which pump?

I'm trying to decide which pump to get, the Medela Pump in Style Original or Advanced version. I've been using a rented Medela Lactina, and only just realized that instead of shelling out $$$ every month I oughta just BUY something and get it over with - should have a long time ago. (Duh, mommy brain... :blush: )

Anyone have an opinion on which is the better pump? TIA...

 

The only difference I know of between the two is that the advanced has a rapid pump feature for the first 2 minutes. I was told that that helped let-down. In the early weeks I would use that at the end of the session too to help get my supply up. Did it help? I don't know. I could have nursed triplets once my supply got going! I was told at the hospital that the advanced was the way to go with twins. That said, either one will work. Many people here swear by just the original. HTH!

 

I have the PISA. I used the lactina and symphony when I was renting and it is most similar to the symphony. I've been happy with it! I suggest buying it from a LC b/c they sell them w/out a markup usually!

 

I have owned the original since I had my first singleton. Never used the advanced, but I have no complaints with the PIS. I've gone back to work at 12 weeks with my singletons and pumped successfully for a year with DS and for 9 months with DD.

Jen

 

I used the original for DD - worked full time and pumped quite a lot for a year. I always found the letdown difficult and had a hard time getting a lot of milk. Then I got a chance to try the Medela symphony (the hospital pump with the same "letdown" feature that the PIS Advanced has). It was AWESOME IMO. It helped me let down faster and pump more milk faster.

I broke the pump at the end, by dropping it, and so I had to buy a new pump this time. I got the PISA and definitely like it!

Good luck!

 

Thank you so much for your input/experiences, ladies! PISA it is.

 

I think you'll be happy with your choice!!

 

My husband and I are trying to make a list of as many things as possible that will need to be purchased before our babies are born. I am really hoping to breast feed and I know that I will have to do some pumping. Can you experts tell me which breast pump we should get so that I am most comfortable and not spending all of my time pumping? I know they are sort of expensive, but it's an expense we are willing to pay. Thank you for your advice!

 

Oops. Just realized that there is already a similar post. Sorry for the duplication. I should have read the forum a little before posting. Thanks.

 

FYI-Most LC's and bfing moms would suggest a hospital grade pump for the first few weeks/months to help establish your supply, then you can buy and use a "normal double pump".

 

How is a hospital grade pump different from the ones you can buy?

 

QUOTE(Beth*J @ Aug 12 2007, 12:14 AM) [snapback]365426[/snapback]
How is a hospital grade pump different from the ones you can buy?

More efficient, and in my experience so far, more gentle (and quieter!). There may be other differences, too. I'm using the PISA now.

 

They are MUCH stronger and efficient, so when you need to INCREASE supply they are a much better choice (when the babies are first born, if you exclusively pump, etc). If you just need one to maintain supply (going back to work, need to pump for some bottles, etc) then the PISA (regular double pump) is fine.

HTH

 

I'd stay with the hospital grade, but try to get the Medela Symphony which is portable. I believe they are stronger. If you don't care, then one ofthe personal ones are fine... but I couldn't have pumped for a year without my symphony.

Teri

 

Just a quick update - I just got the PISA and am very happy with it so far! I'm getting about the same amount I got with the rented pump. Thanks for the good advice, ladies!