Need help on choosing a breast pump that works but that I can afford?

Question

I need help deciding which breast pump to go with. I don't have a whole lot to spend and was looking at the ones that run around $50.

Are the electric (single) ones in this price range any good?

What about the manual ones? How do the manual ones feel on the hands? I suppose I"m afraid that my hands will become extremely sore (I think I have mild arthritis).

I will be pumping a couple times a day mostly just so I can have milk stored in the freezer for the hubby to feed and for daycare.

Any advice would be great.

Answer 1

I think you'll probably have to spend more than that. Think of it as an investment, as it's a lots cheaper than formula which can costs thousands per year.
The manual ones was something I thought about until I realized that you need to squeeze that thing 10-15 mins PER breast...that would suck.
There are single electric ones that run around $130 (I'm probably going to end up buying one of those, though we have a hospital grade one at work that people share and just use different attachments), I've heard they are nice. You could also maybe rent one if you plan to do most of your pumping later and only for a short time to build up a frozen supply.
I always check the ratings on Target.com, people seem to really give their opinions about these things.

Answer 2

I am going to suggest the Medela Pump in Style even though it is out of your price range ($250.) Here are my reasons why...

If you buy a manual pump, you will get very discouraged very quickly and give up on pumping all together... and maybe even breastfeeding, so I don't suggest this. Same thing really for the inexpensive pumps...

Formula costs about $4-$6 a day so anything you can do to help yourself continue breastfeeding longer is a good choice. Formula can cost you about $175 a month so buying a good quality pump that will allow you to prolong your breastfeeding experience is worth every penny.

Answer 3

Try the medela breast pump- just the manual one! It works really well, and retail cost is about $37.99.

It's easy to use, easy to clean, easy to store, easy to take with you (especially if you don't want to loud obnoxious noise of an electric breast pump in public )

It's also great because you squeeze it as hard as YOU need to. So you don't have to rely on an electric pump to try and do it for you. Since it's in your own hands, you can pump much quicker and it's way more efficient!

By the way, it doesn't take 10-15 minutes per breast with the manual. It's more like 5 minutes. It's not like hard physical labor to squeeze a pump a few times.

Answer 4

Everyone who says you have to spend more-- YOU DONT!!

I have one from EvenFlo. You can get it at target, walgreens, etc, for around $39, its electric. It has battery option of course,but the pumping is much slower so I wouldn't want to rely on the battery. It works great-- been using it for a month now and no complaints. :-) And I dont breast feed at all-- I only pump, so its gotten A LOT Of use.

Answer 5

I bought the Medula Swing pump. It is a single electric pump. Works great, very quiet. But it was around $120. Sorry I can't be more help.

Answer 6

I bought the manual Avent breast pump. It's above your price range, but it's a great pump.

Answer 7

You may be best off getting a used Medela and just buying new attachments. Also if you or your husband works for a company that has something called a lactation program - the HR dept would know, you can often get great discounts on a new one. They dont advertise these, you usually have to check into it.

Answer 8

if you are going to be pumping for daycare while you are at work you need a good one. you will need to spend closer to 100 to 130 to make it work a manual one wont cut it. you wont get enough and your milk supply will decrease and then you have to spend money on formula which is way more expensive. trust me i tryed it. save up and get a good one. check with you hosptial or doc and see if you can rent one for the time being.

Answer 9

If, you qualify for WICK, go to their office, they usually have really nice electric ones for free. Also, contact your local Leleche' League or ask your OB if he knows of any community programs. It is pretty easy to get one if you need it. You just have to look. Congratulations on your baby and for feeding your baby with the best food on earth!

Answer 10

thers an ellectric/battery double pump at WalMart for $ 50 , it worked great for me, you can adjust the strength of the suction, and it came with soothie bottles and bunch of stuff.. its by "The First Years".