cheap but good breast pump
jamie31
Posts: 568 Member
Hey all i know there was an earlier post on breast pumps but im gonna go a little further. We have run into the problem where NO ONE is buying stuff off our registry. Everyone is just buying clothes, this means that we still need to buy alot of the important things, bottles, pack and play, bouncer/swing, crib sheets, and basically every essential item. This leaves me with the sad realization that we will just not be able to afford an expensive electric breast pump. I had wanted the Medela electic but there is just no way we will have the money for that. Since i will be working and pumping at work i really need this so that I am able to still have breast milk for the baby. Are there any moms out there who got a cheaper breast pump and was fine with it? Honestly it doesnt even need to be perfect i just need one that is electric and is gonna work.
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Have you checked to see if your health insurance covers it? I think some already do...and then, I think, in January the new health care laws make it mandatory to cover breast pumps. Another option I've heard of is to rent one from the hospital.0
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Have you checked to see if your health insurance covers it? I think some already do...and then, I think, in January the new health care laws make it mandatory to cover breast pumps. Another option I've heard of is to rent one from the hospital.
I have called and my insurance will give me $10 off a manual pump, thats all0 -
Yes, I would check with insurance, I know mine pays 50 or 100 toward it. I decided to get the medela after reading the reviews. I also got a 20% off at Babies r us, so if you sign up they will give you discounts...so that will help toward the pump.0
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U can get a used medela pump from ebay or craigslist. No it's no unsanitary... I've helped a few of my friends and family find one and they paid about$75-100 for basically a new one that costs $300 new.. People who weren't able to breast feed or pump always try to sell them. None of the machine or pump gets milk in it. You buy new tubing and new breast shields... and u will get a brand new pump basically only part that was "used" was the motor that makes the suction...0
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$10?! That is effin ridiculous.
Check this link out:
http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2011/08/02/breast_pump_rentals_to_be_covered_by_insurance_under_obamacare.html
I really do think your insurance required by law to pay for your pump (if only a rental) as of January, which should work out for you as you've got a Christmas baby coming.0 -
Although i would love the medela, I stay home and will not need anything like that so I've been looking into a cheaper electric one...I'm really thinking about the Avent double electric pump....its still $150 but half the price of a medela! And I'm sure you can find a coupon somewhere!0
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i got a letter from my health care place that says they will pay 100% of a breast pump as long as it is prdered through my Dr's office.0
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Are people including gift receipts? Return for store credit. People just like to buy cute things. The idea of buying a breast pump for someone else kind of skeeves some people out. I mean, boobs. Ew, right? LOL. Trust me, no one is going to be looking for the outfit they bought for you.0
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I used an evenflo pump last pregnancy- was about 80 bucks and worked pretty well. Had to replace a couple parts at times, but the company was good about replacing them. If you're going for cheaper- it's def a good option!0
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Are people including gift receipts? Return for store credit. People just like to buy cute things. The idea of buying a breast pump for someone else kind of skeeves some people out. I mean, boobs. Ew, right? LOL. Trust me, no one is going to be looking for the outfit they bought for you.
I wasnt expecting anyonte to buy me a breast pump, i just meant that we have sooo much other things we need to buy that i wanted to go as cheap as i could on a breast pump, but still have one that does a decent job0 -
I used the hospital-grade Medela Symphony (which rocked) for a month, and I borrowed my sister-in-law's Medela Pump-in-Style but hated it. I ended up buying the Avent double electric, which is currently about $165 plus free shipping on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Philips-AVENT-Free-Electric-Breast/dp/B004HFQOLS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350655959&sr=8-2&keywords=avent+breast+pump+electric
My review is the sixth one down when you click on reviews, called "Great pump! As good as hospital-grade Medela Symphony!, March 27, 2011" if you feel like reading it.
Double check with your insurance about pump rental. You never know if they cover it. My out-of-pocket cost last time was $75 for the month, plus I had to buy my own pump parts (probably $50 - but they work with any Medela pump). This time I will check with my insurance to see if they cover pump rental at all. I know they cover the purchase of one breast pump per year (the sheet I saw did not show a limit, so I will call before I buy), but I might buy a second simply because it is covered. Then it will give me a backup pump as well as one to keep in my office and one to keep at home. Chances are I will buy the same pump I already have.
People rarely buy breast pumps or breastfeeding accessories as gifts. I did buy some disposable breast pads and breastmilk storage bags for someone, but they were put inside a really nice diaper bag. I had recently had my son, so I was well aware of how necessary these things are and how pretty much no one buys them for you. I know she pumped up until about two months ago (so for 10 months), so I am guessing that she used them all.0 -
I ended up buying the medela in style. It had really good reviews and I've had a few friends tell me they really like their medela pumps. Of course I won't know how I like it for a few months, just bought it while I had 20% off at Babies R Us. I like how it has a whole tote with battery power option and a little cooler for when I have to pump at work...luckily it will be cold at first, but still nice. I need to submit it to my insurance this week, I think they reimburse 50 or 100, which will be nice.0
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Just a tip for those of you trying to figure out if your insurance covers your pump - mine does... and the odd thing is it's covered under "Durable Medical Equipment". So if you're talking to a customer service rep who's just looking up "breast pump" on your coverage list, it's not going to help ya unless they check your Durable Medical Equipment coverages/limitations...0
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Just a tip for those of you trying to figure out if your insurance covers your pump - mine does... and the odd thing is it's covered under "Durable Medical Equipment". So if you're talking to a customer service rep who's just looking up "breast pump" on your coverage list, it's not going to help ya unless they check your Durable Medical Equipment coverages/limitations...
Good to know!
I had issues with testing done at my first prenatal appt not being covered by insurance (meaning I was supposed to have to pay out of pocket the for the lab work, and it did not go towards my deductible), but it was supposed to be covered as part of PPACA (I checked my insurance company's basic statement, which stated that those tests were covered). The CS rep I talked to simply told me it must not fall under the requirements of PPACA if they didn't cover it and really didn't have more to offer on the topic. Meanwhile I was facing a $400 bill for lab work.
Gee, thanks, "customer service."
I ended up writing to my insurance company, and they re-evaluated the claim. They said that the tests *were* covered under PPACA, so my liability went from nearly $400 to $0.
Anyway, point being, those CS reps often have limited information, so it's worth it to put in a written inquiry so that you can have a written response with details as to what is covered as far as breast pumps (and anything else). If they later refuse to cover/reimburse, you can back yourself up with a written statement that they gave you!0 -
I can't remember the name of the first pump that I had that was pretty decent and was about $80. I did buy a cheap one when I broke the first. I can definitely say, don't go with the cheap ones. I would advise still getting a cheap single hand pump that you keep with you for times that you just may not be able to get somewhere to pump, but you do need relief. Usually when I used that one I tossed the milk because I was in a bathroom someplace because I was uncomfortable.0
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U can get a used medela pump from ebay or craigslist. No it's no unsanitary... I've helped a few of my friends and family find one and they paid about$75-100 for basically a new one that costs $300 new.. People who weren't able to breast feed or pump always try to sell them. None of the machine or pump gets milk in it. You buy new tubing and new breast shields... and u will get a brand new pump basically only part that was "used" was the motor that makes the suction...
Actually, Hygeia pumps are one of the only ones recoomended to re-sale because they are a closed system pump. Medela's pump is an open system pupm, which means there is a risk of cross contamination from another user or even mold. They are also not recommended for more than one baby. You can google open vs closed system pumps and find a lot of info.
I had a Medela pump that I used to 18 months with my first child and wished I would have known this because it is not a risk I am willing to take. I will be buying the other brand for the next baby and plan on selling it after.
http://www.breastpumps.com/open_vs_closed_systems
http://breastfedblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/open-system-vs-closed-system-pumps.html0 -
U can get a used medela pump from ebay or craigslist. No it's no unsanitary... I've helped a few of my friends and family find one and they paid about$75-100 for basically a new one that costs $300 new.. People who weren't able to breast feed or pump always try to sell them. None of the machine or pump gets milk in it. You buy new tubing and new breast shields... and u will get a brand new pump basically only part that was "used" was the motor that makes the suction...
Actually, Hygeia pumps are one of the only ones recoomended to re-sale because they are a closed system pump. Medela's pump is an open system pupm, which means there is a risk of cross contamination from another user or even mold. They are also not recommended for more than one baby. You can google open vs closed system pumps and find a lot of info.
I had a Medela pump that I used to 18 months with my first child and wished I would have known this because it is not a risk I am willing to take. I will be buying the other brand for the next baby and plan on selling it after.
http://www.breastpumps.com/open_vs_closed_systems
http://breastfedblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/open-system-vs-closed-system-pumps.html
Agreed, not only milk, but if you have a cracked nipple or something, blood can get into the pump, as well as mold.
I believe that the Avent pump I used (I think I referenced it above - it's the double electric) is a closed system. Even then I would still hesitate to buy a used pump. For the couple of hundred bucks you save, it's not worth the risk. (And to me, that is a lot of money.)0 -
Are you planning to breasfeed and need occasional pumping , are you planning pumping a lot?
I bough a cheapo avent manual pump with my first baby and it was sufficient for occasional pumping. I personally would never buy used breastpump for hygienic reason. I bought my avent manual pump from ebay with a sealed package for $20. I think it was like this:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10986697
Even if brand new from retail store only cost $45, but if you keep an eye on it, I am sure you it will go on sale eventually.
My came with 2 bottles and matching nipples and maybe 5 storage containers and that was all the pump/btle etc I eve needed. I exclusively breastfeed for 6 months and keep breastfeeding for 2 years and I find this pump was sufficient for the occasional going out and leave my hubby with the baby and breastmilk in the fridge/freezer.0 -
well i was planning on needing to pump alot but i have recently been told that I will not have a job after the end of the year ( basically when i would go on maternity leave) so i guess now i will be a stay at home mom till i am able to find a job. I will most likely just buy a manual pump for now since i wil be home all the time. Does it really matter what type of manual pump you get or are they all pretty much the same??0
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I had a playtex brand pump bought for me, it all just depends. Because I was exclusively pumping, i needed a hospital grade pump which I rented for $50 a month from a lactation consultant, because the playtex is made for occasional pumping, not exclusive. It was about $80 I think and I am planning to rent again unless someone buys me a nice one. I like the playtex, but all are different. I loved the manual Medela pump which was great for in the car and what not. So you could go for that. I actually increased my supply when I got the hospital pump by 2oz a day which was a lot for me since I only produced 13oz AT MOST. So IMO its about how often you plan to pump
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The skinny on my insurance (which is BCBS PPO in South Carolina) is that they will cover the cost of a breast pump up to $150 associated with a birth, once per year (I guess because technically I could give birth twice during a year). I have to buy it and then submit a claim form for reimbursement, but it sounds like I have to wait until the baby is born. This is fine, since I already have a pump. I was planning on buying the same one, which runs about $170, so I'll be paying $20 out of pocket (no big deal, considering I had to pay for the whole thing last time). However they did not answer my question about renting the hospital-grade pump, which I'd love to be able to do. I need to get back with them on that. I doubt they cover it, though, since coverage of a personal pump is so good. (At least my insurance is good for something, since it seems to suck on all other counts.) ETA that renting the hospital-grade pump from the lactation consultant at my hospital was $75/month in early 2011. My sister's insurance (different policy with BCBS of South Carolina) covered the pump rental 100%! So I can't emphasize enough, as it's already been said, to check with each of your own individual insurance companies on this topic! The hospital-grade pumps are FANTASTIC, so if you can get those covered 100%, it will be worth your while!
(I know the OP only gets $10 off a manual pump, but will they cover pump rental? A manual is hardly ok if you are pumping exclusively.)I will most likely just buy a manual pump for now since i wil be home all the time. Does it really matter what type of manual pump you get or are they all pretty much the same??
It really doesn't matter whether you are home or not - if you pump often, you may find that a manual pump is slow and tiring. There are single electrics that are reasonably priced; double electrics get expensive. However, double electrics are much more efficient and are thought to improve output. Usually higher cost means a better pump. Of course I didn't find that with the Avent vs. Medela, but keep in mind that buying a cheap double electric may be worse than a regularly-priced manual pump. I would go on Amazon and read reviews - that's how I ended up with mine as opposed to buying a brand-new Medela.
Edited again to add that I have heard that manual pumps are great for emergencies - like you are out and about and can't nurse/don't have your baby with you but need to express - you can pump a little and dump (assuming you don't have a place to keep the breastmilk cold until you can get home).0 -
Found this today - it might be helpful!:
http://thestir.cafemom.com/pregnancy/144718/the_best_breast_pumps_for#slideshow0
