Breast pump questions

Rosy Posy

I'm currently exclusively breastfeeding my 3month old and have just started expressing the odd bottle so I can have a few hours to myself the odd time. I've been using a manual pump I've had from my first baby and it's a bit crappy really, and tends to leak (so frustrating ending up with your liquid gold spilt down your front!). It's a tommee tippee closer to nature.

We're going home (Dublin) for a months holiday and between catching up with friends and a few events on I know I will want to express more and possibly rent or buy an alternative pump. I just wondered is an electric pump more effective? I'm a little freaked out by the idea of attaching myself to a machine but I could get over it if it was easier/higher yield. Does anyone have any recommendations and/or advice on hireage or second hand sales? Thanks

xalot

I have the medela swing and found it great, keep an eye out on amazon for a good price for it. It generally took me about 10 minutes to express 200ml with it.

When I first started breastfeeding I rented the hospital grade medela to establish my supply after a section, It was amazing. I think it was €100 for a months rental which isn't cheap.

Little My

Used the swing too and found it great. I would have no problem with a second hand one, you sterilize the important bits anyway and I think an lot of women get them but hardly use them after all.

Rosy Posy

Thanks, I've had a look on an auction site over here and I can get a second hand one for less than the price of a rental. On sterilising- up to now I've just been boiling stuff in a big pot- is that going to cut it or do I need something else?

Chattastrophe!

Rosy Posy wrote: »

Thanks, I've had a look on an auction site over here and I can get a second hand one for less than the price of a rental. On sterilising- up to now I've just been boiling stuff in a big pot- is that going to cut it or do I need something else?

Boiling water is absolutely fine for sterilising. I'd say a steam steriliser would probably be a bit easier and more cost efficient for daily use, but for occasional use I'd stick with the boiling water.

Might be worth asking around family/friends in Dublin to see if you could borrow one while you're home? But if that's not possible, I wouldn't bother buying one.

Sligo1

My daughter is 9 weeks now and I'm exclusively bfing also. Id say the Medela swing all the way. Well... If ur only pumping the odd bottle anyway. I pump once a day and find the swing great!

olaola

Medela seem to be the biz alright. I have the double one in a backpack (can't remember the name) and I sterilise it in a microwave steamer. I also have a Avent manual pump for back up (camping, out & about) and it's pretty decent! Got it half price in Boots.

wmpdd3

plus one on the microwave sterilizer. there's a cafe near me and I've seen them take the little box from customers and microwave it for then, very handy.

I also got 2 swings given to me, they lasted about 4 years of constant use until the motor went, but they were easy to use and clean, you can get spare parts in my local mother care.