B.S. asks from Hudsonville, MI on January 15, 2010
Breast Pump Recommendation - Hudsonville,MI
I have a friend who has to return to work after her baby is born but is determined to continue feeding her baby breast milk and wants to pump but does not know what pump would be best. So I am wondering what brand of breast pump is most powerful and best to take to work... are single or dual sided pumps best? What do you look for. Price is not an issue with her, just he best most reliable one.
Thanks
Featured Answers
K.V. answers from Grand Rapids on January 16, 2010
Definitely Medela Pump in Style - I bought one in 2002 when I had my first child and pumped exclusively for almost 14 months. Used the same pump again in 2007 with my second(replaced all the attachments so everything would be clean and brand new - I used a commercial Medela pump in hospital and the hospital actually gave me everything except the tubing I think) for another almost 12 months. When I went to a breastfeeding store to buy the tubing the girl helping me made it sound like pumps are meant to last through one baby. I'll be using this same pump again for my next due in Aug. Very good investment!
S.C. answers from Lansing on January 16, 2010
She will absolutely want a dual pump for going back to work. I took the Medela Pump and Style to work with me. It was great. It took me about 10 minutes to pump. After about 8 months, the cord shorted out. (My fault...long story!) All I had to do was call the number on the box, and Medela sent me a new cord. Their customer service was excellent. I highly recommend Medela.
More Answers
J.L. answers from Detroit on January 15, 2010
Medela Pump in Style- especially for working full time. I used it for my son for over 8 months and received it as a hand-me-down from a coworker who used it for two kids (I sterilized it). Great quality and very effective.
J.B. answers from Grand Rapids on January 16, 2010
I would definitely recommend her getting a dual pump, otherwise it would take way too long to pump. I used and loved the Medela Freestyle pump. It is more expensive than the Medela Pump In Style but I the Freestyle is worth it. It is the best out there and also hands free. If she buys it from the hospital while she is there after delivering her baby she'll get a discount on it . . .
K.F. answers from Kalamazoo on January 16, 2010
Dual...Medela Pump in Style...
FYI - Price may not be an issue, but...check with health insurance company, many pay all or a portion of the cost of the pump!
Also, you can make the pump hands free (very nice convenience) for a couple dollars...all it takes (its going to sound strange) is a couple elastic hair ties. Hook them together in a figure eight - knotted in the middle - then hook one loop to the nursing bra and the other hoop around the shields on the breast pump. Once you start the pump and establish suction, you are hands free! Works great and sooo much cheaper then the more expensive products that are sold in stores/online!
Good luck and congrats!
K.V. answers from Grand Rapids on January 16, 2010
Definitely Medela Pump in Style - I bought one in 2002 when I had my first child and pumped exclusively for almost 14 months. Used the same pump again in 2007 with my second(replaced all the attachments so everything would be clean and brand new - I used a commercial Medela pump in hospital and the hospital actually gave me everything except the tubing I think) for another almost 12 months. When I went to a breastfeeding store to buy the tubing the girl helping me made it sound like pumps are meant to last through one baby. I'll be using this same pump again for my next due in Aug. Very good investment!
G.B. answers from Detroit on January 16, 2010
Good for your friend for making this commitment - she'll never regret it! She definitely needs a dual hospital-grade pump. She can get info on working & breastfeeding at www.llli.org. LLL has a couple of wonderful books on it too. She can also find a local LLL Group thru the website and the moms there will probably be most helpful, as well as the Leader. There are daytime and evening Groups in many locations. Please encourage her - this is such a great thing to do!
L.A. answers from Reno on January 16, 2010
I have to agree Medela is totally the best!
D.W. answers from Indianapolis on January 15, 2010
In my experience, Medela makes the best breast pumps. The problem is, once you buy it, you're stuck with it. You can't return it if you don't like it.
A lot of pharmacies and hospitals rent breast pumps. That might be a good option for her to see what she likes/doesn't like before purchasing.
I used the pump in style from Medela. It is a double breast pump that is made for moms who are going to pump many times per day. I was pumping 5-6 times/day for many months and had NO problems with it. I pumped for almost a year with my son. Other than a strap on the carrier threatening to break, I was very pleased with it and used it with my daughter until a medical condition caused me to stop nursing.
B.G. answers from Detroit on January 16, 2010
I agree with the other commentors....Medela is the best pump out there. I went back to work when my daughter was 3 months old, and I pumped for 9 months while at work. I have the Medela Pump in Style, which is a dual pump with a special phase-technology that very closely mimics breastfeeding and allows milk to be released quickly. I also had an issue with my power cord (my own fault as well), called customer service, and had a new one the next day. Their customer service is above and beyond the best I've ever dealt with. Even if it's just opening up the pump for the very first time and freaking out about it, you can call them up and they will walk you through everything! They are amazing. I fell so in love with the company that after a year of breastfeeding and pumping, I became a Medela Mom Maven too - basically just an advocate of breastfeeding! Wishing your friend all the best of luck! It can be challenging at time, but it's so rewarding.
Email