Best Type of Breast Pump

I hear you about the cost. I rented pumps with both my children because I only planned to nurse for the first few months. Overall I'd have to recommend the Medela. I'd recommend looking online to purchase one or you might see if you have an option to buy the one you are using at a discounted rate. Good luck!

I personally never had success with any pump. I never tried the electrical ones (I've heard Medela is the best) because I just couldn't afford to spend that much money. I got a couple different hand pumps, First Years $30 (terrible) and Avent $60 (more comfortable but didn't really work for me), but I could never get more than 2 oz at a time and it took about 30 minutes and a very sore hand and nipples to get that much! I just gave up pumping and decided if there was a time I couldn't nurse my children could take a bottle of formula those occasions. I've got some friends that could get tons of milk with the electric pumps and hospital grade ones that they rented, but I personally think breast anatomy may have something to do with how well a pump works on each individual or something. I would just advise if you are going to buy a pump to spring for the more expensive ones--I wasted money on the cheaper brands and always wonder if I should have just bought the Medela after all. Good luck with it!
~B.

I used a Medela pump with my first child and I'm currently using an
Ameda with my second child. I know you hear how great Medela is but honestly I can't tell the difference between the 2. My Ameda pump is much smaller and came in a trendy little backpack. I bought both pumps used and they both worked great. I've had a lot of luck purchasing new parts for them on ebay. You may check ebay for a good used one or try www.kansascity.craigslist.com . I've seen them very reasonable on that site as well. Good luck.
S.

I bought a Medela Pump in Style advanced when my daughter was born but, was never able to use it. I would be willing to part with it at a discounted rate (originally cost $350.00) email me and let me know....

I just used a playtex single pump (i forget the name of the style, it was under $30) and it worked fine for me. I think it may depend a little on your body and how easily you express milk. I was able to hand express a whole bottle if I had to but it wasn't easy, my mother hand expressed all of the bottles she made for my sister and she made it seem easy for her. Point being, some pumps are more powerful and if you find it difficult to express milk you may need a more powerful pump (like I believe the medella is). Hopefully something cheaper will work for you though because I know the medella is out the roof! :) Good Luck!