Need Advice for Breast Pumps

I have a Medela - the pump in style (not sure what "model" it is) and I've used it without problem with two children. They're well made, have the best most comfortable adjustable suction and the cooling compartment keeps milk cold all day.

The Medela Symphony is very quiet, no one will know you are using it. I rented it for a few weeks from the Breastfeeding Resource Center at Harris HEB Hospital. The resource center is outside of the hospital and the consultants were all very helpful. When I decided to purchase a pump, I went with the Medela Pump in Style and purchased it at The Nesting Place in Grapevine.

Hi there -

I was in the same exact situation - returned to work 32 hours a week when DD was 9 weeks. Working full time and BF can work - DD is almost 9 months as is still exclusively on BM.

In regards to a pump, I have the Medela PIS Advanced and have had great success with it. It takes only 15 minutes plus another 5 or so for prep and clean up.

A couple of things I've found helpful with pumping include:
- Have extra breast shields and connectors. I have 5 and it helps since on occassion one has gotton lost or cracked.
- Get a car adaptor. When I first returned to work, my client did not have a nursing/wellness room, so I used my car. This actually turned out good since it was quiet and gave me a place where I was comfortable to relax.
- Purchase extra milk storage containers (i.e. for fresh milk). The medela ones are somewhat pricey, but there are others such as by Evenflow that work fine. It's helpful so you don't have to be washing these every night.

Hope you find this helpful.

Good luck!

I had to do long-term pumping for my son, we're talking 16 months of exclusively pumping for him so I feel like I have a PhD in pumping! :)
I used the Medela Pump In Style Advanced and the Playtex double electric pump. As far as quietness, the Playtex one is practically whisper quiet. It costs the same as the Medela but comes with MANY more things in it that you have to buy separately with the Medela.
The main thing to remember though, is that because all women's breasts, nipples, and areolas are different, a pump that worked great for me may be very uncomforable for you. Take your time, do lots of reading, and look at all the pumps out there and try to deterime which one will work best for your breasts.
The FDA recommends that you NOT buy a breast pump that is used. It is impossible to thoroughly cleanse and sanitize them. Go ahead and spend the extra money and get a brand new one.
Since you will have to start pumping so soon, I highly recommend that you attend a few La Leche League meetings. They are free and really helped me with my long-term pumping. I got great factual information and not just hearsay on what would help us out the most. They do not endorse a particular pump but can help you with the decision-making process. Their website is www.lalecheleague.org and then you just follow the links to find your location for meeting times and places.

Good luck!
L.

I have a medela, I used for 2 weeks and then had to give up the breast feeding. Willing to sell. L.

I used the Medela Pump in Style for 10 months at a time for each of my kids. It is not real quiet, but quick! Check with your hospital to see if they have lacatation consultants that can help you with this decision too.

Presbyterian Hospital of Plano has a store with lactation supplies and the consultants work the store so you are getting great advice prior to purchasing.

Good luck & good for you for making this commitment to your daughter.

Absolutely Medela! It's the best on the market.

Medela pump in style. You'll want a double-pump to help increase your milk supply! Good Luck!

I used Madela when my children were babies. It's great. Good luck!

First of all, breastfeeding my daughter was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Just know that it really is the best thing you can do for your daughter, it's hard at first, but be persistent with it if you really want to do it. I first tried a hand held breast pump to see if I really could keep up with the breastfeeding, and it really helped me get used to the feeling since I had control of it. It was an inexpensive kind, the Gerber pump (its purple and blue, I think, and it attached to some wide mouth bottles). I ended up using the Medela pump in the backpack carry bag and it worked great especially when I went back to work. It was easy to use and it pumped both breasts at the same time, and it was pretty quiet. This really was vital to being able to save and store and freeze milk in preparation to returning to work. I really liked it and highly recommend it to you. Good luck.

Congratulations on your pregnancy - how exciting. Lots of fun times ahead. Anyway, I used the Medela and would highly recommend it (I have boy/girl twins). It is what hospitals use so if you are in the hospital and getting "trained" on it, it will most likely be a Medela.