Breast Pump Recommendation - Hudsonville,MI

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!

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.

Medela double electric pump

She should check with her insurance company to see if they will pay for her pump. My SIL got hers while in the hospital and the insurance company payed for the whole thing! It is a Madela Pump in Style. One of the best pumps there is!

Absoltuely Medela. I used their pump for a year after I returned to work and it was great. They have a new one that is totally portable and can be clipped to her so that she can go about what she needs to go. She definitely needs a dual sided pump or she will spend twice as long. Medela may be a little more expensive, but the quality is worth it. Many insurance companies will pay for the pump if you get a doctor's perscription.

I also used a double option pump by medela... but I too, pumped as often as I could (the more you do it, the more breast milk the body makes!). I recommend a high intake of water, too. And make sure she is relaxed, of course as this helps with the 'let down' process. (and hopefully, she can do this in a warm environment. I did it in a bathroom, but it was a bit chilly~ so it didn't help me to relax as well as I could, but I was stuck as I worked in a shop with all men~)

Of course, I LOVED mine~ no issues and of course, it has the option to pump just one side at a time as well so it was perfect. It has an adjustment speed for comfort, too.

All I can say is I truly miss those days ~ but not the diaper changing! LOL~

Philips AVENT ISIS iQ DUO Twin Electronic Breast Pump is WONDERFUL. I used this with my son and am planning to use it again when my little girl arrives in the next 5 weeks. It has so many incredible features. Among my favorite were comfort features like, massaging let down cushions, the ability to use it manual or electric and single or double. The most convenient feature by far, is the fact that you pump right into the bottle (use sealing disc instead of nipple in the bottle ring), put right into refrigerator or freezer, then thaw and replace disc with nipple to feed. There is no waste, no need to transfer milk from a bag to a bottle, very easy to see how much you have expressed and easy to add to a bottle at your next pumping session. This pump comes in a kit with everything you need including a couple of bottles, discs, insulated bottle bags and a storage bag that looks fairly classy for use in the workplace or church or practically anywhere.

Thanks
Jenn

I was pleased with my Medela Pump in Style as well....
You definitely need the dual pump!

Medela makes the best pumps around. I would definitely recommend a double sided pump. If cost is not an issue, the Freestyle is the best, otherwise the Pump in Style also gets the job done. Breastfeeding while working is definitely feasible if you're able to make pumping a priority, I just stopped pumping at work and my daughter is 16 months old. Also, my insurance paid for my pump 100% once my OB wrote a prescription, all I had to do was take it to Binson's (that's where my insurance wanted me to go). Good for your friend and good for you for supporting her!

I have used the Medula dual sided breast pump for two of my children and loved it. With my youngest I am using an Ameda dual pump because that is what my insurance paid for. That is also a good one. She may want to check with her insurance to see if they will cover a pump for her.

I definitely recommend Medela. I used a Medela Pump in Style. I was able to nurse/pump exclusively for both of them for 1 year without any problems from the pump. I did have to replace the a/c adapter but that was it.

I use the Medela Pump in Style and pump at work. Dual is best because then you have the option to do one or both breasts. Electric is a must. And also purchase one of those special pumping bras so that your hands can be free to still work (read, write, etc.).

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.

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.

I have to agree Medela is totally the best!

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!

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!

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 . . .

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.