Best Breast Pumps
The S1 boasts so many great features and is designed to truly meet the needs of moms wanting to feel confident that they have an effective, powerful breast pump to support supply while also incorporating features to make life a little easier. With a maximum suction strength of 250mmHg and the ability to be used as a single or double pump, plus a host of additional features, the S1 is set to become the ultimate breast pump to support U.S. moms. INCLUDES: Spectra S1 Hospital Grade Double/Single Breast Pump, 12 Volt AC Power Adapter, Detachable Power Cord Prongs, (2) Spectra Wide Neck Bottle, (2) Spectra Backflow Protector, (2) Spectra Duckbill Valve, (2) Spectra Tubing, (4) Flange (2-24mm & 2-28mm).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My girl would latch, but I couldn't tell how much she was getting and she would get tired after a few minutes and wouldn't take the rest of her bottle. Since I had preemies, my insurance paid for me to use a Medela Lactina pump. This is the big blue thing that is "hospital grade" and retails for a boatload ($1500 for the love!). And, the Lactina is loud as all get out, which was annoying and I actually covered it with a blanket to muffle the sound so I could pump in the same room my husband and 3 year old daughter were watching TV in so I could be part of the family. I contemplated getting a Medela Freestyle, but read mixed reviews about being able to maintain supply. I took a leap of faith and bought this pump using gift cards for about half the cost. I wanted something I could clip to my belt and walk around the house, but that is the Freestyle and I couldn't risk it. It never fails that when I'm pumping my husband is out of the house and my older daughter needs something. The "massage" feature speeds up the pump and is designed to stimulate letdown. Quirks: -It took a LONG time (probably 12 hours) to fully charge the battery when I first got the pump. Also, and this is a problem with most pump kits, most women would need to lean forward to get the milk to drop down when sitting upright. So, my Lactina kit had removable flanges which I promptly tossed and used the angled ones from Pumpin' Pal. The tubing is nothing special and you could easily replace it with something from the hardware store if you needed to. It would also be pretty easy to jerryrig the tubing from another pump kit, which I may do so I can attach the backflow valves. Links for the products I mentioned: Pumpin' Pal Super Shields, Angled Pumping Flanges, the Best Flanges By Far in a Complete Set of All Sizes Mom Will Need. Simple Wishes Hands-Free Breastpump Bra, Pink, XS-L. Playtex Drop-Ins System Breast Milk Storage Kit. Updated 10/16/13 -A couple more product links for all the parts I'm using with my cobbled-together homemade kit. You really don't NEED anything but the angled flanges and hands-free pumping bra, but if you wanted to piece something together that's a bit more user-friendly, here are the links: Medela Personal Fit Breastsheild Connectors - Medela 87071. Medela Valves & Membranes (Set of 1). UPDATE 10/28/13- I've gone back to work and am taking this pump back and forth. I basically just cut the tubing and attached one piece to either side of the valve. Now I can still stick the end of the tubing into my homemade Medela kit and it works great and I don't need to worry about moisture getting into my pump."
"Best pump ever (only pump I've used but only one I will ever need!). It's nice to have the mobility of a rechargeable battery Bc I can pump and do chores and even pump in the backseat of a car while someone else is driving. I purchased this pump out of pocket and then mailed receipt and reimbursement application to tricare and they returned my money 100%. So worth it because if you go through a retailer they will only give you the S2 (which is not rechargeable)."
"Wow. I was concerned when returning to work with my second baby that I would not be able to produce enough milk."
Disclaimer: Medela and Pump in style are registered trademarks of Medela Holding AG, Switzerland. 4 years of experience in making high quality breast pump accessories for Medela Pumps; 100% compatibility with Medela pump accessories like Medela valves, Medela membranes and Medela tubing.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I looked at various tubing options and decided on buying this product since it didn't cost much more than tubing alone and gave me some extra pieces. Initially I was hesitant because I thought it might be better to go with the "Medela" brand pieces, I was worried about quality with these. I don't think it would fit with my old Medela pumping bra (which I hated and returned). This is a very brief pumping session and I use the all-in-one for this time since I don't take the time to put a pumping bra on. If you're looking for tubing and extra parts I absolutely recommend this product. I had absolutely zero problems or complaints other than it not fitting in my nursing bra. I highly recommend this set if you're looking for lots of parts at a good price."
"I like that it is mostly one piece and of course it is nice to have so many back up parts so that I can leave some things at work and not carry so much back and forth."
"Just an fyi (b/c I didn't know while frantically looking for replacement parts) If you don't know your nipple size like I didn't and you don't have the time to measure, the # mm they are referring to is on the cone (of Medela brand not the Maymom) and standard is 24 mm."
"This kit works perfectly with my Medela pump in style breast pump."
"Since buying these extra pumps, I've seen lots sold second hand online for local yard sale sites on FB (if you don't mind then used--just sanitize in boiling water for 10 minutes)."
"I bought the 21mm shields from Medela and they were no smaller than the standard 24mm, the tube in the middle was just shorter."
"I love the Maymom breast pump parts!!!"
"It feels a little flimsier than the one that comes with the pump, but I guess that is why it is less expensive."
With a maximum suction strength of 250mmHg and the ability to be used as a single or double pump, plus a host of additional features, the S2 is set to become the ultimate breast pump to support U.S. moms. INCLUDES: Spectra S2 Hospital Grade Double/Single Breast Pump, 12 Volt AC Power Adapter, Detachable Power Cord Prong, (2) Spectra Wide Neck Bottle, (2) Spectra Backflow Protector, (2) Spectra Duckbill Valve, (2) Spectra Tubing, (4) Flange (2-24mm & 2-28mm).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"A good pump makes all the difference in maintaining milk supply - ESPECIALLY if you're a working mother. When I was pregnant with my 3rd I had just started hearing about the speCtra s2 taking the breastfeeding world by storm, but I figured I'd stick with old faithful and I asked my insurance to provide another Medela - hindsight is 20/20 and I wish I'd done more homework then. The speCtra s2 perfectly protects from back flow, and the flanges also are designed to make sure milk goes directly into the bottle instead of into the backflow protector. I bought extra tubes initially, but I'm really not sure why because they're not needed, because I'm no longer dealing with those issues thanks to Spectra. While never having issues in the past, this time around I often felt like my nipples had been put through a garbage disposal after pumping with the PISA - the comfort of the speCtra s2 is unmatched. It feels just like my baby's suckle and I'm no longer wincing in pain during my long pumping sessions. There was a bit of a learning curve for finding the right settings for myself, but that's because with my PISA I had no choice but "hard and fast" suction and speed, there was no option to change those separately. From what I understand they're expanding this year to reintroduce the s9, and to be more available at local retailers (accessories included)."
"I'm actually a women's health provider and for years have thought Medela was the BEST as that was the brand we used in the hospital, but now I have been suggesting the S2 to my patients. Medela is still a very good pump, but for the cost, comfort, and comparable product I think Spectra S2 is better. I've effectively managed to give my babies only EBM and have donated thousands oz of breast milk. Spectra S2: I started seeing a lot of recommendations from mommy forums about this pump, so I was very intrigued. I do get a good output from the spectra in not a very long time span, pretty comparable to when I use the Medela symphony (hospital grade as well). Symphony: great pump, but not everyone has access to hospital grade - big/not easily portable. I used this for driving every morning because of the discreet, no dripping, and easier mobility. Freestyle: Loved the portability as it was re-chargeable battery. Water, gatorade, oatmeal, dark beer, mother's milk tea, fenugreek, lactation cookies, brewers yeast, power pumping are also other ways to help increase supply. I've been meaning to write a review to be able to help other mamas out there make a informed choice before getting a breast pump."
Best Electric Double Breast Pumps
The S1 boasts so many great features and is designed to truly meet the needs of moms wanting to feel confident that they have an effective, powerful breast pump to support supply while also incorporating features to make life a little easier. With a maximum suction strength of 250mmHg and the ability to be used as a single or double pump, plus a host of additional features, the S1 is set to become the ultimate breast pump to support U.S. moms. INCLUDES: Spectra S1 Hospital Grade Double/Single Breast Pump, 12 Volt AC Power Adapter, Detachable Power Cord Prongs, (2) Spectra Wide Neck Bottle, (2) Spectra Backflow Protector, (2) Spectra Duckbill Valve, (2) Spectra Tubing, (4) Flange (2-24mm & 2-28mm).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My girl would latch, but I couldn't tell how much she was getting and she would get tired after a few minutes and wouldn't take the rest of her bottle. Since I had preemies, my insurance paid for me to use a Medela Lactina pump. This is the big blue thing that is "hospital grade" and retails for a boatload ($1500 for the love!). And, the Lactina is loud as all get out, which was annoying and I actually covered it with a blanket to muffle the sound so I could pump in the same room my husband and 3 year old daughter were watching TV in so I could be part of the family. I contemplated getting a Medela Freestyle, but read mixed reviews about being able to maintain supply. I took a leap of faith and bought this pump using gift cards for about half the cost. I wanted something I could clip to my belt and walk around the house, but that is the Freestyle and I couldn't risk it. It never fails that when I'm pumping my husband is out of the house and my older daughter needs something. The "massage" feature speeds up the pump and is designed to stimulate letdown. Quirks: -It took a LONG time (probably 12 hours) to fully charge the battery when I first got the pump. Also, and this is a problem with most pump kits, most women would need to lean forward to get the milk to drop down when sitting upright. So, my Lactina kit had removable flanges which I promptly tossed and used the angled ones from Pumpin' Pal. The tubing is nothing special and you could easily replace it with something from the hardware store if you needed to. It would also be pretty easy to jerryrig the tubing from another pump kit, which I may do so I can attach the backflow valves. Links for the products I mentioned: Pumpin' Pal Super Shields, Angled Pumping Flanges, the Best Flanges By Far in a Complete Set of All Sizes Mom Will Need. Simple Wishes Hands-Free Breastpump Bra, Pink, XS-L. Playtex Drop-Ins System Breast Milk Storage Kit. Updated 10/16/13 -A couple more product links for all the parts I'm using with my cobbled-together homemade kit. You really don't NEED anything but the angled flanges and hands-free pumping bra, but if you wanted to piece something together that's a bit more user-friendly, here are the links: Medela Personal Fit Breastsheild Connectors - Medela 87071. Medela Valves & Membranes (Set of 1). UPDATE 10/28/13- I've gone back to work and am taking this pump back and forth. I basically just cut the tubing and attached one piece to either side of the valve. Now I can still stick the end of the tubing into my homemade Medela kit and it works great and I don't need to worry about moisture getting into my pump."
"Best pump ever (only pump I've used but only one I will ever need!). It's nice to have the mobility of a rechargeable battery Bc I can pump and do chores and even pump in the backseat of a car while someone else is driving. I purchased this pump out of pocket and then mailed receipt and reimbursement application to tricare and they returned my money 100%. So worth it because if you go through a retailer they will only give you the S2 (which is not rechargeable)."
"Wow. I was concerned when returning to work with my second baby that I would not be able to produce enough milk."
Best Manual Breast Pumps
Compatible with other Philips Avent feeding products, such as Natural and Classic bottles and breast milk storage containers.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I had been using an Ameda Purely Yours double electric breast pump, an expensive and time consuming machine with rigid hard plastic and varying efficiency. A friend recommended that I get a manual pump for times when I have to be away from home for more than 3 hours or for in case of emergencies or power outages. The gel pad looked squishy and comfy and lord knows my aching breasts needed some comfort. The price was more than reasonable, as a new mom and a grad student I need to be really careful how much money I spend."
"Through a series of unfortunate events, I've come to own six different manual breast pumps and two electric ones. It simply does not generate as much suction as the sturdier Lansinoh and Avent valves, and therefore it does not trigger let down as well or get as much milk. If this is the only pump you have, you might not realize it, because you will still get some milk, but when I compared it to my Avent, it was taking about five minutes longer and getting an ounce less per breast. I liked that you could switch out the breast cup to accommodate different nipple sizes, and assembly was slightly easier, but it does not have the "massage cushion" which makes it a little less comfortable. Fortunately, you can now buy replacement valves that are inch long pieces of sturdy, flexible plastic. The only disadvantages are that they are somewhat harder to assemble than the Medela, can't accommodate different nipple sizes, cost more than the Lansinoh, require special Avent shaped bottles (usually included) and drip small amounts of milk from the cushion."
"The cushioned shield is comfortable and creates a good seal, and it's been easy to clean up after pumping."
"I purchased this because I wanted to see if my supply would increase with a hand pump."
"My first baby is due in 8 weeks, so I’m not used to breastfeeding or using a pump."
"Maybe it's better than nothing in a pinch, but I stopped even bringing it out with me because it requires so much effort to get it to work."
"This works perfectly and the suction is great."
"The handle is smooth and the suction is great sp it doesnt make your hands as tired and crampy as other pumps do."
Best Electric Single Breast Pumps
Soft, warm stimulation massage cushion now has a soft, warm texture intended to help stimulate breast milk flow. Soft, warm stiumulation massage cushion now has a soft, warm texture intended to help stimulate milk flow.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I didn't know anything about breastpumps, as this is my first child, so I bought Avent as is the most well known brand in Argentina and it delivers what it promises."
"Does the job, wanted a more expensive one insurance and medical place dropped the ball!"
"Given to expectant mother at the baby shower and she was quite pleased."
"It is a good product, has enough strength and not mistreat my breasts."
"The product came in time so she managed to pump for our new born."
"My wife love it for feed my baby."
Best Breast Pump Accessories
Simple Wishes Hands-Free Breast Pump Bustier Bra allows multi-tasking moms the chance to be more productive while they pump, or to simply take a breath and a moment for themselves. CUSTOMIZABLE & CONVENIENT - This bustier style, hands-free breastpump bra has a zip-in center panel in the front that allows for 1" of side-to-side movement for proper positioning of pump flanges.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I have one that I keep in my pumping bag and just wash every weekend and return on Sunday night for the week. Then I have both hands free to do whatever- including checking email, making phone calls, etc. Yes, when you receive the product there is a request for reviews on Amazon and if you do they will give you a few dollars off a second one. Compatibility- this will work with any breast pump that has flanges that can be placed in the bra- whether double, single, electric or hand. It also gives you an idea of exactly how large you need the bra and where the openings should be on you in order to hold your pump. Since it isn't worn for as long as a normal bra or in the same way by no means do I feel the need to have multiple. I know it's not the cheapest product considering you probably just bought nursing bras, breast pads, a pump, and everything else your baby needs but don't feel like you need multiple to get the benefit."
"Then I did the whole home hack and cut holes in my sports bra. Then after being back at work a few months and getting tired of having to remove my shirt and bra every time I decided I needed a better way. Having the bad experience with the Medela one turned me off to buying a pumping bra, but I'm SUPER glad I gave this one a chance. I'll elaborate on what makes this better than the Medela and why I am in love with it (I'm uploading a few pics that help). There's also a small cloth section with a zipper on each side that you can zip into the middle. With the Medela pumping bra there is no areas you can adjust. I wondered if I should buy the large, but I figured I'd go with what their size chart said. -Flange holes: The cloth holding the flanges in place has vertical and horizontal sections. The Medeal bra has a small circular hole, which isn't nearly as great of a design. I had problems with my sports bra method with getting the breast shield directly over my nipple (I know it's almost TMI, but we're all breastfeeding moms, right?). Then I stick the skinny part of the breast shield through the hole on the inside and then center it over where it needs to go."
"Sizes M, L, XL, 25mm to 40mm and Maymom Pump Kit for Medela Pump in Style Pumps; w/ Breastshields (24 mm, Can Replace Personal Fit 24 mm Shields and Connector), Valves, Membranes, & Replacement Tubing for Pump-in-Style Advanced."
"I prefer to use pump parts where the flange comes off separately and push the small piece through from inside rather than squeezing the whole flange through the front opening."
"The velcro is extremely tight and secure, so no worries about it popping off or lifting in the middle of a pumping session."
Best Nursing Pads
A unique, breathable waterproof layer keeps clothing protected, and the contoured shape of the breast pad ensures a comfortable and discreet fit even when wet. Lansinoh Nursing Pads are non-toxic and come in three convenient package sizes: 36 ct Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads, 60 ct Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads, and 100 ct Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads. STAYS PUT TO ASSURE PROTECTION: All Lansinoh disposable nursing pads have two adhesive strips to ensure they stay in place in a nursing bra or nursing top; Lansinoh breastfeeding pads can also be used to protect clothing from excess nipple cream.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I personally change them a few times a day, but I could easily get away with not doing that as I am always plenty dry."
"they are individually wrapped, so its easy to grab a few and stash them in a diaper bag or purse."
"Each breast pad is individually wrapped (like period pads) for sanitary purposes."
"They soak up A LOT in those early days before your supply regulates, and keep you dry and comfortable."
"I pump at work (do the fold-down-the-bra-and-put-on-the-pumping-bra thing) and these are the only pads that stay put when I fold the bra back up after pumping. They're also great at night - stay put in my nursing cami through dream-feedings and (very occasional) long sleeps."
"Depending on the force/amount of my let-down, these last 1/3 to 1/2 of a day if I move them around strategically after each feed."
"Love these!"
"Don't yourself a favor and buy some comfy, reusable ones (even though I had to try 4 different kinds)."
Best Breast Shells & Nipple Therapy Products
A unique, breathable waterproof layer keeps clothing protected, and the contoured shape of the breast pad ensures a comfortable and discreet fit even when wet. Lansinoh Nursing Pads are non-toxic and come in three convenient package sizes: 36 ct Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads, 60 ct Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads, and 100 ct Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads. LEAK PROOF COVERAGE: Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads have a quilted, honeycomb lining and a unique breathable waterproof layer for leakproof protection; soft and absorbent, Lansinoh pads protect clothing and keep nipples dry and healthy. STAYS PUT TO ASSURE PROTECTION: All Lansinoh disposable nursing pads have two adhesive strips to ensure they stay in place in a nursing bra or nursing top; Lansinoh breastfeeding pads can also be used to protect clothing from excess nipple cream.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"With our baby on the way, besides the nursing bras, my wife needed these disposable nursing pads in order to hold leaks."
"They are easy to maneuver so that they don’t appear bumpy under my clothes and they absorb any leaking milk really well to keep my nipples dry."
"Work the best of all disposables."
"I can't say enough good things about these pads!"
"I cannot comment on how well the adhesive sticks as I change them so often, I have no use to stick them to my bra. If it were up to me, I wouldn't have the adhesive on there but for those that need it, I'm sure it's great."
"I've worn them to toddler time at the library and Barre class and haven't worried for a second that they may shift or pop out! (Side note: if you have any nursing pads with adhesive in one spot, get rid of them. I did always keep an extra few in the diaper bag, just in case, but I was always confident in the pads I was wearing and the backups I had in the wing. Add in the pad itself and that's a pretty full bathroom trash bin at the end of the week."
"I initially bought washable nursing pads to use since I thought that it would be nice to have something reusable for leaking (both for eco and convenience)."
Best Privacy Nursing Covers
The patented Milk-Saver collects your leaking breast milk as you nurse or pump. - allowing you to store extra breast milk effortlessly with each feeding. The Milk-Saver collects the "liquid gold" that is leaked as your breast milk lets down - no more wasting that milk in a breast pad! Slim, durable, and portable, the patented Milk-Saver is comfortable to wear, holds a little more than 2 ounces of breast milk, and includes a protective lid to prevent milk from spilling out of the Milk-Saver during normal use. Milk Saver has won numerous awards including Baby Maternity Magazine's Product of the Year and the coveted National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval - considered a "must have" item by countless women.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"When I got home from the hospital, I started using this and in just 5 days I had collected two large ziplock bags full of one ounce cubes."
"I read a review that stated this product was harmful to evening out milk production in the early stages of breastfeeding, but I found that it helped me manage my engorgement and nurse my baby more effectively, getting us off a nipple shield much more quickly than with baby #1. With the Milk-Saver in my over-producing side, I would massage the lumps while nursing the other side, collecting the milk and relieving a lot of the pressure from engorgement so that my babe could then nurse on that side when she finished with lower-producing side."
"In theory, yes... it does help collect the extra milk but for ladies who aren't so "blessed" up top- it's WAY too bulbous to keep under your shirt discreetly."
"Love these!!!!"
"I purchased this product because I had a problem with engorgement and over-supply the first few weeks after my son was born and was going through nursing pads quickly with feeds, and even then I frequently soaked my shirt (and my child). Here are the pros -. 1) It does what it says - catches milk without leaking (although it will spill if you lean forward). 2) Heavy duty - holds up to washing, repeated use. 3) Easy to use- I was able to tuck it into my bra for hands-free use. It is my preference to prevent leakage altogether, as collecting milk with every feed from the opposite breast only leads to more issues with over-supply. I wish I had it for when my oversupply issue was most severe, and would have found it primarily useful to prevent the mess of the leaky breast during feeds."
"I only wear this while feeding (on the opposite breast, obviously) and I store the milk in a milk storage bottle throughout the day in the fridge and then in the evening transfer to a bag to be frozen."