quiet, and easy to move around. I did have the kind that plugs in so I also bought a car adaptor for 10 dollars and never had a problem finding a place to pump.

I chose the Spectra because it lets you adjust both the suction power and speed of suction to get you started. I used Medelas in the hospital (at 6 weeks pp) and I never liked their suction restraints so I’m glad I had the spectra already.

I ordered a double pumping bra from amazon and it was a MUST. Hands free pumping. Made everything easier. There’s lots of options just pick one that’s right for for you and supportive For the milk you’ll be producing.

If you get your pump from a hospital or local nonprofit, chances are you won’t even have to deal with insurance. They’ll file for you. It was so easy and I’d do it again all over

That being said, be fully prepared for pumping to be hard at first as you figure it out. It’s not my favorite part of breastfeeding by far but I’m sooo glad I did it. And don’t be a afraid to advocates for your rights to pump. I’m a teacher and I fought hard for them to make the time I needed and my school did. I had coverage every day. It’s worth it.

We should do a breastfeeding resources one of these closer too! I wish I’d been more prepared for that journey in general but it’s too soon to retain the information yet too for birth.

chaos-and-coffee · November 2019

I have the medela, because it’s the only one my insurance would cover, and I didn’t like it at all! It just didn’t work for me. I am not sure what I’ll do this time.

@alli392 definitely yes to a resource thread. I took a breastfeeding class at the hospital way too early and didn’t remember anything by the time I actually had DS. My biggest regret is waiting too long to get help from an LC because my supply never really established and I wasn’t able to breastfeed very long.

Also, for those looking for a willow, they are doing $75 off for Black Friday.

ReneeJ2011 · November 2019

I second the spectra. I used the medela pump in style advanced (PISA) first because it is what my insurance covered and I used a medela Symphony (hospital grade) while at work. I did not like either of them personally, mostly because of the suction restraints.
Then my MIL gave me money for Christmas and I bought the Spectra S2 and i will NEVER GO BACK!!! It is like a massage for your nipples while you are pumping and it is super customizable for whatever works best for your breast.
A strapless hands free pump bra is also a must. I say this because with the strapless you can wear a regular nursing bra which is much more supportive than a pumping bra for down the panels and put the strapless bra around without having to change bras completely or get completely undressed.
I also recommend if you are large breasted looking for a nursing bra that is made out of regular bra material not that stretchy crap because it is not supportive at all. I had an elomi bra last time and I loved it so much and it comes in large breast sizes like up to an I or J I think with band sizes from like 32 to 44+
I am looking at the elvie pump too this time mainly for work so I could pump and still see patients but I dont know my biggest drawback is the flange sizes are so limited (I used a 19mm last time) and they only hold 5oz per breast and if this time goes like last I'll need at least 8 oz per side per pump.

runwmusic · November 2019

I had the spectra s2 last time and it worked well but I hated being attached to the wall. My lc gave great advice on settings. I have those in the spoiler. I would have been overwhelmed on how to start without them.
I exclusively pumped (ep'ed) for 11 weeks because ds never latched. I am going to get the elvie (hands free and fits in your bra no cords!) this time because insurance covers part of it. I wish they would cover part of willow but the only benefit over elvie is you can lean over and not spill milk. To do this you need to be using the bags which are 50 cents each. I can't see spending at least a dollar per pump.

When I was at home I changed into a sports bra that I cut slits into to be a hands free pumping bra.

A lot of moms use the hakaa on one side while feeding in the other but I could never get the thing to work.

kiki75 · November 2019

I paid an extra $80 to upgrade to the Spectra S1. It was great and I’d absolutely pay for the upgrade again, even though I only nursed for 3 months. Initially the tipping point for getting the upgrade was that we had a wedding we couldn’t miss when DS was 8 weeks old so we had a 13-hr road trip. But, because I had supply issues, I spent a lot of time pumping. It was huge to be able to just pick it up and go places. Or I could sit next to baby in a bouncer & hold the pacifier in his mouth.

As far as output goes, I also did a Medela rental from the hospital and I got nearly identical output from the two.

You’ll want to make sure you have the correct flange size and get some extras. The notes from @runwmusic are excellent!

And, because this came up in another conversation recently, if breastfeeding simply isn’t for you, it’s okay to just not. Do what works for you and you don’t owe anyone an explanation. As with so many things, the best way is to never even offer any explanation because that implies it is their business and that their approval matters.

lwhrmomma · November 2019

Another rave reviews for Spectra! I used the Medela PISA with my oldest and it got me through 9 months of exclusively pumping. I tried the Spectra S2 with my daughter, and while I didn't use it as much(she was able to nurse), I found it to be way more comfortable, more quiet, and it had a nightlight built in that was great in the motn. It's easy to clean, and could be hacked to use Medela parts if needed.
When it comes time for bottles, the Spectra is compatible with Avent bottles, which is great bc you can screw the pump right into the bottle to feed. (Medela is compatible with dr. Browns).

runwmusic · November 2019

@lwhrmomma I forgot about the nightlight! That really is a great feature.

virginiaham · November 2019

Another Spectra rave. I got mine online through edgepark(dot)com who asked for my insurance and took care of everything. Others have already said what I would say about the Spectra.

Favorite accessories: The Medela steam clean bags, lansinoh bags (there are hacks and adapters that let you pump directly into bags), the haaka. I hate how much plastic is unavoidable for pumping milk for baby but at least I could easily find BPA free options. Loved the idea of the glass LifeFactory bottles but I never ended up using them.

Definitely getting (or making) a hands-free pumping bra because whyyyy did I not before?

It’ll come up in the BF resources thread but go ahead and bookmark kellymom(dot)com now. Literally every question I could think of about nursing or pumping I found an answer to there.

A note if you’re on the fence about whether to get a pump or not...they aren’t just for working mamas. Especially if your insurance will cover it, just do it. With #1 I knew I’d be a SAHM, and in hindsight I’d go back and pay for one even if my insurance didn’t cover it. You just don’t know when you might need it, whether it’s that nursing isn’t working for you or LO, or if an emergency comes up. I ended up in the ER when my daughter was 12 weeks, with a med I had to pump and dump for and it was no problem ... my pumping parts were all clean and I took a crash course as soon as I got home. Even if you plan to EBF, it’s great for backup and for building a small stash.

pourmeanothermocktail · December 2019

Lots of good advice and points above.

The only thing I'll add is I totally support and recommend the Freemie collection cups and the manual pump (only $10 more!) with it. As a very very part time employee with odd jobs I've had to pump in weird places with limited time and noise issues, so having a discrete pump that needs to electricity and is a double manual (not joking!) is a must for having to pump during halftime at a high school football game (had to film the entire game, so didn't have time to leave my camera and go somewhere else), or behind a bar (bartender, shift coverage problem), or simple use in car.

The cups fit into your regular bra and hold 8 oz each with no bottles, and can also be used with pretty much any electric pump out there. I've only heard crap things about the electric pump that Freemie makes, but their cups and manual system are awesome.

I strongly suggest having two sets of pump parts if you work, so you can wash less, and having a medela or spectra pump as you can easily buy more and replacement parts at most large department stores (Target, Walmart, etc) if you forget, lose, break, or wear things out. Usually it's faster than Amazon.

cclaineDC · December 2019

I used a Limerick PJ's Bliss pump with my first. It worked great. I liked the silicone flanges... Way more comfortable than the hard plastic ones that come with the Madela PISA. I also liked that it has a built-in timer so you could keep track of how long you pumped.

ETA: looks like the Bliss isn't made anymore, but they have a new model called 'Joy' that has a few more bells and whistles.

ErikandAfton · December 2019

I had an Ameda Purly Yours last time. It worked fine. I changed schools and had a weird 1st period prep when DS was 8 months and couldn't make time anywhere else in the day to pump so my supply tanked.

We had a bunch left over in our flexible spending plan so DH and I agreed I'd order the Elvie. My dear friend has one and loves it. I'm just hoping with a different prep and with a pump I can wear during class if I have to that my supply stays up this time.

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