[Teenytoona]

It's still a ways off for me, but we registered this past week, and I wanted to know what you all think of breast pumps. In particular, the electric evenflo double pump. I wanted the medela (double electric), but the price is particularly high, and I just am not sure of the difference. How do these differ? Any pros and cons? I know the medela is the top of the line, but near as I could tell, I didn't see much difference but price. (just by the outside of the box, and I've never heard/read anything on evenflo's product.) I will be going back to work about 8 weeks after the birth, so I will be using it quite a bit during the work week. I imagine at least a years worth of pumping.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ackray]

I would spend the extra money and get the Medela.

 

[mkmoro311]

I registered for the Medela too. I've heard people say they got the Evenflow and it did not work out and had to go and buy the Medela afterwards! If you think about it, if you use it everyday after 8 weeks until the baby is one than that come out to under a dollar a day, pretty cheap! Plus you can use it for the next baby!

 

[Teenytoona]

So far, the medela wins out! I just looked at forumla prices online (to compare cost of feeding, to make the argument to Mr Toona, bc he remembers buying formula for DSS#1 and DSD#3), and that would definately be a FAR costlier venture than the Medela and the storage bags, no questions!

mkmoro311, that's exactly what I was concerned about. And I figure no one HAS to buy it for my shower, I can always get it later. Also, I believe this will be the only child I give birth to, I've already got 4 DSC, and Mr Toona will probably be getting fixed here soon. Is it something I could donate after use to my next pregnant cousin? I've got about 11 gal cousins and three sisters, with about 4-6 of them thinking or hoping to get pregnant within the next few years, I'm sure someone could use it when I'm done, right?

 

[wombatclay]

I know it's tough since it's pricey and maybe someone (or someones) would go in for it on the registry but... pumps can be tricky in terms of finding the "best fit" for you. Is there any chance you could wait till the babe arrives and then "test drive" a few? Many hospitals and LC will have rentals or test models you can try. That way you'll know if a specific pump will work for you.

I was gifted with a really nice PIS and couldn't wait to try it out.

But no matter what I tried I just didn't get more than an ounce or two per session. Then I tried a manual (isis avent) and was shocked...usually 8-10 ounces each during my 2 20 minute pumping breaks! It was really odd, but I've heard of other women who have had the same experience (more milk faster with a manual). I wound up using my manual pump twice a day, 5 days a week, for a year.

Anyway, maybe ask for gift certs until you can test drive pumps? Or register for a less expensive manual to use temporarily while you are looking for the best fit electric? A manual can come in handy even if you usually use electric (quick at-home pumping, when traveling/on the road, that sort of thing)

Good luck and congrats on the new babe!

 

[mkmoro311]

The Medeal In-Style (Backpack Style) I registered for @ Target and it normally goes for around $315.00. However, every once in a while if you check your registry on-line the price will drop to $285.00!

 

[Teenytoona]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wombatclay I know it's tough since it's pricey and maybe someone (or someones) would go in for it on the registry but... pumps can be tricky in terms of finding the "best fit" for you. Is there any chance you could wait till the babe arrives and then "test drive" a few? Many hospitals and LC will have rentals or test models you can try. That way you'll know if a specific pump will work for you. I was gifted with a really nice PIS and couldn't wait to try it out. But no matter what I tried I just didn't get more than an ounce or two per session. Then I tried a manual (isis avent) and was shocked...usually 8-10 ounces each during my 2 20 minute pumping breaks! It was really odd, but I've heard of other women who have had the same experience (more milk faster with a manual). I wound up using my manual pump twice a day, 5 days a week, for a year. Anyway, maybe ask for gift certs until you can test drive pumps? Or register for a less expensive manual to use temporarily while you are looking for the best fit electric? A manual can come in handy even if you usually use electric (quick at-home pumping, when traveling/on the road, that sort of thing) Good luck and congrats on the new babe!

Now I've never heard anything like this before. Hmm. Maybe I should consider waiting. My sister mentioned I could rent them, but I thought it would probably be a rediculous amount for the time I intend to pump. But perhaps a little bit at a time would be ok.

Can you rent them from hospitals if you're not birthing there? I guess I need to make some calls!

 

[Ackray]

One of my local pharmacies rents hospital grade medela pumps. So there are other places beside hospitals to get them. But if you are going to use it for a year and you have to buy the pump set up, so I think it would be cheaper to buy one than rent one.

 

[MeepyCat]

I got my rental pump from a medical supply company recommended by, but not affiliated with, a hospital, so I think you should be able to find and rent them.

Also, Isis Maternity around here offers rental pumps and lactation consulting. I don't know if that helps you any, but look around for businesses in your area that might do similar things.

 

[Benji'sMom]

I've tried the Evenflo pump before, it has a VERY SLOW cycle speed and VERY LOW suction, it is just NOT WORTH IT. A medela PIS is DEFINITELY worth the money. Or another option, are you registering somewhere that sells the Lansinoh Double Electric? I ask because another good option besides the Medela PIS is the Ameda Purely Yours, but you can only buy it online, but the Lansinoh is the SAME pump, just under a different brand name, and you can buy it in stores like some Targets and Walmarts. It's more affordable than the Medela also.

(And regarding the Avent Isis manual pump, there will be some women who get better results with manual pumps but that is the exception to the rule. You could try out the Isis, but 99% of the time it is not going to be sufficient for working out of the home.)

 

[Ellien C]

I take it plan on working and pumping while at work?
1) You may need it longer than you think....
2) Get the Medela.

One of the main differences in pumps is the amount of time they take and variable suction control. If you're going to be working, you might want one that can really suck it out - but that can also be gentle in the beginning when you're abundantly producing.

A friend of mine used the "Whisper Wear" which she wore under her clothes while at work in her small, all women office. It wouldn't have worked for me but we had a lactation room (more or less).

 

[wombatclay]

And check to see if your insurance will cover all or part of a pump rental/purchase. You can sometimes have your care provider "authorize" a pump as a piece of medical equipment (which it technically is) necessary for your return to work. Your state/private insurance may not cover it, but it's worth finding out!

 

[Teenytoona]

Awesome, you all are such a wealth of information!

I will be working out the home (at my current job), 9 hours a day plus 2 hours commute time. I've got an office with a closing door (I feel ultra fancy about that!), so I'd have a secure place to pump.

I hadn't in a million years though it could partially covered on my insurance, that's a nice possibility.

I looked at the whisper wear website. I've never heard of that before. More research is needed I guess. I kind of like the idea of it, rather than having to whip the whole breast out at work (even if I do work in my own office, I'm concerned someone might just do the knock once, walk in bit...).

Hmmm

 

[MaryJaneLouise]

I tried both the Medela PIS and the Ameda Purely Yours, and prefer the PY. It is also cheaper (less than $200). Get the model without the fancy bag, you can get your own bag cheaper and more stylish

.

 

[grumpybear]

Agree with the PP. Have you considered the Ameda PY?

 

[DWAXSMOM]

Definitely check out the Ameda Purely Yours. First of all, the motors are as strong/function on the same level but above and beyond this:

*The Purely Yours is a closed system. No mold, bacteria in tubing from milk backing up into the tubing/motor like PIS. I have seen mold throughout the tubing on many occasions. You have to clean the tubing. No tube cleaning in the Purely Yours

*The Purely Yours runs about $100 dollars CHEAPER than the PIS. The pump with all the bells and whistles runs around $239.99. The basic model, no bells and whistles but same pump, runs around $159.99

The Medela is much more widely marketed so more peole know about it. Ameda has chose to stick to Lactation Specialisrt and hospitals for their marketing.

 

[wombatclay]

And ditto the "get your own bag" comment... a nice insulated lunch tote style bag from Target or a camping store works great and has more space. Or custamize something... I have 3 different pump bags (my fav is a black insulated bag with the word/symbol for milk written in every language I could find...I had a friend who does calligraphy do it with a silver sharpie

)

 

[Teenytoona]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWAXSMOM Definitely check out the Ameda Purely Yours. First of all, the motors are as strong/function on the same level but above and beyond this: *The Purely Yours is a closed system. No mold, bacteria in tubing from milk backing up into the tubing/motor like PIS. I have seen mold throughout the tubing on many occasions. You have to clean the tubing. No tube cleaning in the Purely Yours *The Purely Yours runs about $100 dollars CHEAPER than the PIS. The pump with all the bells and whistles runs around $239.99. The basic model, no bells and whistles but same pump, runs around $159.99 The Medela is much more widely marketed so more peole know about it. Ameda has chose to stick to Lactation Specialisrt and hospitals for their marketing.

is the PY that you're talking about a double pump?

ANd how long of pump breaks do most folks take at work? (Granted this won't be until late April '08, but I like to plan ahead.)

 

[wombatclay]

Laws about pumping breaks/where to pump vary by state and facilities vary by employer but...

I usually take a 15 minute break in the morning ("coffee break") and then also pump on my half hour lunch break. I'll generally get 8-10 oz during each pumping session (with a single side manual) and my dd generally drinks 2-4 oz per bottle so my pumping generally breaks down into 4 bottles. I'm gone ~7hrs a day and she does reverse cycle. I build my freezer stash by pumping on one breast while she nurses on the other a few times each week. On Sunday I pump one side while she nurses so there will be a fresh (not frozen) bottle for the start of the work week.

Some of the other mamas at my work place find they need closer to 30-45 minutes per session. A lot depends on you, your supply, and how well you respond to the pump.

 

[natural_mama89]

Just my experience, but I also had better luck with the Avent Isis than even a Medela Lactina, which is hospital grade.