My daughter is 6 months old and up until now, I've been nursing her and occasionally pumping with the Avent Isis (manual). Now I'm away from her more and she drinks a lot more and I can hardly keep up with her as far as pumping and storing milk. I was thinking about getting the new Avent electric pump or renting a hospital grade one. Does anyone have any experience with these? I hate to waste money on a pump that won't work.
Thanks so much to everyone for their input. I combined everyone's advice and I think I really am going to succeed here. My milk supply was really dwindling and the Avent Isis wasn't cutting it anymore. My daughter is very tall for her age (100th pcntl) and her weight is only 50th percentile--so her pediatrician is pushing me to supplement her feedings with a bottle (of formula). Well, I gave her the bottles of stored breastmilk instead, and she used them all up, and now I'm just pumping to keep up with demand and losing the battle. So, I decided to go with the hospital grade Medela Lactina that I found BRAND NEW on ebay. I ended up spending only $325, about the price of a nice Pump in Style. I also bought a second sealed double pumping kit, since I plan on having another child (hopefully) someday. I really do love this pump, and since it takes so much less time, I can actually pump once more during the day and build up my milk supply again. And since the Lactina is designed to be used by more than one person, I really won't mind sharing it when I'm between kids. I love this pump so much, I'm sure my daughter will only get breastmilk now for another 6 months. I can't believe how happy I am--thanks to all of you.
I bought the Medela double pump. I wish I would have just rented instead. I could hardly get enough milk with it. It seemed like the pump was not strong enough and took forever. I bought it because I am planning on having another child and felt spending $300 would be more econimcal than renting one with each child.Maybe it was just me but I think renting would be better.
Good luck
I bought the Pump in Style and still had the same problem you mention - supply keeping up with demand. I would go ahead and rent the hospital grad one - the money you spend is about the same as buying the pump in style and it does work faster and it is easier to pump two breasts at once. If I were to do it again, that's what I would do. You won't want to buy the hospital grade version unless you plan to breastfeed for another year more. It costs around $1000.00
It's truely a matter of personal preference based on what you find comfortable and convenient. I also began weaning at 6 months when I returned to work full time. I found my isis totally adequate. It was quiet, discreet and comfortable. I could close the door to my office to pump or do it in the ladies room. I did not need a power source or a bulky machine.
However, I did rent a machine from the hospital for a week to see if I liked it better. I would suggest doing this as then you can determine what is best for you. Good luck!
Hi V.:
I'm a lactation consultant. I would recommend that you do one of two things. You can rent an electric breast pump, for as long as you want to continue expressing milk. If you go to medela.com, it will give a list of places to rent in your area. If this is your first child, and your planning on having more, it would probably be smart to purchase a Medela pump-n-style. It's also a double electric pump, and if you add up all the money you would spend renting it may be worthwhile.Many of the pumps you buy in the store, do not work well.
J.
V.:
Like Jill R. I am a lactation consultant. I rent and sell pumps - both Medela and Ameda. Hospital grade pumps are the best that are available/ alternatly as Jill said you could purchase the Pump N Style or the Purely Yours. Give me a call if you want to talk about this.- 800 LACTATE / 800-522-8283
Hi, you need to break down and buy the Medela breast pump. I breast fed my daughter for 2.5 years and I found the Medela electric pump was able to keep up with her demand. I tried the manual pump for a day but quickly realized that I would not be very successful breast feeding with substandard equiptment. I did make a mistake, however, by insisting that I buy a brand new machine ($300.00). I would buy a used machine from Ebay or the local paper. Trust me, it is not gross! You can buy the plastic parts that go on your breast from BabiesRus and save yourself a couple of hundred dollars. If I were to do it again, I would have bought it used. I believe you can also rent them from the hospital. Give them a call.
Good for you that you are breastfeeding. It is not always easy, but it is the best choise for your baby.
Good luck!
L.
I'm an OB nurse, and regarding using a used breast pump, here is some info you need to know. All Ameda pumps can be used by multiple users if you buy new tubing. They are a "closed system" so milk cannot back up into the pump itself and then be recirculated. Only "hospital grade" Medela pumps are closed system. By hospital grade I mean the Classic, the Lactina, and the Symphony, all very expensive pumps that people usualy rent. The Pump in Style, while an excellent pump, is not a "closed system" pump, so theoretically milk particles could back up into the pump itself and then be recirculated. So while I don't categorically advise against using someone else's pump, I PERSONALLY wouldn't use someone's pump who I didn't mind their milk possibly being fed to my baby. Like, if I had a good friend or a sister, I would feel comfortable, but definitely not a stranger from Ebay. For what it's worth. And this is not a plug for Ameda because I used Medela myself. Both are excellent pumps.
Hi V.,
I loved the Medela Pump in Style. I was the 4th of a group of friends to use it and it is now being used by mom number 5 - it's still in great shape and we all liked it. It's expensive, but so easy to use and transport. I'm not sure what others offer, but I loved the car adapter. I could pump literally anywhere. You'll be amazed at the difference with an "nice" pump...Congrats on your decision to keep it up - I know nursing isn't for everyone for a multitude of reasons, but it was a really positive experience for both my daughter and myself and I can understand the stress of trying to keep up with a growing baby! Best of luck.
Hi,
I used ameda purely yours, my daughter is 6 mths+ and i weaned off. This pump was great for me worked well.
In my office i had access to madela pump and in odd hrs I used Ameda double pump at home. It was excellent. Both gave same results infact i found ameda much better and quiter. Cheaper than madela but works well. It has car adaptor and can work in battery if needed
You can get this at baby depot and babysuarus.
If you are ok I have mine to spare..
V.
V.-
I've been told that the hospital grade are the best if you can get your hands on one, otherwise splurge and buy an expensive electric pump ($200-$300), especially if you think you will have more children. I am currently using an expensive one my sister bought. It really works great and beats the manual pump. The only trouble I'm having is finding the time to pump enough to keep up a good supply. Good luck!
I'd recommend renting a hospital grade pump with double pump to go faster (both sides at once). I did and was happy with it. For my 2nd child, I borrowed my sister's Medela Pump in Style and it was also great. Just DON'T bother with any battery powered or one at a time pump. Less expensive pumps are not as comfortable (can even hurt) and won't go quickly enough. Good luck.
Hi, V..
I recommend the electric Avent pump! I bought the Uno (single) rather than the Duo (double) because I had enough milk for my baby and the price was almost half of the Duo. I have had no problems with it, and I was able to get several let-downs during each pumping session. I bought mine because of the reviews posted on Babies r Us.
Good Luck.
Amy
I am responding to your posting to hopefully help others who will have your dillema in the future. I noticed all the women mentioned pumps being 300 dollars to 1000 - that is too much to be spending for a Medella brand new pump in style. I bought a brand new medella backpack with the seal on it for 200 dollars a yr. ago. I think it was from a web site named Henckley's or something close to that sounding. I do know though that if you are adamant about using a BRAND NEW one from Medella, you can get it online for A LOT CHEAPER. Just do a little research as I did. Be a wise consumer and you will get what you want for the price you want. I'm sorry I didn't see this message earlier to save you and others from spending money unnecessarily but I've been in your shoes too so I know how it is. Whatever the case - you're super in what you're doing because breastfeeding totally is the best for you and your baby. Way to go and keep up the great work of being a wonderful mother!
I use a Medela. Most people I know also use a Medela but I am sure the hospital grade one is good too. NO info on the Avent.
