Breast pump?

Question

Any Ideas on a good breast pump that isn't too expensive?

Answer 1

It depends on how you plan to use the pump. Will you be pumping occasionally? Daily? Frequently? Exclusively?

The Medela Pump-In-Style is a really good double electric pump. It's a good choice for a working mom who will be pumping nearly every day.

The Avent Isis is an affordable manual pump with a good reputation. It's good for occasional pumping. Some moms do use it at work.

It would be easier to make recommendations if we knew more about how often and why you were planning to pump.

BTW...Someone mentioned Purely Yours...it's NOT made by Medela but is made instead by Ameda.

DO NOT BUY A USED PUMP UNLESS YOU KNOW THE OWNER WELL AND ARE SURE OF THEIR HEALTH! If it's not a rental pump, it's not designed to be used by more than one mother. The other person's milk can back up into the pump and you could end up with your milk getting any ick they had in it!

If you live in the USA, buying from Canada is often one way to save money. I got my PIS (over 7 years ago now!) for something like $175. Try http://www.babyloveproducts.com and see if they still exhist.

Keep in mind that, even if it's a lot of money RIGHT NOW, it's cheaper than a year of formula.

Get your doctor to write a prescription for a breastpump. Then 1. you don't have to pay taxes on it and 2. you can see if you can get reimbursed at least part of the cost as "medical equipment" by your insurance.

Answer 2

I started with the really expensive medela electric double pump and it was a complete waste of money for me personally. i could never get more than an ounce total. So then I bought two Avent Isis breast pumps and got several ounces (after some practice of manually double pumping.) they are about $35--50 each. It's worth a try to try the cheaper ones first. I found that I had much better control with the manual pump.

Answer 3

It depends on what you need it for. If you only need to have an occasional bottle of your milk available, you don't need *any* pump; you can hand express (see sources section below). Some women even use hand expression instead of pumping several times a day, but for *most* women, they need a pump for more than occasional use.

Again, in *general*, a good hand pump (from a brand like Avent or Medela; avoid the very cheap ones as they can do serious damage to your breasts) is good is you will be pumping less than daily. A battery pump will be fine for pumping once a day to several times a day. A hospital-grade rental pump is usually the only pump good enough if you are exclusively pumping.

Answer 4

Avent manual breast pump is good if you're only going to be pumping occasionally, and it's less than $100. Remember that most experts recommend avoiding using a bottle until baby is at least 6 weeks old, to avoid nipple confusion (also known as bottle preference - bottle is much easier to get milk out of, faster and babies will sometimes prefer it over the real thing and turn the breast away completley).

Answer 5

I like the Avent To Go manual pump. It worked really well for me. If you want an electric pump there are some good ones but keep in mind they are gonna cost more. You can contact your local hospital or La Lache league and ask what they recommend.

Crystal... IMO Manual pumps are not ineffective, you just have to know how to use one. I always used a manual and was very pleased with the results.

Answer 6

I pumped for 4 months (preemie :)) and discovered that while the electric pumps left my hands free, the manuals did a better job and were more comfortable. It is a hard choice to make, but dont skimp on the pump if you feel that it is the right one for you - pumping is hard work! Try to get one where you will be able to buy spare bottles and parts for when if breaks..... best of luck!

Answer 7

I have a medela purely yours. It is a hospital grade pump that runs about $150. It is a little on the expensive side, but it's electric. I would urge you to stay away from hand pumps. Not only are they not effective, but they are difficult to operate and can cause damage. I bought mine from the hospital I delivered at. You could check with your OB/GYN. There might be a local store that is cheap or that offers rentals.

Answer 8

K mart has a 40dollar eectric single pump that gets the job done. good luck

Answer 9

Gerber

Answer 10

Bad news, they are all pretty expensive. But if you have Medicaid for yourself and your baby then there are programs that can help you out. Just contact your caseworker.