Breast Pump Recommendations

I am using the medela swing and am very happy with it. It is a one breast electric pump. I too am staying home, so it is enough to make a few bottles a week. I like it because it is compatible with evenflo glass bottles by gerber which I use to store milk in. I feed my son from a born free bottle, also glass, because the nipple is more like a breast.

If you plan on staying home, you don't really need an electric pump. I personally like the Avent Isis System. It works nicely and has held up over two and a half years of nursing. (My little ones are close in age). It is pretty reasonably priced.
If you plan on going back to work, definately get an electric pump. You will need it. My friend gave me her Ameda pump, which I could only find online as she lived in a different state when she bought it and it isn't available in my area. It works great and is easier in some ways, but is a pain to set up and break down. There are just so many parts. The electric pump also costs way more than the hand pump.
I've tried the Medela hand pump and do NOT like it. There are a few different styles of pumps and the Medela is a syringe style. Basically, you pull in order to create suction. The Avent is a trigger style, so you squeeze. I found the soft suction cup (Avent) much easier to bear on sore breasts, and the pulling (Medela) was quite the workout, leaving my arms sore.

I highly recommend Medela with variable speeds. It is pricey, but worth the investment.

Get the Medela Pump in Style - they are very very expensive new, so my ob recommended I get one slightly used off of ebay. You can buy new and boil all the tubes and milk collecting accessories that ARENT expensive, and just get the used pump part and discard the other pieces that belonged to the previous user.

Definitely the Medela Pump In Style Advanced. I know it's more expensive but SO worth it! I loved it!

It was best for pumping at work but even when I was on maternity leave for the early months, when I needed to pump for my husband or a sitter to use, it worked so quickly and effortlessly. I also used the Medela Swing when travelling (much easier to be "on the move" with and still have a great electric pump).

They also sell online a band that you can strap around your breasts and it will hold the pumping machine in place for you so it's totally hands-free. I recommend that as well.

I loved breastfeeding and these great tools allow you to also have some mommy time outside the house. Best of luck!

I am also due in 2 months, but with our 2nd child. Breastfeeding can be very difficult and painful (as it was for me) but I did stick it out and am glad I did. I nursed successfully for 2 years. Depending on how easy it is to nurse will depend on how easy it is for you to pump. I never could pump successfully (and I had the top of the line Medela pump)I would recommend renting a hospital grade (the very best) pump first until you have established a good supply and then invest in a pump that works well for you. You will not know what you need until you start nursing and pumping on your own. Some women are fountains, others take a hopital grade pump to get the smallest amount of milk. Check out your hospitals lactation consultants and talk to them, they are your best resource for pumps. Good luck.

If you plan or nursing, then you just need to get your milk supply going good enough in the beginning. I would rent a hospital breast pump for 1 month or so (about $60) and buy a manual for the rest of the time (about $25 from Modela). But if you're staying home, you probably won't be making too many bottles. I commend you for nursing, it doesn't happen too much these days. If it gets hard (and it might), please don't give up. Call your hospital and meet with a lactation consultant or contact Le Leche League for support. Your nipples will be sore for about the first 2 weeks and it might take up to 6 weeks for your milk supply to stabilize, after that, it is so easy. You can go anywhere with your baby and not have to worry about packing bottles! Take Care!

the avent breast pumped works really great, i wish i bought it with my first child. even if you get the manuel, it is a great pump

I use the medela breast pump for my two boys. You can pump one breast while the baby is feeding on the other. You can actually pump both breast at the same time.

http://www.nursingbaby.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=21_23

I used the Medela Pump in Style Advanced. It worked great andyou can pump one side or both side at the same time. It's a bit expensive but it's the best one out there. Good luck!

I echo Chante's feelings. The Avent Isis is the way to go. Besides being inexpensive, it's compact, quiet, and easy on sore breasts. It also mimics baby's suckling patterns and stimulates let down by massaging all the ducts. I have used medical grade electrical and other cheap pumps and none compare to this one. I have 4 children and was a dedicated nurser with all of them.
Best wishes
J.

Being am Mother of twin 8 year old boys, I read about breast pumps while pregnant but the best advice I received was from someone who said that too much "power" could be painful and make you VERY sore which impacts your regular direct feeding.

I would probably wait until you tried regular breastfeeding first and then see what your needs are. I actually felt better supplementing with formula than pumping too much. I ended up using a portable pump only at work months later so my breast pump wasn't used as much as I thought I would need it.

I hope this helps.