First time working mum - which pump?

[bradleybecky]

Im planning on breastfeeding first baby and need a breast pump for when I'll be out on training regularly for work. (Once a week) Will leave the milk with boyfriend for the day. Any recommendations? Shall I go manual or electric? Budgets flexible. Seems like another minefield :( any advice would be appreciated.

I am with you on this! I'll be going back after 3-4 months, so trying to decide the best thing to do. I've been so far tied between the Spectra S1 (which looks an all round better system, apart from its lack of accessories/convenience in getting them) and the Medela (doesn't look quite as good, but is so much easier to get hold of spare parts/replacements). However, I'm now wondering whether I'm overthinking it and whether I should just pick up a single electric pump and a hand expresser and play it by ear. What are you thinking/what did you go for?

I would highly recommend the Ardo Calypso Double Plus breast pump. Firstly it's a closed system so you can buy/sell second hand with no worries. Having a double pump is useful for efficiency. I expressed a work with a single pump which was fine but I think it did effect my milk supply as you are time restricted.

I've found the pump itself easy to use, clean and the setting are quite powerful if you need them to be.

I had a Medea swing before that I used for 2.5 years and it was ok but milk escaped and into the filters and mechanisms which then turned black and mouldy. I was quite shocked actually.

@qate curious to know if you went for the Spectra and if so - was it any good?

@bananaramama - I'm afraid I didn't; a friend gave me her old Medela Freestyle which somewhat took the difficult decision out of my hands! In retrospect, I haven't needed any of the spares for the Medela (other than tubing which I think would have been easy to get for the Spectra) so I think if my only concern was lack of parts, then it would have been fine. Did you go for it? I still think it looked like the best option but I'd have been foolish to turn down a free freestyle!