Need help deciding what breast pump to purchase

Nicole - posted on 01/09/2012

Another good one to look at is the Ameda Purely Yours. It was recommended by the Lactation Consultant at the hospital where I had both my girls. I love it. A lot of hospitals use Ameda pumps and they are cheaper than the Medela's. I know other mother's who have the Ameda pump and love it as well.

Demetria - posted on 01/09/2012

Medela is by far the best breast pump out there. I used a Playtex pump that was cheaper and worked fine. However before that I had a First Years pump and it was horrible. I ended up with either no milk or bloody nipples. I would suggest if this is your first and you plan on having more, invest in a Medela. Otherwise it kinda depends on your breast and milk production. Some women have great production and can use any pump, others like me may have trouble and need to invest in a good pump or multiple pumps to find the best one. But I've heard only great things about Medela's. Hospitals tend to loan Medela's too.

September - posted on 01/09/2012

I loved my Avent Isis IQ Duo electric breast pump. I've actually heard Medela's are great and it's what I used while in the hospital.

Stephanie - posted on 01/09/2012

I have the medela pump in style tote. It's great, I love it expensive(300-400) but worth it. I know other moms that have the same one and there on kiddo #3:)

Jaime - posted on 01/09/2012

Thanks so much for all the information it's helped me out a lot to make a decision!! I will be going this weekend to buy my swing pump! Thank u again!! Jaime

Kay - posted on 01/09/2012

I used the Medela Swing (while working full-time) and it worked great! I met a mom once who was on her fifth child with her original Medela pump.

The most important consideration when selecting a pump is how often you plan to pump. If you will be away from baby for several hours daily, a double pump is your best bet, but if you are staying at home and only pumping every once in a while, it is really a waste of money. If you need to pump often and can't afford a diuble pump, a single pump rated for frequent use, like the Swing, can work wonders. If you are only pumping occasionally, you can save a little by going with a single pump rated for occasional use. Occasional use pumps should never be utilized as frequent use pumps--it will destroy your motor.

Medela and Lanisoh both make great double pumps, but they will cost you $160 or more to purchase new. Some moms are comfortable with a used pump. I am not one of them, but if you are, that could save some too.

Medela's Swing is the only frequent use single pump I know of. It has the same technology as their larger double pumps. It took me about ten minutes on each side to pump completely. I had no supply decreases--if anything, mine increased, because when I got home for work, the first thing my little man and I wanted was to cuddle up and nurse.

First Years and Medela both market fairly economical occasional use pumps that tend to be pretty solid. The worst damage is done when moms ignore the occasional use designation and the pump inevitably fails.

If you are going to use your pump a lot, definitely invest in a replacement plan. One that reimburses you is better than one that offers you a one for one replacement--obviously, you would probably not be able to wait for the replacement to arrive prior to purchasing a new pump, and a reimbursement will let you buy whatever you need. Typically, you are looking at a wide range of limited warranties anywhere from ninety days to a year. Also, by limited, they do mean limited--it will not cover anything that is caused by forces other than manufacturers' defects.

I hope some of this information was helpful. Best of luck in your pump searches!!!

Tara - posted on 01/09/2012

i bought the medela advanced and used it for 3 months, with no breastfeeding, just pumping! It worked great! However, its the only one Ive tried, but having said that, you probably don't need such an expensive one if you are just pumping once in awhile.

Jaime - posted on 01/08/2012

Good Luck!

Jaime - posted on 01/08/2012

Thanks!! That's the one I think I'm going to purchase.

Jaime - posted on 01/08/2012

I bought the medela single swing pump and it worked fine for me! However I didn't breastfeed for that long due to low supply but it seemed to do the job it needed to! Good Luck!