I have been exclusively pumping for four weeks now, and it is going well so far...but the breast pump i use is for occasional use. I cannot afford one of the really good ones at this point. I am using a double electric Evenflo pump.
My question is, has anyone ever been successful at pumping for a long time with a lower grade pump? Or will i have to buy a really good one?
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Favorite Answer
You might consider renting a pump, either for the long term, or every few months, if your supply falters.
The rental pumps are far better than any pump you can purchase.
Check the warranty on your pump. If it is only 90 days, you are going to have to get a better pump before then anyway. And watch your milk supply. If it falters, you will know you have to do something quickly.
it is false economy not to purchase a quality pump. Formula for the first year will cost far more than a good pump, as will medical costs for a baby who is ill because (s)he is not breastfed.
N and A's Momma
You're going to either have to rent a hospital grade pump or fork over the cash for a good double pump. I'm exclusively pumping for my 9 week old and was using a single eletric Evenflo pump. It not only took me forever to pump(30 minutes, 15 minutes on each breast) but wasn't as sufficient at getting milk out. I now have a Medela Pump in Style and it's so much better!
If you want to keep your supply up and want to continue to only pump then definitely look into getting a better quality pump.
Starsfan14
If you think about how much formula cost-- (twenty bucks for can that lasts a couple of days) then I think you will realize that a good pump is worth the money.
I had the Medela In Style when I exclusively pumped. Never had a problem with it. And I used it at least 2 hours a day, every day for a year.
I have never heard of anyone using a cheaper pump and exclusively pumping. It seems that those cheaper pumps wear out quickly and are not as effective with getting the milk out.
Alley
Rent one from a hospital. They are the best pumps available and will help you maintain your supply. It will cost you more to feed formula than it is to rent a pump monthly from a hopital. The best part is when you are done you can give it back. You don't have to store it. Store bought pumps only have a one year warranty so the chnaces that you would get to use it for more than one child, especially if you are EPing, would be pretty slim.