Electric breast pump recommendations please!

[roonsma]

Im currently 20 weeks pregnant with my third baby. I'm starting to mull over decisions and I've decided to invest in a decent electric breast pump. I struggled with a low supply with my last baby but I just about scraped by. My hand pump was pants and I'm sure it didn't help looking back. Looking for any helpful information or recommendations or anything to avoid. Thanks in advance

 

[DianaB]

I exclusively pumped for my first lo and I used a medela pump in style. I loved it, I found it just as good as the hospital quality one I rented before and loved that it could run on batteries when I was out on the go (which also saved my butt during a three day power outage).

 

[lisanicole]

I use the Medela Freestyle. I love it. It is hands free. That works well for me as I pump 3x a day at work. I used it for a year with my son and so far have been using the same one for my daughter as well.

 

[Julesillini8]

With my first I also used the medela pump in style. I loved it! ( this second baby refuses a bottle, little stinker! Or I would still be using it this time around...)
Best wishes! ( this may or may not be true, but I've heard or read somewhere that with each baby, your supply increases a bit... )

 

[roonsma]

Thank you all I'm hoping we have an easier ride this time

 

[missbabes]

I'd recommend the Medela Swing, it's been an absolute god send for me.

 

[crystals5648]

Another vote for the Medela Swing here. My sister had an Avent one, but found it wasn't very powerful so also got a Medela which she said was much better.

 

[TheNewMrsB]

I have the spectra3 as it was the cheapest one that could double pump

 

[Calibeachbum]

I have the Medela Pump In Style and love it.

 

[seaweed eater]

Medela PISA. You could also look into renting a Symphony in case you have supply issues again -- that is supposedly much better for many women at increasing supply. But there is supposedly more milk with each baby, and with a good double electric pump instead of a manual pump I bet you will be fine this time around

 

[roonsma]

Thank you everyone

 

[Squiggy]

PLAYTEX DOUBLE ELECTRIC: We were trying to be frugal so we got the cheapest double electric at the store - the Playtex Double Electric. I was accidentally transferred to a lactation specialist last week on a call about a different question (tell me things don't happen for a reason!) who told me that the Playtex pump was not one that is made for daily pumping. Also, it is an atrocity to hold, I was getting really bad pains in my hands from pumping daily (probably working my way toward arthritis!). Also, the tunnels are straight instead of angled downward so you have to sit hunched forward the whole time!


AMEDA DOUBLE ELECTRIC: so I ended up getting an Ameda Double Electric pump because it looked easier to hold - it is! And it's lighter than the Playtex so my hands feel much better. And the parts are so much easier to clean (for someone without a dishwasher).
The only problem I'm having (and I just got it two days ago) is that this pump has little diaphragms that are a necessary part of the suction feature and my cram up and I have to constantly release the cap so it will pop back into shape. I really think this is a flaw because suction greatly decreases when it gets all crammed up. Ameda claims their diaphragm feature is great because it keeps air from getting into the bottle while pumping, which contaminates the milk. So then how does it help that I have to keep opening it to make the darn thing operate correctly?!! I do plan to contact someone regarding the issue.


Honestly, I say go on YouTube and research the pumps you're most considering and look for what seems to be easier to hold, easier to clean, etc. To be honest, in my own opinion, I say that COMFORT is the number one priority when it comes to pumps! Because if you're uncomfortable then you end up unmotivated to pump, which was my case with the Playtex. The Ameda is far more comfortable - makes pumping so much easier on me in every way compared to the Playtex.
Also, as my lactation lady said: make sure you look for something that is made for daily use.

 

[Proserpina]

Get a Medela Pump-In-Style or an Ameda Purely Yours. I've had the latter for about a week now and it's been great.

Never had a Medela, but have heard wonderful things about the PIS.

 

[Calif]

I have the medela symphony. I first rented it but when my prescription ran out I bought a used one on eBay. You have to be careful and call medela to check the serial number to make sure you're not buying an illegally sold rental. I love how it's so quiet and powerful and whenever my supply dips I pump a little longer and my supply is up again.

It will last through multiple kids (it doesn't need servicing till 5000 hours whereas the personal pumps are rated up to 200 or so before servicing) and the resale value on eBay is very good. Mine was from 2013 still under warranty and I got it for $850 which sounds like a lot but I've seen ones from 2007 that's been through multiple kids, selling for $700 or more.

In the end it was cheaper for me than rental ($80/month) and cheaper than formula ($100-$150/month) so I got it and am very happy with my decision.

 

[sixzigma]

i can vouch against Avent ...its easy to use and comfortable , but once you are done pumping you realize almost 30-40 ml of milk has gone wasted -the bottle leaks from all sides

 

[Peppermint25]

I had the avent manual Isis which was absolutely no use so I invested in a madela swing which works amazingly! It pumps fast and I have had no problems so far x

 

[tekkitten]

I'm glad to hear all these good reviews on medela PIS. Mine is in the mail Should be getting it next week, very excited to give it a go.