pump suggestions pls...

kimberley wrote: ok, so i really want/need a bit of baby-free time when this one comes, but still want to nurse and give bm in a bottle (maybe half and half). any suggestions on better pumps to use (i have a crappy manual one now) and how soon to intro the bottle. i think it will make a big difference if DH can be a part of the feedings from the start and i will be able to tend to the other kids too. tia.

amynicole21 replied: Well, if you will have long periods away from baby, will pump regularly and have the money to spend, a Medela Pump in Style is the best way to go. If you will just be using it every once in a while, try an Avent Isis. These are the ones that get the best reviews from lots of pumping moms. I have the Medela for everyday pumping and it's great.

Also, try to into the bottle as soon as baby has settled into a good latch. If you are having trouble with latching or nursing in general, wait the requisite 3 weeks, but otherwise start sooner. And keep up with it! Don't assume that if baby takes the bottle a few times in the beginning that she'll continue to take it with no problems. Somehow they forget down the road and it's far more challenging when they're older (trust me ).

kimberley replied: thanks Amy . do you know if the Medela Pump in Style can be bought second hand? they are kinda pricey . i know there are issues with bacteria and pumps but heard there are some that you just buy new parts for and they are reuseable.

paradisemommy replied: i have the Medela PIS and absolutely love it - but it is pretty pricey..i was totally bummed because my old motor went out but my sister gave me hers..SCORE!!!!

if you can swing it, i'd definitely invest in it! it's wonderful!!

i don't know if they have anything where you are at..(in fact i forgot where you are located) but if you go to www.craigslist.com and look on the far right - try and find your city then if you are lucky and can find a listing for your city, look under for sale baby + kids..i've seen quite a few over here for the medela...so maybe you can luck out too!!

kimberley replied: thanks Tammy! i actually have craig's list bookmarked for here lol. gonna go check it out.

coasterqueen replied: I agree on the PIS. I would NOT buy one used, though. I need to find the article on it, but those pumps are not closed systems, therefore diseases can be transmitted through them. Now if you know a personal close friend or relative you could get one from them, but that's as far as I'd go with getting one used.

I'll dig up the article and put it here as soonas I can find it .

booey2 replied: Hi Kimberly,

I have no suggestions on specific pumps but call around to see if you can rent a hospital kind. I looked into it briefly with Thomas but never followed up with it and wished I had. My sister bought be a gerber electric one but could only get less than 1 ounce with it. Try your mid-wives and see if the can recommend a place to rent one.

coasterqueen replied: Okay, here's my link on "are used pumps safe"......http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/bf-links-pumps.html.

Scroll down a bit on the page and you will see two articles on the subject. HTH!

Oh and you may find the rest of the link helpful in deciding what type of pump you want.

mckayleesmom replied: I have Baileys Nature lll pump.....its nice and really powerful.....Just not a pump that you would want to drag around with you. Works great if you keep it at home. And you can buy all new parts for it..including tubing...so there is no chance of disease transfer...the motor detaches from everything.

kimberley replied: thanks for the links, Karen! scary stuff on used pumps .

one of the links did show 3 "closed" system pumps..

Medela Lactina Select
Whisper Wear Double Pump
Ameda Purely Yours

anyone use any of these personally? i am gonna read around about them and see. otherwise, i will start saving my pennies for the Medela PIS or ask Santa for it

booey2 replied: Here is a link to rentals in Pickering, you can pick them up there. Not sure if you were planning on more children after this one but renting can be a more cost effective alternative.

pump renals in pickering

maestra replied:
I think that would depend on how long you want to use it- if you wanted to have it for say 6 months, it would be cheaper to buy a Pump in Style than to rent. But if you just wanted it for a month or two, then renting is cheaper.

We looked into it when Jaci was born. We ended up buying the PIS because I knew I would be bf for at least 6 months.

coasterqueen replied:
I don't have personal experience, but the Ameda PY is recommended up there w/the PIS. I've heard unstable things about the whisper wear. Now I've heard that the Playtex Embrace is a closed system but it's so new there really isn't any literature on it.

jcc64 replied: I had the Pump In Style which worked great, but really was a pain in the behind to lug all over NYC on work days (very big and bulky), so I also got an Advent Isis- a fabulous manual pump that I actually got more milk with than the PIS. No batteries, no cords, was great in airports and bathroom stalls, light, easy to carry and store, and a bargain at $40. I'm a big fan, can't you tell?

Lynda&Jinna replied: I have the Ameda Purely Yours Plus and I like it a lot. It is a closed system so it's reusable with new parts. (If you want to try and buy a used one) It's also the only FDA approved pump. I found a website that sells them for about half the retail price. I think it's healthcheck systems. Google it and you should be able to find the site. I got mine for about $170 and it retails for like $313 I think. Numbers aren't exact.

kimberley replied: thanks for all the advice.

Sweet Tammy (tavenmommy) sent me a beautiful surprise shower gift on Jeanne's suggestion and we will both be using the Avent Isis. thank you Tammy! you are pure gold!!!