Does the kind of breast pump you use make a big difference? They can be really expensive, but I've heard women swear by the more expensive brands. So, any suggestions and is it worth spending the extra money on?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Suzy Richardson,

You can also rent them (sounds weird I know) but after my daughter was born I went to visit my mom in S.FL and I forgot my pump (which I pretty much couldn't stand anyway). So she rented me one from the hospital by her. The reason I suggest this is so you can try it out before you buy it. I'm pretty sure they rent the more expensive ones. The one I had bought was from Target and I had the worst time with it.

You can rent them, really? Actually that doesn't sound too bad. I know they would be sterilized and all. Do you know where to rent them from?

When we rented ours it was directly through the hospital. I would try getting in contact with their lactation specialist and see what they say.

I tried different brands when I was breastfeeding and you do get what you pay for. While the $40 one I have worked, it hurt.
I preferred the more expensive ones.

I never personally never used one of the hospital grade ones that they rent out, but I do know a little bit about them. They are hands down the best possible quality you could find... to most people. There are some people that benefit more from a manual pump. It depends on the amount you will actually use it and how sensitive you are. Like I said no actual experience but Ive heard they suck strong. As for the sterile issue... you get your own fresh new packaged pieces. NO breastmilk goes in or around the part you rent. You get all the tubing and the horns in individual packaging. Bascally all you are renting is a reverse air pump, to create the sucktion in your tubes.

If you plan to pump alot I fully recommend you rent one. But that is just me.

Alexa

Alexa,
So nice to meet you and thanks for explaining the sterilization thing. That actually makes me feel MUCH MORE comfortable about renting a pump! And Bishop96, thanks for the tip on renting pumps. I actually never even knew that was an option. It is really nice to know since this is my last baby and I didn't want to spend the money on the pump.

In town, there is a woman named Angela who owns Healthy Beginnings, a company for renting and buying pumps. (Medela brand) She will bring it to your home, show you how to use it, and come get it when you're done. You buy the tubing and bottles and rent the pump. You can rent by the week or month. Pumps are hospital grade and excellent quality. The hospitals in town no longer rent pumps, as far as was the case three years ago when I rented. Instead, they rec. this lady, who is an amazing help for a postpartum mama.

Wow. This is great information! I can't believe I never knew any of this about breast pumps, and I am on my fourth baby! MM, do you have this woman's contact info? I will try to track her down as well. I am interested in contacting her...