Expert: ruth kraft - 4/30/2009

Question
Hello,

I'm wondering if you can recommend a breast pump.  I have heard that Medela is the best, but given the price, I want to make sure this is actually true.  I have also been told by a friend that Lansinoh's pump is also good, and Medela is not worth the money.  

Also, I plan to use BPA free bottles, and have purchased the Dr. Browns bottles.  However, they look very complicated and have a lot of parts, with the inner vent.  Are these worthwhile, or are the Born Free bottles also good?  I have read that they both claim to reduce colic and gas but is this true?  If so, which would you recommend, the Dr. Browns or Born Free?  Thank you for all your help and time!

Answer
The medela pump is a good pump, although there are many ways to get it cheaper than retail.  there is a grade equivalent pump that I recommend called the Ameda egnell purly yours. its an EXCELLENT pump. and their customer service is better than medela's in my opinion. they are the same grade pump and much more affordable. usually around 200.00 vs 350.00 . although you can find them cheaper too. Here they sell them at the wellington regional medical center lactation center, for much cheaper than retail. Google the name ameda egnell, brand new , and then do some research to find distributers. I found one online from a lactation consultant for 125.00 once.  do the research, and you will find one cheaper that is brand new.

as far as bottles, I don't find that one works better than others. In fact, I usually tell people not to buy too many of one. if you buy the dr. browns and the baby refuses them, you have wasted your money. buy a couple of the ones you like, and see what happens.  I don't see any difference in gas in the babies I do postpartum work for vs those who don't use those bottles. but again , thats only my observation. The biggest issue seems to be which ones the baby likes best and that fits the babies mouth best. not how it was manufactured.  Buy a few of one kind, then a couple of another, and see which one works better for the little one... then youll know which one you should buy more of :) or if you have to pick an entirly differnt bottle :)