Breast pump

[itwillhappen]

Hello ladies,

A few questions regarding breast pumps and pumping.
I am due at the end of June and plan to breast feed but would have to go back to work after maxim 12 weeks. So I know for sure that I’ll have to use the pump. Plus, I would like to build up some supply before going back to work.

I would like to get my breast pump through the insurance. I have two options: Ameda or Medela. While everybody talks about Medela, I found good reviews about Ameda as well and I like the cleaning part and the two options (speed and suction). Any opinions in here about the two and what would be the best choice (and why)? Another option would be to get the Ameda and I know somebody from whom I can get a Medela pump and would have to buy my own accessories.

My concern is this: at work, while I have my own office (which makes it really easy), we have a horrible water that stinks and we can’t drink it. A year or so ago it was a scandal in the area because some carcinogen elements were found in excess in the water. So I never felt safe with that water. We do have coolers with cold and hot water. So how am I going to do with the cleaning of the pump? What options would I have? Obvious I will have to pump more than one time. Any advice from those of you with more experience?

Thank you!

 

[pooch]

I have the madela and liked it enough. I just don't enjoy pumping in general but have no complaints about the pump itself. I've seen portable washing things that you can buy if you're somewhere that you can't clean your pump parts. Whatever you choose learn how to use it before the baby is born!
I took a pumping class for mothers going back to work and here's what they said to do to build up a supply (not sure if that's part of your OP or not): First morning feeding: Feed your baby from one breast; pump both breasts (I would get around 3 oz total); feed baby from the other breast. If you do this every day for a few weeks you'll get a nice jump start supply for when you return to work.

 

[itwillhappen]

Thank you so much for your reply. Very helpful.

When you feed from the second breast is with the "next meal"?

I'm asking because I read two ways: one - to feed baby from both breasts (15 mean on each), then pump. The second was to feed baby from one breast for 20-30 min. Then next time you feed him from opposite breast and so on. But it didn't say how to do with pumping. So the way you described is more like the second "theory"?

Thanks

 

[wookie130]

I would do the 20-30 min. feeding from one breast, pump from both breasts, and then at the next actual feeding with the opposite side.

I would also recommend a Medela any day of the week!

Would it be possible for you to keep bottled water at your workplace, and wash the parts in the bottled water in between pumping sessions?

 

[pooch]

When I did it it was all at the same feeding.

 

[Wannabe Mommy]

In the BF forum a lady said you could put the pump in the fridge with the milk and then clean it when you get home. Keeping it in the fridge keeps it hygienic

 

[cait]

I've used Medela and it was good, no experience with the other.

I found the best way for me to build up stock was to have baby on one breast and pump on the other. The letdown would be very strong this way so I would get a good amount pumped each time. Only once a day at first, then building up if I wanted to freeze a stock. It's definitely odd but baby never seemed to mind the noise or anything.

How about sterilising tablets for the water in work?

 

[itwillhappen]

I'm glad to learn all these. I think I will try this way, it sounds quite logic to me. About how far were you when you start "working" on the milk supply?

Also, after posting this thread, I read about the option with the fridge. I could use wipes then place it in a zip lock bag in the fridge. This should hold between pumping sessions and it seems that the breast milk has some antibacterial properties that should help. Then wash it when I get home.

 

[cait]

Recommendation to first start pumping is 4-6 weeks - or whenever you feel breastfeeding is well established.

Pump once a day at first and try baby on the bottle (or get OH to do so) to get baby used to using the bottle. Then once this is going well you can start to build up how often you pump and start to build up a stock of breastmilk.

Morning is often the best time to pump as you might have had a longer stretch between feeds (depending on how well baby is sleeping!)

 

[itwillhappen]

Great. Thanks a lot! Helpful to know

 

[mara16jade]

I've never used either, but if given the choice, I'll be going for the Medela with my insurance as well.

Just take a look at the reviews on Amazon. Medela looks to be superior.

https://www.amazon.com/Ameda-Purely-Yours-Breast-Pump/dp/B000ME3146

https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Pump-...1395350239&sr=1-1&keywords=Medela+breast+pump

ETA: My friend has used the Ameda and LOVED it. She's been pumping for over a year, and just about to start weaning off so her AF can come back and try for #2. So they're both probably great choices.

 

[itwillhappen]

Indeed, Medela is well know as being a good pump. What makes me not choosing is that Ameda has a closed system, where the milk can't get contaminated from the motor. Also I read that the Medela doesn't last too much in time (usually after a year the motor gives up). Ameda has two option: speed and suction, while Medela I think doesn't have the suction adjustment, but Ameda has a lower speed than Medela. Actualy this was the main complaint that it takes longer with Ameda to get the same amount of milk than Medela.

So obvious I have no idea which one is better because I never pumped myself. So I still don't know which one will be better. I think there are pros and cons with both...

Since the main advantage of Ameda is the closed system, I am wondering how many Medela users had problems with milk contamination (I mean would you even know if it would happen?). Do you have to wash the tubs/cables as well?

 

[themarshas]

I loved my Medela pump for my first. As for cleaning your supplies at work- I purchased plenty of extra parts/pieces and bottles and never washed them until I got home. I put them in a ziplock to store them through the day. I pumped twice a day at work as I never had a great supply (nursed 13 months though) so I just made sure to have 4 sets all assembled each day.

At the moment I'm really annoyed that my insurance won't cover a new pump I think I need to find someone who's does and doesn't plan on pumping so I can get a new one

 

[ItsAWonder]

Was just checking this out to see people suggestions.

themarshas - it's Federal Law that all insurance carriers have to cover breast pumps. This went into effect in 2013. If a rep for your ins. company said otherwise, talk to another rep.

 

[themarshas]

Was just checking this out to see people suggestions.

themarshas - it's Federal Law that all insurance carriers have to cover breast pumps. This went into effect in 2013. If a rep for your ins. company said otherwise, talk to another rep.

It's actually not- companies that haven't made changes to their policy since the law went into effect are grandfathered in and not mandated to provide them.

 

[pLadyBug]

Ok where to start? Medela vs Ameda. Medela hands down! Medela pumps seem to mimic a baby's feeding best. Don't get me wrong Ameda pumps are also a good choice. To me it would be number 2, better than Hygeia anyways. Their closed systems give the added plus. However this is mainly a concern for resale as it can be used by multiple owners. The contamination of Medela pumps come in with the tubing. No you do NOT wash the tubing. Sometimes moisture can build up in the tubing or milk can get in if no attached properly. This makes room for mold growth. However if this should occur you can always replace the tubing, the pump itself is just fine.

Sterilization: Medela actually offers microwavable sanitation baggies when you are away from home. So if your job has a microwave you would just put the parts that came in contact with the milk in the bag, microwave and whala there you go. Another good idea is to refrigerate the parts until you get home, as it is just like anything else that might otherwise spoil without refrigeration. Some women use this method daily, to not have to keep cleaning after pumping if you are pumping with each feeding. I personally would not use the wipes in this case as breast milk does have antibacterial properties and does not need outside assistance. Plus there are ingredients in wipes I would not want in my baby's mouth.

Pumping: This will very from mom to mom not everyone will be blessed with an overabundance of milk. In that case you will have to work harder at it. This answer also varies depending on how long you plan to nurse. By in general I would say to start around 2-3 weeks. Your supply is established within the first week. You will just find yourself feeling fuller or emptier in the upcoming weeks. I would also suggest the pumping method of feeding your baby off one breast. When he/she is done pump the remaining milk out of that one (even if it nothing) then pump the other. On the next feeding nurse the opposite breast your baby last fed on. The trick to having a adequate milk supply is to trick your body into thinking that your baby needs more milk. It you pump til empty your body triggers more milk to flow. If you do not empty your breast your body will replenish what was taken but no more because there is no need for more... Hope this helped (Breastfed 5)

 

[itwillhappen]

Wow, great information. Thank you!
Now you totally throw me off when you say: " better than Hygeia anyways"
I was just looking on a website and the three breast pumps offered through my insurance are:

Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump No Tote (AD17070P)

Hygeia Q Breast Pump (HG100056)

Medela Personal Double Pump (MY57038)

For Hygeia it says:
•Hospital Grade performance in a personal use pump and
•Independently Adjustable Speed & Suction Controls

So I never pumped and don't know how true it is. But I read that people were happy with the Hygeia and the fact that that you can create the letdown yourself. Not sure if smb said that Medela Personal Double Pump doesn't actually have the letdown button.

Another thing to take in consideration is the fact that the pumps offered through insurance are not as performant as the ones you'd pay good money at the store. So what is the best option out of the three listed above, in your opinion? Still Medela?

Also, if you can explain why Hygeia would not be a good choice.

Thank you again for your great reply.

 

[pLadyBug]

Your welcome. I would still push for the Medela, but like I said the Ameda is a close second. In fact the Ameda pump you would get from your insurance is the exact pump I was thinking of. It's a great pump. For me Medela pumps seem to be more comfortable and less noisy. Depending on what you want these 2 things are important.

As for Hygeia.. they can say all they want lol. I just don't like their pump. However I have not tried the exact one you'd get so you may have a different result. I have the ENjoye. Its still in my closet where I left it. I will be giving it to a friend. She actually has been successful with it. Her motor died out after a yr or so though. I know of others who have used Hygeia pumps as well and their sentiments coincide with mine. My reasoning behind a bad review for them is because 1-Hygeia shields are more a firm stiff plastic (very uncomfortable), 2-loud, and 3-I don't think they are effective at getting out milk. It took a while for me to get a bottle. In fact there was times I tried pumping for about 20mins and got about an ounce, took out a handheld Medela pump and everything went to flowing. It just seemed as if it stimulated the milk to come forward but not actually out if you can understand what I mean. Oh, the friend I mentioned who loved the Hygeia has an oversupply of milk, so she could probably get milk from any kind of pump.

Ultimately the decision is yours. I'm just one opinion. If you seem to lean toward Ameda, by all means choose that one. It is a great pump and gives great results. I don't have anything negative to say for it. Well unless you ask about bottles. In that case Im very biased lol

 

[itwillhappen]

Again, thanks a lot for your response.

I think overall what will matter the most will be the power of getting the milk out and so far everybody talks about Medela.

About Ameda, while I read good reviews, I also noticed that most of them were not recent and those that give their opinion about the newest model were all bad reviews. Apparently something changed in the production of the pump.

Since I will be back to work and counting a lot on a good breast pump, I think I will go after all with Medela.

 

[mh_ccl]

Was just checking this out to see people suggestions.

themarshas - it's Federal Law that all insurance carriers have to cover breast pumps. This went into effect in 2013. If a rep for your ins. company said otherwise, talk to another rep.

Also worht noting - Tricare (aka military insurance) does not cover breast pumps. It's considered a benefit, not an insurance policy, if that makes any sense. We paid out of pocket for our pump so that I could still BF after going back to work.