Manual pumps...Opinions?

I used the Avent Isis for 2 kids and LOVED it. The first time I used it for 6 mos. and the second for almost a year, and it held up. It was incredibly easy to use and not painful at all.

I don't have experience with manual pumps, but I just wanted to suggest looking on Ebay for electronic pumps. I found my Medela there for $50. (You'll definitely want to order new tubing though!)

I have two children (3 & 2). I breastfed both, so I had to work and pump too. With my first baby, Madie, I had a manual pump and it took FOREVER to pump and it was not easy to always find time and space for it. While at the hospital for my second, Jack, they offered the Medala pumps that had been discontinued because they had recently changed their packaging, but basically it was the same thing. It was the difference between night and day! I would highly recommend going with the heavy duty pumps. I would be done on both sides pumping in 10 minutes or less each time, and it seemed like I produced way more than with my first. (Which helped since Jack was a healthy eater!) If it is an option, I would definitely go with the electronic pump over the hand held. Way less stressful!

I didn't have luck with the Avent manual pump. We ended up getting the Medela Pump In Style. I truly felt like it was worth the money. It is quick, and you can do both sides at once. This makes all the difference if you are pumping at work and don't have much time. Our health insurance gave us a $50 rebate on a breast pump, so maybe look into that to help with the cost either way. Good luck!

HI Tia,

I had a HORRIBLE experience with the manual pump, specifically the Advent pump. It didn't work! If you are going to be pumping at work, it would take FOREVER if you used the manual pump. I was lucky enough to borrow an expensive electric pump from a friend. You just buy new attachments for it. If you don't have a friend you can borrow one from, maybe check out e-bay and see if there are any for sale. I know they are VERY expensive but so worth it!

Good Luck!

I responded before and I still think manual pumps are the way to go. I used the Avent Isis and I plan on using it again if we are blessed with another child in the future. I pumped multiple times a day when I went back to work and it was fast and effective. I know you can rent electric pumps (I didn't even look into that option for myself) but when I used one, I just didn't think it was nearly as effective as the manual pump. It took more time with less milk pumped. I just felt more in control with the manual pump.

Good luck!

Hi Katheryn,
Do you have medical insurance? Most insurance carriers will cover the cost of the breast pump rental from the hospital. But, they usually get rented quickly, check with the hospital and your insurance company. I breastfed my daughter (now 2), and I was not found of the manual pumps. I don't know if it was just me not being able to make the "pumps" consistent or what it was but it didn't work for me. My friend bought a Medela electric pump, it wasn't expensive, but worked excellent. She said the only downfall was you could only do one side at a time. Hope this helps and congrats!!!

I use the medela pump in style electric pump and love it, I pump 4 times a day since I work full time and it only takes 1/2 hour out of my lunch from set up to clean up. I'm not sure what hospital you will be delivering at, but I'm pretty sure that Aultman hospital in Canton rents pumps for $1 a day.

I don't remember what brand it was, but I used a manual pump when I had my daughter 3 1/2 years ago. I pumped about 12oz. per day. Once I left it at work, so my husband went out and bought an electric one for me. I hated it. I didn't work at all. No milk came out!!

Now we are due with our second baby in Aug. and I will be getting another manual pump for sure.

I know Mt.Carmel West rents theirs for about $50 per month. If I would have known I would have needed one, I would have put the $50 per month away BEFORE the baby was born and I would have been able to buy my own. I stay home, and had milk production problems. I used the hospital one for about 2 months, but honestly liked the Avent manual one better (more comfy). BUT, if you will be pumping a lot, an electric is better.
Hope it helps,
~Jenn

Please keep in mind the money saved by not having to resort to formula will certainly pay for and, depending upon the duration of breastfeeding (the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first year), still save money over the extra money spent on a good electric pump. You have plenty of time now to start putting a few dollars a week into an envelope or drawer to save up to purchase an good electric pump - Medella has fantastic ones that will really work well for as much as you'll be needing to pump. For some women, the manual pumps or cheap electric ones provide enough stimulation to get the milk out and to keep up your breastmilk supply; however, I know in my case, I really needed the quality electric pump and it worked really well and helped keep my supply up (your body knows the difference between a pump and baby and some women's bodies need a baby to get the most milk out and keep supply up when you have to pump that often). You can always get advice from a local Le Leche League Leader. To find a moms breastfeeding support group meeting or a leader (who will give you free advice over the phone or at a meeting), go to www.lelecheleague.org). The Le Leche League website also has a ton of good information. You can also contact a lactation specialist - you can find one and good information about breastfeeding at www.breastfeeding.com.
Best Wishes!
J.

Have you thought of renting a breast pump? That will allow you to use a really good one without needing to find the money to buy one. OSU Med has a rental service, or you could ask a doctor for a recommendation.

I used a Ameda Purely yours pump that I bought for most of my pumping until we had my son. We were going out of town and I needed to pump but didn't really want to take my machine with all its parts. A friend of mine had the isis and she wasn't using it so she let me borrow it for the weekend and I was shocked at how awesome it was for a manual pump. I like it just as much as my purely yours...If not better since it travels so much easier. So I bought it since it was cheap and I used both depending on where we were. I actually found myself using the isis more. Those days are gone but we haven't decided we are done and hubby hasn't had surgery..so I'm not getting rid of them yet. I would get the Isis..I think you'll like it.

i used the avent isis, and i loved it, my SIL used it and loved it as well. works well, and is pain free.
i think renting from the hospital is like $1 or $2 a day. you could call and asks and i am sure they would tell you the price.

plus you could look at babyland and buy a medela used, you could easily sterilize it if you buy it used.

good luck

I used the Iris with each of my two kids. It worked very well for me. Once I returned to work I pumped 2 or 3 times a day. For 7 months with my son, for 5 with my daughter. The pump held up for me, but I bought a new one with each kid. I did not feel like the one I had with my son would have lasted though what I needed with my daughter. But for the price, I didn’t have a problem with buying two.

I LOVE my Avent pump. I got is almost 8 yrs ago and after going thru 3 kids it finally had a piece beak. I went to get a new one,(we just had another baby) and the store I went to didnt carry it. So I bought the Gerber manual pump. I hate it. I am like the pumping queen with the Isis, but am lucky to get 3 oz with the Gerber. Thats pumping both sides. I will be going out and finding me another Isis very soon. I would definately reccomend the Isis. I have had cheap electric pumps, and the Isis was a replacement for them. Hope this helps.

I hand a singl hand pump and it worked for me but I normally only had to pump once a day. Many many people LOVE the good electric pumps. They keep you more "wet" than a hand pump or cheap pump. The hospitals tend to rent at like $22/week. It could get costly long term but it could work if you wanted to try one for a week or so and find out if it will really work for you or not. Best of luck!

I used the Avent Isis with my daughter and loved it. When I went back to work I was convinced that I needed an electric in order to keep my milk production up so we bought a Medela (one of the smaller ones) and I can honestly say the Avent did a better job for me. I had more control and I just was able to get more milk. It was also more comfortable. I have nothing but great things to say about this pump and would recommend it to anyone. I have since given away my Medela but plan on using the Isis again with our next child (whenever that may be.

K.,
I would strongly recommend investing in a Medela pump. I used a manual pump while in the hospital, and ended up getting mastitis, a high grade temp, etc because I was not getting the milk out effectively and efficiently. I have the Pump In Style, and it is great. It is housed in a backpack, and comes with bottles, pumps, insulated pack that holds four bottles and the ice pack. You can even use it on car rides, as it comes with a battery pack. It was expensive, but we were able to get mine at a discounted price. We went on e-bay, and purchased it from a Medela representative. It was brand new (very important!). I think we paid 200 for it. To rent a pump from a hospital will end up being more expensive than investing in your own. Plus, the one I rented from a hospital briefly while waiting on my own to arrive was bulky. I would not want to lug that thing in and out, day after day. If you are planning on having more children, it is an even better idea to purchase your own.

Good Luck,

N.

I have a 16 month old who to our suprise came a month early. Because of her early arrival the lactation nurse at the hospital recommended that we rent a hospital quality pump and because of that our insurance covered part of the rental. Our hospital didn't rent them but there was a lactation specialist that was't too far away that did. You can find them in the phone book I think or you could call your hospitals lactation support line and ask them for suggestions/ locations.
So for the first month we had the rental pump which if I can remember in my baby fog... it was about $150 for the month before the insurance. After the hospital pump went back I was using a hand pump. I do not recommend this for expressing at work because it takes a lot longer to do than using a electric pump. and if you only have 15 minute breaks it took me longer than that to set up, pump both and then measure, label, package then clean the pump parts. I broke down and purchased a Medela pump (the one in the backpack, its convienent for hauling back and forth to work...)I searched for good prices on the internet. At the time I found one from a location in Boston. After really thinking about the cost and the amount of time and frequency of use. It really wasn't that much. I am very glad that I spent the money on the electric pump, I don't think I would have nursed her for as long(one yr) as I did if I didn't have that pump.
L.

Hi, I too did not want to spend a lot of money and a pump especially since I was only going to need it occasionally. I bought the medela single electric pump. It was $60 at Babies R Us. I pump now about three times a week and the pump works great. Also with Medela they replace the motor without hassle or questions and this is nice since it is not the most expensive and could possible burn out. Good Luck.

I would recommend the Avent Isis pump. I have used it with all three of my children. My youngest is 4 months and I currently pump 2 times per day, unless he is in a growth spurt and 3 times is necessary to make it through that day comfortably. I own an Ameda pump... tried several times to use it, but I couldn't let down with the sound of the motor... in fact, it is nearly brand new. I like that my hand pump is quiet and faster for me - I can express 4 ounces in 8 minutes now! Save your money and go manual... you won't regret it!

I tried to use a manual pump with both of my kids and all it
did was cause my breasts to get ingorged, if you really want to save yourself some pain invest into the electric. I did after 2 weeks and I'll tell you the Medulla Electric breast pump was a life saver. Good Luck

I expressed after my twins were born with an electrical one we rented from the hospital (Riverside). The cost was approximately $125.00/month. The tubing was free and there was a case with a handle for easy transportation.

i have a electric breastpump that i never used, i used a manual one for a short time. i never went back to work so needing one wasn't an issue. i am now trying to sell the electric breastpump, if your interested in buying it let me know ###-###-####.J.

I had an electric evenflo it wasn't the best but it did the job and kept my supply way up, to the point that I thought I was producing too much! Anyway, with each "pump" I hand expressed, it went alot faster and worked great. If manual is the way you want to go try hand epressing with the pumps to speed up the time.

I liked the Avent Isis pump and got pretty good results (amount of milk), but I had carpal tunnel syndrome so it KILLED my hands. I definitely wouldn't want to use it 3x a day on both sides. It took a little longer than the Rented electric one, also. But then again, it sure was quieter and easier to tote around.
I rented one for a month, I don't recall it being $125 though. I was going to say $22 for the month but maybe I am thinking of a week, it's been a few years.
A GREAT person to talk to is Pat Bucknell, BA, IBCLC. She is a lactation consultant that I used and believe me they are NOT all created equal! She is super nice and very experienced and was able to help me when others weren't. I got my pump from her, so she'd be able to tell you current rates also. She has a business called "Mother's Helper." The number is ###-###-#### or check out www.mothershelper.com
She also has a free breastfeeding support group at St. John Westshore Hospital, used to be Wed. mornings...great to go at the beginning especially.
Hope that helps!
Lynn
Edited: I looked at the website and it shows the Lactina pump (the one I used) goes for $50 a month, or $40/mth with a longer term commitment.
Also, I recall using some device that made it hands free (tucked into the nursing flaps on your bra).

Hey KZ,

I have an electric pump you can have (finshed breast feeding two months ago) if you want to pick it up or provide me with your address for mailing. I think it maybe an Avent or something like that (bought it at Target). Worked GREAT for me.

Send me an email, and I'll send it.

Katheryn,

I received a manual pump from the hospital when I had my daughter. Granted that was almost 7 years ago. I actually found the hand pump very comfortable and easy to use. The pump was small and only came with one bottle, but I would just fill a container after I was finished pumping. It may not have been the newest thing on the market, but it was free, comfortable, and got the job done.

I'm sure if you called the maternity ward they would be able to tell you if this is something they offer.

Good to luck to you and your expanding family!

I know you said you cannot afford a "good" electric pump but Please take some time and check out ebay and craigslist.com. I got my Medlea Pump in Style for $50, and honestly what is more expensive 5 - 12 oz cans of powder formula or 1 breast pump.

I have always used the Medela Pump In Style and love it! Highly recommend it.

You may want to check with your insurance company... some will pay for all or a portion of your costs for a pump. Also, check with your employer and your husband's employer for any programs they may have (check with the Employee Assistance Program - EAP) - that is how I bought my last PIS and my company paid for a large portion of my pump!

Hi Katheryn:
Congrats on your impending arrival! I have never used a manual pump, but my friend just had a baby and the hospital sent her home with one. I've never heard her cuss so much! She got so frustrated and said it took forever and made her hands and arms exhausted from the effort. I recommended the Medela Pump In Style and she's never looked back. Maybe manual pumping gets better with practice, but take it from someone who's been pumping at work 3x a day for the last 10 months -- you need something that's efficient, encourages fast let down, pumps BOTH SIDES at once, and quiet. My Pump In Style was my best friend. I took it everywhere and even pumped in the car on more than one occasion (not while driving, of course!). It's well worth the cash if you can manage to save up and find a deal, as everyone noted. I got a brand new one on eBay for $200 -- I think at Babies-R-Us they're over $300. It's SO GREAT that you're planning to give your baby breastmilk...whatever pump you decide, it really pays off! Good luck...

Katheryn,

I am getting ready to have my 3rd child. With my 1st child I bought the avent manual pump. It worked okay for me, it also hurt my hands and I had problems with the suction on it becoming loose all the time. I ended up borrowing a Medela Pump in Style and it was amazing. When I got pregnant with my 2nd (which I thought was going to be my last) I went ahead and spent the money and bought the Medela. Honestly it is SOOOO worth the money if you plan to pump for awhile. I was able to pump 3 times a day at work and continued to breast feed my son for 8 months while working full time. After using both, I know there was no way I would have been able to pump 3 times a day at work with the Avent Isis and get as much milk as I did with the Medela. I know many people resell them afterwards too on Ebay and such so most likely you will get your money's worth and then some money back. Definately consider the Medela!

Hi Katheryn,

I pumpped for 1 1/2 yrs with my last and would have gone longer had I not found out I'm expecting my fourth! I'm not one of those that can pump a bottle out of each side at a time and there is no way I would have gone for so long had I not had the electric pump I rented from the local hosp. It can be stressful pumping at work, hoping to get enough for the next few days of work when your little one won't take formula! Anything that makes that easier is worth it. The Hosp. pump averaged about 40 dollars a month and after thinking it through just buying a Madella from the hosp for 210.00 would have saved a lot of money compared to renting or even formula purchase. I agree that saving up now a little at a time is absolutely the best way to go.

Maybe you can troll e-bay and find a used Medela Pump-In-Style or an Ameda Purely Yours. Naturally you will want to buy your own tubing/accessories because, quite frankly, to do otherwise - i.e. use someone else's tubes and shells - is not hygenic and gross.

I use the Avent Isis & like it alot. It was given to me 4 years ago with my son. I used it for 6 weeks for him. I now use it with my daughter. I was using it 3-4 times a day. It did break & I had to replace a part. But, I found out that they have since redesigned it & that part won't break again. I use it 3 times a day. My daughter is 6 months old & I have used it since birth, except for about 4 weeks. During that time I used the Evenflo electric. Hated it! I think that might be the reason for my supply diminishing. Since starting back with the Isis, I have been able to bring my supply up a little. I have also (thanks to you) been manually expressing. It's not something that I think that I could do full time, but in coordination with my pump, I am able to supply enough milk for my daughter. I don't believe what people say about using a "hospital quality" pump. I don't think that you have to spend a ton of money to get a good supply.