Pumping/ new pump? Advice needed

[RachelWalsh]

My ds2 is 16 weeks, exclusively breastfed, growing fine etc. I have started working one afternoon a week and leave him with my husband or mum for around 5-6 hours while I do this. I am pumping milk to leave for him which he is happy to take from a bottle. However, I can't store my milk for longer than a day or so because it starts tasting soapy (lipase causes this I believe) so I need to get enough to leave for him by pumping the day before and the morning of the day itself. I am currently using a medela mini electric that I bought when my first son was a baby around five years ago. It seems very variable how much I get - some days loads, others not much. I know that this is partly to do with how relaxed I am etc and I can get more if I feed him off the other side but that is really awkward I find. I express daily although I don't always need the milk myself so as to try and ensure that the days I do need it it'll be there, (I freeze and donate the milk I don't use myself.)

Anyway - to finally get to my point - I'm thinking of buying a new double pump - I think the old mini electric may be on its last legs and that is effecting the amount I get BUT I don't want to spend £100 or so only to find that it makes no difference. Also I am unsure whether to get the medela swing or the ameda lactaline.

Once he is 6 months I probably wouldn't mind massively giving him formula once in a while if there isn't enough milk but I don't want to do that at the moment.

If you have got this far and have any advice/experience to share then thanks in advance :)

[ZuleikaD]

Do you have to donate the frozen milk? Why not just leave the frozen milk for your DS?

[RachelWalsh]

As I said the milk starts tasting soapy after a day so the baby won't drink it. But it's fine for donating.. Also I don't need all that milk for him and its important to me to donate. I don't HAVE to, obviously not, but I am committed to doing it.

I know I could scald the milk and inactivate the lipase but I can't be arsed to do that if I can get enough easily with a better pump. Cheers.

[RachelWalsh]

If I was able to keep it for him when I needed it then I would but he is never going to need the amount I get if I pump everyday anyway. Donated milk can save babies lives. Seems worthwhile to donate.

[ZuleikaD]

Oh I see, so it tastes odd even when it's been frozen. Well, you might get better results with a different pump - I found the Medela Swing better than the Medela mini electric I had the first time (I get a 'new' second hand one on ebay for each baby then sell it afterwards). Have you had a look at the product review section on MN? Also you can get some real bargains on ebay - people often seem to buy them and use them once before deciding it's not for them.

[lizzytee]

OP, the medela mini electric's not that durable a pump - although as with all medela pumps I would suggest changing the little white plastic valve to see if that makes a difference - you should have a spare in the box. Depending on how long/how frequently you need to express for, you could consider hiring a hospital grade pump?

[RachelWalsh]

I do have a spare white rubber seal bit, I'll try changing it and see if it makes any difference. I suspect it's just past it's best.


I'll investigate hiring one but I suspect it may make more sense just to buy a new one. Amazon seem to have them reasonably cheap. I don't think I'd be comfortable with second hand, I've read it is a bit risky.

[SarryB]

Have you tried expressing by hand? I always get so much more by hand than with an electric pump.

2nd hand ones are ok, as long as they can be completley taken apart and sterilised.