Can we talk breast pumps?

[2curlydogs]

I have a Medela PISA. I got the one that the pump could pull out of the carry bag (vs. being attached to it). I like it. It worked well, though I did have to get a new one because the first one was part of the recall they had with the motor not providing enough suction. I also had to get SMALLER shields than came with the pump because I have no breasts - most people need to size up, though.

I also have a Medela hand pump, which was SUUUUUUPER convenient for late night pumping sessions to combat engorgement (when B started STTN) where I just did not want to bother with the electric one.

[2curlydogs]

Also, way back when I was researching, it seemed like everyone was getting the Medela or the Ameda. Those seem to be the two top brands for double electric pumps.

[runblondie26]

I planned to re-use my Lanisoh (Ameda Purely Yours knock-off) for this baby. However, it's from 2009 and my insurance will cover a new pump, so I'll be getting a new Ameda Purely Yours.

My insurance will also cover the Medela Pump-In-Style. It seems the Purely Yours and PIS are nearly identical in performance and people highly recommend both. All things being equal, the Ameda being being a closed system tips me in favor of that one.

[trafficgirl]

I have no idea what we're going to get. I've debated about renting a hospital grade one because I've heard they're so much better, but I really don't know. And I don't want to put bottles on the registry until I know what pump I'll be using.

So basically, put me in the clueless column.

[runblondie26]

Aug 1, 2013 14:01:28 GMT -5 @publius said:

What is a closed system and why is that better than the alternative? I know absolutely nothing about this stuff, which is making online research a bit difficult.

The closed system has membranes that prevent milk from getting into the motor.

It seems impossible when you first look at the pump. (TMI coming) However, I've seen how forceful the milk can come out once my supply is in, and I can totally understand how it would be possible for milk to make its way into the motor now.  

If I want to re-use the pump myself or donate it sometime in the future, I won't be concerned there's funk festering in there.

[Velar Fricative]

My insurance covers nothing but a hand pump with a doctor's prescription so I'm splurging on the Medela Freestyle because I need something light and portable for my commute.

[daisy24342]

Aug 1, 2013 14:03:03 GMT -5 trafficgirl said:

I have no idea what we're going to get. I've debated about renting a hospital grade one because I've heard they're so much better, but I really don't know. And I don't want to put bottles on the registry until I know what pump I'll be using.

So basically, put me in the clueless column.

This is where I am at, I'm really clueless, and some experienced family members say go for the rental, especially at the beginning.  I'm going to talk to nurse at my breast feeding class in Sept about it.  

[halfpint]

I got the Medela PISA - I wanted the Freestyle, but this was cheaper and, from the reviews I've read, actually has better suction power.

[Cheesecake]

I figured I'd decide after the baby is here and I know how well BF-ing is going. I think I'll likely go woth a Medela though, because that's the only brand from the US (where pumps are way cheaper) that is sold here as well.
Anyone want to tell me about the different Medela models and pros and cons to each?!

Sent from my Xperia Z, please don't mind typos!

[Stingyshark]

My boss gave me a hospital grade medela symphony.

[AlpineSlide]

I had a sit down with my sister yesterday and she went over everything with me. She has a 3 yo and an 8 month old children. She showed me her older Medela model (was used when she got it over 3 years ago and her new Ameda (free thru insurance, she just got it about a month ago).

They are both closed system double electric models but you can remove 1 tube and cover the hook-up spot on the motor if you only want to pump one side. The medela comes with a carrying shoulder bag and a small insulated cooler that she like for work. The Ameda doesn't come with either but it wasn't a big deal for her.

The medela had a separate battery pack and the Ameda had a built in battery spot. She liked the Ameda one better for that feature, but none of the differences were deal-breakers.

I think they were both considered hospital grade, but I'm not positive about that.

ETA - I'll get the Ameda thru my insurance. I might get a manual one to use before the electric one comes in b/c I can't order it until after the birth and it takes a week to ship. I may want to have a way to releave engorgement before i get the new one?

[thejackpot]

I have the Medela PISA from my ds. I liked it and it worked well for the 9 months of daily pumping I did at work and the sporadic pumping at home. The Medelas and Amedas are always highly ranked.

[bazinga]

I am clueless as well and appreciate the input from those who know what is going on. I just found out today that my insurance will only cover a basic manual pump so I guess I am on my own for something better.

[Cheesecake]

Am I crazy or is the medela symphony 1500 dollars??? Yikes.
I'm not liking the fact that the pump in style has been discontinued, if something breaks or needs to be replaced, that'd suck... This is much more difficult than I thought.

Anyone have experience/heard reviews of the Philips Avent pumps, those seem to be popular here.

[mudslide]

I really like my Medela pump in style advanced. I like it better than the symphonies the hospital had. You can use only one side at a time if you so desire.

[mudslide]

Aug 1, 2013 15:50:25 GMT -5 Cheesecake said:

Am I crazy or is the medela symphony 1500 dollars??? Yikes.
I'm not liking the fact that the pump in style has been discontinued, if something breaks or needs to be replaced, that'd suck... This is much more difficult than I thought.

Anyone have experience/heard reviews of the Philips Avent pumps, those seem to be popular here.

The symphony is a hospital pump. People typically don't buy them, rather they rent them.

Huh? This is the first I've heard of the pump in style being discontinued. Where did you read this?

[KKD]

I have a Medela PISA. I can't compare it to anything else, but it did its job for me!

[hymen]

Aug 1, 2013 19:08:12 GMT -5 mudslide said:

Aug 1, 2013 15:50:25 GMT -5 Cheesecake said:

Am I crazy or is the medela symphony 1500 dollars??? Yikes.
I'm not liking the fact that the pump in style has been discontinued, if something breaks or needs to be replaced, that'd suck... This is much more difficult than I thought.

The symphony is a hospital pump. People typically don't buy them, rather they rent them.

Huh? This is the first I've heard of the pump in style being discontinued. Where did you read this?

I think there's a difference between the pump in style and the pump in style advanced. PIS is the older model, I believe? 

[snickers]

I purchased the Avent comfort double electric pump tonight. I have heard really good things, and I want to use their bottles too so it would be so much easier!

[Cheesecake]

Aug 1, 2013 19:08:12 GMT -5 mudslide said:

Aug 1, 2013 15:50:25 GMT -5 Cheesecake said:

Am I crazy or is the medela symphony 1500 dollars??? Yikes.
I'm not liking the fact that the pump in style has been discontinued, if something breaks or needs to be replaced, that'd suck... This is much more difficult than I thought.

Anyone have experience/heard reviews of the Philips Avent pumps, those seem to be popular here.

The symphony is a hospital pump. People typically don't buy them, rather they rent them.

Huh? This is the first I've heard of the pump in style being discontinued. Where did you read this?

On a Dutch website, and Medela's own website doesn't list it anymore either, which is why I figured the info was likely correct.
The PISA looks great, but I hate buying discontinued stuff (whether it's just NL or international) because I hate dealing with difficult to obtain replacement parts...
Will research further, to check about the discontinuation and will report back.

Sent from my Xperia Z, please don't mind typos!