Any Good Breast Pumps?

Hi K.,

I have used the Medela Pump In Style Advanced in the backpack. It's very discrete when taking to the office(!) I can be done in 15mins and it's very easy to use. Do a Google search, as I managed to purchase one online in Feb 2007 for $228.00 with free shipping and no sales tax and I received delivery in 2 days. Due to Medela having strict pricing guidelines, the websites don't quote their prices - you have to call them or email for their latest deals.

Here is a link to the site that I purchased mine from:-

http://www.lactationcare.com

I started off keeping this one at the office and having a Medela manual pump at home -so that I wouldn't have to carry to work every day - BUT because the PISA was so quick and easy, I just started taking it home with me each night and bringing to work the next day!

Good Luck!
A.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi, If you are delivering in the hospital the nurses should help with this. I was at Prentice, and they have on site pumps to get you started. I went with a Pump in Style, and have no complaints. At first the cost scared us, but it was worth it. You will use it for a long time, and it is nice and portible.
Congradulations-T

Although I didn't return to work, I've found the Madella "Pump In Style" to be great. This would be a good one--higher end for lots of pumping--has a plug or battery option. I had a milk supply issue with my first one and bought it to help increase my milk by pumping. I think I got it at Kenosha Hospital for about $150 or less. You can rent to buy @ some locations or you can buy that one in stores, but I think it's more expensive in stores.

Medela Pump In Style is great. I used that and all of my friends have used this.

I have the Medela Pump in Style...cost around $250...I think it's definitely the way to go if you plan to pump once you go back to work. I'm working with a 5month old and still breast feeding thanks to the pump! It's one of the top brands and recommended by hospitals as well. Good luck!

There are alot of breast pumps out there. The one that works best for me is medela electric breast pump. I return to work after two months so continuing to provide breast milk was very important to me. What i like about it is that it is so stylish and discret that you could take it everywhere with you and no one can tell its a pump. It is disguise in a beatiful black leather bag with a nice shoulder strap. It has different setting for your level of comfort and it is very effective. As a added convenience it has a cigarette outlet so you can pump in your car through your lighter. I would recommend it only because it has work wonders for me.

I was very happy with my Ameda Purely Yours - I pumped for my son until he was 13 months old, and plan on pumping for baby #2 with it next year. The Madelas are nice too, but much more $$ - you can get an Ameda for about $150 new, if you don't get the fancy extras (like a backpack or cooler carrier etc). Plus, I like that you can clean ALL the attachments that could ever possibly come into contact with the milk.

I have a Medela pump in style and have been pumping at work for the last six months. It works great, but I wish i had spent the extra money on the Medela pump that comes in a discreet bag instead of the box shaped basic pump in style. Congratulations and good luck!!!

I used the Medela Travel Pump. It has different speeds so that you can ease your breasts into this new experience. Then, later you can go faster. It's in a back pack so it's easy and light to travel. It can be used with a battery pack or plugged in. Good luck with your first baby!!

Everyone I've known to use the Medela Pump In Style has been really happy with them. I bought mine used for $50 (it had been used for 4 kids for 4 years previously), and I used it for my son for about 6 months. My sister-in-law is now using it as well. The only thing I had to replace was the A/C adapter (plug). I think it cost $5 at Radio Shack.

I saw someone else comment that they could pump both sides and be done in 30-45 min. I used this pump while I was working, and I could finish both sides (at the same time) and clean everything up and put it away in 15. It was GREAT. The best part was that there is a storage area with ice packs, so if you're away from home you can store the bottles right in with the pump without worrying about them going bad. It also has adjustable suction and speed so you can work with it to find the most comfortable, efficient settings.

My sister-in-law had used a hospital rental previously, and she doesn't have any complaints with the Medela.

Dear K.,

I've been breastfeeding my little one for 6 months and used on the go AVENT by Philips (works perfect) and at home an electric pump by Medela. The electric ones are pretty expensive, but you want to have a good working one, and Medela is one of the best (also recommended by the St. Vincent lactation center). Don't go with Playtex or Gerber. Hope this helps.

I have a Medela pump that is about 7 years old if you are interested. i think I paid about $250.00 for it back then. I am a working mom and it worked great for me. It is a double pump in side a black bag for mobility. I took it with me on sales calls becasue it looks like a large purse. IF you are interested, I would sell it to you for $100.00. Let me know at ____@____.com.

I used the Medela electric and loved it. It's more expensive than the others. I think I paid $300. You can also rent a high quality pump from the hospital you deliver at. If nursing works for you then you could always buy one.

I didn't work after having kids so the Avent Isis Manual pump was perfect for me. All of my friends that work used the Medella Pump In Style and heard no complaints. Check with your insurance...sometimes they will cover part of the cost. I have another friend that found this - her doc wrote a scrip for her stating that she was having problems producing milk and insurance is going to cover the cost. You can also rent them to see about what you might like. I went through my hospital and was able to rent one from Walgreen's in the beginning with my first. She wasn't interested in nursing. My subsequent children were great nursers so I didn't really use the pump all that much. Hope this helps. Looks like you've gotten lots of other good advice.

I would definitely recommend a Medela breastpump, particularly, a Pump-In-Style. I use it and my 3 sisters-in-law all use Medela as well. Everyone I spoke to recommended them.

K.,

Congrats to you. I used the Medela Pump in Style for my first son and am using it for my second one now. Never a problem, I get a good supply of milk, too. I bought a second one to keep at the office and one at home as I got sick of carrying it around.

T.

K.,
Congrats on your upcoming arrival. I use the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Pump and love it. I did a lot of research on pumps and this one always came out on top. Best of luck as you make your decision.

Congrats on your pregnancy and that you plan to breastfeed!!! Yippee! I wanted to offer you info on my weekly breastfeeding support group that meets in Naperville on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. If you want to come before you have the baby, we encourage it. Advice from others that have nursed is so invaluable (the over 60 moms that have been in the grp over the last 3 yrs think so, anyway!).
Here's the info. I listed it as a business, but it's not, it's just a thing I do volunteer-like!
http://www.mamasource.com/business/8288988875477483521

Best wishes.... J. S. (Naperville)

I would go with the best pump you can afford - my personal recommendation is the Medela Pump in Style dealy.

PS: Even if you don't get the Medela...take my word for it - don't go cheap. Three years ago, I really didn't think I'd be BF for the long haul, so I just bought whatever I could afford at Target. Turns out I breastfed a total chow-hound for eight months! I blew out two motors on Evenflo portables and finally just resorted to a manual pump. In retrospect, I wish I'd made a wiser investment - you're smart to ask first!

I have 3 pumps and my favorite is the yours truly by Ameda/Hollister. I believe the hospital rentals are even better. If they are, then I would rent rather than buy as a good pump is really key to getting a reasonable amount out.

I had the Medela Pump in Style for my girls...and it was wonderful. It was really easy to use and the suction was better than the one I had in hospital! :) It is a little pricey, but it was well worth the money.

My recommendation is to rent a breast pump for the first month in order to make sure both you and your newborn are doing vvery well with nursing. Sometimes it's a little more challenging than other times. I have found that Medela is the only choice. I successfully nursed my firstborn for close to a year...My second didn't pull as hard and although she nursed very well, I had challenges pumping and we only lasted 4 months. In my opinion, and length of time on the breast is the perfect length of time for both the mom and the baby. Good luck! MK

Dear Dana, my advice to you is to buy the Baby Bargains book from any book store or have a read in the store to save yourself the money :) It gives you a really good unbiased view of breast pumps, their value for money and ease of use. Some are renowned for being good but it's almost impossible to get hold of extra parts which will definitely be needed.
Kind Regards

I went with the Medulla Pump In Style double breast pump with both my children. It is priced at around $300 I think? It is very reliable and I was a regular two hour round the clock pumper for 9 months with my son who was a preemie and in the hospital and could not nurse for a long time! It never failed me.

I know that a girl friend of mine really likes the double automatic Avent pump that is in about the same price range. She likes the "petal" cup feature it has.

Hope this helps.
E.

I suggest renting one from the hospital first. As much as you want to breast feed, you don't know if you'll actually be able to. The best advice I got was to rent one and see if I was even able to handle it. I was able to try out a few different ones before settling on Medela (can't remember the name of it, but it's hospital grade and is a blue machine in a blue case--and it was not the Pump In Style... I think it was the Lactina Select??).

One thing I'll tell you is that my girlfriend tried with her first and was unsuccessful, so she gave up right away. With her second one, she really wanted to make a better effort to do so, but after 2 weeks of struggling with a poor latcher, the physical pain of pumping and low milk production, she gave up there too. So if she had purchased an expensive breast pump, she would've just wasted her money.

The last thing I'll say is that for most, it's hard to get the hang of. But try not to get discouraged... I was told it takes 4 weeks to feel really comfortable--it took me 8 before I stopped dreading it--and although most times I looked forward to when I wouldn't have to breastfeed anymore (I only lasted 5 months because I dried up, but producing enough milk was a struggle for me the entire time--my body just wasn't "equipped"), I found that I actually missed that bonding time when it was over. Not to mention, the money you save not having to buy as much formula... If you have a hard time, I suggest going to see a lactation consultant right away--it helped a lot for me!

Anyhow, good luck! Congrats on the new baby--you grow girl!! :)

The Medela Pump In Style is definitely the best. I have the Pump In Style Advanced which comes in a backpack. No one would ever know it's a breastpump!! The advanced version has a feature that stimulates "let down" better than the regular pump. I'm using it now for my second child. I bought it on Ebay from a reputable seller brand new for $100 less than the price online or at the store.

I really like the Medela pumps - the best is the double electric if you are going to be working full time - it's quick and comes in a nice over the shoulder bag or backpack version. - it's the pump in style ones. It's pricey, but so far it's lasting me two kids and I plan to use it for another one or two kids. A ton of my friends have the same one and they are happy with it as well.

Get a double pump- believe me when I say it's an awesome time saver!!! and Medela is one of the best brands out there!

I am a first time mom of a 12 week old and am breastfeeding (going back to work on Mon) and also have many friends who have BF. Medela is the best brand out there and lactation consultants will agree. Most who try other brands end up switching. I borrowed my friends AVent and used both the manual and dual electric components and ended u buying the Medela Pump in Style and I love it! Just an FYI, pumps are considered single user medical devices and are NOT returnalbe once opened. I would start with the Medela Harmony hand pump to see how it goes and if it goes well then invest in the Medela Pump in Style Advanced. Check with your hospital's lactation consultant- they often sell them cheaper than what you can buy at Babie's R Us or Target. Hope that helps.
Congratulations, enjoy every minute!!!
C.

Without a doubt, Madela, double electic pump! It's fast, efficient and one of the more reasonably priced pumps.

Congrats on the coming baby! Breast pumps are tricky things - each pull a little differently and each woman's let down can respond differently. You can have great success with one and have a lot of trouble with another. I used "The Art of Breastfeeding" - they are lactation consultants that COME TO YOUR HOUSE with 4-5 different pumps (including all the ones people have recommended) and you get to try them out. Of course, you have to wait until baby is here and your milk is in. You buy it from her, right there, in your house, while you're in your pjs and the baby is sleeping. I ended up getting the Ameda Purely Yours, because the Medela didn't work for me (and everyone recommended it, so I would have bought it!) I highly recommend these ladies - you pay $15 for the service of them coming to your home (I think they make their money as lactation consultants). In any case - good luck!

http://www.artofbreastfeeding.com/
click on "chicago services"

I bought a Medela, Pump in Style over five years ago. It has served me really well through three children. I believe the company still makes this style and it really lasts. You can pump one or both breasts, it has compartments to store pumped milk, and can plug into wall or car (with an adapter). Good luck

I would suggest to "rent" one from the hospital you are giving birth in. I really liked the Medella breast pump. I was fortunate enough to borrow one from a friend. They are very expensive ($300+) Like you, I too am a single mom and you need to save $$$ when there's an opportunity. = )

Good Luck!

R.

Medela pump in style.... worth every cent! I used it for both boys (4 and 10 months). Undoubtedly the most reliable and quick. (double pump) I have yet to hear of an unsatisfied mom. My niece tried an Evenflo one and she said it worked fine, but it was the most expensive one they make, so might as well splurge on the Medela.

The Medela Pump in Style is hands down the best. I BF my 3 kids for 10-13 mos ea working FT and PT over 6 yrs 1998-2004. I use the same pump the whole time and have given it(the motor portion) to my sister who is using it now for her first as a FT working mom. I bought it in 1998 and it still works great. I realize it is probably the most expensive but it's the best and has everything you need with it. All you'll need to buy are storage bags for freezing your milk. Hope this helps.

I highly recommend the Medela breast pumps. When my daughter was born, we had a hard time getting her to nurse. She was 4 wks early and didn't quite have the mouth strength to get the sucking part down. At the same time, I really didn't want to offer formula. Initially the pump allowed me to bottle feed with breast milk if the breast feeding didn't seem to be working for her. Thankfully she eventually caught on and I didn't have to use the pump long. My sister's story is different from mine but she is a successful Medela user, and she is on her 4th kid! She has always worked full time so she needed a pump that was user friendly and efficient. She continues to use her Medela and she is on her 4th child. Her oldest is now 8 and the youngest will be 1 in June. The pump gets daily use through multiple pumpings. She's never had a problem with hers. There are different styles and models that Medela offers. Hope that helps.

I to was looking for the best pump (due in May). I have done a lot of research (web & in person).
I used evenflo for my first child. I went through 2 pumps in 4 months. Then dried up. As I have researched the websites say there is a difference between occasional and multiply pumpings a day.
Ameda and Medella seem to be the top two hospital or high grade pumps. I like the Ameda better, it is FDA approved, closed tubing, and double electric for about $200. I have read the other reviews on all of the websites and the only downfall is the pump seems to loses it suction, but due to needing new tubing or new pieces which are only a few bucks. Ameda is only sold online (that I have seen) so parts and pumps can take a few days to get to you.
Both pumps have the same warranty.
good luck!! do as much research as you can. Every one is different and has different prefernces.

M.

To be honest since it's your first baby and you don't know how well your body (and you) will take to breast feeding and pumping, I suggest renting a Medella from the hospital for about $40 a month. They are double pumps and you can adjust the cycle time and pressure.

I spent about $330 on a brand new pump and never got to use it. It's still in the box. I had so many complications and two emergency surgeries after my little ones. I ended up not being able to to breastfeed and pumping was of little use after I started to recover a month later.

If you create tons of milk and can barely keep it from leaking out (it seems like) from everywhere, then just get a cheap version from the store for maybe $30-50. That will work fine. Single pump about 10min on each side a couple times a day and you would be fine.

If you have a hard time producing milk or low flow, then upgrade to a more expensive double pump with multiple cycles and pressures. That will help stimulate the milk. Also, get in touch with Le Leche Club. They have lactation consultants and sell pumps at a reduced price compared to retail.

the best thing to do is meet with a lactation consultant and they can go through all the different pumps an help you to figure out the best one for your situation
you can contact me directly for names of LC's in your area

A. L
____@____.com

I use the Medela double electric pump but I use the shields, bottles, tubing and etc from Ameda, which I received in the hospital for my first who was premie. They are better I feel because the plastic is more rigid and I feel like they are sturdier than the ones that came with the Medela pump. The pump is 6 years old and I have used it for through three kids for a combined 2 years and 5 months and counting as my youngest is only 5 months, never had one problem. I also have a car adapter so I can pump while my hubbie drives on longer trips, it's great. takes about 25 minutes for me start to finish. I also recommend the microwave sterilization bags and wipes by Medela, they are great for cleaning up at work or on the go. good luck!

I don't recall the name of the brands that I used but just a suggestion to you is to use an electrical pump. It makes life a 100% easier then the manual pump. Of course it cost a little more but it is worth it in the end.
Ask your doctor what brand they recommend, that might help.

God bless,
A concerned mother

Medela Pump in Style is a great pump I bought mine before I was supposed to go back to work and I ended up staying at home with my daughter but I did use it frequently and I liked it.

Avent makes a great pump that comes in a nice compact case (easy to get around) and has different options for use (plug, battery pack, and hand pump all in one). It works really well and it is super convenient unlike some pumps out there. It was nice to know that I could use the same pump no matter where I was, or what power source I might have access to. It also comes with freezer packs, etc, like many breast pumps. And it is easy to do other things while using the electric motor (read, etc). I'm pretty sure that it is Avent isis IQ uno. The case is great too because it fits in my other bag - no one even knows when I have it with me. Good luck!

Edit: Okay, so I checked, and it is the Avent Isis IQ Uno Complete (you want the "complete" model because that is the one that has everything). Also, I've seen them sell for as low as $140 (usually $150-$200 depending on where you look), which is a good deal and more affordable than the $250-$300 models.

You will always find Medela and Ameda double electric pumps at the top of all lists. I hear more good feedback about the Medela Pump In Style from moms than any other pump.

Avoid at all costs the evenflo pump...mine burned out after two weeks b/c the motor backed up with milk...it was a super duper pain in tha butt. I ended up with the Avent Isis manual pump that is just as efficient as any electric I think and so comfortable. It's also discreet and easy to clean. You can attach all the avent pieces...sippy cups, bottles, everything is interchangable...the avent systems are wonderful and I hear the electic is really good too.

The Medella pumps are amazing! They are pricey, but the price well outweighs the cost of formula! I have friends that have the electric ones and they rant and rave on how good they are. I on the other hand, am a stay at home mom and I just bought the Medella hand pump. It worked great also! Good Luck!

Defiantely want to stick with Medela or Ameda/Hollister pumps. They may be a bit pricer, but are definately worth it. Still much cheaper than formula!! For returning to work, the Pump in Style or Purely Yours pumps are great for returning to work and pumping full time.

I did exclusive pumping and used a Medela Pump in Style Advanced. I really gave it a workout (typically 6-8 times daily). It gets my vote.

I have the Medela Pump In Style Advanced and love it. You may want to check with the hospital you are delivering at. They sometimes offer you a discount on breastfeeding supplies when you deliver there.

Do you live in the indpls area?

Hi K.,
You may want to have a lactation conultant come over to your home after the baby is born and help you. Some women do better with the electric pump and others find the manual is best. It certainly is not one size fits all. Patricia Drazin is a lactation conultant, I don't have her number, yet she can be reached on www.birthlink.com
L.

K.:

The top of the line for a rental pump is the Symphony by Medela/ If you are purchasing I think that the Purely Yours by Hollister is as good as the Medela Pump N Style and less expensive.

P., RLC, IBCLC, CST
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions
www.breastfeedingandparentingsolutions.com

Hi K.,

Congrats on the upcoming arrival. I was #6 to use a Medela Pump in Style when I had my first. I just bought my own tubes and breast shields and loved it. It finally "died" when my friend (#7 to use it) was about finished. For my second child I purchased the Medala Pump in Style Advanced and loved it too. I'm in my car a lot and loved the car adapter - no need to wast time pumping sitting still somewhere when you can do it while you drive - LOL! It was especially convenient when I would be somewhere that I wasn't able to pump - I could run to my car and do it without having to find somwhere to go. Good luck with the life adjustment - pumping is not a great deal of fun at first (it wasn't for me) but it becomes second nature before you know it!

Hi K.- I too am a working mom, and loved my Medela Pump in Style- it lasted me pumping over a year without fail!!

The "Purely Yours" is really nice - hospital grade but relatively gentle and comes with a cute black bag. It's made by Ameda. I think the full set runs about $200-$250 though. No matter what though, get an electric one. Those hand-held manual things are okay in an emergency (I kept one in the car just in case I got engorged and knew I wouldn't get to my son in time), but it takes like 20 minutes for an ounce. Best of luck with the nursing! And don't get distressed if it's hard at first - I spent the first 2 weeks convinced my son was going to starve. Oh the tears... :-) Fenugreek & blessed thistle will help increase milk production if you find you're having trouble, and drink TONS of water. I can't tell you how important that part is, even if you're not thirsty. Okay, I know that's more than you were looking for. Again, best of luck.

With my first child, I borrowed a friend's Medela (very expensive to buy new). All I had to buy were my own tubes. It worked ok- but I am pretty large chested- and I just felt that it was not built for me! After my second- I rented one from the hospital. You get an indutrial strength machine that is still compact and portable (it fit perfectly in a small backpack) and they will give you new tubes, bottles, etc. to use with the machine. This one worked MUCH better for me! However, If you plan to nurse for more than about 6 months- it may be more economical to buy your own. But, I wasn't going for that long (developed mastitis the first time and was very nervous about trying it all again) and so the cost for a few months of rent was way cheaper for us than buying a new machine.
Hope this helps!

I tried the Medela Pump In Style (PIS) and I hated it. It hurt like the dickens! I then got a Whittlestone, and I loved that pump (as much as you can love any breastpump, that is). It was completely painless. And I got a lot more milk from a painfree pumping session than I did w/a painful pumping session. Oh...I pumped for my son for one year, so I know what I'm talking about. I said I felt like I nursed a breastpump :-)

I believe that Consumer Reports did a study on pumps a while back. I'd go to the library and research that edition.

Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your child!!!

I have the Medela pump in style, it was like $300 but well worth it, I can pump both sides at the same time in like 15 min, and you can plug it in, use batteries or buy a car adapter, whioh I loved because I just put the cover up on while my husband drove and pumped in the car and you can buy adapters to hook them to other bottles, we use the Avent bottles and freezeable cups and it has lasted me through 2 kids, well I am still using it on my second. Hope this helps, also buy the quick clean wipes from medela and you can clean the parts right in the office and use them again instead of having to wash everything and steralize it. Good luck!! J.

The Medela electric double pumps are the best but quite expensive (@$200-$300!!). See if you can get one used from a friend and just buy new hoses and shields at a pharmacy. I bought mine from a friend in 2003 and used it for both my kids. It worked great! I could pump on both sides simultaneously and be done in about 30-45 minutes. They are also the quietest and relatively hands off so you can read or or work on the computer. They even have compartments with freezer packs so you can keep your milk cold without needing a refrigerator.

The Medela Pump in Style is great. I bought one in 2004 after my first daughter was born, went back to work and pumped until she was 1. Then I got it out after my second daughter was born in 2006 and pumped for a year for her, too. It is still going strong and well worth the prices (I got mine on sale for about 250 - if you watch the online stores, they usually discount them a couple times a year).
Good Luck!