Product Spotlight: Breast pumps and accessories

mrosek91 · December 2020

Hello! Now that we know what our babies will wear, let's figure out what they're going to eat! Today we are kicking off a three-week sequence of Baby Feeding Products. Today: Breast Pumps and Accessories (coming up next week: Formula, and then Bottles the following week).

Breast Pumps! An object sometimes of a great love-hate relationship. STM: what breast pump did you use? How do you feel about it? Would you get the same one again?

Aspects to consider about breast pumps:
Breast Pump functions: how do you like the power, the rhythm, the options for speed and suction during pumping? And how has it held up with long-term use?
Portability: does it have a portable charger? Car charger? Batteries? Does it come with a bag to carry around? If not, what bag do you use?
Accessories: does the basic pump purchase order come with options for flange size? Storage bottles to pump into? If you got extra accessories, what were they and where did you get them? Do you recommend a particular pumping bra as an accessory?
(Accessory hacks: if you get your hands on a different brand of accessories, do they fit across different pumps? Do you recommend an adaptor (third party or otherwise) to smoosh different brands' accessories together?)
Cleaning: how? What do you use? Basic soap+water or did you have a special sterilizing set-up?
Affordability and access: where and how did you get your breast pump? Did insurance cover it? For those US-based, ACA guidelines had all (most?) insurance programs cover a breast pump for free--does anyone have experience post-ACA-reducing measures under the current administration? Are secondhand markets a good option?

Please share!
Prior and upcoming product spotlights

mrosek91 · December 2020

I used the Medela Pump in Style for my first two, and the Spectra S2 for my third.
Breast Pump functions: how do you like the power, the rhythm, the options for speed and suction during pumping?
PIS - It doesn't have different rhythms or anything like that, but it does have a power setting which is very easy to use, and gives a nice range.
S2 - It lets you adjust both vacuum strength, and number of pumps per minute. I probably did not take advantage of this to the degree I could have, (I know some people who would change these several time per session.) but it did allow me to make it as comfortable as such a thing can be.

And how has it held up with long-term use?
PIS - Held up great, I used it for about 9 months each with 2 babies, and by the end of the second it was still going strong. I even used it once or twice with my third when I forgot parts for my S2
S2 - the pump it's self seems to hold up well, but the parts need to be replaced more often than the PIS.

Portability: does it have a portable charger? Car charger? Batteries? Does it come with a bag to carry around? If not, what bag do you use?
PIS - It's annoying to carry around because it's 7lbs(!) but it's nice and compact. I usually used the AC adapter it came with, but I purchased the battery pack for the rare occasions were I was somewhere I needed to pump, and there wasn't an outlet handy. I found that with the battery pack, I needed to use a higher power setting to get the same amount of power, and if it sat unused too long then even at the highest setting, the pump didn't really have enough power. I used to carry the battery pack, and spare batteries to make up for this.
S2 - it is much lighter (3lbs) but a more awkward shape, so about the same to carry around. It didn't have a battery option which was annoying, but I decided not to upgrade to the S1 because I had the PIS for those times I needed the battery option.

Accessories: does the basic pump purchase order come with options for flange size?
PIS - The pump comes with the "standard" (25mm) but you can purchase others (I think even amazon has). DS#1 had latching issues, so I needed to pump in the hospital, they told me I was 27mm, and gave me those flanges, and they worked great.
S2 - comes with 2 sizes, and more are available to purchase

Storage bottles to pump into?
PIS - it came with a very minimal amount, I purchased a ton more.
S2 - it also came with two, but I ordered an adaptor so I could pump into the medela bottles I already owned.

If you got extra accessories, what were they and where did you get them?
For DS#1 I purchased the Medela pumping bag, and hated it, it had room for almost nothing else after you put in the pump and the cooler, and you needed to take the pump out to use it. Also it was ugly. For DS#2 I treated myself to this and it was great. It has a special compartment so that you can access the pump without taking it in and out. It's really spacious, I can fit the pump, cooler bag, work computer, and more, I used it as my work purse for months after I stopped pumping. I wore it out by the time DS#3 came along, so for him I splurged and bought this. I stopped using it because I was still pumping when COVID hit, so if I'm back in the office that's what I'll use this time too.
I also purchased 2 cooler bags which come with freezer packs, I rarely needed more than one, but I purchased the first, and then the second came with something else (I don't remember what) and I really liked having 2 of the freezer packs, for days when I forgot to put it back in the freezer.

Do you recommend a particular pumping bra as an accessory? I just wore my regular nursing bras, and bought a hands-free pumping harness to wear over it when pumping, and it worked fine. I decided to upgrade and got this one for DS#3 and liked it better.

(Accessory hacks: if you get your hands on a different brand of accessories, do they fit across different pumps? Do you recommend an adaptor (third party or otherwise) to smoosh different brands' accessories together?)
PIS - I just used the Medela stuff
S2 - I used these so that I could pump into the Medela bottles. I tried some of the other off-brand stuff when I need to replace the rubber parts, and found they didn't work as well.

Cleaning: how? What do you use? Basic soap+water or did you have a special sterilizing set-up?
After my morning pump I would wipe the parts using the pump wipes. After my afternoon pump I would just throw the dirty stuff in my bag. Then when I got home I would soak them in hot sudsy water for anywhere from 5 min to overnight, pull them out rinse and let dry.

Affordability and access: where and how did you get your breast pump?
yummymummystore.com, using their online ordering. I got a list of stores from my insurance, and it was the first one on the list that had good reviews.

Did insurance cover it? Yes, 100% for DS#1 and DS#3, but when I went to purchase one for DS#2, I was told I was only entitled to one every 3 years, so I probably won't be able to get one this time either.

For those US-based, ACA guidelines had all (most?) insurance programs cover a breast pump for free--does anyone have experience post-ACA-reducing measures under the current administration? No Are secondhand markets a good option? I have no experience with this.

texas_t · December 2020

Hi! I'm not going to add too much here because I was very unsuccessful with breastfeeding (I produced a laughably small amount). Anywho, I had access through insurance to a few choices and ended up getting the spectra 2 both times. My insurance covers 2 pumps per year and will also pay a certain amount per month for a hospital grade rental. So, call your insurance and find out because you might be pleasantly surprised!

I did see that Medela just released a new version of the PIS that has a closed system, which is intriguing!

yellingbanana · December 2020

With my first, 14 years ago, I had a Medela single travel electronic/battery pump. It did the job, wasn’t terrible, and lasted me through my second child 5 years later when I had to pump once everyday because I was a full time college student.

With my 3rd child, a friend gave me the Medela Pump in Style. It was pretty cool, more comfortable than the other one, and worked better too. But I hardly ever used it because at that point I was a SAHM/nanny. Sometimes it was so much work just to get it set up and going. We also went to a couple of concerts that year (Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Tom Petty/Lumineers!) and I needed to take a pump with me while we were gone for 6 or 7 hours. So I got a Medela hand pump, and that was probably my favorite. It was so small and easy. But keep in mind I only used occasionally.
Of course, along with all of my other useful baby items, I gave them all away because we thought we didn’t want to have any more kids. So I’ll buy a handpump again. I’m with baby 99% of the time.

On a side note, I could usually get a reasonable amount of milk with the first few pumps. But after that my boobs would shut down pretty quickly after the letdown and I’d only get 2 or 3 oz at a time. A trick I learned with DD2 was to put her on one boob, pump on the other, and then I could get 5oz or so from the one side.

gusgus14 · December 2020

I had the Medela PIS last time and was happy with it. I won’t say a lot because there’s already a pretty good review above.

I do not respond as well to pumps and nursing babies so it took me forever to get what I needed; I pumped probably 45 minutes at a time, 3x a day once I went back to work (and nursed once in the morning and once at bed) and I did that until about 10 months when she decided she was done nursing and we just finished up her first year with the little bit of stash I had plus formula (I also started pumping less milk around 8-9 months and started supplementing then).

This time around, assuming all works out with breastfeeding, I am planning on getting the Willow. I hate having to be plugged up especially with how long it’s taken me in the past and I know a couple of moms with the Willow who love it. I want to make sure I’m going to follow through with breastfeeding before I drop $400 for the upgrade through my insurance though.

ckmb_1250 · December 2020

@texas_t I already got my pump through insurance & it’s the newer Medela PIS with closed system 👌🏻

I have clicked on the Aeroflow ads you see on here both times I ordered my pumps. It’s surprisingly easy, they run it through your insurance and show you all the pumps you can pick, and you don’t have to call your own insurance company. They also text you every month for a whole year & ask you if you still need replacement parts, and if you do they send them.

gusgus14 · December 2020

@ckmb_1250 +1 to using aeroflow! I used them last time and have used them this time to verify my coverage and I’ll go through them when I’m ready to order mine.

brynn_mamaof4 · December 2020

I don’t really remember all the details of my pumps, I know with my first and second I used a Medela and with my third I used the spectra 2. I will say I remember loving my spectra, the settings, functions, etc. I breastfed my last for about 22 months almost exclusively but I would pump in the mornings (I produce massive amount of milk) and I’d have to pump if I was doing something and unable to breastfeed for awhile, so I also pumped frequently. I never had to replace any parts of anything like that. I plan to get the spectra this time again as well.

nsk489 · December 2020

@gusgus14 I was wondering about the Willow!
FTM so no experience here, but I have already talked to my insurance company to see what would be covered. They gave me a list of medical suppliers they work with, so my options were limited to medela (a couple also offered the spectra s2 or an upgrade to the s1). However they also told me if I dont see one I want, I can buy ANY pump I want and they will reimburse me up to $470! With that in mind, I am looking at either Willow or Elvie

mkc3888 · December 2020

I had the Madela PISA 4 years ago. It was fine, it got the job done. I pumped nearly everyday for a year and didn't really have any problems. It came with a bag to carry it and I basically used it as my purse for work. I was able to get a car adapter for it, so when I worked in hospice I pumped in the car. As far as a hands free pumping bra, I just cut slits in an old sports bra and used that. I preferred it to the actual hands free pumping bra I had.

mimser · December 2020

Ok so ladies, I will be home with baby for just about a year. Should I invest in an electric pump right away or start with a simple manual one for occasional use?

I would get the Philips avent if I go for a manual or the Medela PIS if I go with the electric one.

Here in Canada, insurance doesn't cover the purchase of a breast pump.

mkc3888 · December 2020

@mimser I never had to pay for a pump, so I'm not sure about costs and what not, but I only used an electric pump. I never even had a manual pump. I started pumping in the hospital because of having a premie and difficulty latching. In the hospital I used the hospital pump. Once home I used the Madela PISA. I exclusively pumped for the first month or so until I had a tongue/lip tie revision done for my daughter. After that we nursed when together. If you plan on pumping after a year, I'd go ahead and get the electric from go. However I stopped pumping around 11 months because I had enough milk stored to make it to a year and beyond. I continued to nurse at home until around 18 months when she self weaned.

littlelibelula · December 2020

@mimser I had a manual pump and I was surprised at how easy it was to use. I always thought that you needed an electric to get enough, but I was pleasantly surprised when I was able to even make a milk bank with amanual pump. I'm a SAHM but I worked for about 2-3 weeks when my baby was 2 months old. I got about 3-5 oz in a 15 minute period when I had to pump during work, but to build my stash I would pump once in the morning and didn't have any problems.

Do keep in mind that when you first start pumping, regardless of manual or electric, you may be discouraged at how little comes. Find a good pumping time, usually early in the morning, and once your body starts to recognize this new need for milk your supply will increase and you should get a couple of ounces in 20-30 minutes.

ec1212 · January 2021

Experienced pumping mamas: Now that I'm on my job's new insurance plan, I can see what pumps are covered. I'm settled on the Spectra S2 as my main pump (this will be almost 100% covered by insurance).

I have questions about a second pump. I'm between the Medela Harmony hand pump and the Spectra S9 portable pump.

Thoughts:
1) I would like a pump that I can use while I'm more mobile, like while doing dishes or whatever (you can throw the machine part into your back pocket...it's about the size of an iphone). This pump can also double as the one I bring to work when we're back in office (I only plan for pumping a couple months after going back to the office). I think the S9 would be better for these use cases. I wish I could use the Willow for this, but I have heard it's not great for really busty mamas and useless when bending over cause of spillage, etc. not to mention it's $$$.

2) But I would also like something that's easier to bust out for middle of the night pumping when DH is handing the feed and/or for letdown during night feedings. I think the hand pump would be easier in the dark when I'm blind with exhaustion.

What seems like the more useful of the two based on having a hospital grade main pump and probably only nursing for 3-4 months during my mat leave, and pumping for another 3 months after that while working out of the house?

Edit: Or am I just being a nutty FTM and should I just wait and see how pumping and nursing goes with the main pump before I go all crazy?

mrosek91 · January 2021

@ec1212 I would definitely wait and see how things go before spending money on a second pump. I know some moms who bought one, and then only responded to hospital grade, or gave up on nursing all together.
Also, I took the spectra S2 back and forth to work every day, and it really wasn't a big deal.
Lastly, for middle of the night letdown I recommend the hakaa, my only regret about the haakaa is that I didn't learn about it until baby #3. I have a really cheap version with no cover, so there is chance of spilling in the middle of the night, but even if you upgrade to one with a lid, or buy a lid separately you're still only looking at ~$30.

ckmb_1250 · January 2021

@ec1212 do you drive to work? Personally I don’t think I’d like trying to do chores while pumping with the tubing etc. but it’s easy to pump while driving. I had the spectra S2 and used it in the car several times. You’d also be doing it at the same time every day so your body would learn to make milk at that time daily. Or if you take a train would the willow work since you’re just sitting there?

Also agree on the hakaa for letdowns. Hakaa also makes these ladybug inserts similar to Milkies milk savers, but they have some suction like the original hakaa. They look like they tuck into a bra. I’m going to try them this time but haven’t found anyone who has used them. The struggle when your wiggly baby kicks the full hakaa off of your opposite boob is 😩

ec1212 · January 2021

@mrosek91 @ckmb_1250 thank you! I'll look at the Hakaa again. I have a very short train+walk commute into Manhattan to work, and I think I'd rather leave something at my office than carry it back and forth (assuming crowded trains become a thing again next year), but I have plenty of time to decide what to do there.

ckmb_1250 · January 2021

@ec1212 you may be able to build up a pretty good stash on maternity leave just by adding a pumping session outside of babe’s normal feeding schedule. I always pumped like 20 mins at the same time every morning with the spectra and mobility with the pump wasn’t an issue because baby just stays in one spot. Between that and the hakaa I had a hundred or so oz by the time my leave was over.

ec1212 · January 2021

@ckmb_1250 that would be a dream. I’d love to not pump at work!! 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽that BFing works out & I have a great supply!

ckmb_1250 · January 2021

@ec1212 I still pumped at work when I went back! But if you had the stash, you may not need to worry about extra pumping at home.

queen_frostine · January 2021

I, too, had the Medela Pump In Style. It was fine; might try the Spectra this time but I'm not sure. I tried a bunch of different flanges, including Pumpin' Pals, and my best hack ever was to order silicone inserts that go in the flanges. I left it at work because I didn't want to haul it back and forth, but because I had so much trouble getting enough milk, it would have been nice to have one at home now and then. Sometimes I used the manual at home (I had the Avent which came with the silicone insert, which gave me the idea for the regular pump, but it was a pain in the ass to use). I made sure I had lots of extra accessories from Amazon. I used a couple of different pumping bras, I think the Simple Wishes one the most. I pumped four times a day and felt it was cleaner to put the pump parts in my private fridge in my private office between sessions than to wash them out in a bathroom sink. I brought them home every night and washed them with dish soap and water in a bowl. My pump was covered entirely by insurance.

mimser · January 2021

So I registered for the Haakaa. While you're breastfeeding baby, should you use it after he is done with one side or right away on the other side he is not nursing on? (I know nothing about breastfeeding 😅)

ec1212 · January 2021

The Haakaa looks awesome! I had heard about it and forgot about so thanks again for the reminder ladies. Having it work on its own without me having to pump it is perfect for nighttime.

littlelibelula · January 2021

@mimser The haakaa is for catching letdown so you put it on the opposite side that you're feeding on so it can catch the drips.

https://youtu.be/NY8CBfeDVc0

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