Let's talk about pumps/pumping

[remylove1011]

Good morning ladies!!

Hope everyone was able to get a little sleep. I actually sleep better than I typically do! Still woke up like 5 times to pee, but at least I fell back to sleep. 

I have a question for you ladies who have gotten your pump or STM's that pumped. I had wanted the Me.dela PISA, but my insurance is now saying that is not a covered pump. Has anyone used the Ame.da Purely Yours? Did you like it? Is there really that much of a difference? It looks like that's the pump I'll be getting since it's covered, but I'm considering also purchasing a Medela at some point. Assuming breastfeeding/pumping works for me, I'll be using it really often at work. Thanks in advance for your thoughts/guidance!


ETA: Any tips or tricks on pumping? Also, nursing bras/tanks... necessary? 

[steph]

remylove1011, my insurance company only covered the APY as well. I obviously haven't tried it yet. I have a med free style from when I had B and I have to say, it was pretty fantastic. They have awesome customer service as well. I had a minor issue with my pump and they overnighted me a new one, with all new parts and all!

Speaking of pumps! I dreamt last night that for some reason I was trying to pump while still pregnant but the pump wasn't working right and milk was just spraying everywhere. Lol

[bocaburger]

Uh oh, it looks like remylove1011 and I started random threads at the same time! Sorry for the confusion

[joy]

Let's make this a pump thread. Change the title, Remy!

[agpjt413]

My insurance only covers APY as well. And yes, I agree with joy - let's change this to a pump thread remylove1011!

[joy]

I mod-abused a little. Please call this thread what you'd like, Remy!

I got the most basic Medela pump. I wanted more but insurance wouldn't pay and if nursing doesn't take then I don't want to be out the money. We'll see.

Question - do I really need nursing-specific clothes aside from a bra? I have nursing covers. But should I buy nursing t-shirts to wear regularly?

[hashbrownnofilter]

joy I found nursing shirts to be kind of pointless. I just layered a long cami underneath whatever I was wearing, and would lift up the outer shirt/pull down the cami to nurse or pump.

I'm waiting to see if our new insurance covers a Medela. I have the order in, but no word yet.

[joy]

Thank you! This is what I was thinking but marketing is all "now you buy nursing tops!" I was like "really?"

[redhead610]

Jul 27, 2016 6:36:30 GMT -5 joy said:

I mod-abused a little. Please call this thread what you'd like, Remy!

I got the most basic Medela pump. I wanted more but insurance wouldn't pay and if nursing doesn't take then I don't want to be out the money. We'll see.

Question - do I really need nursing-specific clothes aside from a bra? I have nursing covers. But should I buy nursing t-shirts to wear regularly?

I wore a nursing bra plus nursing tank almost every day for the 9 months I nursed ds. Occasionally I'd put on a regular tank, but pulling it down stretched them out way too much, and I wasn't comfortable exposing the belly I still had if I pulled it up. So, I wore a lot of tanks with something over it - lots of open cardigans in the fall!

[remylove1011]

Sorry. Couldn't change it until I got to work!

[thelorax]

Jul 27, 2016 6:36:30 GMT -5 joy said:

I mod-abused a little. Please call this thread what you'd like, Remy!

I got the most basic Medela pump. I wanted more but insurance wouldn't pay and if nursing doesn't take then I don't want to be out the money. We'll see.

Question - do I really need nursing-specific clothes aside from a bra? I have nursing covers. But should I buy nursing t-shirts to wear regularly?

I liked nursing tanks for the first few months. I never used nursing covers, but would wear a tank under another shirt so that nothing showed. I also got a hands free pumping bra, but that was it.

[thelorax]

I had both a PISA and a APY with DD. The PISA was nice for work because everything came in one bag. I could just add a package of pump wipes and be good for the day. At home I actually liked the APY better. I felt like I had better control and the suction stayed consistent unlike the PISA where I had to replace the membranes and tubing.

I'm getting the Spectra this time to mix it up.

Buy a hands free pumping bra!!! Nursing tanks and bras are helpful, but I was fine with the cheap versions from Target.

[penny2103]

I mostly layer and used button up shirts for work. This will depend on how professional your wardrobe is. I bought a few nursing dresses to better meet our dress code. Wrap dresses are also excellent for this purpose.

[penny2103]

Oh also just go ahead and put away any silk materials or anything you're worried about damaging with greased type stains.

[thelorax]

Jul 27, 2016 5:03:04 GMT -5 remylove1011 said:

Good morning ladies!!

Hope everyone was able to get a little sleep. I actually sleep better than I typically do! Still woke up like 5 times to pee, but at least I fell back to sleep. 

I have a question for you ladies who have gotten your pump or STM's that pumped. I had wanted the Me.dela PISA, but my insurance is now saying that is not a covered pump. Has anyone used the Ame.da Purely Yours? Did you like it? Is there really that much of a difference? It looks like that's the pump I'll be getting since it's covered, but I'm considering also purchasing a Medela at some point. Assuming breastfeeding/pumping works for me, I'll be using it really often at work. Thanks in advance for your thoughts/guidance!


ETA: Any tips or tricks on pumping? Also, nursing bras/tanks... necessary? 

Did you check a few different suppliers? I wanted the Spectra this time and I had to check with 3 different websites before finding one that offered that pump.

[steph]

Jul 27, 2016 8:00:30 GMT -5 thelorax said:

Buy a hands free pumping bra!!!.

Yes times 1000!!

[ivehearditbothways]

Jul 27, 2016 8:05:42 GMT -5 thelorax said:

Jul 27, 2016 5:03:04 GMT -5 remylove1011 said:

Good morning ladies!!

Hope everyone was able to get a little sleep. I actually sleep better than I typically do! Still woke up like 5 times to pee, but at least I fell back to sleep. 

I have a question for you ladies who have gotten your pump or STM's that pumped. I had wanted the Me.dela PISA, but my insurance is now saying that is not a covered pump. Has anyone used the Ame.da Purely Yours? Did you like it? Is there really that much of a difference? It looks like that's the pump I'll be getting since it's covered, but I'm considering also purchasing a Medela at some point. Assuming breastfeeding/pumping works for me, I'll be using it really often at work. Thanks in advance for your thoughts/guidance!


ETA: Any tips or tricks on pumping? Also, nursing bras/tanks... necessary? 

Did you check a few different suppliers? I wanted the Spectra this time and I had to check with 3 different websites before finding one that offered that pump.

+1
My insurance company emailed me a list of a ton of places to call. I called several and was told that each had their own list of pumps that would be covered. I kept calling until I found one that covered the Spectra 2.

[remylove1011]

Jul 27, 2016 8:05:42 GMT -5 thelorax said:

Jul 27, 2016 5:03:04 GMT -5 remylove1011 said:

Good morning ladies!!

Hope everyone was able to get a little sleep. I actually sleep better than I typically do! Still woke up like 5 times to pee, but at least I fell back to sleep. 

I have a question for you ladies who have gotten your pump or STM's that pumped. I had wanted the Me.dela PISA, but my insurance is now saying that is not a covered pump. Has anyone used the Ame.da Purely Yours? Did you like it? Is there really that much of a difference? It looks like that's the pump I'll be getting since it's covered, but I'm considering also purchasing a Medela at some point. Assuming breastfeeding/pumping works for me, I'll be using it really often at work. Thanks in advance for your thoughts/guidance!


ETA: Any tips or tricks on pumping? Also, nursing bras/tanks... necessary? 

Did you check a few different suppliers? I wanted the Spectra this time and I had to check with 3 different websites before finding one that offered that pump.

The supplier does have the medela, as it's the one I ordered when I first spoke with them. It's just not one that's covered by my plan I guess. Insurance only gave me one supplier...they hate me. 

[thelorax]

Jul 27, 2016 8:18:56 GMT -5 steph said:

Jul 27, 2016 8:00:30 GMT -5 thelorax said:

Buy a hands free pumping bra!!!.

Yes times 1000!!

I totally tried the free hack where you use elastics, but when you are pumping 4-5 times a day for 15-30 minutes at a time it's worth the 45 bucks IMHO.

All pumping supplies should be FSA/HSA eligible!

[misshart00]

Jul 27, 2016 6:41:31 GMT -5 hashbrownnofilter said:

joy I found nursing shirts to be kind of pointless. I just layered a long cami underneath whatever I was wearing, and would lift up the outer shirt/pull down the cami to nurse or pump.

I'm waiting to see if our new insurance covers a Medela. I have the order in, but no word yet.

This is exactly what I did. I had several regular tank tops with adjustable straps. I say try that and if you don't like it, then go buy nursing tanks. I tend to start cheap and get something else if I don't like it.

[thelorax]

Jul 27, 2016 8:44:15 GMT -5 remylove1011 said:

Jul 27, 2016 8:05:42 GMT -5 thelorax said:

Did you check a few different suppliers? I wanted the Spectra this time and I had to check with 3 different websites before finding one that offered that pump.

The supplier does have the medela, as it's the one I ordered when I first spoke with them. It's just not one that's covered by my plan I guess. Insurance only gave me one supplier...they hate me. 

Ugh I'm sorry! I know the Blues in some states were only covering manual pumps a few years ago- gee thanks for my free 15 dollar pump.

But seriously the APY is a pretty good pump. It's quick to set up and fairly quiet.

[remylove1011]

Jul 27, 2016 8:47:41 GMT -5 thelorax said:

Jul 27, 2016 8:44:15 GMT -5 remylove1011 said:

The supplier does have the medela, as it's the one I ordered when I first spoke with them. It's just not one that's covered by my plan I guess. Insurance only gave me one supplier...they hate me. 

Ugh I'm sorry! I know the Blues in some states were only covering manual pumps a few years ago- gee thanks for my free 15 dollar pump.

But seriously the APY is a pretty good pump. It's quick to set up and fairly quiet.

Yeah, they send me the list of what was covered and one was a single pump... I was like "umm, no". 

[hannahbear]

I ordered the PISA from my insurance, but it didn't come in the bag? Is that something you're supposed to buy separately?

[bocaburger]

Jul 27, 2016 9:10:09 GMT -5 hannahbear said:

I ordered the PISA from my insurance, but it didn't come in the bag? Is that something you're supposed to buy separately?

For me I had the option to purchase the bag as an "upgrade" but it was over $100. I'm sure you can find it (or a similar product) for less. I'll be a SAHM this year and not really pumping on the go, so it didn't make sense for me. The basic starter kit is what my insurance covered.

[penny2103]

Jul 27, 2016 9:10:09 GMT -5 hannahbear said:

I ordered the PISA from my insurance, but it didn't come in the bag? Is that something you're supposed to buy separately?

Mine was like this. The accessories weren't covered. I used a tote bag I already had (it was cuter anyway ) and bought a lunchbox on amazon to hold the bottles. You can buy the Medela ice pack for cheap on amazon. It's shaped to sit right up against the bottles.

[hannahbear]

bocaburger wow $100 seems like a lot! I guess I'm in the same situation, I work from home - so maybe it's not something I'll even need. I guess if I do need it, I can look for one later

[gratefulgirl]

I have the PISA. I like it. I used the Ameda in the hospital when DD2 was jaundiced and hated it. It was not as effective. My insurance only covers Ameda. If my PISA breaks I would pay to buy another. Personal opinion.

Let me share my dumb new mom story: the PISA has a letdown setting and an after letdown setting. For the first 8 weeks I thought letdown was any drops of milk so I would switch immediately. I pumped very, very little and was so discouraged. Then DD1 went on a nursing strike (thanks Wonder Week 8). I was so engorged that I letdown immediately while pumping. I quadrupled my pumping output. I doubt anyone else would be so ignorant, but just in case. Also this story shows that you can be really ignorant and your kid will still make it.

[bocaburger]

Jul 27, 2016 9:27:27 GMT -5 gratefulgirl said:

I have the PISA. I like it. I used the Ameda in the hospital when DD2 was jaundiced and hated it. It was not as effective. My insurance only covers Ameda. If my PISA breaks I would pay to buy another. Personal opinion.

Let me share my dumb new mom story: the PISA has a letdown setting and an after letdown setting. For the first 8 weeks I thought letdown was any drops of milk so I would switch immediately. I pumped very, very little and was so discouraged. Then DD1 went on a nursing strike (thanks Wonder Week 8). I was so engorged that I letdown immediately while pumping. I quadrupled my pumping output. I doubt anyone else would be so ignorant, but just in case. Also this story shows that you can be really ignorant and your kid will still make it.

So for us other ignorant new moms, what counts as let down? Is it unmistakable, lots of milk flowing out?

[steph]

Jul 27, 2016 8:45:51 GMT -5 thelorax said:

Jul 27, 2016 8:18:56 GMT -5 steph said:

Yes times 1000!!

I totally tried the free hack where you use elastics, but when you are pumping 4-5 times a day for 15-30 minutes at a time it's worth the 45 bucks IMHO.

All pumping supplies should be FSA/HSA eligible!

Oooh target has the Medela one in black in M for $20.99 online. I may need to order another one for myself!

ETA - definitely ordered!

[gratefulgirl]

Jul 27, 2016 9:32:22 GMT -5 bocaburger said:

Jul 27, 2016 9:27:27 GMT -5 gratefulgirl said:

I have the PISA. I like it. I used the Ameda in the hospital when DD2 was jaundiced and hated it. It was not as effective. My insurance only covers Ameda. If my PISA breaks I would pay to buy another. Personal opinion.

Let me share my dumb new mom story: the PISA has a letdown setting and an after letdown setting. For the first 8 weeks I thought letdown was any drops of milk so I would switch immediately. I pumped very, very little and was so discouraged. Then DD1 went on a nursing strike (thanks Wonder Week 8). I was so engorged that I letdown immediately while pumping. I quadrupled my pumping output. I doubt anyone else would be so ignorant, but just in case. Also this story shows that you can be really ignorant and your kid will still make it.

So for us other ignorant new moms, what counts as let down? Is it unmistakable, lots of milk flowing out?

I have a really strong letdown that seriously sprays. It's definitely more than a few drops. I actually started feeling mine (it kind of tingles, almost a burn) around the same time I figured out how to pump. Some moms feel it, some don't. But I think regardless you can see the uptick in flow from those first teaser drops that keep the baby sucking to letdown.