I am extremely pro breastfeeding, and REALLY, REALLY REALLY (did I say REALLY?) want it to work out for me and my son. I have heard about how hard it is, and am fully aware that it doesn’t work for some, but I plan to do my darndest to make this work for me. I have a great support system, and I am just hoping that my body and baby will cooperate. That being said, I have been thinking ahead about what breast pump would work for me. I don’t want to use it right away, but if I am to be realistic I know that I will need one in order to keep it up as long as possible. So that leaves me with the question of which pump do I get?
As with everything else when it comes to babies there are a ton of options out there. With some research I found one name that always stood out. Medela! I went to two breastfeeding glasses and both classes said not to bother with anything other than the Medela Pump in Style ($279.99), or the Free style ($379.99) You would think that would make the decision easier, but with those hefty price tags, I think it’s worth a second thought. I did register for the Pump In Style but did not receive it at my shower. If I had, this decision would be non existent! So the question is, if I am paying for one myself is getting an expensive pump worth it?
Another thought? I was given a recommendation to check out the site Away Baby Essentials . The site looks great! They don’t publish their pump prices, but they will send you their price list if you e mail them. I can tell you that I can get the Free Style for about the same cost of the Pump In Style at the chain stores. Do I do it? My mom brought up a good point. Is it over kill? Her analogy? A really great and expensive microwave that does this, that and the other thing, but you only use it to heat up water. Why this analogy? Well I work from home and will most likely always be pumping from home. So do I need all the bells and whistles?
I contacted my insurance…no go! They don’t cover a dime! Some people said to rent from the hospital to see if I like it or even if breastfeeding will work. But I heard that it’s about $60, and that sounds steep should I actually end up liking it (which I hope I do). Then I’m out $60 and still have to buy the pump! Some people will tell me that I don’t need it now, that I should just wait and see. But I really don’t want to do that, because I heard from the lactation consultant that should I need to supplement with formula because I am not producing milk (which I hope is not the case) that I still would pump to stimulate and bring in the milk. So I would want it at the time of delivery for that reason….
I know I am opening myself up to a lot of different opinions by putting this question out there, but I am hoping it’s worth it! It may just make me more confused, but we’ll see!
What is your breast pump experiences??
Hey! My son went on a nursing strike when he cut his first two teeth at 4 months. Had it not been for my Medela PISA, I wouldn’t have been able to make it to 8.5 months of breastmilk for him. Once he quit nursing, I switched to exclusive pumping 5-6 times a day to get milk for his bottles. I also used a Lansinoh Double Electric (same as the Ameda Purely Yours) in the first 4.5 months and it was a great pump for occasional use. It didn’t have a travel bag, but I had a bag laying around that it fit perfectly into. I pumped in the car on three car trips and it worked great for that.
What I didn’t like about it once I started using the Medela is that the Lansinoh didn’t/doesn’t have the let-down stimulation cycle the PISA does. So I’d have to adjust pressure and speed to get it going on my own, which was a pain while also trying to hold two horns to my boobs. However, I’ve seen that Lansinoh has come out with a new pump that is supposed to be more competitive with the PISA, so that might be something to look into as well.
So you were happier with the Medela? I am always curious to hear from someone who tried something else (like the ameda)and then went to the medela if they liked it better.
I gave you more than my 2 cents already ?
Around 7-8 months of age with the first I started hand expressing & pumping and she drank from cups. Since I got my pump a while after building up my supply the electric pumps were unnecessary for me.
This time around I bought a pump ahead of time. I knew I’d be pumping because I was going back to work after 6 weeks.
I wanted to make sure I had everything in order and the idea of sending the SO to the baby store to purchase it for me? Didn’t seem like the best idea. I also didn’t relish the idea of going myself so soon after giving birth. It is less online and I was concerned that if I ordered it after the baby was here something might happen and if I needed it I wouldnt get it in time.
I guess a lot of it depends on what your personal situation is.
I was thinking about this the other day after your tweets. I’ve been home now for a few weeks and I do find my Freestyle a lot less cumbersome than the Pump In Style. All I need is the small unit, the bottle & pump and Im good to go. I can start pumping downstairs and if I need to check on the baby or move to another room I can without all the extra gear attached.
I look forward to reading what others have to say.
So you have both and like the freestyle even at home huh? Ok..good to know!
It is so small in comparison. My sister has my PIS now. I barely used it so she got new parts and uses it now. Not recommended by any health professional but Im her sister so she wasnt worried about it.
I used the Ameda double breast pump and had the same thought as Miranda when I used a Medela, having the let-down option is very helpful.
I’ve also used the Hygeia EnJoye which has given me the best milk volume BUT I found to be very loud and bulky.
More fruit for thought for you, as if you don’t have enough! Milk can take anywhere from 3-5 days to come in. Recent studies have shown that hand expressing is much better for you 48-72 hours after birth than pumping. Only thing about hand expression is that it can be painful and in lieu of that a pump may feel much better for a woman.
New mom here, (11 days post-delivery!) I have the medella pump n style. First off, I am very pro breast feeding as well and I thought I was prepared for how hard it is…but I was shocked. It really takes dedication and committment. So I’ll just say this now, hang in there, you can do it! Second, around day 5 I began pumping just at nights so I could go to bed and my husband could feed the baby. Then I began to pump like every other feeding. Around day 7 I began to freak out because I thought my milk supply was dropping. I called the nurse asap and she told me that the Baby is the breasts best pump, and I should pump yet until my milk supply has been fully established by the baby. So, with that said maybe you don’t need the pump right away. (However, I would totally feel like you do and want to have everything purchased and prepared/sterilized) If you will be pumping from home I think the pump n style will be perfect for you. Good luck!
oops…the nurse said I SHOULD NOT pump yet until my milk supply comes in.
Thanks Tiffany! I have heard how hard it is…lol and although I am sure I am not fully prepared I am determined! I have heard that it’s best not to pump for the first 2 weeks from the lactation consultants I have spoken to…so I am going to try to wait it out. I do want the pump just in case my milk doesn’t really come in at all. Better to be prepared right?
I wish you luck with breastfeeding! I hope you are able to stick with it!
I opted to rent from the hospital first, and I’m glad I did. Ultimately I did not produce so buying a pump I couldn’t return would have been a big loss of money. The good thing about the hospital pumps is that they are truly pro – meaning you can’t get better in the stores. Also, you buy your own parts, and those are yours to keep. Good luck with your decision!
That is definitely something to consider. It’s always a possibility…
I have the Medela as well. My milk came in around day 2 or 3, and a few days later, I had to get a pump because of how raw, cracked, and bleeding my nipples became, which is not good, even though while in the hospital I was told we had a great latch.
So I was told to pump until they healed, supplement with formula if need be, and get in to see lactation consultant once they healed (which is also in our pediatricians office).
They’re still healing and I see her today (9 days post partum), but the pump really helped knowing that I could still feed my baby breast milk, even if I couldn’t do it “the old fashioned way”. Good Luck!
Congratulations on having your baby!!! I just read your birth story and although it terrifies me it’s good to read!!
See that’s why I need a pump..I want to have it just in case and I don’t want to have to worry about ordering one later. I’m so glad you have been able to feed her breast milk!
I’ve been going through this too! I originally registered for the Aveda, but switched to Medela PISA after pretty much everyone told me it was the only way to go. I’m so committed to making breastfeeding work, but nervous about it too! Hopefully we’ll be able to support each other… I’m sure it will be great!
Yes we can definitely support eachother. I hear we’ll need it!!! so you went with the pump in style..good to know!
I had major raw nipples and found the only way i could provide enough milk was to pump daily! It does not sound great – but i am enjoying providing my little boy with the breast milk he deserves. Good luck to other moms who are really trying to breast feed.
I love that you were still able to pump to give your child your milk! Good for you for sticking with that!
Hey, I read your blog, and thought I’d throw this out there….depending on store policy, you could always get it, don’t take it out of the package, keep the receipt, and then return if unused. Now again, maybe some places won’t take them regardless. But some probably will if you have everything and it’s unopened. Just another option. So then if you have plenty in your supply (and the baby usually makes this more plentiful than the pump), or if you don’t have enough and have to stop, you can return.
That is true…there is always the option to return!
Depending on how long you want to breastfeed, a pump might be necessary at some point if you ever want to be away from home during a feeding. Of course, in the beginning you won’t be far from the baby but in six months? You might want to go out to eat with friends and need to meet them before the last feeding of the night, so you would just pump before hand. Or if you plan to go out of town within the first year, you would need to pump to build your supply and have enough milk to leave for the baby. I had the Pump in Style and loved it but got frustrated towards the end when MJ started to move around and I had to chase after her while I was pumping. I will purchase the Freestyle for the next baby. Regardless, get a hands free nursing bra! I would be crunched for time in the morning and needed to pump while I was putting on my make-up, so the hands free bra saved me! (I went back to work part-time when M was six months old and need to pump for her lunchtime bottle.)
Breastfeeding IS hard – cracked nipples, full breasts, leaky breasts, nursing strikes, mastitis, other people’s opinions… But it’s so rewarding and free (minus the pump and nursing bras!).
Whatever you decide, give it an honest try and don’t beat yourself up. Good luck!
Yes I want to be realistic w/ myself b/c I know there will be times that I want a break, or need to go out and DH will feed with pumped milk (or so I hope!)
I definitely plan on giving it an honest to goodness try!
medela pump in style worked great for me. totally worth the price — and the flexiblity that comes along with mixing bottle/breast feeding. i started pumping after about a month or so and would pump after each feeding so that i could freeze it and ‘store it up’ (particularly for those times when i felt like enjoying a few adult beverages!). I stopped pumping after each feeding probably 5 months into it (my supply had decreased and i didnt feel the need to do any more storing). I was able to last for about 8 months and then I just couldnt keep up anymore with the demand. breastfeeding is hard at first, but after you get through the first 2-3 weeks, it becomes much easier (much less painful) and it makes it so that you dont have to pack a bottle everywhere you go. i actually had a bit of a hard time giving it up (course, once I did, it was glad that i had, haha). everyone’s experience is different – good luck
That’s what I keep telling myself…just make it through the first few weeks! Just hang in there! lol
I have the PIS. Used it every day for 3 months and then retired (u know the story). At the hospital, I used theirs (since we were there for a few extra days). I must admit, it is stronger than the PIS. However, keep in mind- you will *hopefully* use for other kiddies down the line should you choose & is what I think of as I look at mine shoved in the top of my closet. Will help to justify the $$.
That’s true…it can always be used down the line!
I just want to commend you first, on giving breastfeeding a try!! You will do great!!!
You already know my opinion but just wanted to reiterate how happy I am with the Ameda Purely Yours pump. Since you work from home you don’t need a pump with all the bells and whistles. If you don’t need all the fancy stuff and don’t want to break the bank, the Ameda is perfect. I know Medela is good, but sometimes I feel that many don’t look to other brands. I was not a fan of my Medela pump (it wasnt a fancy one). Also I use the Medela storage bags and noticed they are starting to leak!!!! Anyways, whatever choice you make will be the best one for you!!!! Happy nursing;)
I hope whatever I choose my little man takes to it as good as yours! fingers crossed!!
First, good for you for doing all this research in advance. I ended up getting the freestyle. I did this because though a SAHM right now there’s a chance I will be back in school full time when Kaia’s 6 months old. Also, I do work 1 weekend every month so I was looking for whatever would be the most effecient in the least amount of time.
I do love the medela and have not regretted that decision in the slightest. However, if I had it to do again I probably would go with the PIS. The reason for that is because double hands free pumping never worked for me. I found it painful and my breasts needed different settings anyway. So, I just pump one side at a time now with my freestyle. This is not to say that you would have the same experience just sharing mine just in case. Good luck! It is a daunting task and no option is cheap.
I heard this about the double hands free in my research. I am now leaning towards the PIS…since I work from home and there is no chance of me working out of the home it may just be overkill…
Thanks for the input!