Single Vs. Double Breast Pump

I am personally opposite most of the others posters on here. I have a Medella Double electic, but I NEVER use both sides at the same time. I use it as a single. That way I have a hand free to eat my lunch, make phone calls, etc. If I use it as a double, I have no hands free. But my milk also comes very quickly compared to most people, so I'm lucky in that way. Good luck to you!

I agree with all the previous posters - double is the way to go. Also, spending the extra money on the better pump is SO worth it. The better pumps pump more efficiently which means you can empty in 10-15 min instead of 30-45 min. It is hard enough to find the time to pump, but it's even harder when you can't seem to empty the breasts and then you worry about supply.

I would definitely go for the double pump!! I pumped for 10 months at work, and I don't think I could have done it with a single pump. That would have taken WAY TOO LONG!! I had a pump at home that would allow me to do one side or both, which was awesome! I would try to find something like that. I was able to have 2 pumps (1 at work and 1 at home) since I didn't buy a super expensive one for either. I know one was Playtex, but I don't remember the other one.

Hello. I am a lactation counselor and have a lot of experience with this subject. I would say definitely go for the double electric. It kind of depends on how much break time you get and how many hours a day you work. But if you are trying to stockpile milk, and if you are trying to make the most of your break time, I would suggest the double. You will spend more, but I am sure it would be worth it. Also, the single electric motor will not last very long for what you are trying to do with it. It is mostly for an occassional bottle, not frequent pumping. Depends on the brand you are talking about, but if you say it is cheaper than the double electic I am guessing it is not made for frequent pumping. I hope that helps.

I think if you're going to be pumping a lot at work, then you should go with the double. It will save you a lot of time. I'm not familiar with the Lansinoh pumps though, I do know they are a great brand. I had a single electric medela and loved it, but I'm a stay-at-home mom, and only pumped a few times a week.

Either way though, you will love having an electric over a manual - so much easier and faster!

You might want to look into renting a pump. That way you can try it out before committing to a more expensive machine.

I am not familiar with the Lansinoh pump. I have used Medella and loved it! I tried some other cheaper brands and they didn't work at all. They just tugged on me and hurt. Medella was completely different. I do have the double pump but I would only do one at a time. I liked to read and have a "me" moment. Plus, I found the double pumping to be awkward for me. I was going to post mine on CL. If you would be interested I could sell you mine at half the original price. No pressure at all just throwing it our there in case you just can't afford the full price of $249.00.
A.
http://littleangelsinhomechildcare.com

I would really recommend a double breast pump if you are going to be doing it every day. I have the Medela Double and I could pump both sides at the same time and be finished within 15 minutes. I do agree the price tag is high. My pump retails around $329. It saved me from carpal tunnel with a manual pump and was as quick and comfortable as possible with the constant pumping. Everyone I know has told me you get what you pay for and the inexpensive single pumps are not a good quality. I have not personally tried one though. Good Luck!

It depends on if you are going to have to pump a lot. I worked part-time with both of my kids and I only have to pump a little bit, so the single worked just fine for me. Since, I was home with them most of the time, they could just nurse. I would save money for diapers!! Later if you find that you need it, you can always get it.
Congrats! Good Luck

I use a double electric, and I love it. I use an AMEDA Purely Yours pump, and it is less expensive than the Medela. Also, the milk does NOT go into the machine at all... it goes right into the bottle. It's really neat how it's set up! And it is rather quick to pump, too. I'm on my second child with this pump. Also, it comes with a good warrenty.
Good luck!

definitely go with a double and electric!!!! The last child I breastfed is now 8, I do not remember the brand name, but I just remember the first child I used a manual, and then 2nd child I used a single electric/battery operated....and the last was a double.....awesome machine!!!! and Much easier.

Double!!!! Before you buy check out Heckley (or maybe it's Hackley??) Medical Supply on line. I bought my pump through them and saved at least $100, can't remember exactly. Plus I got free shipping! I also used the Medela and loved it. I don't know anyone who has used the Lanisoh, but if the reviews are good you're probably okay.

I used the Medela Pump N Style for two kids and donated it to someone else who has been using it for months now. I tried a single pump and it was horrible. The double pump worked so much better and it save a lot of time when I had to pump at work. If you figure out how much formula costs and then how many bottles you will pump, you will probably realize that the pump will pay for itself. You will get more milk with a double pump and you will save time. Good luck!

Hey E.,
i also was unsure which pump to buy a single or a double. i ended up buying the single pump because it was cheaper. I was ultimately unhappy because it takes twice as long to pump. If you think about how much time you spend pumping, any way to cut the time pumping is great. so i recomend spending more on the double pump. good luck

You will not be sorry if you purchase the good double pump. I did. I have friends who did not and they ended up frustrated and buying several pumps before finally buying the expensive one.

I would definitely go for the double. That way you can more effectively use your time. I LOVED my medela!

Definately a double pump!!! My son is 7 weeks old, I pump every three hours at work in the bathroom. If I had to do each side individually I would go crazy. That is way too much time to sit and watch yourself in the mirror. Plus, I don't think my boss would appreciate me being gone almost a half an hour three times a day. I am building up an amazing supply from pumping! I use the Medela Pump in Style. I have had this pump since my daugher was born 3 years ago. My sister used it with her son also. They are very durable.

I have only used a single, but I never worked full time. For that (and this time for me, even though I don't) I would get a double. You will get much more more quickly and keep your milk supply up better (simulating twins). I don't know what pump is best. I wouldn't buy one from someone, though, as the milk (and any bacteria, etc.) stays in the machine motor some. Hospital grade machines are different and made to be used by multiple people, so you can just get new tubing. For me, I would be comfortable doing that with someone I know well (though that is not recommended), but not buying one from a stranger. Hope you find one that works well for you. I think if you've been using a manual pump with some success you will be amazed at how much and how quickly you get milk with a double electric!

K.

Single vs. double would be up to you, but if you will be pumping all the time (more than a few times a month) then you need to get a reliable machine. I used a Medela. You could use it as a double or a single pump. The bag looked like a black diaper bag, but the pump was not that big (it had milk storage on each side of the pump). It was about $200 (7 years ago). I tried cheaper pumps, but they just failed after a while. I pumped because my son was born 3 mo. early so I had to use the pump every 2-3 hours for 3 months.

God bless!

I bought a used Medela Pump in Style off eBay. It works prefect! They do cost more, but that made me more determined to BF because I already had a lot of money into it. So, it really saved me money from buying formala which is very costly. I always use the double pump, with the first baby the boss I had wasn't exactly understanding about anything not even going to the bathroom so I didn't bother to ask for extra breaks. I only pumped on my lunch break. I bought a plug-in for my van and would go to a nearby park and put up "curtains". Of course I was always about to explode by lunchtime, but it worked out. I BF her for 6 months and had saved enough milk for another month. So she went 7 months with Breastmilk. Now my new baby is 8 months old and she is still BF. I still use my BF pump, so it really saved me money on both babies. I rarely single pumped. I understand the no hands thing. However, I can skillful hold the remote control with one of my hands if need be. If anyone needs anything they know they have to wait until I get done. Which is about 10-15 mins.

While I was working I used a Medela double-breast pump and was very happy with it. Using a double pump means you can pump in half the time - which made a big difference at work since I did not want to spend too much time pumping. (I usually pumped for 15 mins, 3 times a day). It is a little challenging at first figuring out how to hold both pumps - but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it quickly! :)

I had a double and ended up using it as a single most of the time. I found that massaging the breast made the milk flow faster with a single pump and yielded more milk. If I was in a hurry I did the double and didn't worry about yield.

Just my 2 cents - I use the Medela Pump In Style, it's a double but I have to use it as a single in order to get the amount of suction I need to empty my breasts. I got my first one free from my SIL and she got it used from a friend. I used it for my first 3 and it FINALLY gave up the ghost this last go 'round! Ha! I'm about to have a 4th and didn't want to buy a new one so I searched Craig's List. I found the EXACT same one, barely used for $50. (About how much it costs per month to rent!) They normally run anywhere from $275- $400. I would highly recommend searching there first and there are TONS of great deals. Just buy new tubing etc to make sure it's unused and sanitary for your newborn. Best wishes!!

If you've got the extra time to pump one and then the other or you are feeding off one and pumping the other, then by all means, save the money and get the one pump. But I never had enough time for that- especially at work (I was only given a 1/2 hour for lunch AND pumping). I found the double pump extremely functional, fast and efficient. I love mine!

It just a matter of if you want to spend 2-3 times as much to spend half the time pumping.

I used the Medela Pump In Style double. I am sooo glad that I spent the extra money, as it saved me a lot of time. I work full time and was able to take two 15 min breaks to pump. Even with 2 15 min breaks, I felt like I was pumping at work too much. I can't imagine if I had to spend 30 min 2 times a day in that nursing station...I'd probably feel like I couldn't get any work done. There may be times that you will only want to use one side, but at least you have the option. I was able to get a slight bargain by purchasing mine new/unopened on E-bay. Helpful hint: I loved the Medela Quick Sanitizing bags to save time on clean up!

I have only used the medela pump so I may be biased. But I think if you are going to be pumping all the time, you are much better getting a double pump. Before you splurge, you could always look at craigslist or ebay. THe tubbing is something you wil buy new so it should be fine to buy used.

I had a double and thought it was alot faster. I had a difficult time having a letdown, and was able to take advantage of it in both breasts when it would happen. I had the pump in style double pump by medela. BTW, I love your son's name. My husbands name is Zane too! I hope this helps.

Double up! I know people said you might want the free hand, but I can tell you I became a master at holding both with one arm, leaving one free for typing, calls, etc. (No one ever asked, "What is that noise?" ! HA!) You tuck one side against the arm (near the elbow) and hold on to the other side with a hand. Quite a sight, I am sure, but it got the job done!

I had to pump exclusively for my daughter and I highly recommend a double pump. It is a much more efficient use of your time, which would allow you to get back to work or family time much quicker. I never bought a pump, I just rented from a local women's center. You might want to check this option, as they might have both options for you to try out before you purchase one.

If you are planning to pump for a long time, and/or are planning more children, I would suggest getting the more expensive double pump. I have had a medela for 8 years and used it through three children and it has lasted through 3 of my friends' kids. You can pump a lot more in half the time! A friend of mine got one on craigs list for a great price. The only thing she had to do was buy new tubing!

I also usedx the Medela Pump in Style double pump. I only double pumped once, just because it is so hard with having no hands! I bought mine new at a great price from Baby on the Go when she was in St. Louis. Her name was Michelle XXX (don't remember last name), but she moved her shop to somewhere else in MO. A google search brought me this listing, but no website:
Baby On The Go
3845 Frederick Ave
Saint Joseph, MO 64506
Local: ###-###-####