question about pump for work

[neonalee]

I posted this in breastfeeding first but haven't gotten answers yet. Then I thought since this is where all the pumping moms are, maybe this was a better place to post it anyway.

I've decided on the Ameda Purely Yours pump for when I return to work full time. I'm thinking of just getting the pump, not the whole package with the bags and stuff. It's a $50 difference for 6 bottles (vs 2), a cooler bag w/cool packs, and a tote bag. Well, I have my own tote, cooler, cool packs. We haven't decided on bottles or milk storage containers yet. WWYD? Are the bags/bottles worth the extra 50?

[Ruby2]

I used the cooler and ice pack that came with my pump for about three months. Then I saw the light and bought a bigger cooler! The one that came with the pump was fine for bottles only, but I pump several times in a day and store all of my pump parts in the cooler too (then you don't have to wash them every time!). Now that I have the bigger one(just a regular $10 Target lunch bag), I just kick myself for not thinking of it earlier! ;-)

[jdg]

Not worth it. I have the same pump, and in retrospect, I should have just bought the pump instead of the whole setup.

You'll likely want to pump directly into the bottles that you feed out of, anyway, so save the money to buy those bottles and possibly an adaptor. (I use wide-mouth bottles, so needed an adaptor to be able to pump directly into them.)

[Quinalla]

I do like the bag myself as I travel a lot and it fits the pump, power accessories, other accessories etc. very well and I do use the small cooler sometimes for travel as the small storage bottles are often more convenient. If you have a bag that will work well enough and another cooler, then no you don't need the rest and it probably is not worth it. Get bottles to use that you can pump directly into and you won't need more storage bottles either

[neonalee]

Thanks mamas! I have multiple bags that could work, I'll just get the pump.

[texmati]

Originally Posted by Ruby2

I used the cooler and ice pack that came with my pump for about three months. Then I saw the light and bought a bigger cooler! The one that came with the pump was fine for bottles only, but I pump several times in a day and store all of my pump parts in the cooler too (then you don't have to wash them every time!). Now that I have the bigger one(just a regular $10 Target lunch bag), I just kick myself for not thinking of it earlier! ;-)

this, this, this a thousand times over. I bought one of these nifty coolers, so I wouldn't have to store my pump parts in the fridge with everyone's nasty leftovers.

It makes it so much easier than walking all around the office gathering my supplies before I pump! Also, I ended up buying and pumping into glass evenflow bottles, or the medela storage bottles anyways. I'd save your money and buy what you need/like.

Also, you may get to a point where you can leave your pump at the office (if you don't need it at home). Then you only have to carry that little tote back and forth.

[akind1]

Originally Posted by texmati

Also, you may get to a point where you can leave your pump at the office (if you don't need it at home). Then you only have to carry that little tote back and forth.

this is exactly what I do; I use my pump solely at the office, so keep it locked up there, and just bring a totebag with cooler bag and parts to and from work. way easier!

I did get a manual pump to have at home for the rare times I need it, or want to supplement my freezer stash. as it was only $30, I thought it was worth it.

[JudiAU]

Get the extra parts. Send me $5 on the day that it saves your life. =) Get the extra bottles. I don't know that ice pack/bag but the medela version is really well designed and worth the money. Great for travel, etc.

No seriously, it is totally worth it. I have four sets of parts for the PISA and they are so worth it.

[boatrat]

I used the cooler and ice pack that came with my pump for about three months. Then I saw the light and bought a bigger cooler! The one that came with the pump was fine for bottles only, but I pump several times in a day and store all of my pump parts in the cooler too (then you don't have to wash them every time!). Now that I have the bigger one(just a regular $10 Target lunch bag), I just kick myself for not thinking of it earlier! ;-)

This is brilliant! I never thought of this during my year of pumping for DS1, but now I know in time for DS2!

[Quinalla]

Oh, and definitely get extra parts for the pump, tubing, etc. in case something breaks. That I highly recommend, but you don't need their package for that

And yes, storing the pump parts in with your milk between pumping sessions is the best timesaver. I was so glad I read about this on this board I think only a couple weeks after returning to work.