We working moms aren't so lucky. If we work full-time and still want our kids to have the benefits of breastmilk, we become slaves to the electric models. If you're super unlucky, like I am, and end up having to exclusively pump, you'll develop an even closer relationship with this unique torture device.
Just kidding. I meant the electric breastpump. The holy grail of milk machines.
There are many electric pumps to choose from, and I would say without question that you can narrow your search by focusing only on double-electric pumps. These allow you to empty both sides at the same time, rather than doing one at a time. When you're pumping in the car, or in a closet, or at 4:30 in the morning, quickness is essential. I chose the Medela Pump-in-Style Advanced for my poison. Shoulder bag edition for me, although they also come in backpacks. The benefit to the shoulder bag is that the pump motor itself is easy to remove from the carrying bag. This comes in handy when you're traveling and don't want to lug yet another carry-on on the plane or shove yet another bag into your overflowing trunk. (Babies sure require a lot of "stuff" to travel with, don't they?)
Double-electric pumps come in a variety of models at a variety of price points. This is one area where you shouldn't skimp to save a few bucks. I'm a big fan of the Medela pumps because they're high quality and their customer service is phenomenal. The faceplate on my pump cracked one day and they overnighted me a new one, free of charge. As a working mom, and especially as an EPer, I depended on that piece of equipment to provide food for my child. They understand that, and are willing to help out however they can. I also have friends who swear by their Ameda and Playtex pumps, but since I've never used them myself I can't really tell you much about them.
Make sure you find one that has a battery adapter. Bonus points if there's a car adapter available, too. We lost power thanks to Hurricane Ike when Baby C was 2 months old. I was so glad to have battery back-up. The car adapter made it possible to pump on long road trips without pulling over to stop. My pump went everywhere with me - New Jersey, Alabama, Cleveland, Toledo, the NKOTB concert - pretty much everywhere I went. It was like a new appendage. Thankfully that stage is behind me now. I had grand plans for the destruction of my pump when my cow days were over.
When the time came, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. It was like destroying an old friend. Actually, maybe "frenemy" would be the better word, but it made me sad to think about smashing it into little smithereens. Maybe after hypothetical Baby #2.
I thought I could do without with my first baby and then I ended up never having milk on hand when we needed it and he rejected the bottle because of it. I had a pump in style for my other two and I kept a supply in the freezer. It was a life saver.
ReplyDeleteI gave it to my cousin last year, since I was done and I knew she could use it.
I had a little hand pump (the one you pictured first) with Colin and used it once! I haven't had one or needed with with Owen.
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ReplyDeleteI had a little hand pump (the one you pictured first) with Colin and used it once! I haven't had one or needed with with Owen.
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