Breast Pumps - Marble Hill, MO

Medela Pump In Style. It is the best pump and it comes a bag which does not "look" like a pump bag. The only way I was able to pump for 11 months at work was because I bought the hands free bra. It was the best $30 I spent. http://www.easyexpressionproducts.com/

Pump n style by medela...it is a little expensive, but a good pump is necessary for success! Put it on lay-a-way since you have a few months. I used mine for both daughters, 9 months for my first and 6 months for my second, it comes with a battery pack for on the go! It saves so much money when you compare the price of the pump to the cost of formula! Best of luck!

i would highly recommend the advent isis manual pump. i had the medella electric pump and did not like it too much. i borrowed my sister in laws advent isis when i went skiing, when my gerber manual broke down; and i actually liked it better then the other two i had used. i thought that the manual one would be annoying because of constantly having to pull the trigger. BUT with the advent isis you do not need to do that. once you have let down, you just hold the trigger and it all comes out. it is cheaper and more comfortable to use then the electric medella pump in style, which made me feel like a dairy cow.

Ruthie,

A Medela double breast pump is the best way to go for a working mom. One with a battery back up is the best. Sometimes is is hard to find a spot to pump with a plug in. I pumped the while I was on maternity leave and twice a day once I was back at work. Make sure the daycare provider she is going to use can deal with the frozen breast milk. My daycare kept the extra milk in a deep freeze for my daughter. Here are the stats on how long the milk can be kept:
At room temperature (less than 77°F) for 4 to 8 hours
At the back of a refrigerator for 3 to 8 days
At the back of a freezer for up to 3 months
In a deep freeze up to 6 months

Good luck!

J. n.

Spend the extra money on a Medela. Mine has lasted through two kids and pumping five times a day for 9 months each kid. Plus I loaned it to two other people and it's still going strong. I got the pump that most simulates natural sucking. It was almost 300 dollars and worth more than that to us. Good luck. Think of the savings on Formula!!

I have two little girls and a little boy on the way. I breastfed both girls and will breast feed our little guy as well. I have a Medela pump. I LOVE it! I know they can be a bit pricey but they are well worth the money. My advice to you and your daughter is to get a double pump. She needs to start pumping as soon as her milk comes in that way she makes enough milk to breast feed the baby and to save. I have found that if I pumped for 5 minutes before my daughter was due to nurse that it helped build my milk supply. Also tell your daughter that in the beginning it is a challenge but just to be patient and try not to get upset. She and the baby are both learning together at this time. It is well worth it in the end! Good Luck and Congrats!

The Medela Harmony breast pump is one of the BEST breast pumps i have ever tried. You can see one here http://www.medela.com/ISBD/breastfeeding/products/harmony...
It is a manual pump that only does one breast at a time but I could pump more milk with this than I ever could with a double electric pump. Also, if she is going to be pumping at school she will probably want one that doesn't have to be plugged in and is quiet, that way if she is shy everybody won't have to know what she is doing. If i ever have anymore kids this is what I would use and I am currently a student also.

My now 9 month old kept falling asleep while I tried to breastfeed so I had to pump. I tried the cheaper ones from Wal-Mart. Not only did they kind of hurt they weren't nearly as effective as the better one. I bought a used Medela In-Style breastpump from a coworker. I can't even explain the difference. It was so much more comfortable and timely. You can control the amount of suction and the speed. Even though it costs a lot more to get the better ones I would defintely suggest it. If you try to get away with the cheaper ones you will probably just end up getting the Medela so why waist your money on the cheap ones. It is completely safe and sanitary to get a used one so if you can find one that's probably your best bet. After I bought mine I saw one at a garage sale. I think I have even seen them in the newspaper ads. Good luck!!!

Hi R. V,
I live in Wright City too! I recommend the Medela "Purely Yours" double breast pump. I've lent it out to so many of my friends and they ended up purchasing them as well. As a matter of fact, my pump machine started acting up and was breaking and I called them and they shipped me out a new one and I received it the Next Day!!! What Service!!! The pump is Awesome. I was able to freeze literally, 5,000 ounces of breastmilk before I quit pumping with that child. I got so ahead of my son, I almost donated my milk to the Mother's Milk Bank of Colorado. But we ended up using it all. I had four children and never purchased formula. I just quit nursing my last child two months ago! Good Luck with your daughter!

Hi Ruthie,

When I breastfed and worked full-time as a teacher, I used the Medela breastpump. It is a hospital grade breastpump, and therefore it is a little pricey. However, if your daughter can save up for this breastpump, it will be well worth it. It pumps both breasts at the same time, therefore it is very efficient. I used to pump twice a day at work, and I got plenty of milk to feed my daughter. I had very little time to pump, and because of that awesome breast pump, I was able to pump in what little time I had, and I always had enough for the baby. If she ends up getting a "cheap" pump, she will regret it, because they are not efficient, and she will probably end up being frustrated. Whatever she does, she needs to get a pump that pumps both at the same time. If you have any more questions about breastfeeding, please feel free to e-mail me. I nursed two babies, and I loved it!!

I just have to put another vote in for the Medela Pump In Style. I had trouble breastfeeding my first, and had to go out and buy a pump a few days after we got home from the hospital-- I wished I'd had one on hand already. I think having a good pump on-hand when the baby is born is a good idea. Even if she has trouble BFing, she can always easily pump & give the pumped milk to the baby (though she should only do that as a last resort-- see a lactation consultant if she has any problems at all. The hospital usually has one on staff, and they don't charge you). And of course, when she's at school or work, the pump is going to be necessary. Best of luck to her!

I am now pumping with my second child. I work outside the home and my babies were both breastmilk only babies. That being said, I swear by the medela pump in style. It is so worth the money!

My advice is to get two sets of everything. That way when she gets home from work, she just washes the first set and packs her bag with the dry set. She is ready to go in the morning! It has been a life saver for me!

I have not nursed a baby for 3 years, so things may have changed. I found out there were not regulations on breast pumps. Anyone with a vaccum could sell them. When I was nursing we did not have the money to buy a $200 dollar Medela breastpump, but when I was done trying everything out there....THAT DID NOT WORK...I probably spend $200 anyway. Some leaked all over me, some HURT, some did not suck correctly or sufficiently. Medela is the most trusted and comfortable pump. For my last two babies I used this one that I bought from a friend. That may sound a little unsanitary, but the thing is, you buy the "plumbing" new, or get some from the hospital when you have a baby. "Plumbing" is all of the tubing and bottles, very inexpensive. Check out the mommy and me stuff that will post adds for sale. Try ebay....The working of the pump is all internal and the most expensive. Especially for working moms, Medula has it down to a science.
hope this helps

I would definitely suggest a Medala double pump, it works much better (I have tried both double and single) and cuts down on the time you have to do it. I hated to spend the money on buying one so the hospital (I delivered at Overland Park Regional) suggested someone who rents out the hospital grade double pumps. I think it was around $25-$30/month and that way if she decided she doesn't like doing it anymore or just wants to stop then she isn't in a long term commitment. I rented mine for 11 months and justified renting it because I would have spent more money a month buying formula. Good Luck.

I know some people have difficulties pumping or just decide not to for other reasons. Since this is your daughters first time you might try renting a pump for a month to make sure it is something she wants to continue before making the investment.

I personally pumped with both my children because I am a full time working mom. I used the Double Electric Medela. It is probably one of the most expensive units on the market but it is also one of the best. Manual pumps take forever and I had to pump on breaks and at lunch so I did not have time for that. I think there is a store at Shawnee Mission Medical Center where they have consultants that can talk to you about this and they rent pumps. You might also be able to rent them from Babies R Us too.

Breast milk is great for babies and it stores so easily that it is very convenient. I would keep a few bottles in the fridge at all time and grab a couple before we went out. They are good for 8 hours or so at room temp (read La Leche League's web-site). Good luck to your daughter.

You've gotten fabulous advice about a good pump, especially looking into renting and/or the WIC program. Please tell your daughter that the #1 thing that can make breastfeeding easier is to nurse the baby AS SOON AS POSSIBLE after delivery--definitely in the 1st 20 minutes! In this time, the baby's instincts will still kick in--it's really important. Also having a doula with her for the birth experience would be very helpful--during and after.

Medela all the way. It is worth so worth it.

I highly recommend the Medela automatic double pump. It is so fast, comfortable and easy to use. It can be rented from hospitals, though if you plan to pump for several months, it would be more cost effective to just purchase it. I have tried several, nothing works as well!

I LOVED my Ameda double breast pump!!! http://ameda.com/products/personal.aspx#2

Ruthie -
I would recommend any Medela product. They are the best. The biggest drawback is the price, but they make up for it in quality. I breastfed both of my boys (now 4 & almost 2) until they were 5 months old. I went back to work when they were both 12 weeks and I couldn't have continued to nurse them without the pump. Tell your daughter to have patience with it and don't give up!

Many hospitals rent and sell pumps. They say these are the best quality(double pumps-2 breasts at a time). I rented one from North Kansas City hospital for $35 for 2 weeks. It was Medela brand. I recommend renting at first just to make sure that breast feeding is right for her. I think that the pumps from the hospital cost $200 to $300 if you want to buy one.

I used the Evenflow Elan! It was awesome. It's a lot like the Medela, but costs about half as much! I very much reccomend the electric pumps versus the manual.

I am in a somewhat similar situation to your daughter, as this was my first time to breastfeeding without any support around me. With my family history, I wasn't sure I would be able to maintain a milk supply, so I did not purchase a pump until we had good nursing routine going. My first piece of advice is to waiting and make sure that everything goes well before committing to the cost of pump.

I, like almost all others on here, recommend a Pump in Style by Medela. It is rather easy to use and expresses the milk relatively quickly.

However, do NOT buy a used pump. Medela does not recommend it for health reasons. If the person you are purchasing it from ever had a back flow, the inner workings of the pump could be contaminated. There is no way to sterilize the insides of consumer grade pump. The pumps that can be rented from the hospital are a different story.

Also, do NOT buy a pump from a retail outlet. Your private lacation consultant is the way to go. http://www.breastfed.biz is located out of Overland Park Regional and has prices almost 100 dollars cheaper than retail. She also has the supplies that you need to get started, but those are about on par with the retail.

I have a two year old and used the Ameda brand pump. It's significantly less expensive than the Medela brand that's so popular. I breastfed and pumped for 6-7 months. I was a stay at home mom so portability wasn't a real important option for me. The Ameda brand doesn't come with a carrying case, but I believe you can buy one. Anyway, it worked really well for me and I never had any issues with it. Medela is really popular and has LOTS of accessories made available for it. Good option but pricey. Good luck!

One suggestion would be for her to talk to the lactation consultant at her delivery hospital before she goes into lablor. The consultant can be an advocate for her when she is trying to get started nursing in the hospital and perhaps have someone ready to help her from the start.

I highly reccomend that she try to breastfeed immediately after delivery. This is beneficial to both she and the baby. She can talk to her doctor or the lactation consultant about this ahead of time but someone will need to tell the staff the day of delivery, too.

Also, it can be important that the baby get nothing by mouth except breast milk ("colostrum" in the beginning)from the breast. This includes pacifiers. Someone needs to make sure all of the nursing staff know this and really stay on top of it. Your daughter's doctor (if he/she is a breast feeding supporter) or the lactation consultant can be helpful in encouraging the staff to follow your daughter's wishes. If she is able to help the baby nurse properly from the beginning, things will probably be a little easier later on.

Your daughter will probably need personal support to encourage "breastfeeding only" in the hospital. "Rooming in" - having the baby stay in mom's room, except for testing that needs to be done in the nursery, is one of the best ways to assure the baby gets the chance to nurse when hungry or alert. It is tempting to let the nursery take the baby for the night and give formula when one is exhausted after delivery. Many hospitals will allow someone to spend the night with the new mom. That way someone can be there to help her with the baby if she is not feeling up to hopping out of bed to get the baby for nursing or to change diapers.

I also wanted to echo what Debbie V. said about making the decision to breastfeed not just "try" it. I began breastfeeding my first child almost 14 years ago and there was very little support for breast feeding. La Leche League was about the only advocate for breastfeeding at the time.

I did not know anyone who had breastfed and I think I had only seen one woman breastfeed a baby. There were no lactation consultants and there was little support in most hospitals from the nursing staff. Had I not been determined to do it, really thinking that formula was not an option, I would not have made it either. I experienced engorgement, sore nipples, an over-abundance of milk, severe leaking on the opposite side during let-down - all of which make you feel like quitting unless you make a firm choice to keep nursing no matter what.

I now have seven children. My youngest is 15 months old and has just stopped nursing. I have nursed each child for about a year and it has been a wonderful experience.

Hello-

Medela makes some of the best breast pumps. As well, I do recommend getting involved with La Leche League. They provide great advice and support for breastfeeding moms. Your daughter can find a LLL meeting near her and visit now that she is pregnant so that she can get advice on how to get off to a good start from the first day. The first month or two are the hardest.

I'd be happy pass on the number of the woman who runs the LLL meeting in my neighborhood as a place to start. She is wonderful.

Best to you.

C.

Ruthie - I'm a mother of a 5 month old, my first, and am now back to work and pumping as well. If your daughter is really committed to breastfeeding after returning to work and school, a good breast pump is SO valuable. The good ones are expensive, but so worth it. I asked my lactation consultant the same thing 5 months ago, and the two that she recommends are the Medela "Pump in Style" and the Ameda "Purely Yours". I have the Ameda "Purely Yours", and like it. If price is a serious concern, you can rent them from the hospital, but if she is going to pump for an extended period of time, or plans to have additional children, buying a good one now is the best option.

Wish her good luck, and tell her to ask the hospital if they have a lactation consultant, and any breast feeding support groups. It really helped me during the early weeks when I was struggling. --K.

HI Ruthie. I don't know your financial situation, but I am on WIC (WOmen, Infants, & Children) - it is a program that provides food/formula for moms and babies. Anyway they will loan you a hospital grade pump for free, if you qualify. It may be worth looking into. YOu never know.

Also, I use a manual pump - the Aven Isis. I got it on Ebay super cheap. BUT if your daughter is going to work, she will probably need an electric - it is just really more efficient. But as far as manual, I think the Aven Isis is the best!

I used a Medela pump, they are pricey but I was able to borrow it from a friend. Check around to see if close friends or family have one you could borrow. Also you can try Ebay and buy all new parts to it including the tubing. There may be programs that will let you rent one, check with the doctor or local hospital. My hospital was in Topeka and they had a breastfeeding clinic that was wonderful. I'm not sure if they have one in Kansas City. Hope this helps.

I breast fed both of my children and the best pump out there is the medela and if you can afford it the double breast pump is much more comfortable than the single. Target sells the medela and so does toys r us.

When I had my first child, the hospital and the WIC office gave me a free handpump that was also medela. I tried a few of the other brands and found that they either hurt or did not pump efficiently. The breast cnsultant at the hospital also referred me to the brand. You might also look on ebay, I was able to buy mine used and sterlize it.

The Medela breast pump worked really well for me. I recently loaned it to a friend who was having trouble with her pump and she loves it too. It is what they used in the hospital when I had my daughter. They are spendy but I got mine new on ebay cheaper. You can also buy them and all the accessories at babies r us. Good luck!

Medela Pump n Style is the absolute best! Check hospitals for rentals or try to buy used from someone you trust. Medela does not promote using used pumps, but I did and one of my girlfriends did. Buy all of your own parts for it and try to get new tubes by contacting Medela. If you can't get new tubes(they don't sell them anywhere) then boil the tubes to disinfect. That is what myself and friends have done. If you are not comfortable buying used a new pump costs between $300-$400. These pumps are well worth the $ and can be used for years

First of all, MAJOR KUDOS to your daughter for choosing breasteeding! Since its first attempt, I'd look into renting a pump (you buy brand new attachments so its TOTALLY sanitary)Otherwise, to buy one is $100-$300. I bought a Modela Electric Dual Pump and it was so easy to use and clean. I know the WIC program of KC rents that pump for a refundable $50 deposit and $30 for the attachements. There are so many pamphlets and books on breastfeeding that are very very helpful (especially when it comes to the logistics of pumping away from home), as well as a personal commitment to trying, and support from those around her-that's very important! Pure Lanolin Oil (its more like an ointment) is a lifesaver (well, a nipple saver anyway)And you can make an appt at most hospitals beore birth to meet with their lactation consultant-they have a wealth of knowledge! Good luck to the both of you!

Hi Ruthie! I used the Medela Pump in Style. It is so gentle and works great! I had a lot of engorgement and soreness. It didn't hurt me at all. And work fast. It is a bit expensive. But, worth it. Now that I can't have anymore babies I was thinking of selling mine. I know you can find them at resale shops for a lot cheaper. Just bleach them out. Hope this helps!

The Medela Pump N Style is awesome! I used it when I worked full time nursing 3 different children. I also used it with my 4th child when needed although I did not work full time by then. It was still going strong when I was ready to retire it! It took me about 10-15 minutes from set-up to clean up. Although it can be a bit pricey, it is well worth the money spent!

I agree with all the pp.

If she is on WIC or other assistance she might want to see what programs they have to help with getting a pump.

It definitely is cheaper than buying formula. (And I think the gov't may be trying to encourage breastfeeding to cut back on the amount of formula they are purchasing ---they are the #1 buy of formula in the US.)

MEDELA...You can rent them or buy them at Babysrus

I would recommend a Medela. I used the same one for both kids and it worked perfectly. I would also recommend that she use one while she's in the hospital to make sure that's what she wants to do. I had a friend get a pump, have the baby and then realize she could not go through the pain of pumping. It's not a walk in the park by any means, but once you get through the initial "pain" you get into a routine, it's not bad at all. I always think about all the benefits I'm giving my child, and that "pain" just isn't so bad anymore!

Go with a Medela...they are the best. I tried a cheaper one and it was awful. You might be able to buy them used, I'm not sure. Good Luck.

Depending on which hospital your daughter delivers at, most places now have a lactation specialist on the OB unit. They are a wonderful wealth of information! Before going out and buying any pricey supplies I would check with them and see what they suggest. Good luck and congratulations!!!

Even though the Medela pump is pricy it is the best. I don't know what kind of insurance you have, but most insurances will pay for it, especially if you get it through the hospital. They will tack it on to your bill. I got one with each pregnancy and that way I had a back up. That is one thing I have kept over the years, just in case. Kudos to you for being an encourager for your daughter.

I am a mother of twin 9 year old girls. So, returning to work soon was a must. I found a pump from Wal-Mart that ran on batteries. It worked faster, and wasn't as difficult to use. The manual ones just don't seem to extract as much as fast. I know with working and school, that she probably needs to get as much out in as little time as possible.

I hope this helps. I don't think that it was too expensive either. I also know that some health departments and family planning offices can help mothers with limited incomes obtain many different kinds of supplies for mothers. Also, if help is also needed for diapers, formula, etc...there are many companies that will give coupons, and even free items to mothers for their children. You just have to go to their websites and request it. I was able to get quite a bit for my twins. These companies are very good at helping mothers out. it is quite a blessing.

I hope this helps you out.

Thank you
A. Walden

Buy a good pump. Medela makes and awesome double pump. It's definately a necessity if you're going to be pumping at work. Most of them come in a nice leather bag, so they look just a diaper bag. Before buying one, make sure that she is able to breastfeed. you can also rent one from most hospitals to see if she can do it. It takes a big commitment to work full-time and pump (2-4 times a day taking a time out to pump, and having the space and boss who will accomodate). It may seem crazy to spend $200-300 on a pump, but if you add up the cost of formula for a year, it doesn't seem that expensive afterall.

Hi Ruthie,
I have a 5 year old and my youngest just turned 1 last week. I nursed both of them as long as I had brest milk. I have tried several different breast pumps. The only one that worked efficiently and effectively for me was the Medela electric double pump. They are expensive ($200 +) but well worth the money. They pump quicker than any of the other pumps I have tried and they express more milk than the others. I had trouble generating enough milk for my children. If this happens to your daughter let her know there is a pill the Doctor can give her that will help her generate more milk. P.S. Most pediatricians will recommend the Medela pump as well (for its efficiency and effectiveness).

Hope this helps.

I used a Medella breast pump. It was a double pumper and I loved it! I have heard that the hospitals rent them out, you might check into that. There are also Lacticians, (I don't know the correct spelling) or nurses that will come to your home and make sure everything is going well. They will be able to help with any other advice. Hope this helps. P.

She can rent one. I highly recommend the Midela. They are very portable and easy to use. Also, check out ebay, they say not to reuse them but the only parts you have to buy are tubes and pieces. If she hasn't had her baby yet, she can get the pieces at the hospital and most hospitals will rent them out too. Tell her good luck, it's not always easy for everybody.

I am a SAHM and breastfed all three of my kids. Although I didn't frequently need a pump, there were times when I did use one. Because I didn't pump full time, I had an inexpensive, single pump. It was very loud and so embarrasing!! I couldn't use it anywhere in public, so then I had to buy a hand pump (which took forever)because I didn't want to spend a lot of money. I know you said money is an issue, but if you can manage at all I definitely recommend getting a good one!

Medela is the best and is worth every penny. to save money check on craigslist.com for used ones. you can save a ton.

hello,

congradulations on the new grandchild. It is hard to find the breast pump that is right for you. each type is diffrent. i Have used the medella hand breast pump and it works really well for me, but i am also a stay at home mom. if your daughter is working full time i would suggest an electric breast pump, which can be a bit faster then a hand held one. my sister in law tryed two diffrent types of electric breats pumps and found she liked the medela electric one. With medela you can get diffrent sized breast shelds so you can find one that fits best and works the best for the individual. i am not sure if other breast pumps do that but it would be something it look into.
I also found that the nipple with the medela bottles worked best for both my children to drink from. my sister in law went through several diffrent bottles and found that the medela bottles worked well for her daughter.

i hope the information i gave you helps.

J.

I used a Medela (sp) for both of my kids when I went back to work and planning on using it for the one on the way. It is a little on the expensive side, but well worth the money. She could also call the local La Leche League and they could help you with picking out the right pump and they provide breastfeeding support/help after the baby arrives.

Hi Ruthie~

I got a Medela breast pump off of e-bay. It worked great! I did buy new sheilds and the tubing so it was all clean. I pumped with it for five months and never had any problems with it. Tell your daughter good luck. It is so worth it.

That's Awesome your daughter is going to try breastfeeding! I too am breastfeeding and pumping. I use the Playtex Embrace Breast Pump and I love it! My sister bought one too. There are two versions at Babies R Us. One for $99.00 and another for $199.00. I have had mine for three years now and it is still going strong! Also, I took a breastfeeding class that really helped me along with reading several books. Just tell your daughter if she is determined to do this not to give up! :) Sorry for all the information. I just remember being exactly where your daughter is in terms of questions. Good Luck!

If she qualifies for the WIC program most have pumps available to use. WIC is a great program and most people think they make too much to qualify but most young families I know qualify for Wic but definately wouldn't qualify for food stamps. They are seperate programs. She should enroll in it now if she hasn't already as they have food and supplies offered for you while pregnant. They have great nutrition classes and a lot to offer.
My husband was in the military when our kids were that little and qualified as SSG and weren't close to the cut off amount.

I breastfed and formula fed both. After a month or two of breast-feeding you can skip a feeding and formula feed and will regulate yourself for those missed feedings if consistant on skipping that time. I usually gave 2 bottles of formula a day and breastfed the rest especially on days when I was busy and when at church they always got a bottle for those feedings. This also makes it easier for wheening them to the bottle by them being used to using it half of the day. Towards the end before I totally wheened them from b/f I was b/f in the morning when they woke up and 1-2 other times a day. They had formula or baby food the other feedings.

I use the Medela Symphony. I rent it from the Hospital. It is the best out there. It rents for $45/month. However, the economics depend on how long she plans to breastfeed. There are other Medela pumps... like the "pump-in-style" which is very popular and my OB recommended. You should definitely stick to it. I work and have managed to pump at work for the last 6 months - had I known I was going to do it this long, I would have bought a pump instead. So good luck...

As a mother of 3, the third a daughter just born 2-6-08, I have a small amount of breastfeeding experience since all three of my children were and/or are being breast fed. I purchased a manual breast pump from Avent with my first child and it worked well for releaving some engorgement. I would not recommend this method of a breast pump if you are planning on expressing milk to bottle feed or store. This is mainly because it takes way too long!!! I priced electric pumps with my second child, and like many other individuals, the price held me back from buying one. So I started asking friends and family if they had a pump I could borrow. I was lucky, my sister had borrowed a Medela double electric pump from her sister-in-law and I was able to use this. You might try borrowing a pump from someone and then the only thing you will need is to purchase the shields and valves, these are very inexpensive and can be ordered online or purchased at a medical supply store. Sure beats spending $200-$400 on a pump. Your other option is to check with the hospital you are delivering at. They should have pumps available for purchase and also for rent, most generally if you do the math you are probably better purchasing a pump instead of renting, depending on the time you plan on breastfeeding. Just a little note: I can pump both breasts in 20 minutes and obtain 6-8 ounces with the electric double pump, (I am also able to plug this into my van adapter and pump at work)as with the manual single pump it takes about an HOUR and usually the volume is about 6 ounces at most. Best of luck with your breastfeeding and just be patient this is a new experience not only for your daughter but also for the baby.

I am currently still breastfeeding my 6 month old & use a Medela Pump In Style Advanced Backpack. I have tried 3 or 4 other pumps, and they all were from Medela. She needs to get a pump that allows her to pump both sides at the same time--it is definately a time saver & helps with the let-down response. A manual pump will also work, it takes a lot longer to finish pumping, but is a lot more portable. There are a lot of different pumps to choose from in a lot of different price ranges. Unfortunately what works well for one person doesn't necessarily work well for another.

I nursed both of my children until they were 13 months, working full time and traveling for work once they were 6 months+. The key to a successful "pumping" experience is a good pump - you have to have a pump that can do the job quickly and efficiently or you will end up frustrated and full of milk :(. Spend the money and invest in the Medela pump, it will be worth it. Although it's not endorsed by Medela or probably health professionals, you can purchase a used pump and buy all new "piping" and the equipment that goes with it. Or make the investment up front and then sell the pump to recoup some of your costs. Some hospitals also rent pumps if you are unsure about making the investment before you are certain that momma and bebe will be successful nursing buddies. good luck!

I had a hand pump that worked great from advent. Ot was great for being portable and quiet if I had to do it in a restroom real quick.....or even in the library if she has to (LOL). Anyway, It was good to control the suction when I had a good flow. Other than that...I reccommend a Medela. They are expensive but awesome. My friend was in the long haul for breastfeeding so she got one...she had enough milk to feed a 3rd world country. Breastfeed should feel natural, but it takes time. Even if she's having trouble, try to encorage her to work through as much as she can take, it will be worth it. If not, she tried and should be proud of that.

The medela electric pumps are fantastic. They're somewhat expensive to buy (but not really in the long term when you consider the cost of formula). You also can rent them at walgreens. The pump parts are covered under many insurance plans if you get them while in the hospital.

I loved the Medela electric breast pump they are expensive though anywhere over a hundred dollars on up, they work like a breeze fast and the milk comes out quickly you seem to pump more when it doesn't hurt your nipples,They come in a bag with storage bottles a cooler for your milk to take with you to go pump,my first baby I used the Avent manual breast pump which was 40-45 dollars they can be found at Target so can the Medela,you can also buy these at the Hospital's breastfeeding clinic's they help support the place.You can also go to them to ask to see what the varitions are on the breastpumps sold at the stores.I did and there was no comparision to the medela there was also another on e that was I belive a hospital grade can't remeber the name thy aren't sold in stores. I do recommened that you don't buy one off the ebay you can spend over the cost by bidding and your not sure if it has been used or even works even though it is new item just protecting your daughter

I understand money is an issue, but as someone who worked 40+ hours a week and pumped as well, you need a very good pump. I would recommend a Medela electric pump. Manual pumps are too slow and inefficient for everyday pumping. The money saved on not buying formula will pay for the pump in no time at all. Also, initially she is going to have to do some extra pumping to provide enough for her baby, it will level off as the baby gets a little older. At first, I had to pump 2-3 times at work but later was able to cut back to once a day at work. I also pumped onthe weekends for some to store for through the week. A great book to read is "Nursing Mother Working Mother" by Gale Pryor.

With my first daughter we rented one - you can get them from most hospitals. I am so glad we did because breastfeeding was not for her. We did it for about 6 weeks only to learn she was allergic to milk & lactose intollerant. The 2nd time around I borrowed one from my friend. It was the Medela in the backpack - it worked great!
Good luck!

Ruthie,
Try the Medela Pump In Style Original Breastpump for around 200.00 or Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump 250.00. You can buy online, baby depot or even Target. I am a first time mom with a 15 month old that I breastfed for 7 months. I had no idea myself on what kind of pump I would need or what to buy. I took a breastfeeding class at the hospital and they recommended Medela if you were interested in the electic pumps. Several other mother friends of mine recommended the Medela to me as well.

I am a working military gal on a limited budget so I needed the most bang for my buck. I purchased the Madela original and it fit the bill fabulously! It was compact yet pretty darn powerful and quick...easy to clean and quite discreet looking. The medela also comes with a battery pack (which I used quite a bit as I was never sure where I would be that day) You can also buy the car charger fairly reasonably and replacement parts are accessable almost anywhere. NOTE: Gerber bottles (very cheap at walmart) are compatable with the horns as well!
Hope this helps and happy hunting.

Ruthie, sounds like your daughter needs a double breastpump since she will be working and going to school. Pumping generally takes about 15 min per breast and with a double she can cut the time in half. Also, it helps her keep her milk supply up, 'cause it helps keep the breastfeeding hormones higher, like nursing twins. I like Medela pumps because they have researched the whole process. They are pricer, but you honestly get what you pay for. If a double is not in your budget, try the Medela Swing pump, it runs about $140 and has the technology to pump frequently without burning up the pump. A lot of other pumps will not work effectively if you are using them more than once per day. A personal double pump runs about $270 (medela brand), but it comes with a rechargable battery, plug in, cooler to store milk, and personal parts. Rental pumps are about $35/month. If your daughter goes to WIC here in Spfd, they have a great deal on pumps, check them out. Have people planning to buy her a gift, go together and get her a quality pump, you'll not regret it.

I also recommend the Medela Pump In Style. I used it through 3 kids (I work full-time), and passed it along to a friend who used it for her 2 kids. It is good quality - definitely worth the money.
Congratulations to your daughter and to you as well!

Have her rent a nice, hospital grade one from your local La Leche group. Don't waste your money on the cheap ones you can buy. It's risky, and La Leche replaces rentals immediately if there is any failure, and she'd have someone to coach her thru any difficulty. Not only that, if she is working, she needs one that will work fast and efficiently. Here is the website for the Wichita one:

http://www.lllusa.org/web/WichitaKS.html

I used Lorna Weixelman and she was AWESOME. Or here is the one for Kansas:

http://www.llli.org//Web/Kansas.html

Especially for a first-timer, and even an experienced mom, breastfeeding can be especially tough for a working mom. The La Leche people are outstanding - you can call them for concerns day or night. Once, I had to call mine in the middle of the night because of a clogged duct and I got engorged. She got me thru it smooth as silk! Breastfeeding is so VITALLY important for not only the immune system but for so, so many reasons - she will need all the encouragement she can get! God Bless her, and may her breastfeeding be one of her greatest blessings to her and her baby!

Hard learned advice: Have her drink LOTS of WATER, NOT TEA, not pop, not anything but water. She won't have any trouble with milk production if she sticks with water; it will prevent her having to supplement with formula. Also avoid eating broccoli or water, it makes the baby get gas and fussy. I was ALWAYS able to calm my baby with breastfeeding, versus formula moms.

J. B

I breast fed my two children and had to pump at work. I have to say that the only pumps that really work are the electric pumps. You can pump all your milk out in about 20 minutes (which is nice b/c you have to do it several times a day). I know some people use the hand held ones, but you can only do one breast at a time and they aren't as affective. If cost is an issue, you can usually rent one from a hospital. I would try that first. If she is successful breast feeding (b/c it is hard for some women - don't let anybody tell her differently) she can purchase one. They are around $300, so I'd rent first. Also, have her take a class. I took one at the hospital just like a child birth class. That was informative and very helpful. Tell her good luck and to know that it is OK to ask for help at the hospital. I think the best thing you can do is to be sure that you have it down BEFORE you leave the hospital with your new infant.
B.
Gymobree Play and Music

Try your local health department or local la leche league (breast feeding experts). I did this when I was nursing. Sometimes there are programs where you can rent breast pumps on a monthly basis and it is usually income based. Good luck.

Like many others I recommend the Medela Pump in Style Advanced. I used it with my 2nd son. But, since $$ is an issue, and this is her first attempt breastfeeding, it may make more sense to rent a pump. With my first son, I rented a pump from Walgreens for $20/mo., it was hospital grade, and the kit from St. Johns fit it, so there was nothing else to buy. I'd suggest she doesn't depend on pumping for a couple of weeks in order to establish a good milk supply. You don't tend to get as much out when you pump. But, it's good to pump just after feedings to get a good freezer supply going, since women tend to overproduce in those first few weeks anyway.
Good for her deciding to breastfeed! Just tell her to relax, and let baby do his/her thing. It can seem frustrating at first, but so worth any struggles in the long run. Once they get on a good feeding schedule, it's the easiest thing in the world! I must admit, I miss those days :)
Good luck-B.

Hi my name is N.. I am a mother of two and I run a licensed daycare in Basehor Kansas. My oldest just turned three and I bought a Medela "Pump in Style" double breast pump. It is the #1 choice of hospitals, it contains everything you need to pump. It has customized pumping with adjustable speed & vaccum control, Battery Pak lets you pump anywhere, it is ideal for on the go and working mothers. I sterilized everything and went to use it the first time and I just wasn't producing any milk so I didn't get to ever pump. I still have everything including the box and I am trying to sell it. If you are interested please email me at ____@____.com is a list of everything that it includes: Breast pump, stylish blasck shoulder bag, double pumping kit, milk collection containers & lids, cooling elements, piston/cylinder for manual pumping & AC adapter.
Original price $249.99 thats what I paid for it. I am asking $125. Feel Free to contact me if you have any questions.
Thanks
N.

Medela is the best breast pump. I love mine. Mine comes in a black travel backpack. This sounds ideal for your daughter. Check ebay, craigslist, friends, family, or used children's store. I'm sure you'll find one at a reasonable price.

The cheapest possible alternative is what I did: hand expressing. I heard a lot about this not working well, went out and blindly purchased a fairly inexpensive breast pump (I don't even remember which at this point), tried it with very little success, but attempted to hand express milk, and managed to express far more that way than with a pump. Best of all, I didn't have anything to clean afterwards and didn't have to worry about bringing anything with me expect a baby bottle. It's definitely worth a try. Good luck!
T.

Medela totally. I Agree with everyone. I am a working mother and use one now. I go to La Leache League every third Monday at 730pm in Lees Summit. If any nursing moms or PG moms who would like to nurse when they deliver, come and meet us ladies. We have a good time and talk about it all. Send me a message if you would like to know more. We just had a meeting last night and we would like to see more mothers and mothers-to-be next month.

Hi Ruthie! I have a 2 year old which I breastfed, while working, for 13 months and an 8 month old which I am still breastfeeding so I am an old pro with breastfeeding and pumping. I have a Medela Pump in Style Advance (electric). It works great and anytime I have had problems with it (which was only once) they sent me new parts and were so helpful. Yes, they are expensive but it sounds like she's going to be using it a lot. I tried a cheaper model at first($25 at Wal-Mart) and it quit after a week of 5 pumpings a day. Medela does make a manual pump for around $40 but as much as she's going to be using it she'll want an electric. As I said, they are expensive but most breastfed babies have fewer illnesses and dr visits so you will be saving money on trips to the dr and prescriptions in the long run. Hope this helps!

I bought the evenflo pump. I find it to be useless. If you want to hav a great pump invest in the Medella pump. This is the same model as most hospital use and you can usually rent them as well. If she plans on having more children it is worth the investment to buy. If she has never breastfed before she may have some problems. Renting a machine for a month maybe a wise choice. Brestfeeding can have any challenges.

Most store bought pumps just do not have the sucking power you need to get the job done. You may thing you are saving money by getting a cheaper model but they are not returnable to the store because of the contamination that can occur.

First of all, good for your daughter in her decision to breastfeed! Not only does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend breastfeeding for the first year, it is also one of the most rewarding experiences I have had as a mother. I have breastfed both of my children through their first years. I also worked part-time with both, making it necessary to pump while away from them.

I highly recommend the Medela Pump-n-Style electric breast pump (you can check them out at medela.com, and they are also sold at Babies R Us). They are pricey, about $250 I think (it's been 3 years since we purchased ours online), but it is worth the investment. When you consider how expensive formula is, and the fact that for 12 months the baby will need formula, you more than make your money back on a good electric pump. My pump looks like a nice diaper bag or satchel, so it is not obvious when it is carried. Also, an electric pump is much faster than a manual one. I was able to pump, store the milk, and clean up in about 20-25 minutes.

A few suggestions about breastfeeding and pumping:
Your daughter needs to make the committment to breastfeed now, before the baby comes, and not have it in her head that she'll "try to breastfeed". I have a few friends that said they would try, and gave up almost before they got started because of the problems they encountered in the beginning.

It can be rough the first week or two while both mom and baby are learning, and mom is sleep deprived. Her nipples are very likely to get sore, even cracked and painful. (happened with both of my kids in that first week) That is when most moms give up. If she makes the committment ahead of time, these issues will be easier to handle.

Another thing that will make the learning period easier for her to manage is support from you and any other people close to her. My husband was a constant support for me in those first weeks, and I could not have done it without him. He brought me water, snacks, helped me position the baby, made hot packs/cold packs for my breasts when my milk came in. With my first child, I considered giving up when we both got thrush at the 2 week mark. Without my husband's support, I might have caved.

If she hasn't already done so, I also suggest she attend a class on breastfeeding. My husband and I went to one offered at the hospital where we gave birth; they also provided a book about breastfeeding and one about working moms who breastfeed. The class was very helpful to me and reinforced my committment to breastfeed.

With the pumping, it may take a while for her to get the hang of it and get the let-down of milk while she pumps. I had a hard time relaxing with my first, but by the time I had my second, it was a piece of cake. I found it helpful to be in a semi-dark room with soft music playing to help me relax. I also held my baby (with my husband's help) to help with my let-down reflex so the milk would come. Again, this is all information that I learned in class and from the lactation consultant at the hospitial.

Which is my next piece of advice. Don't let her be afraid to go to the lactation consultant with all of her questions and concerns! I think I called every other day for the first two or three weeks. They are a great source of support and are there to help teach moms the art of breastfeeding. Use them, that's what they get paid for!

Finally, congratualtions on your 3rd grandchild, and wish your daughter good luck. You can always email me with any other questions!

If she is going to be working she will need a double electric pump. The Medela Pump In Style is one of the best. It is very effective and super easy to use. And it comes with everything a nursing mother may need (bottles to store the milk, and insulated bag to carry it in, ect.) You can find them at medical supply places, online, and on ebay. They are kind of pricey, but well worth the money because it is effective in keeping up a mothers milk supply. If you have a local health department, you may check and see if they rent them out for VERY reasonable rate, some even just give them for free to moms in need.

I really believe the key to sucessful pumping, depends on a good pump. I had the Medela pump and style. I used this pump with my 4 kids and two of my girlfriends and my sister have all used it(with new tubing of course). It withstood the test of time and it the most realistic to a baby nursing. But before spending up to $300+ on a breast pump I would rent one, most the hospitals rent the Medela. She needs to be sure breastfeeding is right for her with her busy lifestyle(school & work). It is the best gift you can give to your baby, but honestly some days it is difficult. Which ever choice she makes will be the right choice & i wish her the best of luck with breastfeeding and delivery.

I would also recommend you and your daughter join a breast feeding support group.
It is not easy trying to do it by yourself especially since both of you are inexperienced. It is great that you two have a great relationship that you can share this beautiful gift together. The more support the better. Contact your local La Leche group to find out more information about groups in your area. I would also suggest to make sure you have a strong breast support nurse with you side by side in the hospital as well. Mine helped me get my son through jaundice without supplementing. What a great joy, to beable to it the natural way. Good luck--The medela breast pump is well worth the price.

Hi Ruthie! First, CONGRATULATIONS to you and your daughter both! Breastfeeding is so wonderful, and I'm so happy she has such great support from you!!! I have pumped with both my boys (16 months for the first, and the second is 17 months and still going!) From my experience, I strongly recommend the Medella line of breastpumps. They have several styles...the best I think is their "pump in style." These pumps can be pricey (around $300), but since you have some time on your side you may find one for less. Also, think of the $$$ saved from formula! Since she will be pumping at work, an electric is a must. The hand pumps or 'mini'electrics just won't keep up a supply (also the hand pumps are tiring!!!). Many hospitals rent electric pumps...has your daughter checked with the OB floor? The monthly fee is usually quite reasonable, then she would just have to buy her own tubing and breast shields. Again, congratulations and best of luck to you both!!!

I seemed to like the avent breast pump it is a manual one but it worked really well for me. I also when i left the hospital used a mendela that i had rented from once upon a child I ued the parts that the hospital gave me to take home that i used there. It was an electric like the hospital. But still portable.It was a double. Since they are expensive to buy i looked around for other options to try to see what i liked better that way i was not commited to buy something that i did not like. I however did buy the advent one and liked it the best it was more controllable and quiet as well. Hope this helped.

hi ruthie!! congrats on the grandchild and congrats to your daughter! brestfeeding is a hard task, but it is well worth it. once the baby gets use to it...it's a cakewalk. i stayed home for the first 3 months and never pumped, but then i went back to work full time. i bought the medella breast pump and loved it, but i decided it was too hard to take too and from work everyday. i bought a cheap battery/plug in evenflo and just left it at work. i had 2 of them and i NEVER had any issues at all. it takes a little longer, but worked for me. if i needed to pump later in the night when he was sleeping or if my husband fed him thru a bottle from milk pumped earlier, then i would use the medella at home. it is quite pricy and it just depends what kind your daughter is comfortable with. like i said though...the evenflo was pretty cheap and i had no complaints about it. i nursed my son for 16 months and he weaned himself off. she obviously won't have to pump that long cuz her body will start producing on the baby's schedule. good luck to her and if she wants to do this...keep encouraging her!!! it is so much cheaper than the formula every week.

Hi Ruthie,

This may seem exceedingly redundant, but I swear by Medela. I had dreams of the Pump In Style, but my best friend had been unable to nurse her preemie and gave me a Double Deluxe. It has been fabulous during the 19 months we breastfed and is still in great shape for when we have another baby. I really like the Quick Clean steam bags for the tubing, but breast shields, bottles and caps can go into the dishwasher. (Put caps in a bottle/sippy cup basket.) Also, the Gerber pump & store bags were great for storage. Lay them flat in the freezer above the refrigerator for a couple days before moving them to the deep freeze, then you can stack them by date - earliest in the front for easy access. (It took me way too long to figure that out! I started out freezing them standing up and just got blocks that were awkward to store.)

Good luck!

I have used a Medela pump and they make very good pumps. I also recommend their microwave steam-cleaning bags for easier cleaning. I know when you are looking at pumps a good one can seem very expensive, but it is definitely worth it, if you think of how quickly you would spend the same amount buying formula.

She may be able to get one for free. I had my daughter at Cameron Regional Medical Center and they gave me a Medula pump (manual/single breast) once I told them that I wanted to breast feed. I had already purchased a manual pump (Gerber), and had it at home, but I never used it because I used the Medula instead. In fact, if you want the Gerber pump, give me your mailing address and I'll send it to you. As I said, the pump has never been used. It came with two bottles and I have used one of the bottles, but I've ever used the pump itself. It's all still in it's original packaging with the instructions. I did run each part through the dishwasher to sterilize them back in my 9th month and I boiled the nipples as instructed, so it would be ready to use hen I got home from the hospital. It's yours if you want it. Good Luck.
Stephanieb

Hi Ruthie! Congrats to you and your daughter!!!! What a great choice to breastfeed and it's wonderful that you are gathering information early. Have you ever heard of La Leche League? They are a wonderful source for breastfeeding information and support, which is something your daughter is going to need lots of....especially being a working/schooling breastfeeding mom!!! You may want to check out the website http://www.llli.org/ They will have lots of good articles on pumping and which pumps are good for what she will need. (Renting is also a good option for a mom that's working outside the home.) LLL is the leading worldwide source for breastfeeding information so you can definately trust that they will have accurate information.

Also, you and your daughter may want to check out a local meeting(free) or even call a leader to discuss questions. They will also be able to tell you where to a rent a pump, find a free one, or buy one locally. Here's the link to find one in your area http://www.llli.org/WebUS.html

The wisdom of LLL is invaluable and has helped make my breastfeeding relationship with my son very enjoyable and successful!!!!! I know you and your daughter will benefit from it(and the baby too!!!)
K.

Ruthie V

I am a mother of 2. I breastfed my first one for 8 months and my second for 10 months. Neither one had a drop of formula until then. I was blessed with a Medela Pump in Style that had been passed through my extended family. I in turn passed in on when I was finished, and it has now died after helping with 7 children! It was a double electric pump and there is no other way to go in my opinion. Not to mention, I purchased the car adapter and was able to pump from the lighter outlet in my car when a bathroom or office was not available (not to mention the engine is a more powerful source than an outlet and I was able to pump more in less time).

In terms of cost, I believe it is worth every penny, even if she has to buy it new. My oldest was 8 months old when he went on formula and it cost $80 per month until he was a year old. That is $320 alone! Just for 4 months! I wish her all the best! My neighbors children would not latch to breastfeed and with her double electric pump (meaning she can pump both breasts at the same time) she was able to continue working her 3-4 days per week and she pumped for a full year with both children.

If you daughter wants to buy used or rent, she can check out the secondhand shops like Kangaroo Kids, Once Upon a Child or The Purple Cow.

The Medela brand is by far the best for us!

A.

Ruthie,
I am a mother of three and I have breastfeed two of my children. I don't know a name brand to suggest, but I do have some advice. I recommend a manual breast pump compared to the electric. The manual seems to get a better seal and it seems to keep the breast producing better and that is important because usually when the mom goes back to work the milk production slows down and sometimes drastically. The mistake I made was trying to fit my breast pumping into my break times and I actually needed to pump more then that. So that is some more advice. But my biggest suggestion would be to see if the hospital where she will have the baby has breastfeeding classes. i know this sounds strange but I attended one and it was great and really helped me a lot. Goodluck I wish you and your daughter the best.

I had my first son in Nov. 2006 and went back to work full-time in January. The Ameda Purely Yours was a great system that allowed me to pump well during the day, and it was quick. It also came with a power cord. It can also work well on batteries. I highly recommend it. Yes, it can be a bit pricey (about $200), but if you look at the cost of formula, it pays for itself.
Good luck!

I'm not sure where you live, but I got my first breast pump at a WIC office. (Women, Infants and Children). They gave it to me for free. It was a hand-pump, not electric, but sometimes those are easier.

Ask your OBGYN or hospital if they know of anywhere. My aunt once rented a breast pump for me with my first child but I can't remember where she got it.

I used the manual Avent breast pump and absolutely loved it. I also worked and with the manual I could pump at work and it was quiet and it really didn't take long. The Avent is also reasonable in price. I had to start pumping as soon as I got home from the hospital with my 1st and started putting it in a bottle for her and in the hospital with my 2nd because of the pain (my daughters didn't latch really good and the 2nd had an overactive gag reflex so she really didn't latch very well) but that pump was great. If you are really looking for an electric you can rent them from Walgreens I have heard. I used a Medula double pump in the hospital with my 2nd daughter and prefer my single hand pump over it. Hope this helps:)Good luck to your daughter and her baby:) And congrats on her wanting to nurse, it's tough at times but so worth it:)