Looking for Advice on Breast Pumps

I really recommend the Medela Pump In Style. If you need to get a manual pump I suggest the Avent Isis. Most other manual pumps don't work!

I used the Avent pump, and really liked it. Since we are all shaped differently it takes a bit of research to find the right fit. Good luck!

I Own an Ameda Purely Yours. I've also heard good things about the Medela Pump In Style as well.

Don't judge how much milk you are making by how much you can pump. I can only pump 2-3ounces at a time, but all my children have been little chubbers. There are some teas you can try if you have supply concerns again. Mothers Milk tea is good...you can actually start drinking it right after birth.

You might want to get in touch with Le Leche League for help if you get into a tough spot.

Good Luck!

Not all BCBS will pay for Breast Pumps. My little one was in the NICU and the Neonatologist wrote a scrip and they turned me down. My HAP insurance also would only pay for a rental for a limited amount of time.

When I took breastfeeding class before I had my daughter the instructor told us that if you happen to have BCBS health insurance and you can get your doctor to write you a script for one of the medela pumps, the BCBS would cover the cost of the pump.
I didn't follow up on it since I am a stay at home mom and didn't really have a need for a breast pump and I can't really remember if she stated any particulars about it (whether it was a certain model that BCBS would cover or if it was only Medela, etc).

Hey E.. I bought a pump in stlye advance by medella and I love it. It is a little pricier than some of the others, but well worth the extra money. Also, if you check out a couple websites you can a save a few dollars, instead of buying at the store. I wouldn't get a used one for hygiene reasons. Good luck and take care. A.

I have the Medela pump-in-style and I love it!! I nursed only until I went back to work, and then pumped only. My milk supply is wonderful with my pump. My son is ten months old now and my supply is still well. So that pump gets my vote. Good luck with what you choose. Have fun with your babies!!

I personally used the Medela Pump-In-Style on the go dual-breast pump. I had to go back to work after my daughter was born and had heard this one was one of the better pumps for working moms (not sure if you are WM or SAHM). I saved up enough money so I could buy it at the hospital before I took my daughter home (it was close to $200). Looking back, I would have been better off getting a single pump because I only ended up pumping on side at a time because it was too awkward for me to do both. It was worth the money though because I was able to pump from work for a year and it never gave me any problems and when you balance that against the cost of formula ~ well, it ends up paying for itself. Good luck and congratulations! I hope this helps!

I breastfed both my kids and fortunately for me my older sister gave me her medela pump. It is wonderful. I pumped a 3 month supply of milk. I do know that the hospitals rent them. However, if you intend to store milk, I recommend johnson's milk storage bags, that way you can freeze your milk flat, this allows more space for storage in your freezer and quicker thawing time.
Good luck

I rented the awesome pump from the hospital. It really wasn't that much a month. It was a double pump and worked very well. Of course, I did have triplets and needed something that worked well.

M.

I breastfed both of my children for a full year, while working full-time. I swore by the hospital-grade Medela breastpump I rented from my hospital (was in South Bend at the time). It was so fast - I was pumping twice a day and although it probably took me 15 minutes each time (between setup and cleanup), the actual pumping only took 7-8 minutes. I was able to pump between 28 and 32 ounces a day. The pump really helps keep your milk coming in. Just drink as much water as you can possibly stand. Some days I'd feel like I was floating I had had so much water. Also, fortunately, I had a large private office with a door, right around the corner from the ladies room, so everything was very convenient and private. I also had a wonderful secretary who kept people away (including my boss)! Check with your hospital's lactation consultant - I believe most big hospitals still rent the pumps - you will have to buy your own tubing, bottles, etc., for sanitary purposes, but it's worth it. If you plan on pumping a long time, I'd recommend buying two sets (one to use and one to clean). Good luck! Breastfeeding is such a joy!

I Love my Medela Pump in Style. Take advantage of your hospital lactation consultant. They are still available for advice and consultation after you go home. I was also told about insurance paying for a pump, but I already had mine. Just a warning, I absolutely hated the hospital pump, it hurt. I also found the soft shields way more comfortable, and actually found that I got more when I pumped using these.

I love my Medela Pump in Style Advanced. Good for you! Congrats on your baby and best of luck.

I used and plan to also with the new baby Medela Pump In Style. I did a pump only put in bottle routine, since my children never latched on. It was great and easy, portable.

I searched all over the web for breast milk production advice, and asked the docters before I drank anything (my ob and diabetes dr) they approved. I found that a packet of oatmeal and one 12oz beer every day (sounds crazy and i'm not a beer drinker or even a drinker) keeps the milk flowing. Something about the oats and yeast make more milk. And If i skipped them i would start pumping a whole ounce less per pump. My next baby is due in 3 weeks and I cracked a joke about smuggling a beer in to get my milk to start faster and my ob, to my surprise said thats fine, beer works.

Hi E.~
The lactation consultant at the hospital informed me that Blue Cross will cover a Medela hospital grade pump. If you have BCBS, get a script from your OB for a pump and take it to a DME company (like Airway Oxygen, Senior Healthcare, Lincare, etc...do an internet search) before you deliver and they will bill your insurance. There may be a balance that you pay if you choose a deluxe model, but I think the covered amount was $250 or so. I have 3 kids and had NO idea about this until the nurse told me! I ended up failing miserably at nursing for LOTS of reasons, but it was nice to know this pump was available to me!! Good luck!
~L.

let me start by say good for you .I all way go for the one you can rent or buy thur the hospital they also care them at some second hand kids shop i think the brand is called media or something simaler well hope i helped

Hi E. -

I had great luck with the Medela Pump In Style. It was a double, electric pump. It is a little more expensive, but it was convenient and easy to use. The storage bags are wonderful as well. I would recommend the "tube-top" like device for hands free pumping just because sometimes it can be tough to juggle everything if you are double pumping.

I nursed/pumped exclusively for 6 months and had a great experience with this pump!

Good luck and congratulations!

I used a Medela. With my first, my body wouldn't really let down my milk to the pump even when I was engorged so I called the breast center at my hospital and they gave me a few tricks, maybe that was your problem. Anyway back to your question I loved the Medela and you can rent them from your hospital or get them on ebay. You can buy all the parts that you will need at Babies R Us at a reasonable price. Good luck with breastfeeding and congratulations on your new bundle of joy!!

I really didn't have the money for a Medela, even to rent one, when I had my daughter, so I bought an avent hand pump. I had never pumped before. I love this one. I like having the control to get a rythm more like a baby sucks. Just an alternative.

Rent from the hospital!