Recommendation Needed for Breast Pump

I rented mine from the hospital (Norwalk). It was a fantastic, high quality pump (hospital grade), and it worked so quickly. I felt like a cow hooked up to a milking machine but it was so worth the extra expense. With my first baby I had tried the Advent hand pump which was okay, but compared to the ease and efficiency of the hospital one, I'd go with the rental again. Especially with this being #2. There is just so much less time for everything, so being able to get through a pumping in 10 minutes (both sides going at the same time) was fantastic. Good luck!

I have the Medela as well and don't love it, my girlfriend told me about the advent hand held single boob breast pump (not its retail name...) she and her girlfriends also started with the Medela and love this hand held thing.. I cannot speak from experience, but I'm in the same boat as you and may ditch my medela (300 retail..ugh) for a $7 hand held.. who knew!
good luck!
M. from Rochester NY

The Ameda Purely Yours -- hands down! It is fantastic! My daughter had trouble latching on for the first few weeks. I used the pump every 3 hours during that time and then daily after that for one or two feedings so "daddy" could be involved. It worked wonderfully and is so much less expensive than the Medela. Try www.happymothers.com -- I used an internet coupon code I found for $25 off and free shipping. They send it fedex overnight.

Hi,

I use an Advent ISIS manual pump and have found it to be quite good. I don't think it cost too much - and its been rather durable especially since I've been using it almost every day since I returned to work four months ago.

Good luck!

-M.

I did this 2 ways. With my first I had the avent double electric pump. For my second, the hospital gave me a Medela hand pump. I actually preferred the hand pump. I had control over the "sucking action" and was able to pump more milk just as quickly if not faster than with the electric pump. Plus the hand pumps are cheaper!

try the advent manual pump, It is gentler than the electric ones. Also, most insurance companies will reimburse you some of the cost of the pump so be sure to give them a call to see what your benifits are ( and save the receipt to send to them.)

I used the Medela Pump in Style for both kids. My first daughter never latched on so I pumped exclusively. So, this pump has gotten A LOT OF USE! :) It's still going strong...imagine that!

My suggestion is DON'T GIVE UP!
You could also ask your local La Leche League for suggestions and recommendations...

For occasional use, a hand pump is fine. For daily use (like me), an electric pump is fine.

Hi J.,
I used the Ameda (http://www.ameda.com) for the entire time that I breast fed and I loved it. I used it at home and at work. I actually borrowed a pump from my friend. You can purchase new bottles and tubing from the web site. It is completely safe and sterile to use a borrowed motor and you save the money. If I have another child, I am going to buy an Ameda for sure. Good luck and happy nursing!

The Avent hand pump is amazing. For me, I was able to get more milk in less time than with either of the hospital grade electric pumps I tried.

Before I had my baby I polled a dozen of my friends who had breastfed and EVERY ONE recommended the Pump N Style by Medela. I have found it to be great.

Every mom also said, "borrow a breast pump!" The good ones are really expensive. Just purchase your own breast shields, bottles and bags (about a $50 investment versus $300) and you are good to go.

Lots of luck!

I also tried the medela at first, and didn't like the "cow milking" sensation. I switched to the Dr. Browns which worked beautifully. It was more of a "nipple stimulating" motion. It took a few days for my breast to respond to it but after a while, I was able to get more milk in less time. The only downside was that you can only pump one side at a time. Their customer service is also amazing (the pump topped working after a few weeks, and I called and there was a new pump at my door the next day).

J., get the Avent breast pump, it is the best one I have ever used and I now give them as gifts for baby showers. My daughter had me pack mine away so that she could use it when she has her kids. It is a manual pump and is small enough to carry with you. I would pump and freeze the milk so that in an emergency we always had some. Also I made sure I had an extra bottle in the refrigerator so that my husband, etc. could feed the baby and I could get something done. I tried all the other ones, including the ones they give you at the hospital and they hurt like heck, the Avent doesn't hurt at all.
Hugs,
T.

I bought the First Years pump and loved it. It was one of the cheaper models and had no problems.

I have the Ameda pump and I love it. I bought it at the hospital,Beth Israel, when my son was born. It was only $210, chesper than the Medela. It comes in either a tote bag or a backpack. Hope you like it.

S.

I love my Medela Pump in Style. I tried the Avent Isis (comes with batteries or a hand-held option) and it really pinched and didn't get much milk out, plus the milk tended to get in between the parts instead of just dropping into the bottle. Have you tried buying a different size breast shield to use with your pump? Medela makes several sizes so that you can get one to fit your breast properly. That could be the problem. Also I found that adjusting the suction seemed to help me if it was uncomfortable.
http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/pump-access...

I use the Medela In Style pump and this is my third child and it works wonderful for me I nurse exclusively and stillpump daily to store. This was the only pump I have ever used not sure about the other ones but this pump has been great and durable through all six kids.. My two older kids nursed for two years each and I pumped throughout those 2 years with each. Have not had to change or had any problems yet. Good luck and Congratulations.

I use the Evenflo Comfort Select Dual Auto-Cycling Breast Pump and I love it. I used it with my daughter (she's now 2) and I'm currently using it with my son (he's 7 months). I tried the Medela, too, and didn't like it at all. The Evenflo pump isn't that expensive and is definitely durable. It's a little louder than some but my hubby and I can still watch TV while I pump. I don't have any complaints about it at all and highly recommend it.

http://www.evenflo.com/Homepage/ProductList/tabid/203/Def...

I am in the process of buying a breast pump too. I have researched alot of them and have decided on the Avent Duo. I have the Avent handheld one and I love it, so I think I wiil love the electric one too. It has also gotten great reviews. I've seen it for sale new on Ebay for about $200. I think it is about $300 in the stores. Good luck!

I have a Cherub pump that we bought online after EXTENSIVE research and it came up as the best and easiest to use. I tried using it and it did work for me but I stopped breastfeeding and dont need it anymore. I used it once and have had it cleaned and put away. If you are interested I would be willing to sell it.If you are interested let me know and I will send you all the info on it. I am looking for $150.00 for it and I will send it to you via ups. This really is the best pump I have ever used and it's the 3d one I have bought in 8 years. Hope this helps.

i'm not sure which medela pump you may have tried, but i have the medela pump in style, and it has been GREAT for me. this is my first baby, so that's all the experience i have so far! good luck!