Breast Pump - Council Bluffs,IA

I didn't read every response, but sounds like you're getting a lot of good opinions. I did buy one before my baby was born since I was going to be working and was planning to breastfeed. As it turns out, my milk never came in and I wasn't able to breastfeed, so I never used it. I ended up giving it to a friend to use for now and will get it back later in case my story changes when we decide to have baby #2. If anything, you may want to pick up a hand pump to have ready. I had the Medela pump-in-style kit and also had a hand pump with it. My friend who used it said she was so glad to have the hand pump ready when her milk first came in to pump just a little to releive the pressure. That way she didn't have to figure out the full pumping process with the electric one until a little later. (Which since then she has told me she really likes.)

When I was in the hospital still trying to get milk for my daughter (she was actually re-admitted overnight due to dehydration!) they did give me a pump to use while we were there. That's when we confirmed I wasn't producing more than one or two ounces even 6 days post birth.

I hope you are successful in breastfeeding, but just wanted to share my story to say save the money initially just in case something unexpected happens and it doesn't work out. My daughter is a happy, healthy formula fed 10 month old. So if it doesn't work out, don't stress over it!

1 mom found this helpful

I'm looking for a new one myself, so not sure of what brand to recommend to you. I have had two children. With my first I got it later, but with my second I already had it at home. That was priceless! My breasts were so engored and it didn't seem like my son would even make a dent, so I would pump even when he was done eating to relieve some of the pressure. It was the only thing that worked for me that first week home.

I suggest a MEDELA PUMP. They are the best!!

I would register for it and if you get it, you get it. At least you didn't have to pay for it. I think anyone will tell you Medela is best.
Personally, I think if you WANT breastfeeding to work, you will make it work. I think people give up too easily, because it does hurt at first when your skin gets dry & raw. But be consistant with your 'nipple cream' and get through the first 3 weeks and it's a piece of cake after that! You'll love it - so rewarding. Good luck to you.
P.S. But if you don't get a pump from someone, you could wait a few weeks and make sure your body does make enough milk, etc. before buying one.

Definitely the Medela Pump 'N Style! My hubby and I researched pumps quite a bit and just couldn't find a reason to not spend the extra money to get one. A coworker of mine has a "family" one that is passed around and has now been used for 11 children!

I would also say get one right away. Even if you're going to be a SAHM, there will be times you might want one. And even if breastfeeding doesn't work out (like if you're baby can't latch on consistently), you can always pump for as long as possible to get some of that good mommy's milk to your little one. Even when I wasn't back to work yet, my pump became a pretty good friend. It gave me the freedom to get out of the house when I needed or wanted to. It was also a god-send when I became engorged at times and needed to relieve some pressure.

I also have a "gently used" one (used ~11 months for my daughter) if anyone is interested in purchasing: ____@____.com luck!

With both my boys, I returned to work after 2 months of maternity leave and used the Medela pump in style shoulder bag. I was very satisfied with it, and was able to buy supplies and extra parts as needed through Target. However, my second child would not take a bottle at all, and I only used my pump for a few months. With the help of an understanding boss, I was able to visit him 3x a day to nurse at the daycare. In this case, my pump was useless. It sounds like you aren't 100% sure if breastfeeding will work for you, and for this reason along with my situation, I'd suggest renting a pump from the hospital. This way, you can try it out, and if it works for you and your little one, you can either continue renting, or purchase one of your own at that time. In the meantime, you could maybe register for a gift card to be used for nursing supplies at a later time? I'd also recommend LaLeche League groups and breastfeeding classes through hospitals. All of these were a tremendous help when I was first learning to nurse. Good luck!

I rented an electric pump from our hospital and tried it out. I did it for the first 3 months with my first child and decided it wasn't for me. I would rather rent first than make a big investment in a pump.

I had my Avent manual breastpump before I had my daughter (last December) and I tried it with her, but I just couldn't produce enough. So I have a VERY gently used (just about a week) one that you can buy from me. It's clean and in it's case that it came with. I can give you more details if you would like to email me. ____@____.com Luck!

The pumps are considered a medical device so a lot of insurance companies will pay for it. Check with your insurance first. If they do pay, find out which brand then talk to the nurse about it at the hospital. They usually will take care of it when you are there and then they will show you how to use it, clean it, etc.

If it is not covered...I say go ahead and register!!!!!

First, you should see what the return policy is on unopened breast pumps because they are quite pricey. Then, you should think about things like, 1) are you going to breast feed when you go back to work (if you are), 2) are you going to feel comfortable breast feeding in public, or would you rather pump and feed the baby breast milk from a bottle, and 3) are you planning on leaving the baby with sitters. In that instance, it is good to have a pump because then if other people need to help feed (even your husband during the night), they can still feed the baby breast milk. You should also look into whether your insurance covers it. A lot of insurances cover them, although sometimes you have to have your doctor write a prescription for one.

My insurance wouldn't cover a pump. After some research I bought the Lansinoh double electric pump. I love it and it has worked great for me. I used it on a daily basis for almost a year. It is also about $100, so cheaper than the medelas.

What you are going to want in a pump depends on your needs. Even if you are going to stay at home you are going to want/need (perhaps even more than if working) to be away. Or maybe you will not want to be at all. Either way you need something high quality $250+ if you are going to be pumping any significant amount or just not a real good pumper (like me). My insurance (blue croos/blue shield) covered $200 of mine & I passed it on to my sisters after I was done with it & 5 years later it is still working strong. My hospital gave away free tubing and a hand pump, maybe yours does? I think you could wait a little while after the birth to buy an electric pump and just start out with a hand pump now. The Medela Pump In Style is what I had.
Brekka

Another thumbs up for the Medela Pump in Style. Whatever you decided to do, I would recommend having a pump at home when you return from the hospital. I think someone already mentioned engorgement, but I had challenges early on with latching and used the pump until we got everything sorted out with the lactation consultant. The pump allowed me to be more comfortable and not waste any breast milk. I didn't have a pump at home at first, and I had to have my husband go on an "emergency run" to get ours.

Check your insurance first. I got a breast pump for free since it was covered by Medica. I would recommend the Medela one mentioned below. I loved mine...sadly it was stolen out of my car. Who steals a breast pump anyways?

talk to your insurance company. some cover the cost of a breast pump. my doctor just had to write me a 'prescription' and i got the medela pump in style for FREE!

We didn't buy our pump right away. I needed to pump while I was in the hospital (I had a c-section, was separated from my baby a lot because she was jaundiced, and wanted to jump start my milk supply.), and the hospital provided everything I needed to pump while I was there. The lactation nurses also had lots of resources of places to find pumps. We ended up getting a new one off ebay...a mom bought it and never used it, for a decent price. It's a Medela Pump n' Style and I really like it. It's in a bag that's kind of like a backpack, very easy to travel to and from work with. Depending on what you'll need your pump for, you may need different style. But if you want to return to work and pump there...I like mine.

My first advice.....? Don't worry about whether breastfeeding will work out for you. Gain the knowledge now, visit with a lactation consultant, read up about it on the internet, speak with other nursing moms. Everyone can breastfeed, you just have ot have the knowledge to get past those first few hurdles to make it. Breastfeeding is a learning process for you AND your baby. You have to learn how to latch, she has to learn how to latch. You have to get used to nursing, she has to get used to nursing. ITs a learning process, and many moms give up too soon thinking they can't nurse hwen really they have a very correctable, very typical or normal 'problem' that is an easy fix, it just takes a little work.

As for pumps.. if you are going back to work full time, you will need a double electric pump like the Medela Pump in Style Advance. IF yo uare going to be a stay at home mom, you will only really need a hand pump, and the Avent manual pump is the best one out there. I am a SAHM and I used my manual pump through nursing both my boys when needed, and it was a great little pump to use even once a day (I used mine once a day, in the morning, to pump one breast while my baby was nursing the other).

But mainly, I wanted to tell you to keep your eye on the goal, don't fall for people telling you you can't nurse, or that many moms can't nurse. Thats a myth... if that were true the human race would have been eliminated by now. Just be patient, take it one day at a time, get some good help from an IBCLC (Lactation consultant) and make sure your husband, your mom, your MIL, anyone in your life that will be around those first few weeks is SUPPORTIVE! If they aren't ,don't have them around because they will be detrimental to your nursing success. Your husband must be supportive and helpful, make sure you keep the number to your lacation consultant near the phone, and remember that it isa learning process for both you and your baby. you will have ot work at it, it rarely comes naturally so learn it, be patient, and learn now, read up now, educate yourself now.

And congratulations on your new little one. :)

Hi N.,
You should be able to rent one from your hospital for a pretty low cost. They are really nice pumps! Wait until things settle and you have a better idea of what you are going to do before making a big purchase.
Good luck with the baby!

N. -

I have used my Medela Pump 'N Style Advance for almost 8 months now with no problems - it works great and was worth every penny (we figured we saved about $500 in formula once I went back to work counting what we froze before I went back)!

Some advice - I waited until I knew that breastfeeding worked before I bought mine. Then I went to the pharmacy at Lakeside Hospital to buy it - it was MUCH cheaper because they have lower overhead...I've heard that depending on what insurance you have (mine wasn't one) with a doctor's "prescription" for a pump insurance can cover most or all of the cost.

Best of luck to you!
K.

Rent,rent,rent! I did that and I'm so happy I did. They have all the parts and advice right there at the hospital. :)

I'm still brestfeeding 20 months later and now have a pump from a brest milk donor program. It was free but I really miss the one from the hospital.

Good luck with your new little one! :)

Most hospitals will allow you to use their industrial pump during your stay in your room. And then, they usually offer a rental plan where you can rent a pump for $20/month or so. That is a nice option if you are uncertain about breastfeeding. If you do purchase one, I highly recommend the Medela pump in Style.

I bought my pump right after my son was born. I wanted to make sure I could use it before I got it since they typically aren't returnable. It was nice having early because it helped me build up my milk supply. I exclusively pumped for 7 months and was really happy with the Medela pump in style. It is a tad expensive, but well worth it for the comfort. Also, their customer service is great if you have any breastfeeding questions at all.

The advice I got was to purchase the Medela Pump In Style when I was shopping for a pump. I am a working mom, and had planned to pump at work. This pump offers dual pumping and allows you to do it in a short amount of time (normally 10 mintues).

I like you, thought it would be best to have the pump before my son was born. Unfortunatley for me, breastfeeding was very difficult and I ended up having some medical problems which ended my efforts at 6 weeks. It is a large investment, that in my case did not work out. If I had it to over again, I probally would have rented a pump from the hospital and waited to spend the money on my own one until I knew I was still brestfeeding when I went back to work. Good luck to you!

I would register for a hand pump. Chances are that at some point during you breastfeeding experience you will want to pump. If you're not planning on going back to work an electric pump really isn't necessary. You could register for it and as long as you don't open it you can return it for store credit.

You can rent a breastpump from most hospitals and some insurance covers breast pumps.

I was totally all for breastfeeding and got a breastpump and it just didn't work out for many reasons beyond my control and I only used my breastpump for a total of 1mo. So now this exspensive piece of equipment is sitting around collecting dust.

Medela is the only way to go! I bought mine 18 months ago and Medica told me they stopped paying for them because they were no longer deemed "medically necessary" just an FYI. If it doesn't work out you can always sell it on Craigslist! If it does work out, you will probably want to pump early and pump often as other moms have previously posted. Good luck!

N.,
I haven't read the other responses so maybe someone already suggested this but I would recommend you call your insurance company first. Some insurances pay for a pump as long as your OB writes a "prescription" for one. Another option, if your insurance doesn't pay for one, is to rent one from the hospital. Again, see what insurance will pay for. That is what I did. It cost $11/month and when I was done with it, they picked it up for free from my house. It was hospital grade so great quality. The pros and cons of this option are:
pros: doesn't end up costing much if you end up not pumping for long (like what happened to me), nothing to store when you're done with it, hospital grade
cons: could add up over time if you end up pumping a long time or have more kids

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy and delivery... and deciding what to do about a pump.

N.,
I like the medela pump. I would try to go through your local county health nurse to see if you can borrow/rent a pump first before you purchase. Also you can go through your local county health nurse to purchase a pump. I think they can get the pumps at cost. Hope this helps. Congrats on the pregnancy. Good luck.

Hi N.,

Have a pump ready! I didn't think I'd need one until I went back to work after my son was 3 months old. However, my milk didn't come in right away and then I became so engorged that my son couldn't latch on. He ended up getting dehydrated and became jaundice and we had to go the the ER when he was 4 days old. I'm not trying to scare you, but if I had had a breast pump, I could have moved the process along and we wouldn't have had to go through what we did. Everything turned out fine but it was very emotional and scary to new parents. I thought I was prepared as I had taken a breast feeding class and saw a lactation consultant in the hospital, but you never how your body will respond. Best of luck to you!

N., I used the Ameda Purely Yours pump. I loved it. I used it for both my kids and they are 6 years apart both born in Febuary. I nursed both for 9 months so I needed one that would do a good job in as little as time as possible. The whole kit is well worth it. I got spare parts when my daughter was born and I believe the pump, kit, carry all bag and 6 bottles was only 199.00 at most online stores. Plus it is the only breastpump certified by the FDA. I even let a friend use it. She just ordered a kit that came with all the parts and 2 bottles for $40 at that time (thats also what I did for my 2nd baby). Highly suggest this one!!!! I would get it now if you are really serious about breastfeeding.
P.

Even if breastfeeding goes super awesome for you, you will want a breast pump at some point. Some moms are happy with the electic hand held ones and some moms go for a full blown Medela version.

If you register for the pump DON'T open it until you are sure you will use it - then you could still return it (double check thier policy though). I used a Medela Pump and LOVED it. I would suggest a double/electric pump, must faster and easier!

Good luck.

N.,
Yes, get one right away. Many people, myself included, have to pump after their milk comes in because the breast is too hard for the baby to latch on. As awful as it sounds, you need to "let some of the pressure off". Or, you may just need it to give yourself some relief. Better to have and not use it than have to send your husband out on an urgent run to get one when he would have no idea what to buy. Madela makes a great non-electric hand pump to get you started less expensively. Best of luck!

I didn't purchase a pump beforehand because I didn't know the two go hand in hand. I didn't want to leave the house after having a c-section so we ended up buying a Medela backpack pump from the hospital. They sent us a bill for it later.

If you are engorged you can pump if you want to store milk you can pump after the baby latches on. If you can't breastfeed then maybe you can still pump the milk out and offer to baby. It'll be faster than manually pumping which I tried once and it is very tiring.

If you want to hold out you can and speak to the hospital before or locate a place where you can rent one for a week or two.

If you know a friend that has one ask to use theirs. Just buy new cones, bottles, attachments etc. that runs the risk of getting milk on.

I loved my Medela pump. If you or anyone you know is interested in a very "gently used" one, I have one for sale. If you're interested, feel free to contact me at ____@____.com

Don't buy a breast pump right away. Rent one (you can do so through the hospital) professional grade when the child is born to see if pumping works.

I rented one the whole time - you can't sell store versions when you're done using them because they are unsanitary. I loved the professional one and was happy to give it back when I was done with it.

Oh yeah - and the rental was covered by my insurance company!

Good luck!

I wouldn't wait! I'd have one on hand, even if you don't open it right away. Just the engorgement alone the first few days and you'll probly use it right away.

I had a "cheap" one for my first daughter and had a warranty replacement on it. This time (pg with twins), we got a Medela pump (one of best out there and many hospitals use).

Good luck! We nursed for 22 months....

I used the Medela Pump 'n Style, and it worked well for me.

I also recommend checking with insurance. I had to pay about $25 for a $300 pump; I have Wellmark. I don't know if they would have covered it pre-birth -- but the hospital where I delivered sold them and checked insurance for me, so I just bought it there (I know -- an easy way for them to make some $$, but it was very helpful at the time!). YOu might check if the hospital where you plan to deliver sells regular (non-hospital grade) pumps.

Good luck!

Medela Pump n' Style
Close to hospital grade - really liked mine. Also my first one had a pump problem and Medela sent me a new one no problem. Just had to send the old one back - on their dime - once I had the new. I used mine 2-3 times daily for 7 months and then again one year later for 2 weeks. Still runs great!

Hi,
I haven't read all the responses, but wanted to let you know that when I called my insurance company and asked if breast pumps were covered, they said "no", except in special situations; however, I went ahead and got one directly from the hospital, and insurance did, in fact, cover it--my daughter was not in the NICU; no complications; etc. In my opinion, it's worth a try--even if insurance doesn't cover it, the Medela Pump-In-Style that I got from the hospital was COMPLETELY worth the price I would have had to pay. Loved it!

I would get it ahead of time and don't open packaging until you need it. Don't waste time with a manual pump- I never could get enough milk with those things and it took forever. My electric Medela double pump is the greatest, I can pump in 10 minutes! You will be so glad to have it in those early weeks when you will get engorged, plus you can build up a freezer supply and give yourself a break someday!
Good Luck!

First I would check with your insurance company some do pay for a pump. I used a medela (I think that is how it is spelled) worked well for me. Our hospital gave a discount at their gift shop for a pump, saves a little money.

get the pump first (I think I was able to use mine pretty much immediatly), I liked my medela

As a mom of 3, I would recommend:
Register for a pump. See how well breastfeeding goes for about 2 weeks. Verify this with the store, but I think that as long as the pump is UNOPENED, you can return it. Find out too if there is a time limit. If you think you will continue, then keep the pump.
Do give breastfeeding at least two weeks if not more...even on my 3rd child, when I thought I "knew it all" there was still more to learn...besides, it was my baby's first time! Work with a lactation consultant, sometimes available at your hospital, and find support with other moms.
Also, will you be working full time? Part time? Stay at home mom? If you're going to stay home, you may not need a full electric pump. The pump I got several years ago was an Ameda and I was very happy with it.
A

If you plan on exclusively breastfeeding, I wouldn't think you'd need a pump. If you want to pump on a regular basis, though, go for it- but get an electric dual one! I pumped exclusively for 11 months with my last one and plan to do it again with the baby on the way.
Many people use and love Madela Pump in Style. I, however, used the Ameda Purely Yours and loved it!
Another option is to rent one from the hospital first to see if you like it. It usually doesn't cost very much to rent one for a couple weeks.

I would recommend waiting and seeing how breastfeeding goes. You or your son may have special needs that will determine what kind of pump would work best. Also, your hospital may end up giving you accessories or a kit that will go with a certain brand of pump.

I waited to buy a pump because I didn't want to invest in one if breastfeeding didn't work out. I bought a pump when my son was 2 weeks old. I bought a Medela pump and was very happy with it. I bought a single pump for economic reasons, but if you have the money, go for a double pump.

When we were at the hospital, they had me pump, and so they gave me the Medela kit that goes with the commercial pumps. (I say "gave", but the insurance was billed.) The kit by itself was a manual pump, which worked in a pinch.

I too agree in having your doctor write a perscription, and I also agree that a pump-in- style by medela is the best non-hospital grade pump there is!! I have had both, since my son was pre-mee the medela wasn't strong enough for a week so I used the hospital one, and switched right back to to my medela. My insurance covered all but $20 of the Medela and I love it. My sisters have used it, buying their own tubes and bottles of course, but its awesome.

It's always best to have your pump right away to get the milk flowing, and you should be able to talk to a lactation consultant free at the hospital you will be delivering out now, she may be able to help you spacifically and do the insurance paperwork for you. It's best to be comfortable with your pump and lactation consultant now, before you give birth.

Good Luck!!