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Post by mommabakes on Jul 14, 2017 5:58:15 GMT -6
Have we talked breast pumps yet? There's a lot of btdt moms here, so I was hoping to get some insight from you!
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Taitai
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Post by Taitai on Jul 14, 2017 6:32:13 GMT -6
I went with the Medela PISA for DS, and it did the job! That thing is a work horse - I've traveled with it to 3 continents and it was still going strong when I weaned DS about 5 months ago. I'm planning on using it again for this LO - hope it keeps working! Just bought replacement tubing, new membranes, and new flanges. 🤞🤞
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Post by racegurl87 on Jul 14, 2017 6:33:09 GMT -6
I had the Phillips Avent one with DD and hated it. Super painful for me to pump and I couldn't really adjust it. I'm looking at the Spectra S1 this time. Through a provider they'll cover the S2, but I'd like the option to get up while pumping if needed and the S1 has a built in battery
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Post by CoachTsWife on Jul 14, 2017 6:35:52 GMT -6
What are your questions? Will the pump be for occasional use or will you be pumping at work?
I pumped at work for over a year and my Medela PISA was mostly a great pump. The suction really decreased right after the warranty expired though, but I limped along with it until I wasn't sending any bottles of BM to daycare anymore.
I think I'm leaning towards a Spectra this time for pumping at work, and I think I'll get a manual one to keep at home for occasional use. I pumped so much at work I rarely missed a feeding session when at home, but it does happen. Or I needed to pump a clog out or something.
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Post by arimaythea on Jul 14, 2017 7:18:51 GMT -6
With DS, I called my insurance and they told me I could only choose between 2 pumps. A Medela Pump In Style Advanced or another one (I think an Ameda?). I went with the Medela PISA. I had to order it through a specific company for it to be covered, and it got shipped to my house. I wasn't a heavy pump user since DS would never take a bottle, but it worked just fine for what I needed it for (pumping when I had to go into the office).
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Post by rebeccabunch on Jul 14, 2017 7:34:47 GMT -6
I've used my Medela Freestyle through both nursing go arounds. This pump is perfect for my needs because I pump in the go a lot. My motor also went at the latter part of my first time. I called and they sent me a new one. Yay! CoachTsWife I plan to get your review on the spectra and I may buy that if it seems worth it! For anyone new to pumping and you use a medela pump I highly rec buying multiple part sets. It helps keep you sane on cleaning and helps with suction. This is especially important if anyone else uses the freestyle. |
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Post by cougarette on Jul 14, 2017 7:43:50 GMT -6
Last time my insurance reimbursed up to $150 on any pump that we bought anywhere, I just had to mail them the receipt. I got the Medela PISA and it was great.
This time, insurance will only offer the Ameda Purely Yours. I wanted to get a second one so that I didn't have to carry the pump back and forth from work, so I'm getting the Ameda for home. I won't use it much there, so it's OK if it's not all that.
I also need a prescription this time, so I need to remember to get that next week.
Oh I also picked up the Medela Harmony, which is the hand pump along the way. That is good for quick relief or using on the go.
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Post by cougarette on Jul 14, 2017 7:46:09 GMT -6
Yes! Definitely get another set of parts!
And a wet bag to throw everything in during the day. I would put all my parts in there, in the fridge, between sessions at work. Then I'd just clean it at home. Ain't nobody got time to be rinsing and whatnot several times a day.
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Post by mommabakes on Jul 14, 2017 7:57:15 GMT -6
CoachTsWife just looking for recs. I had the Medela PISA last time around, and it was ok. Looking at the Spectra this time possibly. Insurance covers pretty much whichever one I want, so trying to figure that out  I'm not pumping for work, just hoping to do bottles when out and about - I hate nursing in public.
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Post by CoachTsWife on Jul 14, 2017 7:57:19 GMT -6
Yes! Definitely get another set of parts! And a wet bag to throw everything in during the day. I would put all my parts in there, in the fridge, between sessions at work. Then I'd just clean it at home. Ain't nobody got time to be rinsing and whatnot several times a day. This exactly. I put the parts in a wet bag and threw the bag in the fridge between pumping sessions. I had two sets of parts, plus extra membranes on hand. Highly recommend the Simple Wishes pumping bra. I had a Medela one given to me and when I ordered the SW bra I was amazed at how great it was and wished I had it the entire time. While I'm here, I highly recommend Bamboobies washable breast pads. I kept disposable ones (also Bamboobies, they're the softest IMO) on hand but preferred reusable ones. Disposable are nice for the early days though. |
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Post by versed on Jul 14, 2017 8:05:13 GMT -6
Im kinda anti-Medela. I picked a closed system pump for each baby: an Ameda and a Hygeia. Both were great and had great customer service.
I'm looking into the Spectra2 for this baby.
And like PP mentioned - just keep all the pieces in the fridge throughout the day and you won't need to wash until night time. I had a large lunch bag where I stored everything. Worked great!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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versed
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Post by versed on Jul 14, 2017 8:07:31 GMT -6
Oh, and definitely pick up a cheap hand pump, too - sometimes you need a quick pump (like out on date night), but don't want to hook up a full system for relief.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Post by thatgirlrachel on Jul 14, 2017 8:13:51 GMT -6
I had the Medela PISA with DD, and it's still in great working condition. Because my insurance let me get another one this time around and I wanted a spare for my office, I got the Spectra a few months ago. It had great reviews on Amazon. One of the main pros listed for the Spectra was the ability to control suction level. I don't think you can go wrong with Medela or Spectra, but I have heard many bad reviews of Ameda. That's all I've got really.
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rachydc
Sapphire
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Post by rachydc on Jul 14, 2017 8:19:56 GMT -6
I exclusively pumped for 10 months and the Medela PISA was a lifesaver!! You can buy spare/cheap knockoff parts off Amazon to have in every room or your office, etc... and they work just as well |
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Post by arimaythea on Jul 14, 2017 8:30:47 GMT -6
+1 to the recs for a hand pump (I also had the Medela Harmony), the Simple Wishes pumping bra, and Bamboobies reusable pads (I exclusively used the overnight ones since they were round and comfy). I also kept disposables on hand for whenever I needed to heal from a bite or otherwise needed to load up with lanolin, to keep things a little cleaner/drier.
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Post by duskymonkey on Jul 14, 2017 10:29:09 GMT -6
This reminds me I need to contact my insurance. I'll prob get the same Medela PISA unit since I already have all the extra parts, battery power packs etc. I used it for well over a year pumping at work and commuting in the car. I did have an issue with he power supply one day but luckily had my battery pack. Called Medela and they promptly overnighted a new power supply the next day so customer service was great with them. Other than that I had no issues with the unit and I pumped every 2 hrs for 3 weeks straight! after coming back from the hospital because I had supply issues. Also add me to the <3 club for bamboobies and Simple wishes.
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danvers
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Post by danvers on Jul 14, 2017 10:53:12 GMT -6
I'm going with the Medela again this time. I already put in my "order" with the medical supplier people and it went to my OB and whatnot. I won't get the pump till midSeptember (unless the baby comes early or something) but that's ok. I chickened out of trying the spectra because the Medela worked so well for me last time. I'll keep a pump at home and a pump at school and only drag the parts home with what I pump each night.
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Post by blackmamba on Jul 14, 2017 12:58:54 GMT -6
Oh, and definitely pick up a cheap hand pump, too - sometimes you need a quick pump (like out on date night), but don't want to hook up a full system for relief. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk I could never get the hand pump to work. I think it was more user error/laziness than anything. |
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Post by rebeccabunch on Jul 14, 2017 13:18:01 GMT -6
Oh, and definitely pick up a cheap hand pump, too - sometimes you need a quick pump (like out on date night), but don't want to hook up a full system for relief. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Good mention! I'd keep one on my bedstand because DS2 would sometimes only eat off one side at night. I'd do a quick hand pump on the other side and it would help me start a stash without the whole to do of putting my pump on. |
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cythe
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Post by cythe on Jul 14, 2017 14:00:29 GMT -6
I wanted to try the Spectra2 but the PISA has an option where I can order online and avoid calling my insurance lol. I'll probably take the lazy way out
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Post by moonandback141 on Jul 14, 2017 14:51:20 GMT -6
I loved my Medela and will be getting another one free if insurance allows (still need to check.)
I can't stress enough how to get a backup set of pump parts and especially a back up set of tubing which is NOT sold in stores. As an exclusive pumper at the time, I spent 4th of July weekend last year in a panic because one of my tubes had mold in it and I couldn't get another set in stores anywhere. A local hospital ended up giving me a set they use for their rentals which thankfully worked.
ETA: I was an exclusive pumper from about month 4 through month 12 and so I used this thing 3-5 times a day--it never let me down (no pun intended.)
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versed
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Post by versed on Jul 14, 2017 15:08:57 GMT -6
And if anyone is in the market for a pumping bra, I can't recommend Dairy Fairy bras highly enough!
These are combo nursing/pumping bras so you don't need to add a hands-free pumping bra on top of your regular bra when pumping. Just one less thing to worry about with all the other steps you need to take during quick breaks!
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Post by parma986 on Jul 14, 2017 16:26:34 GMT -6
I had a Pump In Style for DD and it worked really well through pumping at work for 9 months. I plan on using it again. I am eligible for a new pump through insurance in April so if we are still going strong with nursing/pumping I may get a Spectra.
I completely agree about the Simple Wishes hands free bra and a wet bag to hold the parts in between sessions. I didn't even throw my parts in the fridge in between (no fridge access during the day at work) and the wet bag was wonderful to keep everything contained.
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Post by burritosateverymeal on Jul 14, 2017 19:37:06 GMT -6
I also had the Medela PISA and it was awesome. I'm hoping insurance still covers it for a new one. I'd like to leave one at work and have one at home.
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cythe
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Post by cythe on Jul 14, 2017 20:17:16 GMT -6
Question about bras : since my breasts haven't done any growing - and apparently won't until my milk comes in, I should wait to buy bras until after she's born so I know what size to get, yes?
Also, are nursing tanks good? I'm finding myself living in my tanks these days.
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Post by cougarette on Jul 14, 2017 20:28:09 GMT -6
Question about bras : since my breasts haven't done any growing - and apparently won't until my milk comes in, I should wait to buy bras until after she's born so I know what size to get, yes? Also, are nursing tanks good? I'm finding myself living in my tanks these days. Usually nursing bras come in a size range, so you could probably go ahead and pick one up that's around your size. I loved my nursing tanks and lived in them for months. They'll be great during the winter too because you could wear them under your sweater and then when you're nursing your belly is still covered and not getting cold. I got the Gillian & O'Malley brand from target and personally like how long they are. |
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Post by CoachTsWife on Jul 14, 2017 20:43:48 GMT -6
Question about bras : since my breasts haven't done any growing - and apparently won't until my milk comes in, I should wait to buy bras until after she's born so I know what size to get, yes? Also, are nursing tanks good? I'm finding myself living in my tanks these days. I wore nursing tanks every day. I liked having my belly covered like mentioned above. My target ones didn't hold their shape but I wore the ones I got from Motherhood Maternity over and over and they're still in good shape. I'd get a couple now close to your size, taking into account room to grow. They're usually sized S/M/L. You can get more once you figure out your preferences and size once your milk comes in. But you'll need something to take with you to the hospital for immediately after she's born. |
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Taitai
Opal
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Post by Taitai on Jul 14, 2017 21:35:43 GMT -6
+1 To the Gillian & O'Malley nursing tanks from Target. I started with size M, but then went down to S after I lost the baby weight and my breast size regulated. I constantly wore nursing tanks for the first year of DS' life. Nursing tank + light cardigan + yoga pants = mom uniform 😀😅
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versed
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Post by versed on Jul 15, 2017 4:16:37 GMT -6
I've ordered two nursing bras, two nursing tanks, and three sleep nursing bras from Kindred Bravely within the past month, and they are amazing! So comfy! (www.kindredbravely.com) Free shipping and free returns. And you can order nursing bras now, cythe, especially any with a soft cup since they allow for cup size fluctuations (they happen throughout the day when nursing). Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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Post by arimaythea on Jul 15, 2017 5:50:37 GMT -6
cythe, I lived for almost 2 years straight in the Gilligan O'Malley nursing tanks and they held up very well. I wore them with Bamboobies breast pads (to hide the nipples) in place of nursing bras for the most part (though I do have a few Bravado nursing bras too). I liked the tanks more than the bras because then I could lift up my shirt to nurse LO without having to expose my belly.
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