Product Spotlight - Breast Pumps and Accessories

shamrocandroll · October 2019

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?

To view the upcoming PSS schedule, see here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XX4aUSPsDbdyEEK5HIzMzwH2ztOVOnNCehSgMAc5w6U/edit?usp=sharing
Next up: Diapering

bananapanda · October 2019

Brand: Spectra! Typically the S2 is covered by insurance and the S2 would be an upcharge. The only difference is the S1 is battery operated while the S2 is only outlet.
Pros/cons: I don't have anything to compare it to, but I've done extensive research when choosing for my DD and the spectra was the overwhelming winner. I also ended up exclusively pumping for most of my journey with spectra.
Battery powered or outlet? depends on the model
Open or closed system? closed
Accessories? a pump bag is useful if you are transporting it back and forth to work as well as a small cooler. I loved the Sarah Wells Lizzy bag with matching cooler and pump parts bag.
Compatible bottles? I always used the spectra or a generic brand off amazon. I think nenesupply? They had a lot of great parts for spectra
Tips on dealing with insurance - I went through the Aeroflow website, and it was a breeze. They dealt with insurance and my OB (I guess proof I was pregnant?) and then emailed me all of the options I was eligible to get for free or a small upgrade fee then shipped it to my door within a few days. Just an FYI some insurances are different on timing for example mine couldn't be ordered (or even see what was available to be covered) until 3 months before my due date.
Pumping bras? Simple Wishes hands free pumping bra

Other Tips - get some kind of pumping lubricant! I loved bamboobies! Also don't be overwhelmed by the pump. It seemed so scary at first. Honestly my DH ended up being the one to figure it all out for me lol. I struggled so hard with breastfeeding (flat nipples, poor transfer etc) and one night around 3AM I hit my breaking point just crying in pain and frustration so DH opened it all up and figured out how to work it. It felt so weird at first. I had to make him set me up the first few times before I realized it was way more simple than I was making it

soprano19 · October 2019

Last time around I had an Ameda that I got free through my Kaiser insurance. It wasn't great in that it absolutely did not simulate an actual baby nursing. It also didn't collect as much milk as DD was actually getting while BFing, and I think ultimately it caused my supply to drop enough for DD to get frustrated and quit BFing altogether when she was about 9 months old.

Since we don't have to buy a lot of the larger items this time around (reusing DD's infant seat, etc.) I plan on spending the money out of pocket to get a Spectra. From what I've heard it's the best one out there.

ruby696 · October 2019

Yes @bananapanda, Spectra's are amazing! I have an S1. I tried a Medela and an Ameda first and they were terrible, frankly. I splurged on the S1 and it was the best baby purchase I made. I carried it in a tote with a hand towel over it and took it everywhere. It's been to depositions, I've pumped in the car (and while driving, hence the hand towel), I even used it on breaks in trial. It's relatively quiet and SO SO efficient. It's worth every penny.

chewie5990 · October 2019

I had a medala pump in style-advanced - it worked great for me, but I will upgrade because why not get a new one! I pumped at work 3x a day from 3-12 months and never had a single issue. I was always able to get more than DS drank from each pump session which accumulated a hefty milk stash. It was also super easy to clean and I did like the parts are easy to find at pretty much any store with no need to order online - this came in handy a few times when traveling and something would get broken or misplaced and I could run to a walgreens/walmart/target whatever and get a replacement. I have been looking at the Spectra and I think it is a better pump - but I worry about the accessibility of parts. I know they sell the Spectra pump at target, but they don't sell any accessories that go with it. I am definitely planning to do more research this time around and get more opinions as I will be pumping at work again. I had no issues with insurance - just called and they gave me a company to order from - it was super easy, but you cannot order until like 34 weeks or something like that.

chewie5990 · October 2019

One more side note - I know they don't work for everyone, but I also had a hand pump and used it pretty frequently - especially on long car rides where it was easier/quicker to pump in the car and then feed baby a bottle while still driving rather than stop for 30 minutes to breastfeed every 2-3 hours.

ruby696 · October 2019

@chewie5990 That's a great point about having a hand pump. I kept one in my car and there were a couple occasions where I was out of town all day and realized I forgot a pump part. The hand pump saved me.

adventuresawait2 · October 2019

Definitely agree with the spectra recs. Get the S1 if you can for the battery, and if not, the s2. I got an s2 through insurance and a co-worker gave me her old s1. I also got the S9 (switched insurance during pregnancy which sucked, but did get two pumps out of it!) because it looked so portable, but do not recommend it - not strong enough/right settings to allow it to be a good substitute for the spectra s1 or s2.

On parts, I mostly got them on Amazon, but a local breastfeeding store near me carries them. Echo that nenesupply has some other part options - there are off-brand smaller flanges, for example. I also bought adapters (basically just rings) to be able to pump into narrow-neck bottles. Also, for those who had a Medela Pump in style or used a Medela symphony in the hospital (which I did due to some issues), there are ways you can modify the spectra and parts to use medela parts if you want. I didn’t, but I know people who did.

catem07 · October 2019

I also recommend a hand pump. Good for relieving a little milk if baby ends up sleeping longer than you’re used to.

Also keep an entire set of extra pump parts in your desk.

Spectra is the bomb. It’s not even that expensive OOP.

spiderlover25 · October 2019

Agree with Spectra except that I had a harder time fitting the flanges than with my Medela pump in style. On that note, make sure you check your flange size!! I was frustrated with being uncomfortable the first time around and finally realized that the flanges are sized. Big boobs does not equal large flange!! It’s all about your nipple size. You won’t be able to figure this out until baby is here but definitely size yourself (google can help with pics) before you get too far into a pumping journey.

rachelg777 · October 2019

I used the medela PISA last time and it worked fine for me but I plan on getting the spectra this time- mainly just to try something new. I had no issues with the medela really although it was kind of loud. I pumped in the car a lot and so if yours isn’t battery powered I would recommend getting an adapter for the car. Also, I bought the freemie cups for pumping in the car and while I would prefer just using the regular pump parts- for the car they were amazing as you could just stick them down your shirt and not deal with a cover or pumping bra, etc. And instead of the medela valves I would just buy the duck valves spectra uses- they are compatible with medela too and easier to clean. When I pumped at home/work I used the medela pumping bra. I also have a Ollie gray nursing/pumping bra. It was fine, but I found it would get kind of lumpy and weird sometimes. As everyone else said, have a couple extra sets of pump parts. Insurance was very smooth for me and the pump arrived like the next day after ordering.

Re hand pump- absolutely a must have. I have the medela and also the Lanisoh. I don’t have a ton of experience with the lanisoh as I bought it in a bind when I had nothing one day towards the end of my pumping days. I really like that it suctions to the boob though (so only requiring one hand) vs. the medela which I had to hold there (using two hands) if I really wanted good suction. But, I used my hand pump SO much. I built my freezer stash in the beginning entirely from my hand pump. Since I block fed, I found it easier to just pump the other side quickly with the hand pump. I did that every night or if I found I was super full and needed some relief and it was a super easy way to store some milk.

I just used a tote bag and a small cooler with the ice pack that fits with bottles nicely.

I don’t know if this goes with breast pump supplies but I also recommend a Haaka.

I might think of more to add..

jrouge12 · October 2019

I used the Medela PIS with DD. It was covered by insurance and I won't be eligible for a new one with this pregnancy. I never had any problems. I nursed and pumped and built a huge freezer stash before returning to work after 12-weeks. I then pumped at work 2-3xs a day with no problems and nursed DD when I got home.

queenklau · October 2019

Anyone considering getting the willow pump? It looks so cool! It has been 2 years since my last pumping session and there are some cool advances on the pumps.

I also use the medela pump in style. I May get some replacement parts and use it again, but want to upgrade to an alternative.

catem07 · October 2019

@queenklau I have friends who have the elvie, which is similar to willow, and they like it. One is a dentist and pumps while she’s with patients! I wfh so don’t need a pump like that but it looks cool.

mdfarmchick · October 2019

Second the spectra... I had a Medala PISA with my first and got a spectra with my second after my first BMB started raving about them as we went on to have more kids. Because DS2 was 4 weeks early I had a hospital grade Medala Harmony on rental... I tried pumping with both and hands down the spectra was better—quieter, more efficient, gentler, but better output. I love the Spectra.

I also second a Haaka. It saved me several ounces every time I had a let down and was either pumping or breastfeeding. Best $12 ever.

mokay19 · October 2019

Spectra S2 saved my pumping and working life! You can buy extra parts for cheaper on amazon through Nene supply. They look different and have different air flow parts but they function perfectly and save you money. Also, if you’re serious about breastfeeding, just register for pump parts and pump cleaner. But wait to get more flanges until you know the right size.

A hand pump was a necessity for me. While traveling via plane or car, I brought my hand pump everywhere “just in case.”

And last, but definitely not least, the Haakaa (or off-brand version). I leaked a bunch and loooooved not feeling like I was wasting. My milk came in late and I worked my ass and tits off to get a solid production. I wasn’t going to let any drop go to waste!

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/mj/u7h3q72vcc4i.png

stella_700 · October 2019

Brand: Spectra S2 I exclusively pumped for the twins (we always had to supplement, I didn't make enough for both babies)
Pros/cons: I've also used the Medela pis travel one while at work. I liked my spectra better for its quiet efficiency but the shape of the spectra doesn't travel nearly so nicely
Battery powered or outlet? Both were plug in
Open or closed system? closed
Accessories? I'm getting one of those pump bags/totes next time but last time I just had it in a tote. I put the accessories in a gallon ziplock. Accessories tip: So the CDC says not to do this now, but my work allows only 15 minutes to pump, which is completely not enough time, I kept multiple sets of parts for work and for home, storing them in the fridge in a clean bag, means you don't have to completely wash them in between pumps. It means the pump parts go on your breasts cold but that sometimes feels really nice.
Compatible bottles? This is hit or miss. The twins liked the Dr. Browns bottles. Babies like what they like.
Tips on dealing with insurance - I went through a website, and it was easy. I requested my choice and the doctors office did the rest. They dealt with insurance and my OB office confirmed when contacted. I did have to wait until I was within three months though.
Pumping bras? I'll look at it at home. I bought two at the lactation shop at the hospital. I don't remember the brand. They will definitely need to be replaced! Poor worn out things.

m6agua · December 2019

@pirateduck Here is the thread about breast pumps and stuff...

rox7777 · December 2019

I’ve ordered both of my pumps through Aeroflow and had them covered by insurance. The first time I got the hygeia. It never did get any milk for me. I tried every setting and possibility and just never responded to it, but I could hand express just fine. This time I ordered the spectra S2 since it’s so highly recommended. I also have the haakaa on the off chance that I don’t respond well again.

I will say, DS2 was BF for 2.5 years and never took pumped milk, so it was kind of unnecessary. I’m more determined for bottle usage this time as being the sole source of milk for so long was emotionally and physically exhausting.

jhysmath · January 2020

Reviving this to ask for info on portable pumps. I see that @adventuresawait2 didn't care for the s9.

The company my insurance wants me to go through also has the freemie independence.

With dd I used the s2 and loved it, but I wasn't something more portable this time. I know the s1 doesn't need to be plugged in, but it's huge and I'm thinking like being able to get stuff done and meet with colleague while pumping during my prep/lunch so I'm not so alone this time.

So I'm thinking something small that I can put on my hip and hook up freemie type cups with so my nips aren't on display. I think the willow needs bags and I find that pretty wasteful and both that and the elvie just seem way out of a good price range as I can't find insurance covering those.

pirateduck · January 2020

Thank you for reviving this. I just started looking at pump options because my insurance changed January 1! I’m sure there are others that need to revisit this topic now that it’s closer to time to order.

queenklau · January 2020

*following*

I currently have a medela pump in style (motor Still works, will get new tubing and parts) from my first pregnancy and a coworker will give me the S2 motor (closed system) to have at work. My insurance will also cover a new pump, I am considering a wireless one. Any advice on that front? I am thinking the freemie, but would like to hear others experiences.

pourmeanothermocktail · January 2020

queenklau said:

*following*

I currently have a medela pump in style (motor Still works, will get new tubing and parts) from my first pregnancy and a coworker will give me the S2 motor (closed system) to have at work. My insurance will also cover a new pump, I am considering a wireless one. Any advice on that front? I am thinking the freemie, but would like to hear others experiences.

Depends on how much you'll need to pump. If your last pump and your coworkers was under several uses per day, 5 days per week for several months- and that's going to be your need again, I would get a brand new spectra or medela, and just buy Freemie cups (or the Freemie manual pump that comes with the cups) to use with your new pump. Heavy use can put a toll on the motor. It can also be nice to have a home pump and a work pump so you're not transporting back and forth, and leave the old pump at home.

m6agua · January 2020

I have a Medela pump from last time that I barely used since I switched to 100% formula after week 1. There has been 3 years between so I can get another from insurance. I’m thinking I will get the Spectra and buy a manual pump too. I could not produce last time, I’m hopeful to produce more this time around but not really sure if I will end up needing the pump. I want to get a manual because hand expression worked the best for me last time, so thinking that might be worth a try.

jhysmath · January 2020

Has anyone tried the motif luna? It looks like they're new so I doubt anyone has, but for the 100s of things I've read today it looks like that one is out doing the spectra pumps even.

Also the ameda Mya pump looks like it has the best suction for a pump that's small and portable.

catem07 · January 2020

I have a few friends who have the elvie, which is a totally wireless pump (where the motor is in the cup) like the willow. It’s pricey but they like it.

People I know with an ameda hate it. I haven’t heard of the motif Luna but I’m going to check it out. I have my S1 from last time so I’ll probably get an S2 this time so I won’t have to pay an up charge.

mamaj1220 · January 2020

So my insurance will cover a single electric pump but not the double, any pros/cons? I am just wondering if I should pay out of pocket and get a double though they do have the S2 single.

shamrocandroll · January 2020

@mamaj1220 That's awful. I would 100% do a double pump. It would take 2x as long to pump with a single. There's no way that would have worked for me once I went back to work.

pirateduck · January 2020

I got in touch with my insurance recently as well. I learned it takes 10 days to two weeks to get a pump from the day the order is placed with them. I have Cigna, but I assume the timeline is probably similar with other insurance companies. Just putting this info. out there to help you ladies plan in advance.

shamrocandroll · January 2020

@pirateduck I also have Cigna, and they won't let you order your pump until you're 28 weeks, if I remember correctly.

rachelg777 · January 2020

I have United Healthcare and my pump arrived literally the day after I ordered it last time. Super easy experience. I cannot order it until 30 days before my due date, however.

m6agua · January 2020

I don't remember how long mine took last time. I have Aetna, I don't think it was too long. I do remember I was able to get it ahead of time and had to use some third party website to get it. I don't remember what site, but I have heard great things about the Aeroflow breast pumps site for ordering through all kinds of insurance companies.

randic22 · January 2020

I have blue cross and was able to order through either edge park or Byram medical websites. With edge park, they called my ob for confirmation of pregnancy and had it shipped out within a week. It was so easy. I had quite a few pumps to choose from, but ended up going with the spectra s2

jrouge12 · January 2020

For some reason I though I wasn't eligible for a new pump with this baby but I called my insurance today and I am. Now I'm stuck. A lot of you guys reccomend the Spectra and I'm mostly sold. But I used the PISA with no problems with DD and was very successful pumping. Either way I'll be using both pumps (one to keep at work) but I'm hesitant to go with a new brand when the other worked so well.

mamaj1220 · January 2020

I wonder if my insurance will let me pay the difference to get the double pump because that was my thought @shamrocandroll it will take at least double the time at work and I don't have all that time to sit and pump, granted I can work while pumping in my office with it locked but still.

catem07 · January 2020

@jrogue12 If you are using a Medela for sure, get another one. The Spectra uses wide mouth bottles so the parts aren't really interchangeable at all with out adapters. It'll be easier to have all Medela parts.

bananapanda · January 2020

@mamaj1220 are you sure about the spectra s2? I'm in a lot of pumping groups from exclusively pumping with DD, and I've never heard of a spectra s2 that wasn't a double pump. Is it possible it somehow only comes with one flange/bottle so you would have to buy another to use it as a double pump? Are you going through aeroflow or edgepark or somewhere where you can send us a screenshot of the options?

I went through aeroflow and due to my insurance mine will not ship out on 2/13 (3 months before due date), but I already have it ordered.

mamaj1220 · January 2020

@bananapanda that’s why I am thinking about asking if I can pay for the upgrade because it looks like they are all double and the other options do not have good ratings

catem07 · January 2020

Before paying for an upgrade, check out what the pump would be if you just paid OOP. For example, for me, the S2 (with cooler and ice pack or a backpack) is $30 and I have to pay $135 if I wanted to upgrade to the S1. I can buy the S1 on Amazon for $200, so I'd probably be better off getting the cheap S2 and buying an S1 OOP to have a pump I could keep at work and one to keep at home (this is hypothetical for me because a. I still have my S1 and b. I work from home). But all worth considering if you have a little extra money and want to have two pumps (I highly recommend having two pumps if you can, especially if you commute by anything other than your own car).

jrouge12 · January 2020

@catem07 Yeah, I bought a lot of extra bottles with my first so I've been leaning back towards the Medela. My other working mom friend has also recommended I keep with the Medela because it pumps faster. That's a huge necessity when pumping on school time. I also am less likely to mix up parts and end up with the wrong ones at school. One time when pumping for DD I only brought the pump and no flanges. That was a terrible day.

I feel so much more indecisive about things this pregnancy than I did with my first!

jhysmath · January 2020

So after all the debating and researching all weekend I went with the Motif Luna from what I've read it has a higher suctions 280 compared to the 270 that the s2 had. I always used the S2's highest setting and felt that I could go stronger. The Motif reviews all claim that they can get the same amount out like the s2 but more quickly. They are new to the market, but it looks like the parts are interchangeable with me s2 parts so that's another win.

I went through Aeroflow again and it seems to be pretty easy they still have my info from last time so they'll contact my midwife again and ship it out. I think last time I got it around 28 weeks even though I ordered around 20 weeks. Last time they said that the would provide the resupply of parts, but after the first resupply they no longer worked with anthem. I checked and they said that they do work with them again so hopefully I'll get my resupply again.

I've looked at some cheap portable pumps on amazon, I'm assuming they're from china, but looking at maybe getting one of those babybella is the one I'm looking at with great reviews and it's only $84 with a supposed suction of 300, with . I'll also likely look at getting the freemie parts that are compatible with the spectra (also motif) and hopefully the portable one as well. Looking at the portable pumps that I could get with my insurance the suction was 220 or 250 compared to the 270 that I didn't think was strong. The ameda mya portable does have a 280 suction but I haven't read great things about ameda in general so didn't want to chance it, it was also not covered by my insurance.

Here's a link to the babybella
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TD4P8DS/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07TD4P8DS&pd_rd_w=8PgcU&pf_rd_p=c83c55b0-5d97-454a-a592-a891098a9709&pd_rd_wg=aQUQK&pf_rd_r=437CKACKRR1EKBQ4S1EG&pd_rd_r=55f9b6a0-41fe-4583-9fae-0b2fc8f12537&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzR0o4RFNDUUtPVzlUJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDcyNDAzMVk0Q0dSMFlKQzM3TCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTUyODQ2UFFOMFc1RkI3NzYyJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsX3RoZW1hdGljJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

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