pumps

We started using the pump and giving bottles around two weeks. The descriptions below are of the actual pumps, but in addition, be sure you have the following:

  • 4+ bottles that work with your pump. You need 2 bottles each time you use an electric pump (one on each side), and if/once you start more regular bottle feeding (for me, this was when I went back to work), you'll have a regular rotation of bottles that are in the fridge as well. I ended up with at least a dozen bottles and that felt like the right amount.

  • Depending on the pump model, get extra membranes, as they wear out over time.

 

machine pumps covered by insurance

First, find out what your insurance will cover. I got the Medela Freestyle, which I really liked because it doesn't have to be plugged in (I used it daily and only charged it every 2 weeks or so). It's actually cheaper than the Medela Pump in Style, but my insurance made me pay more to have the Freestyle for some reason. It's nice to have one that's smaller and can be used without a power cord, since I ended up pumping in the car or in all sorts of places on the go, or just wanting the freedom to walk around my house while I was pumping without feeling like I was tethered to an outlet for 20 minutes. It even has a little clip on the back of the pump, so I would sometimes clip it into my pants, throw on a large cardigan or nursing cover, and go about my business around the house while pumping.

medical grade pumps

Medical grade pumps are approximately one million times better than the ones covered by insurance. My company bought a Medela Symphony that I used at work, and if we have another baby, I plan to rent a medical grade pump for home use as well (available from Cedars Sinai or Pump Station in LA).

manual pumps

In addition to a machine pump, I liked having a manual pump too. These are easy to use on the go, don't make a loud engine sound, and generally less of an ordeal than setting up and turning on the machine pump (usage scenario: in a dressing room while shopping). I have the Medela Harmony and like it because it works with all my Medela bottles and parts, but most manual pumps are the same, so my recommendation is to figure out what machine pump you get and then find a manual pump to match.