Speaking of pumps...

[deuxceleste]

Can we have a quick roll call of which pumps you experienced mamas love?
I'm on a budget, but want electric, not manual, per many recommendations.

Anyone have any ideas?

Also, I hear you can get a Dr. to write a script for one. Is this true?

Too bad I don't have a Dr.!

[jkg]

Do you have a midwife? She might be able to write a prescription for one if your insurance covers it. I had the Medela Pump In Stye double electric pump. Honestly...IMO, it was overkill. A plain old Avent manual worked just fine for me when eventually the motor died on the Medela PIS, which is a common complaint at least a couple years ago when I was using it. Are you going back to work? If so, I could see how a good electric might be best, so if your insurance will cover it, you might be able to get a hospital-grade pump. Good luck!

[deuxceleste]

I'm not going back to work for a while, because "work" is contracting. Can't see myself up on 50 foot ladders just yet...

But between DP and I, schedules will just about necessitate a pump, and between my insurance, his insurance, and Medicaid, I think we can probably get ins. to cover it with a prescription. So that's one option.

I'm a very impatient person, I do know myself, but I've never had experience with a manual OR an electric pump before. I'm going to an LLL meeting tomorrow night, so I'll ask for some guidance there, but was wondering if I could get feedback here too.

I understand what you're saying about not NEEDING an electric pump. Truly, I do. But again, I'm impatient. And if its not a comfortable thing for me to do, I'll get frustrated and pissy and then I'll just start refusing to go out, get in a snarky mood, all that. And that worries me because of PPD issues, etc.

[paisley]

I have a PIS that I got used from an ad in the paper. Can't say that I love it but it was a great thing to have around when we were experienceing probelms in the beginning. I never really used it past that though (I'm a SAHM).

Have you looked on Craigslist? Dh examined the pump we bought thoroughly and said that there would have to be a major malfunction for any of the first owner's milk to get backed up into the unit where it might come back out in ours - such a malfunction would likely break the pump anyway. So basically we paid for the used motor and the MW wrote us a Rx for a new set of all the tubing and pieces while we were in the hospital (we used them there with their pump and then took them home).

[deuxceleste]

I just sent my MW an email to see if she can write a script for one. Not sure if she can or not, but definitely worth a shot.

If it IS a problem, I do have a "clinic" at the university that goes with my insurance... they might write me one too, but they don't seem to be very mama-friendly at all. These are the people who told me they don't "treat" pregnancy.

[jkg]

Originally Posted by deuxceleste

I understand what you're saying about not NEEDING an electric pump. Truly, I do. But again, I'm impatient. And if its not a comfortable thing for me to do, I'll get frustrated and pissy and then I'll just start refusing to go out, get in a snarky mood, all that. And that worries me because of PPD issues, etc.

That makes sense. My SIL had a good electric and LOVED it, said she could just pump and go in a matter of minutes. I hope you find a good one!

[amj'smommy]

My first pump was a Medela harmony hand pump from WIC and for a hand pump that thing was awesome!! I used it until I wore it out. My sister lent me her PIS which was great too but I'm a sahm and I didn't really need something that powerful. I found out I'll be able to get a pump through my insurance (electric... a PIS I think) so I'll most likely get it but I'm hoping I can also get a harmony from WIC again since it suit my needs better. I did try an Avent Isis (I liked that it could hook right up to the VIA storage containers and Avent bottles) but I never could get much from it. I also tried and Evenflo or Gerber electric single pump... piece of %$^&! The milk would get sucked up into the motor and burn...needless to say I called the company and they sent me a return label so I could sent it back to them and they gave me a refund check.

[BrookeAD]

I had no idea you could get a prescription for a pump! I will have to ask my MW next week.

[seeing_stars]

I have a Medela PIS Advanced. I spent a lot on it ($300), but I figured that was a good investment since I wouldn't be buying formula or 2-3 moderately priced pumps that I hated. The PIS worked really well. I worked for a few months when my son was little and was able to get 12oz or so in a session whereas my Avent Isis (manual) only got me about 4 oz in the same amount of time.

[deuxceleste]

Turns out she can't write prescriptions. And I almost had a fit because she started her response by saying "most women don't need breast pumps"... but I calmly clarified that I'd like to keep dc on breastmilk when I return to work. she changed her tune. She DID have me scared for a while.

I have to ask the school, now.

[warrior mama]

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=629333

I asked a similar question in the working moms forum. Here's the link.

[deuxceleste]

Originally Posted by warrior mama

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=629333

I asked a similar question in the working moms forum. Here's the link.

Great minds think alike

[Yo Becca]

I have an Avent Isis manual, that I really liked as a manual pump (I used it when I wasn't working, but needed to leave DD occasionally and wanted to leave BM in case, and also used it on road trips, when I could pump while we drove and give her a bottle rather than us pulling over to nurse). When I went back to work PT and had to pump 2ce a day when I worked, I borrowed a Medela PIS from my cousin (who "nursed" meaning she breast fed for about 3 weeks then transitioned to formulat full time by 6 weeks, but is well off so plunked out $200 on the fancy pump ). I LOVED the PIS for that level of pumping. It's very nice if you have the money or prescription. And you can get it used and buy a new set of all the pieces that actually come into contact with BM (you can get them from medical supply stores or any place that sells a good range of pumps and gear).

I also rented a hospital grade pump for a week (due to nipple trauma, I had to pump for 24 hours when DD was 7 days old), and I think the PIS was comparable.

If anyone is interested in an Avent Isis pump, I have a 2nd one that I'm selling on the trading post but haven't had any nibbles yet. It's $6 plus shipping for the pump and all the spare parts - everything that comes with the pump except the 4 oz. bottle, ring and nipple. But the pump fits any Avent bottle, so it's easily replaced. Seems to be in pristine condition and looks like it's never been used. I bought it from goodwill b/c I wanted to find it a good home - but I already have an Isis and don't need 2. It's $6 plus shipping - a great deal as they sell for around $40 new (and with the MIA bottle). PM me if you are interested...

[mamafish9]

I loved my Avent Isis (and I used it while working 25-30 hours a week with DD). For me, it was as fast and easy as an electric pump, and I liked being able to see when I was getting milk, and controlling the pressure myself, that feedback seemed to work better than a motor sucking at my bbs .

[DayDreamer]

I have a Medela PIS and I love it. I bought it new 6 yrs ago for about $300. I used it for the 14 months I BF my DD, used it for about 6 months with my DS, lent it to my SIL who used it for about 6 months with her DS and it's ready to go with this baby.

For every new kiddo I buy the $20 kit with new membranes (or whatever they are) and tubes, etc.

I think it was a very good investment for me.