How to choose the best Breast Pump for you!
Oct 08 '01 (Updated Oct 10 '01)
The Bottom Line A breastpump can either make or break breastfeeding, research and choose carefully.
Congratulations on your decision to breastfeed!
Hi, my name is Marie. I am the proud mommy to two wonderful little boys, ages two years and six weeks. Thanks to my electric breast pump I was able to breastfeed my oldest in spite of a premature delivery and nipple confusion. My son “Boogie” was born unexpectedly 8 weeks early, and thanks to the NICU staff insisting on bottle-feeding him the first couple weeks, he developed nipple confusion and wouldn’t latch on. I was able to borrow a Lactina Select from the hospital, and established my milk supply. But when Boogie was released at five weeks old, he still wouldn’t latch on, and I was forced to return the pump and buy an Evenflo battery pump. Within a week my supply dropped from 6-8 oz per session to barely 2 oz. The Evenflo just wasn’t efficient enough for continuous use, and I was faced with switching to formula.
But my Mother-In-Law knew how important breastfeeding was, and let me borrow the money to buy a Medela Pump In Style electric breast pump. What a difference it made, and I successfully pumped all my milk out until Boogie learned to latch on at 3 months old. Choosing the right pump for my situation allowed me to enjoy a very special bond with my son, while giving him the best possibly nutrition and immunities possible.
And for whatever reason, you are considering buying a breast pump too! Perhaps you have a preemie and need to pump milk for the hospital, or you are returning to work and would like to continue breastfeeding. Or maybe you would just like to let Dad enjoy feeding the baby, or leave your child with a sitter occasionally. Or maybe you just want to pump some milk to freeze in case of an emergency. There are a lot of breast pumps out there, and each one has a different price and efficiency rate. There is really no need to spend $277 for a Medela Pump In Style if you only plan to pump occasionally, and short changing yourself by spending $40 on a battery pump will only hurt your supply if you are trying to establish your milk supply, or pumping out all your milk to bottle-feed a preemie or baby who won’t yet latch on.
So I have compiled information on every pump I can think of, to help you make the best decision for your situation. First let’s start with the battery/mini electric pumps for moms who plan to pump occasionally.
Evenflo Press & Pump Battery/Electric Breast Pump Kit:
* This Battery/Electric pump comes complete with 3-volt adapter and can operate on two C alkaline batteries
* The pump features easy suction release and low-to-high suction adjustment
* The soft silicone swivel horn allows mother to adjust the position of the pump for maximum comfort and performance
* The kit includes a 4-ounce decorated nurser, soft silicone nipple adapter for proper horn fit, breast pumping brochure and fashionable carrying case
(I used this pump; it is not for those who need to pump continuously. But my friend who pumped occasionally used it and it worked great for her. It is priced around $40.00. One great feature this pump has is the silicone pump attachment, it is much more comfortable then the hard plastic pump attachments of the Medela pumps.)
Gerber Breast Pump:
*Its soft silicone funnel conforms to any breast size, and its fingertip vacuum control ensures comfort
*Comes with a 5-ounce nurser with NUK silicone body-vent nipple and clear hood, four nursing pads, guide to breastfeeding and carrying case
(This seems to be no better then the Evenflo, but is priced at over $50.00)
Ameda Purely Yours Dual Electric Breastpump
* Offering eight adjustable suction settings and four cycle speeds, Purely Yours creates a stimulation that feels surprisingly natural and comfortable
* By choosing the settings that most closely mimic her baby, mother maximizes milk production while accommodating her individual comfort level
* Weighing only one pound and operational on either AA batteries, AC adapter, or car adapter (not included), the Purely Yours breast pump goes anywhere mothers busy schedule takes her
* The stylish black tote bag provides a discrete, organized means of carrying the Purely Yours breast pump and accessories, while keeping mothers milk safely cooled and stored for ten hours
* One-year manufacturer warranty
(The Ameda Purely Yours (Double) Pump (approx. $250 but I've seen it on line for around $150) was efficient, quiet and easy to use. The thing I liked about it is that it comes out of its case and is very small. So, when you are traveling away from the baby and have to pump it is small enough to fit in your carry on luggage along with the rest of your stuff. ~~ Janet)
Electric/Battery Breast Pump Kit:
(Brand: The First Years)
* Equipped for single or double pumping, to save time while helping you build or maintain your milk supply
* Fully adjustable for a custom fit
* Includes 2 bottles, nipple adapters, cold pack and travel case for use when away from home
And now for the more expensive, but more efficient breast pumps:
Hollister Purely Yours Electric Breast Pump
* This value-packed portable breast pump offers eight adjustable suction levels and four-cycle speeds to create a stimulation that feels both natural and comfortable
* It provides numerous variations to mimic baby's suckling, even as baby matures and grows
* It operates on three power sources, including AC adapter, AA batteries, or optional car adapter
* Weighing only one pound, Purely Yours fits into its own compact tote bag designed to hold the pump and all accessories while safely storing collected milk up to 10 hours in the insulated cooling compartment
Medela Pump In Style:
*High performance and discreet appearance that busy mothers need
*Stored in a stylish designer-look shoulder bag
*Fully automatic pump, double-pumping kit, collection bottles and cooling elements to chill expressed milk
*Double-pumping option -- a great timesaver, helps maintain milk production
*Automatic suck-release-relax cycle mimics baby's natural nursing pattern
*Adjustable pumping speed and vacuum within safe limits
(Comes with AC & Car adapter, approximate price $250)
Medela Double Pumping Kit:
* Reap the benefits of time saved during pumping
* Maintain lactation during separations from baby
* Works with the Lactina, Classic, Pump In Style, and PedalPump breastpumps
I hope that this review helps you to choose your breast pump, and you will continue nursing your baby. As you know, breastfeeding has many benefits to you and your child, and helps create a special bond between you. Please let me know if this essay has helped you, or if you have anything you would like me to add. I have tried to make this as complete as possible, but if I have missed a pump you feel worthy of mention let me know and I will add it. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay, and I hope to have helped.
Marie
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Epinions.com ID:
Betta
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Member: Marie
Location: Raeford, NC
Reviews written: 20
Trusted by: 4 members
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