Breast pump ? for BTDT moms

I am debating whether to buy a pump or rent a hospital grade pump. I have heard that the hospital grade pumps work better and faster. DH is a little grossed out about other people using it before me, but this doesn't really bother me.

I would like to breast feed, but if it becomes too difficult, I am not opposed to formula feeding. I am hoping to stay home for at least 6 months and do not plan to BF when I go back to work.

What do you think? TIA!

ETA: I might change my mind, but I don't think there will be a baby #2

Message edited 9/8/2007 10:36:51 AM.

Re: Breast pump ? for BTDT moms

I did not see a difference in the pumps, however I did rent one first to make sure that I would BF long-term. I rented for a month, then I bought the Medela Pump In Style.

I did not want to be stuck with a pump if I could not use it

Re: Breast pump ? for BTDT moms

I waited to buy the pump until BFing was well established (they are not returnable at the stores)... and ended up with the Medela Pump In Style as well. I figured that I wanted to own it since I would be BFing for more than a few months, and hopefully use it the second time around, so we considered it an investment

Re: Breast pump ? for BTDT moms

I originally planned on renting one at first then buy a pump.

I waiting 4.5 weeks then decided that I could stick to BF so I actually bought the pump. I EBF for the first 4.5 weeks. I got the PIS advanced and had no problem with supply with it.

ETA. You could rent one first to see how it works but if you plan on BF for several months, don't rent it for that long. Renting is about $60-70/month plus the $50 of new tubing/parts. A new pump is about $250-$300 (PIS is about $250 and PIS advanced is $320). If you calculate the usage of 5 months at $60/month (cheaper estimate) and the $50 for parts. You are right at $350. But you have nothing to show for afterwards. So if you plan for #2, buy it after you rent for 1 month. Also, you can always sell the pump. People are looking for used pumps.

Message edited 9/8/2007 11:03:09 AM.

Re: Breast pump ? for BTDT moms

I initially rented a hospital grade pump for a month (you have to buy the disposable parts...nothing is unsanitary on it...you are only reusing the pump, but all the attachments are new).

Then I bought the Medela Pump in Style Advanced.

Personally I don't think the hospital grade one was much more "powerful" than the one I have now.

Also to rent the pump it is expensive...about 50. for the attachments & then 60 or so per month so buying may be the best option, esp. if this is your first child (& you plan on having more).

Re: Breast pump ? for BTDT moms

I had initially planned on renting one from the hospital but found out when I was in the hospital that it was pretty expensive to rent since you had to buy the kit and pay the rental fee so I just went and bought the Pump In Style at BRU (I had a ton of gift cards so nothing came out of pocket and I will use it for the next baby as well)

Re: Breast pump ? for BTDT moms

Since you only plan to BF for 6 months and you say you'd probably go to formula if it proves difficult, I would hold off on buying a pump. You cannot return them. If you do choose to stick with it after you've tried it, I would purchase one based on the type of usage.

If you are EBF for that time and want to give an occasional bottle, you should purchase an inexpensive hand pump. If you decide to EPBM, then you would want to buy an expensive double pump like the PIS, PISA or another comparable brand. It would still be cheaper than renting.

Re: Breast pump ? for BTDT moms

There's nothing gross about renting a hospital pump. You have to buy the parts that actually touch milk. The pump itself never touches milk, just pumps air.

I rented a pump and then bought one. I wanted to make sure I was going to be able to BF.

Re: Breast pump ? for BTDT moms

I used both and the hospital grade is bulkier but more efficient. If you're not sure about BFing then maybe renting a hospital grade is the way to go.

Don't worry, all parts that have any chance of coming into contact with milk are totally separate - it's basically the motor that you're renting.

I almost wish I bought a hospital grade pump because now one friend after the other is preggo - we could have passed the pump around without worrie of contamination instead of buying one for 200+ dollars because we're pumping when back to work.

If you do change your mind and decide to pump when you go back to work, those pumps are easier to lug around and the 200+ bucks are definately worth the $$.