Breastfeeding and Pumping

I'm responding to agree with some of the other advice you've received. I, too, use a Medela pump-in-style and bought it new off of Ebay for about $100 less than retail (which is Target in my area). My friend bought the exact same one used off of Craigslist and just bought new shields/tubes. Neither of us have had any problems. I really like this pump.

Whether you buy or borrow is up to you. I was concerned about the longevity of a borrowed pump because you use it so many (up to 5 times for me) times/day every day for many months. But my friend has had no problems. AND you can always get a pump repaired if you do have a problem, which would be cheaper and more environmentally-friendly than buying new.

Good luck!

I bought a used pump and just bought new accessories for it (tubing and cups)Way cheaper than buying new. I really liked Medela pump in style for both my kids.

I would recommend the Medela Pump in Style had it already for 3 of my children and it still works great.

The Medela Pump In Style worked great for me. I would also recommend a Medela bra and the Hands-Free attachment (attaches to the bra with rubber bands so you can use both hands for other things while pumping both sides at the same time). I also bought an adaptor so I could plug the machine into the cigarette lighter in my car. I ended up pumping on the way to and from work (I know, this sounds wierd, but both hands were free and the tubing was underneath my clothing, so no one else ever knew what I was doing!) as well as during my lunch break until my child was 12 months old. I would absolutely recommend the accessories so that you can read, write, drive, etc. rather than spending all that time just pumping. Good luck!

Purchase your own. Talk to the lactation specialist at your hospital. They someitmes sell them and will bill it to your insurance as misc. expense. I love my Madela pump and got it through the lactation department. Our insurance said they would not coverit, but since it was billed as a misc. expense it was covered. I got the pump and help using it before we left the hospital after my daughter was born.

Hi! I had borrowed a medela breast pump from a friend of mine and liked it. Unfortunately my daughter was 6 weeks early and my milk hadn't come in. Didn't have the best of luck breastfeeding! I think that if I were to have another I would prefer to have my own. Especially if you plan on having more it would be nice to have. Some can be pricey,but isn't that what baby showers are for! Congrats and best of luck! You are in for a wonderful journey!

YOu can get a Medela Breast Pump from your hospital and you can get it at the time you deliver and sometimes most insurance companies cover the cost of them so they just get billed with you birth/hospital stay when you have your baby. That is how I got the two that I have, I would rather do that than borrow one that has been used by so many people!! But thats me I think that is gross! I would highly recommend the Medela breast pumps they work great and most hospitals carry the replacement parts for purchase! Good luck and congrats on being a new mommy!!!

I would recommend borrowing one at least initially. You may change your mind about pumping. If everything is going well, then go and buy one. I have used both the Medela Pump in Style and the Ameda Purely Yours and I would recommend the Ameda Purely Yours. I thought it was easier to use. If you decide to buy one, you can always buy "used" off craigslist or somewhere too and just buy the replacement parts from the manufacturer. The tubing/breast shields/ bottles, etc are the parts that touch you or your milk and can be replaced for really cheap (Ameda was about $30 for a new kit)

BUY ONE. It's totally worth it. Definitely get dual electric. Anything less will be a hassle. I bought the Ameda Purely Yours and love it, but I know a lot of people go with the Medela Pump in Style.

N.,
I borrowed a pump-in-style from a friend who had also loaned it to her sister. I trusted the friend and used the pump and then she loaned it to another friend. I think the warnings on the pumps are completely ridiculous and I'd use the pump of someone I knew. You can always buy new attachments for it if you want. Also, I would have been too cheap to buy such a nice pump, but when I was using it 3-4 times a day, I was SO grateful to have a really good pump.
S.

Hi N.,

First of all, congratulations on your decision to breastfeed! You'll be giving your child the very best, and it will help you to form and maintain a close bond with him or her.

I stayed home when my kids were infants, so I can't speak from personal experience, but I was a La Leche League Leader for six years (in another area) and can tap into a ton of insights gleaned from many others!

If I were you I would absolutely borrow the one your friend has to start, and this is why: breast pumps are such an individual matter of preference. What works well for one woman might not for the next. Many working moms swear by the double electric pumps (most hospitals have them for rent), but I have known some who preferred various hand pumps and occasionally even hand expression. So if you try this one and find it works for you - problem solved (even if you end up buying one of your own.) And if it doesn't, you've eliminated one at no cost to you.

You'll want to wait until breastfeeding is well established (about six weeks) before you think about pumping. But after that, experiment and see what works for you. Don't settle for anything uncomfortable or awkward.

As for the sanitation concern, just make sure the equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sterilized with hot soapy water and bleach solution (and thoroughly rinsed, of course!)

I believe there's a La Leche League group around here. If you haven't yet, try contacting them. Their Leader is sure to have more up-to-date suggestions, and will likely be able to put you in touch with other area moms who've been there! (The LLL International web site (www.llli.org) has a ton of good info)

Good luck!

P.S. I looked up the Wausau Leaders' names:
Melissa ###-###-#### & Alana ###-###-####

First, see if your insurance will purchase a new one for you through the hospital. If not, borrow one, but get a new accessory kit. I borrowed my sister's pump because my insurance wouldn't cover one, but the insurance did cover the accessory kit that the hospital gave to me. It's a Medela pump, and it worked fine for me.

I borrowed a pump in style, and ended up buying my own Medela Freestyle. I LOVED IT! It's SO MUCH SMALLER than the pump in style, and took it EVERYWHERE! It's rechargeable like a cell phone, and it's so small i was able to just toss it in a regular bag. I pumped 3 times a day for 9 months and it worked great. (nursed at home). I really liked the "let down" setting, I hear it's similar to the pump in style advanced, I found pumping with the freestyle to be more comfortable than with the regular pump in style.

I agree though, perhaps borrow someone's or use the hospital pump to see if it's going to work out before buying your own. But, I returned to work when baby was 11 wks and I was able to more than keep up with his milk needs. I didn't run out of frozen milk until 3 wks after I weaned. This pump did make a difference for me, less to carry, didn't look like pump in my bag, and could be used without plugging in.

Buy a new pump and parts. I purchased a used one and it quit working for me at work (suction was very very poor) after 3 1/2 months of use and I freaked out! So I had to have my husband go and buy one ASAP and bring it to my work so I can put for my next break. I thought I was just starting to produce less which really worried me for a couple of weeks. It was just the pump itself. Just get a new one, it'll have a 1 yr warranty if something goes wrong.

Definitely BORROW IT first. If you enjoy bf and it pumping works well for you, then you can buy your own down the road if you feel it necessary.

Check with the hospital. If you try pumping there, they will give you all the "pieces" that you used and you can use on another pump when you leave. The pieces that they opened for me to use at the hospital worked with my Medela at home! (This included all the tubing and breast cups and a couple bottles!) Just tell a nurse that you want to try pumping and they should hook you up! That way you will be able to see what the hospital grade pumps are like as well.

I have a Medela (not the pump in style- mine was regular $200 and on clearance for $125 and pump in style was a bit more at the time.....don't know what they run now.) This was about 4 years ago. I used my pump with BOTH our children and if we have more I will continue to use this one. It is a DOUBLE pump which I highly recomend.

Purchase, unless you are on WIC, sometimes WIC will provide, so check. Some insurance companies will also cover them. I HIGHLY reccomend getting the SoftFit and/or large breast shields the ones that come with the pump are AWEFUL!

I used a Medela Pump in Style, which I'd recommend. I would borrow a pump. The milk doesn't come anywhere close to the machine so if you buy your own tubing it's good as new as far as I'm concerned.

Check with your insurance company to see if they will cover a breastpump if your doctor or midwife writes a prescription order for it. My insurance company did cover all but $25.00 of the pump cost (over $250), and my midwife ordered it a few weeks before I was due. I went to the hospital home supply shop, where they stocked the pumps, and picked it up.
I have a Medela Pump in Style Advanced (I think), it's a two-sided electric pump and it works really well for me. My baby is almost 8 months old, and I still pump at work 3 times a day, and nurse when I'm home with him.
Good luck!

do whatever works best for you. borrowing is a good solution. check with your insurance company and see if they supply a pump! mine supplied me with the medela pump in style (300$!!!) as long as my doctor wrote me a "prescription" for it.
good luck!

N.-
i'm in the same situation due with my first any day now. i've decided to buy my own and i got the medela pump that everyone has suggested. i plan to pump a lot once i go back to work and also plan to have more children so it was worth the investment. i also REALLY suggest the book "baby bargains" as you prepare. it will help with EVERY bit of baby gear you'll need. (pumps,cribs,strollers,high chair,diaper pails, you name it! they have best picks!) they suggest your own as it's just safe and sterile. though if you borrow, your own tubing will be the most important part. good luck!

I borrowed a Medela Pump in Style from a friend who generously offered. I of course had to buy new tubing and shields to use with it to keep it sanitary. Since pumps are so expensive definitely borrow from your friend, that way if nursing/ pumping don't work out for you you won't be out tons of money. I love the Pump in Style, worked great. Congrats on your first baby and good luck!

I used Medela Pump in style and will never use anything else. all Medela's are good I liked the adjustable suction on this one. It has gone through my three and my cousins 2 and my sisters one they have great motors Before getting this one I burnt out two motors on ones that were not Medela and I was better off spending the 275.00 for this one cuz the other two cost me 175.00 for both I could have saved my self some money. Good Luck it is nice to have it when your milk comes in cuz that is a good time to stock the deep frez.

Buy a new pump! I am an L&D nurse and I have talk to the lactation consultants in depth about this. It may seem that the milk comes no where near the pump, but bacteria can get into the tubing and then get into the pump. If you borrow a friends pump, she is sharing her bacteria too. (not to say that she is dirty) Just keep that in mind. Personally, I have a Medela Pump In Style and it works great for me. I work 12 hour shifts, so I am pumping frequently. I haven't had a problem with it yet. :)

I love my pump in style medela pump. Double check to see if your insurance covers it. Mine did.

Check with your insurance like they have mentioned. I used Medela Advance Pump in Style. I need to sell mine in case you are intersted let me know. I used it for 7 months.

N.,

Something to think about... my good friend rented a hospital grade pump and thinks it is the best. She got it right from the hospital she delivered at (fairview riverside), and said it is way better than even a good one you can buy. Also, she and her husband are teachers and don't have a ton of extra cash, but she really felt it was a valuable thing to spend a little money on.

I think if you are going to be working full time, you might appreciate the speed, and quality of the pump. Beth hasn't had any problems maintaining her milk supply, and she has ended up ONLY pumping and giving bottles (her little guy decided he preferred a bottle over breast at about 3 months - he's now 10 months).

Good luck to you.

Jessica

jessica

After buying a new pump and seeing how they work, I would feel completely comfortable borrowing or buying a used one.

With that said - don't waste your money on anything but a Medela Pump in Style Advanced. I spent about $200 (maybe $250??) on mine in 2005. My daughter did not latch on until she was 8 weeks old - so I pumped exclusively, then when I went back to work I had to pump at work until she was nearly 1 year old. My newborn son took 3 weeks to latch on. So, I was pumping a lot again. I'm about to go back to work and I will be pumping at work. This pump is WONDERFUL. Without it, my kids would have been on formula.

The motor burned out on my first pump, days after the warranty expired. Medela still replaced it for me with no questions asked. A few days ago my daughter knocked my pump with a toy and broke off a plastic piece where the tubing goes in to the pump - it still worked but I was afraid it would break further and stop pumping effectively. So, I called to order a replacement part - and they are sending it to me along with new tubing for free!! I completely expected to pay for the parts and they well surpassed my expectations.

Medela's customer service is wonderful, their pumps are excellent. The money I spent on my pump was the best money I've spent on a "Baby product." I can't say enough good things about my Medela pump.

I pumped very full time for my first--I went back to work full time when he was 3 months old (by the way...I do think those first weeks are really important--take as long as you can to establish nursing) and he drank pumped milk/nursed until one/ I used the Medela Pump N Go and actually wound up buying a plug in so that I could pump in my car, which I did quite a bit--both (probably) illegally when I was driving to work and also on long road trips--I'd pump and then bottle feed both my children to get them to last a little longer. I've used it through two kids now and I still really like it.

If you are not certain whether or not pumping will work for you rent one from your hospital. Then if you decide you would like one buy your own. The ones that you buy from the store are meant for only one user as they cannot be completely sanitized like the rental pumps and use by more than one person will void the warranty. Plus if you think you will be having more than one child you will have it for use the next time. It is definately worth the investment due to what you will save on formula. I bought the Medela Pump In Style ($250) and have been completely happy with it! I am now using it with my second child who is 5 months. I nursed my first baby until she was 14 months so the pump has so far gotten quite a lot of use.

It is a rather personal item so I would recommend getting your own. I used a Medela electric double pump while I worked full time and it was great! Worth every penny spent on it and you can buy supplies at Babies R Us or Target.

N.,
My recommendation is to borrow from your sister's friend. It's not the pump that is personal/intimate, it's the tubing, breast shields and valves that you'll want to get new for yourself. Seems to me I got a whole new set for around $50 at the breastfeeding center at Methodist Hospital. I borrowed (and still have) a Medela Pump in Style from a friend. She used it with her two kids, then I used it with my two, and I'm hoping to use it again if we are lucky enough to have a third child. The only thing is I know the motors are only "guarenteed" through two children, so from the start I have considered we might end up buying one if this one goes out. But it's still going strong - last time I checked (almost 2 years ago).

I see someone else recommended renting from the hospital - I did this too with my first. The pump I got from Methodist was by far stronger, although not portable (I set it up on the table next to my feeding chair and left it). I only used it while I was on maternity leave, then gave it back, but it was a great thing for getting my milk going and building up my supply for when I went back to work. I didn't do that with my second and wished I had - will definitely do it again if we have another baby!

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy and enjoy it all - it goes by so fast!

J. L.

Borrow it! As long as it's a high quality dual electric one, multiple uses should be fine. I borrowed my cousin's Medela Pump In Style, which she had used for two kids and my sister borrowed it from her for her son, so it's now been through four kids with no problem. Like the previous poster said, it's not the pump itself that touches the milk, nor the tubing (that just moves the air around). I just sterilized the pump parts and tubing and didn't even buy new (replacement breast shields, bottles and tubing are ridiculously marked up and expensive for what you're buying).

I highly advise you get your own. It is hard enough to work full time and breastfeed/pump, you don't need a secondhand pump causing you problems. My advice is to bite the bullet and go big on this one. I bought the Medela Pump in Style, and the one time I did have a problem with it (a piece broke off) I called them and they sent the piece to me, it was here in two days, for FREE! You do not realize now how much time you will be spending with this pump. I did 3 times a day for about a year. then went down to two times a day for the next 5 months! That little machine was worked to the bone. I am hoping it is still okay for when we have another one, but even if it's not, it was still the BEST investment we ever made. Just think of how much MONEY you will be saving on formula, that MORE than covers the cost of the pump! Anything that makes pumping easier... is worth it. Trust me on this one, you will not be sorry. Also, I read a cute book while pumping, called 'The Milk Memos' a true story written by a couple moms who pumped while working. I also had my ipod with me every pumping session, I would download books or 'this american life' podcasts, it really helped to get me through the multiple sessions a day. I would actually look forward to getting away and listening to my 'stories' for 20 minutes or so. Good luck to you! If you have problems need pumping-while-working advice, send me a message! -Ali