thatgolfb
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Post by thatgolfb on Aug 23, 2017 12:40:11 GMT -6
Just FYI, my sister has been using this while nursing, on the side she isn't using, and she usually gets at least an ounce at a top. It suctions on. I am going go get one! I figured this went in this thread.
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clucky
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Post by clucky on Aug 23, 2017 13:44:10 GMT -6
Insurance covers a new pump for each pregnancy, so yes. You will want a new motor. It worked well for you, stick with it. If there were aspects you didn't care for, tell me and I can let you know if the spectras would help solve those or not. I think the biggest issue I had was figuring out what flange size I needed, but I did figure it out I had decent output and didn't mind how loud it was. Thank you!! I think I'm gonna stick with it. I know how to use it and I've been successful with it. Spectra flanges as sized differently too.
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clucky
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Post by clucky on Aug 23, 2017 13:46:38 GMT -6
Just FYI, my sister has been using this while nursing, on the side she isn't using, and she usually gets at least an ounce at a top. It suctions on. I am going go get one! I figured this went in this thread. There is a lid available too. Women who leak on the opposite side while nursing find this to be helpful, and less cumbersome than milk savers.
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clucky
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Post by clucky on Aug 23, 2017 13:58:23 GMT -6
clucky I just got my options can I pick your brain? I can get the Medela Pump in Style or Spectra S2 at no cost. Otherwise I can upgrade to the Spectra S1 or Medela freestyle with the S1 have a smaller upgrade cost then the freestyle. I will be returning to work at 3 months and plan to breastfeed/pump as long as my body allows, hopefully to 1 year. No prior experience with pumping, which would you suggest? I will say I am rather busty so I'm assuming I will need larger flanges for the spectra? Scratch Freestyle from your list. Even Medela doesn't suggest it for anyone who plans to pump more than rarely to occasionally to use it. PISA is a very user friendly pump, on/off, stimulation mode from the start, automatically flips after 2 minute in stimulation mode, increase or decrease in both suction and cycle together, parts are readily available at nearly all retailers (in case you forget or need to replace quickly), Medela's customer service is the best part about them. Pump stops working? Call them, they troubleshoot and if it still isn't working, they overnight you a new one. Get one with a bag, either tote or backpack depending on your carry preference, I don't find the cube (w/o bag) to be as effective, though it should be matter. The S1 is nice, however, I will warn that it can be "overcharged" and then it just doesn't turn on. I personally haven't experienced this issue, but it does happen and their customer service isn't known for their quick turn around time in replacing. S2 just doesn't have the internal battery, and therefore doesn't have he overcharging issuer S1 may have. With spectra I suggest getting your own bag, the one they provide is awkward and a simple tote. Sarah Wells is my favorite pump bag, find her on Amazon. She is an EP mom who was tired of no cute pump bag choices that didn't scream "I'm carrying a breast pump!" What does your pumping space look like at work?
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Post by laurensc927 on Aug 23, 2017 14:00:18 GMT -6
clucky I just got my options can I pick your brain? I can get the Medela Pump in Style or Spectra S2 at no cost. Otherwise I can upgrade to the Spectra S1 or Medela freestyle with the S1 have a smaller upgrade cost then the freestyle. I will be returning to work at 3 months and plan to breastfeed/pump as long as my body allows, hopefully to 1 year. No prior experience with pumping, which would you suggest? I will say I am rather busty so I'm assuming I will need larger flanges for the spectra? Scratch Freestyle from your list. Even Medela doesn't suggest it for anyone who plans to pump more than rarely to occasionally to use it. PISA is a very user friendly pump, on/off, stimulation mode from the start, automatically flips after 2 minute in stimulation mode, increase or decrease in both suction and cycle together, parts are readily available at nearly all retailers (in case you forget or need to replace quickly), Medela's customer service is the best part about them. Pump stops working? Call them, they troubleshoot and if it still isn't working, they overnight you a new one. Get one with a bag, either tote or backpack depending on your carry preference, I don't find the cube (w/o bag) to be as effective, though it should be matter. The S1 is nice, however, I will warn that it can be "overcharged" and then it just doesn't turn on. I personally haven't experienced this issue, but it does happen and their customer service isn't known for their quick turn around time in replacing. S2 just doesn't have the internal battery, and therefore doesn't have he overcharging issuer S1 may have. With spectra I suggest getting your own bag, the one they provide is awkward and a simple tote. Sarah Wells is my favorite pump bag, find her on Amazon. She is an EP mom who was tired of no cute pump bag choices that didn't scream "I'm carrying a breast pump!" What does your pumping space look like at work? My pumping space will most likely be the bridal suite at each of the country clubs I work for.
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roloma
Sapphire
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Post by roloma on Aug 23, 2017 14:06:20 GMT -6
I used both a Medela Symphony and PISA while DS1 was in the NICU (symphony at the hospital and PISA at home) and then switched to the PISA for pumping at work once I went back. I was quite pleased with it and was always able to manipulate a second let down with the two-phase to get another couple of ounces once it seemed like I was done. My H had a crap ton of leftover Flex Spending money at the end of 2016 so we bought a brand new one for me for this pregnancy. I will potentially get another with insurance so that I can have one at home and one at work. I still have my old one but I could tell it was getting worn down after a year of pumping.
This reminds me that I need to get some new tubing and parts.
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clucky
Opal
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Post by clucky on Aug 23, 2017 14:22:36 GMT -6
Scratch Freestyle from your list. Even Medela doesn't suggest it for anyone who plans to pump more than rarely to occasionally to use it. PISA is a very user friendly pump, on/off, stimulation mode from the start, automatically flips after 2 minute in stimulation mode, increase or decrease in both suction and cycle together, parts are readily available at nearly all retailers (in case you forget or need to replace quickly), Medela's customer service is the best part about them. Pump stops working? Call them, they troubleshoot and if it still isn't working, they overnight you a new one. Get one with a bag, either tote or backpack depending on your carry preference, I don't find the cube (w/o bag) to be as effective, though it should be matter. The S1 is nice, however, I will warn that it can be "overcharged" and then it just doesn't turn on. I personally haven't experienced this issue, but it does happen and their customer service isn't known for their quick turn around time in replacing. S2 just doesn't have the internal battery, and therefore doesn't have he overcharging issuer S1 may have. With spectra I suggest getting your own bag, the one they provide is awkward and a simple tote. Sarah Wells is my favorite pump bag, find her on Amazon. She is an EP mom who was tired of no cute pump bag choices that didn't scream "I'm carrying a breast pump!" What does your pumping space look like at work? My pumping space will most likely be the bridal suite at each of the country clubs I work for. As long as you have an outlet, then you will be good for either the PISA or S2.
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Post by laurensc927 on Aug 23, 2017 14:23:25 GMT -6
My pumping space will most likely be the bridal suite at each of the country clubs I work for. As long as you have an outlet, then you will be good for either the PISA or S2. I'll definitely have an outlet. Thanks for the tips!
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clucky
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Post by clucky on Aug 23, 2017 14:28:48 GMT -6
make sure you check with your OB's nurse too about formula they have (I ask for the close dated ones because I'm tossing the formula anyway), these are usually a larger cooler bag with supplies for formula moms, but often have breastfeeding stuff inside too. The cooler bags are nice for storing parts, larger bottles, and an ice pack. They are free and sometimes forgotten about.
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bubbles
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Post by bubbles on Aug 23, 2017 14:39:04 GMT -6
Just FYI, my sister has been using this while nursing, on the side she isn't using, and she usually gets at least an ounce at a top. It suctions on. I am going go get one! I figured this went in this thread. Someone in my local moms group raved about this. I think I'm going to give it a try too.
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bubbles
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Post by bubbles on Aug 23, 2017 14:41:25 GMT -6
I just ordered the free one from my insurance last week. It's the Ameda Double Electric. It has mixed reviews... I figured I'd give it a go before purchasing one OOP, but I don't have the highest of hopes. This is what my insurance offers. I used it with DD, I guess it did its job but I have nothing to compare it to. I'm trying to decide if I want to spend the money OOP for a Medela or Spectra.
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Post by laurensc927 on Aug 23, 2017 14:49:48 GMT -6
So I have access to refrigeration at both locations I work at. I don't know if I'm comfortable putting my breast milk and parts in the large walk in refrigerator in case someone decides to handle them without my knowledge. At my one location there is a small mini fridge that only 2 of us use and is between our offices so I'm covered. Do you think it's worth picking up an inexpensive mini fridge once all the back to college stuff goes on clearance (there's one on targets site for $60 right now) for my other office? I think it might be easier then constantly worrying about ice packs and insulated bags.
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you
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Post by you on Aug 23, 2017 22:30:31 GMT -6
I have a pisa and an s2. I wanted to love the s2 but hated it. It would randomly turn off. Exchanging it was a pain (needed a video), so I never did. I mostly used my old Pisa.
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you
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Post by you on Aug 23, 2017 22:32:45 GMT -6
Just FYI, my sister has been using this while nursing, on the side she isn't using, and she usually gets at least an ounce at a top. It suctions on. I am going go get one! I figured this went in this thread. I do that in the morning with the Medela hand pump.
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you
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Post by you on Aug 23, 2017 22:36:00 GMT -6
Also I hated the spectra bottles. I bought a converter to use Medela. I broke parts and couldn't run down to Target to get replacements. I was screwed if I left them at home. It was quiet and I liked the light, but didn't pump anymore than the Pisa.
I can't get a new pump until December or March. I would get a pisa.
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thatgolfb
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Post by thatgolfb on Aug 24, 2017 6:12:51 GMT -6
Also I hated the spectra bottles. I bought a converter to use Medela. I broke parts and couldn't run down to Target to get replacements. I was screwed if I left them at home. It was quiet and I liked the light, but didn't pump anymore than the Pisa. I can't get a new pump until December or March. I would get a pisa. What did you hate about them? For the Medela ones, I only used them for the actual pumping and then would switch to another bottle (I think DD liked Dr. Brown's, I should probably get those out).
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Post by misskilljoy on Aug 24, 2017 6:15:33 GMT -6
Also I hated the spectra bottles. I bought a converter to use Medela. I broke parts and couldn't run down to Target to get replacements. I was screwed if I left them at home. It was quiet and I liked the light, but didn't pump anymore than the Pisa. I can't get a new pump until December or March. I would get a pisa. What did you hate about them? For the Medela ones, I only used them for the actual pumping and then would switch to another bottle (I think DD liked Dr. Brown's, I should probably get those out). I hope you have better luck finding replacement nipples for them than I did. I used Born Free bottles and they don't sell them any more, so I had to look for Dr Brown wide neck nipples to fit them... and the only place I could find them was BRU online. -_- But also Canada, so that might be a factor.
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thatgolfb
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Post by thatgolfb on Aug 24, 2017 6:16:58 GMT -6
What did you hate about them? For the Medela ones, I only used them for the actual pumping and then would switch to another bottle (I think DD liked Dr. Brown's, I should probably get those out). I hope you have better luck finding replacement nipples for them than I did. I used Born Free bottles and they don't sell them any more, so I had to look for Dr Brown wide neck nipples to fit them... and the only place I could find them was BRU online. -_- But also Canada, so that might be a factor. I honestly hadn't even thought about replacement nipples. Are we supposed to replace them? lol. I will have to see what I have. I have a bag full of bottle parts that I need to sort through.
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Post by misskilljoy on Aug 24, 2017 6:18:41 GMT -6
I hope you have better luck finding replacement nipples for them than I did. I used Born Free bottles and they don't sell them any more, so I had to look for Dr Brown wide neck nipples to fit them... and the only place I could find them was BRU online. -_- But also Canada, so that might be a factor. I honestly hadn't even thought about replacement nipples. Are we supposed to replace them? lol. I will have to see what I have. I have a bag full of bottle parts that I need to sort through. I don't think you have to if they're synthetic material, but I noticed that my old ones were kind of grimy and cloudy even after heavy washing and sterilizing, so I figured I might as well replace. If only to stop having to hear MH panic that they were dirty/old.
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thatgolfb
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Post by thatgolfb on Aug 24, 2017 6:25:36 GMT -6
laurensc927, just as an anecdote: I put my pump parts and bottles in a big shared (not walk in) fridge at work. I just kept everything in a lunch bag, within a big ziploc bag. I never had a problem with people moving things, other than the occasional shuffling of bags if they needed to get to their lunch. It was totally inconspicuous, and there would have been no reason for anyone to know what was in there (unless they saw me come out with my pump bag, I guess). I also didn't wash my pump parts in between pumping at work, and just kept everything in the fridge. I would wash everything thoroughly when I got home from work each night (and also had a spare set of some parts because my friend stopped pumping and gave me hers). I know the recommendation is now to wash all parts in between all pumping, but... that really isn't feasible for me to do while at work because pumping takes so much time as it is, plus I didn't really want to deal with questions about washing pump parts in the break room sink. Refrigeration should be fine, and that is what was recommended to me the first time.
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thatgolfb
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Post by thatgolfb on Aug 24, 2017 6:26:03 GMT -6
I honestly hadn't even thought about replacement nipples. Are we supposed to replace them? lol. I will have to see what I have. I have a bag full of bottle parts that I need to sort through. I don't think you have to if they're synthetic material, but I noticed that my old ones were kind of grimy and cloudy even after heavy washing and sterilizing, so I figured I might as well replace. If only to stop having to hear MH panic that they were dirty/old. This is probably a good idea. They have mostly been sitting in that bag for years.
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Post by laurensc927 on Aug 24, 2017 6:56:35 GMT -6
That was my plan with the pump parts thatgolfb , I can't tell my MIL though because she sent me the article about washing in between. If refrigerating in between has worked for many women for many years I'm gonna do it too lol My concdern with the fridge is it's on another floor from me and it's used by lots of staff as it is the walk in where food is kept for catering events so both kitchen and banquet staff are in it. I'm thinking for ease a mini fridge on my floor will save me time too. I'll see just how good the sales are in a few weeks and go from there.
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Post by grumpycat on Aug 24, 2017 7:56:44 GMT -6
thatgolfb I'm replacing all the nipples on our bottles. DS was happy with medela/nuk. I probably will only get a few replacement pieces at first but I want to be prepared. RE: pump parts, medela makes wipes for your pump parts. I'm lazy so I washed when I got home, but that's an option too. Also I highly recommend the medela steam bags for sanitizing pump parts, bottles, pacifiers, etc. They are amazing.
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cnf
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Post by cnf on Aug 24, 2017 9:54:43 GMT -6
I'm also in the refrigerator parts at work camp. I have the medela cooler bag for milk and just stuffed the parts in there too.
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fancy
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Post by fancy on Aug 24, 2017 10:37:59 GMT -6
I plan on just throwing everything into an insulated bag in our fridge at work. I wouldn't be squicked out seeing anyone washing or sanitizing pump parts in the sink or microwave, but an old coworker used to just throw her pumping stuff in the sink and leave it there. I guess to wash later? Idk. I was not a fan of that situation.
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Post by jules1614 on Aug 24, 2017 10:42:19 GMT -6
+1 to the steam sanitizing bags! I would rinse then sanitize and let them dry in between pumping.
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Post by blabbermouth on Aug 24, 2017 10:54:23 GMT -6
thatgolfb, these are all the rage in a fb group I'm in. I think I will get one. I think I'm pretty lazy and since I'll have a year off, I won't need a huge stash of pumped milk, only when I'm going to be away from DD, so if that works, it might just get me enough to get by without the trouble of a whole pumping session. My friend is going to lend me her pump though so I can use it if needed to establish supply or whatever words make sense here (FTM, haha).
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you
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Post by you on Aug 24, 2017 22:48:29 GMT -6
Also I hated the spectra bottles. I bought a converter to use Medela. I broke parts and couldn't run down to Target to get replacements. I was screwed if I left them at home. It was quiet and I liked the light, but didn't pump anymore than the Pisa. I can't get a new pump until December or March. I would get a pisa. What did you hate about them? For the Medela ones, I only used them for the actual pumping and then would switch to another bottle (I think DD liked Dr. Brown's, I should probably get those out). The markings came off and they didn't have enough threads to securely screw on the bottles.
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clucky
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Post by clucky on Aug 26, 2017 7:43:53 GMT -6
So I have access to refrigeration at both locations I work at. I don't know if I'm comfortable putting my breast milk and parts in the large walk in refrigerator in case someone decides to handle them without my knowledge. At my one location there is a small mini fridge that only 2 of us use and is between our offices so I'm covered. Do you think it's worth picking up an inexpensive mini fridge once all the back to college stuff goes on clearance (there's one on targets site for $60 right now) for my other office? I think it might be easier then constantly worrying about ice packs and insulated bags. If you can find one, I would. Then you don't have to worry. With my first, mine was in a community fridge, but I had a cooler from the formula company (slim and lime green or a pink one) and the guys never touched it. The thing that I didn't prefer was that sometimes the door was open for a long time between everyone getting their lunches and putting stuff away during the lunch hour.
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clucky
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Post by clucky on Aug 26, 2017 7:48:44 GMT -6
Also I hated the spectra bottles. I bought a converter to use Medela. I broke parts and couldn't run down to Target to get replacements. I was screwed if I left them at home. It was quiet and I liked the light, but didn't pump anymore than the Pisa. I can't get a new pump until December or March. I would get a pisa. What did you hate about them? For the Medela ones, I only used them for the actual pumping and then would switch to another bottle (I think DD liked Dr. Brown's, I should probably get those out). The threads aren't long so you can think it is on well and nope, fallen bottle. The print on the side comes off, making measuring impossible. They can warp in heat. So when sterilizing, you bring the water to a boil, remove the pot from the heat, add the parts and remove after 5 minutes (with Medela they can be placed in boiling water).
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