breast pump questions

scarepanda

Hi all!

I've a couple of questions regarding breast pumps.

What do people recommend in terms of electric pumps? I'd prefer a closed system, but haven't a clue about brands/models etc. I've done a bit of research, but would like some opinions/recommendations from people.

Does anyone know if you can get parts individually for the avent classic manual pump? I'm pretty sure (haven't used mine in about 18mths) that it needs a new flange. I remember the suction had greatly reduced the last few times I used it. I can't seem to find individual parts, but a new one isn't expensive if I need to buy one (I have a haakaa ordered, so it might not be an issue).

Finally, has anyone used the bottle conversion kits? Are they any good? Didn't know they existed, but I'm after coming across a kit for the avent classic bottle caps for a Medela pump. Hopefully this bubs will be EBF with the odd bottle, so I don't want to go buying whole new sets of bottles of possible.

Cheers!

bee06

Ardo calypso and the spectra S1 and S2 would the most recommended closed system pumps. All hospital grade if I remember correctly. I have the Milk genie plus. Also a closed system, cheaper than the above and grand for occasional use. It’s rechargeable and nice and small as well so great when I went back to work and pumped for the first 3 months.

scarepanda

Thank you bee06, the spectra is one that I've come across a good bit.

I don't want to spend a whole lot on an electric pump, because I hopefully won't be using it all that much. Mainly just to build up a freezer supply and I also had some issues with supply at times with my first and a manual pump was a pain when I had to do power pumping sessions. I'll have a look at the one you use and see what the story is with it. Thanks again!

Millem

scarepanda wrote: »

Thank you bee06, the spectra is one that I've come across a good bit.

I don't want to spend a whole lot on an electric pump, because I hopefully won't be using it all that much. Mainly just to build up a freezer supply and I also had some issues with supply at times with my first and a manual pump was a pain when I had to do power pumping sessions. I'll have a look at the one you use and see what the story is with it. Thanks again!

I have the cheap electric spectra closed system one. It was €50 from amazon. I bought a second kit and replacement values from ana wiz on ebay (cheaper than amazon at the time). I haven’t used them.

Avent bottles fit the spectra pump.
I had great success with spectra. This time round I had lots of milk. My son wouldn’t and still won’t take a bottle so I really only pumped if I had clogged duct or if I was away from it etc.

For my first son I had to rental hospital grade medela it was around €100 per month.

maxsmum

I had a very cheap electric one for occasional pumping e.g. if going on a night out. It was Nuby and on sale in boots. Worked very well, never had problems getting 5/6oz on one boob while he was feeding on the other. Gave it to a friend after who also rated it.