Click on the "more information" to see other breast pump reviews by customers that actually bought and tried these breast pumps and breast pump accessories! You can then determine the best breast pump for you.
Customer Review: I bought this pump for my wife because she has one that is manual and it's getting hard for her using it so I bought this madela pump in style because I thought it will work good because I paid too much for it. She called madela costumer service and says that it will take some time for her to get... more info
Customer Review: I originally bought the Medela Harmony (comparable to this pump in style/size/price) and had trouble getting out much milk. Also, the suction stopped working and I had to exchange it. I bought this one only because they were out of the Harmony and it ends up I like this one better! Better... more info
Customer Review: This is truly a wonderful breast pump. I have used Medela's "Pump in Style", but I prefer this for its convenience and ease at using. I am a stay-at=home mom and my need for a breast pump is very limited. The only problem (and it is only a small problem)I have with this product is that it is not... more info
Customer Review: My daughter who is merely 17 had a great deal of trouble nursing her son during the first few weeks. After some research we discovered the Easy Comfort. This pump allowed her to express five ounces from each breast in a 30 minute period. She finds this particular pump very comfortable and loves it's... more info
Customer Review: I originally was going to rent a breast pump but after figuring out the monthly cost and deciding to breast feed for at least six months it was more cost efficient to buy a pump, especially if we decide to have another baby at some point. Plus, the Pump in Style, is just that, stylish. Nobody,... more info
Customer Review: This is a wonderful pump. Tried to BF my daughter, to make a long story short, we tried for 6 weeks. Finally I gave up and decided to pump exclusively. Went out and purchased this pump and was able to use it until I decided to stop which was at 1 year with my daughter. I never had any problems and... more info
Customer Review: I originally bought a Gerber single electric pump and it left my nipples very sore and enlarged. I had heard that the Medela pumps were highly recommended, so I took a chance and paid $130.00 for it. I've been using it for about four months now and couldn't be happier. I'm completely satisfied with... more info
Customer Review: I purchased this pump for the "comfort factor". I have a bruised areloa & a open sore. Playtex rep said " the motor is very powerful" " that is why it hurts". She then proceeded to tell me to rub my milk on my breast before I pump, hopefully that will help. If not there is nothing they can... more info
Customer Review: After my dauhter was born I found that I did not produce enough milk. Two weeks after I bought an expensive electric pump the motor burnt out. After that I purchased the Natural Comfort Electric Breastpump from the First Years and was able to produce more milk in less time.
In most countries, breastfeeding continues until the child's fourth birthday, and for good reason. It's free and convenient. It reduces the incidence of colic, allergies, obesity, diabetes, ear infections, and learning disorders during childhood, and breastfed babies are less likely to have high cholesterol levels or heart disease later in life. A study by American Family Physician found that 97 percent of formula-fed babies became ill in their first 6 months, compared to just a quarter of breastfed babies. Breastfeeding builds a brainy baby: a mother's milk contains all the fatty acids a newborn's brain needs for proper development. It doesn't require fumbling to prepare a bottle for those 2 a.m. feedings, it's less expensive than formula, and it promotes mother/baby bonding. Moms who breastfeed find they lose their "baby fat" without dieting or exercising.
While any new mother will attest that while breastfeeding can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in life, there can be some not-so-pleasant side effects from constantly feeding a ravenous newborn--sore nipples, an aching back, and just plain exhaustion. It takes more extra daily calories to breastfeed than it does to be pregnant (500 compared to 300); when you're not feeding the baby, you'll be feeding yourself! In addition to a steady supply of nutritious meals and snacks, a breastfeeding mom needs some TLC to help her out, and breastfeeding pillows, well-fitting nursing bras, and other breastfeeding supplies are just what the doctor ordered.
What to Buy Before Baby Arrives: The Basics
Chances are, you won't be in the mood or have the time to shop for these things after your special delivery. Take care of them now and you'll thank yourself later! The basics include:
Nursing Bras "How will I know when my milk has come in?" is a comical question to those who've experienced it. Don't worry--you'll know, that's for sure! It's tricky to figure out what size nursing bra you'll need after the baby's born, so it's a good idea to have a few on hand that are a full cup and band size larger than your seven- or eight-month maternity size, and maybe even some bra extenders, too.
Nipple Shields They may look like goofy little plastic flying saucers, but some women swear by nipple shields, which are worn to hold one's bra away from the skin to increase air circulation around the nipple, helping to heal cracking and soreness.
Nursing Lanolin A tube of PureLan or Lansinoh is a comforting sight, especially for first-time moms. (It's a super baby shower gift, too.) They're pure medical-grade lanolin that doesn't need to be washed off before feedings. You might want to keep two tubes on hand--one for home, one for the diaper bag.
Breast Pads In the beginning, you're going to leak. A lot. (Whenever you hear your baby cry, or even think about her!) Disposable breast pads are convenient, especially while you're out and about, but reusable, machine-washable cotton and wool ones are more absorbent (and therefore best for nighttime), and more economical.
Breastfeeding Accessories Nursing Stools You run a strong enough risk of needing chiropractice in the years ahead from horsing around, playing piggyback, lifting your child in and out of the car seat, and just picking her up and carrying her around. You don't need breastfeeding to contribute to your potential back woes; all those hours of breastfeeding while slouching can add up quickly to produce back strain. It's a miracle the difference a little nursing stool to prop up your feet just right can make, helping to prevent mid- and lower-back pain during the breastfeeding months (or years!).
PillowsThere's good reason why the Boppy is a breastfeeding woman's best friend; it props a newborn up at just the right height to make mealtime a pleasant experience for both baby and mom. You may feel a little funny using it, your childless friends may mock the name of it ("Isn't 'Boppy' one of Barney's friends?"), but you'll soon want yours permanently attached to your body. Later on, it can double as a handy little support for your baby when she's learning to sit up on her own.
Shawls and Covers It's hard to believe how sexualized breasts have become in our culture--and how it seems that babies squeal with hunger whenever there's no quiet, private spot to feed them. A shawl serves double duty: it gives privacy to mom and tunes out the world for baby, providing a little cozy, quiet spot for nursing in contentment.
Breast Pumps
Key Features For women not in the mood to think about returning to work, it's easy to procrastinate in the search for a pump. It's a good idea, though, to practice using one and getting baby accustomed to a bottle a few weeks before you go back, and thankfully, today's pumps are compact, simple to set up, and efficient.
Manual Pumps If you don't plan to return to work, or know you'll need to pump just a few times a week, a relatively inexpensive manual pump like the Isis model from Avent is probably all you'll need for those times when you need to leave a bottle or two with your partner or caregiver. They're lightweight and quiet, but can require up to half an hour to pump both breasts, don't allow for adjustable suction, and can provide more thumb and wrist exercise than you ever bargained for.
Mini Electric Pumps A step up from manual pumps are the compact, mini electric varieties, many of which can operate manually, with batteries, or electrically. These don't usually come with several collection bottles the way that full-size pumps do, but are ideal for occasional use or travel.
Full-Size Electric Pumps The Medela Pump In Style and Ameda Egnell Purely Yours electric breast pumps are the two most popular choices for working moms because they're lightweight, quick to assemble, easy to use, and efficient, and may even be covered by health insurance. Their motors are under warranty usually for a year. This type of pump is well worth investing in if you'll be pumping daily for a while, or plan on having more than one baby. While noisier and heavier than the mini electric pumps, they make up for these drawbacks in comfort, with multiple settings for vacuum strength and speed. They feature built-in coolers, can operate as single or double pumps, and come with bottles and briefcase-like carrying cases.
Pump Accessories If you have a killer commute, you'll want to invest in an adapter so you can plug your electric pump into your car's cigarette lighter. Freezer bags are a great no-fuss, sterile way to store expressed milk, and labels for stored breast milk will remind you what milk to use first, or if it needs to be discarded (usually after three months for frozen milk).
Books on Breastfeeding
Fortunately, there are some phenomenal books available that are almost as good as having an experienced mom by your side, including The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins, a nurse and certified lactation consultant; The Breastfeeding Book by Martha Sears and Dr. William Sears (parents of nine!); The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding; and Breastfeeding Your Baby by Sheila Kitzinger.