I have to go away for a few days and will not be able to use my elecric pump throughout the day. Does anyone know of a good battery operated pump or manual pump that works well and quickly? Do you know if maternity wards might carry them for rent?
Not sure if you could borrow one (it's expensive!) but the Medela Freestyle is INCREDIBLE. Hands-free, tiny, runs on a batter pack that you can charge like a cell phone. It's fabulous. =)
If you do rent... DO NOT go through the hospital!
Look up a medical supply company instead. They are about half the cost to rent!
Good luck.
Hi H.,
When I was pumping in 2008, my electric pump died late one night at the start of my last scheduled pump of the day. I was barely producing so I couldn't afford to miss that night and again the next morning so I headed over to the hospital where I gave birth while my husband stayed home with our sleeping newborn. The birthing center let me use their industrial pump (I had to buy the tubes, etc. they sold as a kit for about $15) for sanitary reasons but it was worth it. Then the next day I went back and the lactation consultant was working so I was able to rent a pump until mine was fixed. This hospital, in CT, rented by the day or month. I ended up returning the rental mid-month and they pro-rated and refunded the unused days for which I had pre-paid. So definitely call the birthing center near where you are staying and find out what they offer. Good luck and be proud of yourself for keeping it up even while traveling - it isn't easy but it's worth it.
I have to agree about the Freestyle - it is easily the best, most compact battery-operated pump out there. It works beautifully and quickly and has a powerful motor. Best of all, it can be rigged to attach to almost any nursing bra for hands-free pumping, a major time saver. If your son is just 3 months old, and you're planning to pump for a while, it's still a good investment.
Also, the Medela Harmony handheld pump is extremely comfortable and works very well.
We don't sell Medela products online (there's some sort of lawsuit they're fighting that's made it complicated to become an authorized Internet dealer), but you can call and order either of these over the phone - just call Sarah at ###-###-#### and she'll take very good care of you.
I've used a battery pack with both the Medela Pump In Style (older version) and with the Ameda Purely Yours, with ok results and still getting the double-pumping action.
No experience with pumps that are purely battery powered.
For manuals, I've liked both the Avent Isis and the Medela Harmony.
Hi,
When I breastfed I used a Avent Isis Manual Breast Pump and had really good results with it.
B.
not sure what pump you have, but the medela one that i used had a battery pack adaptor that came with it, and you could also buy them in the store. maybe you can buy an adaptor as well? which pump do you have?
