Breast Pump Question- Updated Post #18

[mama2myangels07]

I'm trying to decide between getting a PIS or a PY pump for when the baby I'm currently pregnant with is born. I've also looked at both lanisoh pumps and the reviews on the affinty don't look all that great.... Part of the appeal of the PY is the cheaper price, but I'm pretty sure I'd have parts more readily available from wic for a PIS. But the con of that is that the extra $100 or so dollars is a LOT of money for us. WWYD?

[CherryBombMama]

i EPed with the PISA 6 times a day or more for 6 or 7 months, and then no less than three times a day after that until my ds was 11 months ... it works so well and never seems to stop working

[mama2myangels07]

Originally Posted by CherryBombMama

i EPed with the PISA 6 times a day or more for 6 or 7 months, and then no less than three times a day after that until my ds was 11 months ... it works so well and never seems to stop working

I hear a lot of great things about the PIS but the cost is what is killing me....

[marinak1977]

I have a freestyle which has the same pumping action as the PISA and I love it! My favorite part is the letdown feature which helps you stimulate a second letdown easily. I've been able to save quite a stash using it.

[marinak1977]

Oh, if you get it from Babies R us for example - they often have 20% off coupons so you can save some $$$ that way.

[mama2myangels07]

Originally Posted by marinak1977

Oh, if you get it from Babies R us for example - they often have 20% off coupons so you can save some $$$ that way.

Even for a pis with the 20% off, it's still over $200 which we would not be able to swing, though if we could I'd be all over it. I've been looking at the PY and the laninsoh original pump since they are the same and the laninsoh is quite a bit cheaper.

[MommyMad]

I'll speak to you from a BTDT situation.

I started out with a Purely Yours breastpump because it was cheaper. I used it for the first 12-13 weeks post partum. During that timeframe I continuously had plugged ducts and had to work my breasts a lot in order to fully empty them.

Fast forward to the 12-13 weeks potpartum when I had to return to work full time. At that point, I requested for my friend to lend me her PISA in order to leave it in the office so I wouldn't have to transport it back & forth on a daily basis (it gets heavy to transport everything on a daily basis via mass transit). Once in the office, I realized how quickly and effortlessly the PISA was working for me. Gone were the plugged ducts. Gone was the effort needed to empty my breasts. I was sooooooo happy.

The happiness was so great that I went ahead and purchased a used PISA from ebay for $150 in order to retire my PY. I have never been happier.

There are new ones on ebay as well if you don't like a used one.

Best of luck in your decision.


ETA: My supply actually increased a few ounces when I switched to the PISA.

[smpayne]

I used both and noticed no difference. Make sure to have extra valves on hand for either one (white parts), these will be the first things to go and not always available at the local store. I also had to replace the small white adapter for the PY hose to the pump. I liked my PY better than the PIS, but it was a just a personal preference - I did not notice any difference in performance. PY was a lot more portable, just due to the size, could be battery operated (only about 2x on one set).

You don't need all the extra options, the PY will fit into almost any bag and any cooler w/ice packs works good for keeping pumped milk. Both pumps will easily fit on any "standard" bottle. I would suggest getting the car adapter.


If you qualify for WIC - check out what your options are there first. I have heard of getting free pumps or free pump rental, etc.

[MommyMad]

I forgot to mention that for portability purposes, I purchased the Medela PISA Metro Bag. The pump is separate vs inside the bags.

Here it is.
http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com...-the-metro-bag

[UberMama]

If you have health insurance, check with them about their coverage for durable medical equipment. For instance, my insurance will cover 80% of the cost of a PISA from Babies R Us. OR if I buy the PISA from one of their approved medical equipment places they have a contract with, they will cover the cost 100%.

[texmati]

I'd also check out add a little love.com for a PISA. I think she gave me a quote of 217 for a PISA. I have not ordered from her yet, but I'm thinking of upgrading to a Freestyle, and they are nearly 100 dollars cheaper with her.

[mama2myangels07]

Originally Posted by smpayne

If you qualify for WIC - check out what your options are there first. I have heard of getting free pumps or free pump rental, etc.

I have checked with wic. Here in MI the only way to get a pump to keep is if you are either a student or work outside the home. And for the pump rental from them, it's for a month unless medically necessary. I want it so I can pump for my daughter that will be almost a year when this one is born.

[phrogger]

If you aren't pumping exclusively while working or away from the baby, get an avent isis. It worked better then any double electric pump I ever used and it was CHEAP.

[mama2myangels07]

Originally Posted by UberMama

If you have health insurance, check with them about their coverage for durable medical equipment. For instance, my insurance will cover 80% of the cost of a PISA from Babies R Us. OR if I buy the PISA from one of their approved medical equipment places they have a contract with, they will cover the cost 100%.

i have medicaid, they won't cover them unless there is a medical need and when they checked last time their only good medical need was a deformity. The wording of how they said it kinda bothered me.

[bella99]

I have a PISA and loved it! I pumped 3-4 times a day for close to 10 months and found it convenient and easy to use. The letdown feature is great, I found it fairly gentle on my breasts, and I responded great to it (lots of frozen milk!)

With that said, I got mine on Ebay, for... $120! It was used, yes, and I know Medela says not to use a previously owned and used pump but, the only part you can not replace or sterilize is the actual pump itself, and if milk gets inside there, well then, you're screwed anyway.

I replaced the valves, the shields, and Medela sent me brand new tubes for free (told them I accidentally burned the first set when attemping to sterilize them, which was true).

[MEcatlady17]

I am new to pumping and using the ameda purely yours. I am happy with my PY. One thing to note is that the standard sized flange is different for each brand which may explain why some people prefer one over another for comfort and output. I bought the ultra which came with extra accessories, bag, pump and found it on an amazon black friday sale for more than $70 off the lowest price I'd found online. I like the control of the speed as well as suction. I use the manual (it came with the adapter so you could also manual pump) and it came in very handy during the earlier weeks and months when I was always uncomfortably engorged due to oversupply. I used the medela symphony in the hospital which is the only pump I can compare it to.

[texmati]

did you check out add a little love? I only mention because the prices put it on par with the PY.

[mama2myangels07]

I am getting a PISA from a mama from another forum. I know they say don't use a used pump, but like a poster said here. The only thing that can't be sanitized or replaced is the pump itself and if bm gets inside it you are screwed anyways. Plus the general consensus says PISA would be the best way to go. Thanks for the advice everyone!