Which (electric) Breast Pump?

Question

I'm going into my 30th week and I'm trying to prepare for our first baby. I've done my homework, but you hear both good and bad things about all breast pumps. Sites like La Leche can't recommend specific pumps...so I don't know which pump to get.

I work & I've estimated that I'll need to pump about 50% of her milk.

Which electric breast pump is the best in your experience? Which is the worst?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I bought the Medela Pump In Style becasue everyone raved about it. Well, as you are pumping your milk it can go back into the pumps machinery and make the entire pump a moldy mess. It happened to me and my sister-in-law. The Medela is popular, but it was a nightmare. Once you use it you cannot return it even if the thing is a lemon! Choose wisely, please.

The next pump I bought was an Ameda, it's what the hospitals will rent out to new moms. They can do that because there is NO way for your milk to get into the acutal pump machinery. It is sanitary for multiple people to use that's why hospitals rent these out. They change the part that touches the breast and the suction tubing that the milk touches, then it's ready for the next mommy.

Nobody I knew had ever heard of Ameda, but my favorite OB/gyn nurse told me all about it. My Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump worked great! I expressed more milk with it than the Medela, too!Worked like a charm for over 2 years. Never one problem.

I used Lansinoh disposable breast pads to avoid leakage at the office. Worth their weight in GOLD!

Answer 2

What kind of Pump you get will depend on how much you want to pump. An occasional use pump is only good to use two or three times a week. These are usually the cheaper ones like the manual or the ones that plug into the wall. A daily use pump can be used two or three times a day. These are going to have bigger motors and will range in price from $250-$350. You want to choose one that will fit your lifestyle. If you don’t choose one with a strong enough motor, you could burn out the motor and have to go buy another one.

I’d also check into if your hospital rents pumps. This is a more economical choice in the long run.

Answer 3

Medela! They aren't cheap, but they are hands down the best. There is a place called The Pump Station that also can give you good tips. You can generally rent one from the hospital - these are different pumps and can be sterilized for multiple users. Buying a used pump is strongly discouraged because they cannot be sterilized and the risk, while small, is just too great.

ps: a tip on pumping: you'll have the most milk first thing in the morning. I would nurse my son from one side and pump the other. I was able to get a full bottles worth and fill him up.

Answer 4

There was actually a breast pump rental place next to the hospital where I delivered. I was able to rent a super super nice Madela pump without paying tons for something that I wouldn't use forever. The hospital gave me all the attachments I needed and even a few bottles. It has a stand and you can pump two breasts at once. I loved it!
The only down side is that all of the Madela products that attach to it are expensive. So if you need any replacement parts or want to use Madela bottles it will cost you. I ended up only using what the hospital gave me, and then transferred the milk to other bottles for storing.
Best of Luck!

Answer 5

I bought a great Gerber electric breast pump from Babies R Us. I've tried the manual ones but it didnt work well at all and I was in more pain than ever..Gerber is always good to go with..Good luck!

Answer 6

i've got tried the two instruction manual and electric. i got here across instruction manual to be too time eating and your hand certainly starts to harm formerly you get sufficient milk out. you may get small electric pumps that could bypass out everywhere on battery. yet its relatively as much as you on what you come to a determination.

Answer 7

I prefered anything made by Playtex or Gerber but I haven't pumped in 4.5 years and there is new products out.

Answer 8

breast pumps hurt doesn't matter what kind you use your better off doing it manually but that's just me its really about what works for you good luck with you and your little one

Answer 9

Ameda or Medela are the best. I have a medela. I didn't find it too painful...of cours it's not all roses either.