Electronic Breast Pumps

[calpolatdawn]

Hi everyone, im due (could change with the scan) 18th Dec, im 8 weeks along. This is my third, i had real problems trying to breast feed before, not producing enough, and only managed 4 months at the most. im. wanting a good electric breast pump, what are the best kinds?

I have the Mandela swing and been pleased with it. Easy to use and clean etc.

just googled it looks good, when are you supposed to use the breast pumps?

Hi @calpolatdawn is it ok if I jump on here too, as I'm also looking to get a breast pump to increase supply (expecting I may have a c section so a bit worried about breastfeeding being difficult).

I heard the Mandela swing and calypso double plus were supposed to be good (but don't have any experience of them myself).

Also interested in when you are supposed to use them, plus whether it is worth getting a double or just a single?

First time mum...Thanks for the handy thread..Could do with the advice too!

I'm BF my 10 month old but we had terrible problems with her latch at the start, I didn't BF her until she was 10 days old, during that time I borrowed a hospital grade pump from the midwives for a couple of days and then bought the single medela swing. I pumped every 3 hours night and day. It was tough but we were awake anyway with a newborn. That hard work at the start ensured I had a great supply, then we had an appointment to sort the latch out and we've been merrily BF ever since. I still use it if I need to pump for comfort, some nights she feeds less and I'm very full in the morning so I use it if she's not interested in milk and just wants her breakfast.

I'd recommend the medela swing and I'd personally go for a single because I held my baby with the other hand.

My boobs aren't the right shape for the elvie but they look great too - hands free!

@thebigthreefive that's really helpful thanks!

Did you pump from both breasts each time, or alternative?

I have a Phillip's Avent breast pump which I have had a lot of success with. I did have to get it replaced after 3 months because the motor burned out but that was because I use it exclusively to feed my baby so it was running a lot. They sent me a cheque no questions asked because it was still under warranty and I bought the same one again, but it's an updated model.

@KnobwithaK I did both sides at each session, the pumps will have their own settings, but you get the breast ready with with fast pumps but low suction and then the opposite when your milk starts coming out. It's amazing to see.

The medela has a button to start it and then another when the milk starts going through the pump. Once you've done it once you'll get the hang of it. I think each pump probably takes max 20 mins, so 10 mins each side.

Another vote for the Mandela swing and buy a pumping bra - I got a cheap one of Amazon, it’s a god send for being truly hands free.

thanks for the replies, ill definitely look into a mandela swingl

@calpolatdawn If you are planning to pump regularly I would recommend the Elvie if you can afford the price tag! You just out it in your bra so if your wanting to get your supply up it is kich easier that having the whole pump system

yeah i am, i want to see how much i can actually produce and hand pumps dont do a great deal for me. hoping to encourage more, thanks ill have a Google.

I'd recommend medela or specta double pumps but the hakaa pump to to capture anything leaking while feeding.

Bf has worked better for me for each successive dc. Ask your midwife to refer you to bf clinic in the first few days if needed and immediate tongue tie check

Although friend swears by the LV/ELVIE(?) for wasy hands free on the go pumping

If you've previously had problems with supply then don't bother with anything other than a hospital grade double pump at first. You can usually borrow or hire one from the infant feeding team. Medela Swing and Elvie are great (although the latter is £££) once your supply is established.

is a hospital grade one much stronger?

I’d recommend hiring the medela hospital grade pump.
www.medela-rental.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqo_wxsSp6QIVFuDtCh1JsAxFEAAYASABEgKMv_D_BwE

It is by far the best pump I have tried. If you have a spare £1500(!!) you can buy one.

You can double pump with it. The main downside is that it isn’t really portable.

I've bought the ardo calypso double. My friend had the Medela and she said it was great but a bit noisy and unwieldy and has switched to the elvie. I would love an elvie but I need a double and can't justify the price. I've seen reviews suggesting the ardo is good for twins and very quiet which is why I went with it. But it's a bit daunting now I've got it! I'm planning on getting a couple of hands-free pumping bras I've seen in the hopes that'll make it a bit more manageable.