Hellobee Boards

I only had a double electric but wanted a manual a few times- when I was traveling and there was a chance I would need to pump but not a high likelihood, when I was going to a wedding and just wanted to pump enough to take the edge off, not necessarily do a full pump, and if the baby actually slept a long time and I woke up super engorged. I never did get one last time but I think I will use my insurance benefit for one this time for those types of situations.

I used the manual exactly once, when DH and I went to a playoff football game. (Couldn't turn down free tickets, even with a 3 week old!) It was useful in that situation but I'm on baby #3 now and haven't used it any other time.

BTW, I was visiting my sister in the hospital after she had a baby and we were talking about manual pumps and the nurse brought her one, wasn't "free" because the insurance was surely billed a million bucks for it, but she didn't pay for it. So maybe hold off and ask about it in the hospital.

I bought a cheap one once but I can't remember why. I don't even know where it is so I clearly didn't use it much. If ever. I'd just wait and see if you have need. They are easy enough to pick up if you decide you want one.

I thought it was extremely helpful in those first few weeks, especially when my milk came in initially. I was one of those people who got insanely engorged until my milk regulated, and I had to pump a little for the baby to be able to latch. And the manual was nice for that because I felt like I could control the pressure easier. And sometimes I had to get into a hot shower with it to get my engorgement to back off, so I wouldn't have been able to do that with the electric. They're so cheap, I'd recommend getting one just in case.

The hospital gave me one and I've used it a few times. I keep it in the diaper bag, I've pumped in the car a couple of times because she sleeps through feelings when we are out and about.

I ended up buying one later on when LO went through a phase of not wanting to nurse when she was distracted. Helped take the pain away!

I bought a single manual and took it out of the box then NEVER used it. So I say No. But actually, if anyone wants a Medela manual you can have it.

I've never actually used mine yet but I am glad I have it. I bought it for...
-- travel. We recently flew with baby, who was nursing but you never know (didn't want to haul manual pump)
- going to put in my work bag in addition to the electric - if the electric dies or I forget my tubes at home or something!
- what if the power goes out at home and I can't use my electric

These are a few of the reasons. I am happy I have it even if I never use it!

Very helpful! I only used the manual a handful of times, but it was in situations where there's no way I could have used the electric. Like if I had to go somewhere with only regular bathroom stalls (no outlets) for work, or the two times when I took an all day exam in a college gym (same deal with the bathrooms).

I never wanted a manual pump until late in the game...DD is still nursing at 2, and I travel occasionally for work, and it's a total PITA to bring along the doible electric when all I ever really need to do now is relieve a little pressure (I'm not looking to keep up my supply at this point, I'd actually prefer her to wean but she's not into that, but I can't get engorged and leaky when I'm on business travel and that still happens after about 36 hours without BFing). But I haven't wanted to spend money on a manual pump at this stage. If I'd gotten one early on, though, I absolutely would have used it these past few trips.