Would you buy a new pump?

[BayGirl2]

I love, love, love my Freestyle...well as much as anyone can love a pump, since pumping in general sucks, but the Freestyle makes it bearable for me. I've had it since DS, used it for 8 months with him and now 3-4 months of pumping with DD. I pump three times a day usually, 6-7 times a day when I'm traveling on business.

So yesterday the LCD screen stopped working! The pump works fine but I can't see the timer, suction level, or remaining battery. So bummed! Its out of warranty and can't be repaired. I can get a new pump for $290. I have 2 business trips coming up and having it fail on a trip would be a huge PITA. The pumping part works fine but now I'm scared. I plan to pump at least a few more months with DD.

WWYD? I can afford a pump if I need it but that's a lot to spend when I have a still functional one. I really want a Freestyle, not another brand, and already have the extra horn sets and everything. Should I risk it breaking or shell out for a new one?

[DrSally]

I guess i wouldn't if it were me, but i didn't use the pump as much asnyou do.

[mikala]

In your case I think I'd go ahead and buy a new one. You know you have upcoming trips where you'll use it and the alternative could be a lot of stress on the road when it suddenly stops behaving as intended or you're out of batteries and away from your charger for some reason.

[AnnieW625]

I would buy a new one too because it sounds like you need it and what isn't working is essential for your pumping. I had a PIS as well as some hospital grade pumps so I never had any of those features. You'll always be able to sell it later on. I'd also call Medela and just see what they say maybe they will give you a discount if you trade in your other one. I think it's worth a shot!

[BabyBearsMom]

I might look into renting a pump if you only plan to use it for a few more months rather than buying a new one. I know that our hospital had a pump rental program and there is something in my insurance policy about it as well. Maybe contact your local LLL? I would not be willing to shell out $300 for something I would only use for a few more months, especially when my other pump was still working. Also, the LCD screen issue is probably completely unrelated to the pumping mechanism so I wouldn't assume that the broken LCD screen is indicative of upcoming problems.

[Dream]

I would buy one. I exclusively pumped, still am. And I was travelling alot, one international trip, I was always stressed about the pump. Having an extra one just gave me peace of mind, knowing I have a backup helps alot. I only used the second one once in the entire 11 months, and yes, sometimes I do feel I wasted $$ but that's only because my PIS has been faithful to me.

[teo]

Are you planning more children? If so, it probably makes sense to buy a new one if you'd use it again. If not, I'd look into renting one. Hygeia rents their hospital-grade pump directly for $45 for the first month and $25 a month after that---it's similar to the Medela Lactina, but lighter and with a rechargeable internal battery, and the cheapest hospital-grade rental I found. If you're only looking at a few months of use, could be a lot more affordable since it works with all the Medela flanges and accessories so you wouldn't need to buy that stuff new (I think there's one part, the piston, that you would need, and possibly the tubing---but you can buy that separately). It might be a little heavy for taking on business trips, though---definitely weighs more than the Freestyle.

Also remember that you can now take breast pump expenses from your FSA, if you have one---so it's a little cheaper pre-tax! (That said, if it were me, I'd probably push it with the current pump to see if I could get it to last long enough! :)