The Breast Pump Lady

12/13/2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Cb-HfOjJv8

This compelling documentary tells the story of Einar Egnell, the Swedish engineer and medical innovator who forever changed postpartum care with his inventio...

12/13/2025

I have Symphony's available at the moment and more coming this week.

SMB's are always available.

12/13/2025

I often get asked: what is the difference between Hospital Grade pumps and "drug store" pumps?

While there is no set rules about what constitutes a Hospital Grade pump, basically Hospital-grade breast pumps are powerful, multi-user medical devices with strong, durable motors, primarily used in clinical settings or rented for medical necessity, while personal-grade pumps are smaller, more portable single-user devices for everyday convenience.

Hospital Grade (multiple user) pumps are used when the baby cannot establish nor maintain the milk supply.

Personal (single user) pumps are used when baby has established and can maintain the milk supply, you just want to pump once-in-awhile or go back to work.

Hospital-Grade Pumps are built for multiple users with a closed system to prevent contamination. Maximum suction is about 300mmHg, a number Einar Egnell established as strong enough to draw out the milk, but not so strong as to rupture the ni**le skin (ouch!) The rhythm is also different: smoother, more consistent and with a positive pressure phase at the end of the stroke. In the Egnell SMB you can see the action of the piston. In the Medela Symphony, there are two smaller pistons, one for each side, inside the machine, doing the same thing.

This helps to initiate and maintain the milk supply effectively when the baby cannot, like in the case of prematurity, birth defects, or full-term babies having issues latching on etc.

The motor durability is exceptional. Heavy duty for frequent, long-term continuous use over thousands of hours. None are more longer lasting than the SMB. I have pumps I know are 50+ years old, and still work fine. With the Symphony, I have had motors burn out, but after a few years.

They are considered "portable" (without the stand) as they have handles, but generally you place them in one spot to pump.

Hospital Grade pumps work for most (not all) moms.

Personal pumps are designed for single-user only; sharing can risk contamination unless the pump has a fully closed system. While some will max out to the 300mmHg suction strength, they are doing it with a smaller motor and different rhythm. None have pistons, so the rhythm is more a suck/release like the old hand pumps.

The motor and all other moving parts are not durable, but are designed for less frequent occasional use.

Personal pumps are a lot smaller and much more portable though, better for the on-the-go pumping, or transporting to and from work, but only if the baby maintains the supply otherwise.

Personal Grade pumps don't work for everyone and are VERY subjective.

Hope that helps!

11/19/2025

https://www.motherschoiceproducts.com/product-line/breast-feeding/?product-page=3

11/19/2025

THE SMB IS BACK! These indestructible workhorses are back in service. Offering to moms who can't find a Symphony, or want/need a break for their budget. Offering at 1986 prices for rental of just $2.00/day + PST, 10 day minimum, no maximum. Dual Ameda Hygienikit is $60.00 and comes already sterile. Just plug it in turn it on, and go.

Never worry about ERROR CODES!
No fiddling with speeds.
No milk in tubing - EVER!
Quiet and reliable...the reason they were in hospitals since about 1947 - 2006 WORLDWIDE.
You can't pull it off the table and break it!

It's heavy, but it works!

11/16/2025

https://www.motherschoiceproducts.com/

Are you a consumer? LEARN MORE & SHOP HERE Are You A Healthcare Professional? EXPLORE HOW WE SUPPORT MATERNITY AND NICU DEPARTMENTS ACROSS CANADA Are you a retailer? Discover our […]

11/14/2025

Well, my daughter is finally on the mend after her 2nd surgery went sideways with a major complication and life-threatening infection. She is strong, and beat it down. We have been struggling for years, and she's the reason I began renting breast pumps. Back in 1986 I was the only one in the nursery pumping, and they thought I was crazy to even try to breast milk feed my G-tube baby. But I did, and pumped with the old SMB for 2 years. 9.5 years later her sister arrived, 14 weeks early, at 26 weeks, 3 days gestation. Again, hauled out the SMB and got to work. She was able to eventually get on the breast, and nursed until she was almost three.

Flash forward to October 20, 2025 when my daughter went into surgery for the 2nd time, then 3rd time for emergency surgery 2 days later. 22 days later, finally got back to the medical unit, where she is recovering today. Then, Victoria is hit with a hospital grade breast pump rental shortage...

To help alleviate that shortage, and help moms who may not be able to afford current rental rates, I have cleaned up and lubed up my SMB's and received new Ameda Hygienikits to go with them. Don't let this old grandma pump scare you. It was in use from the 1940's all the way up to about 2001. She will never not work, will never give you an error code, and will never get pulled off the table! With the Hygienikit, it is a complete Hospital Grade closed system.

To celebrate my daughter finally getting the help she needed, I am bringing back 1986 prices too. Just a straight $2.00/day (10 day minimum), purchase a new dual Hygienikit for $60.00, plus PST, there is no GST.

I will deliver, my other job permitting.

C'mon...you won't be disappointed. call/text 250-812-7370

watch the demo here:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1031911630177954

11/08/2025

I know I haven't posted anything for awhile, been too busy with work and my daughter's health crisis. She is recovering from her 3rd surgery, but rest assured, I am still renting pumps and helping mothers express their love.

11/08/2025

BREAST PUMP SHORTAGE IN VICTORIA!
In response to this, I am rebooting my Egnell SMB's. That is the silver grey pump. This type of pump has been used in hospitals right up until about 2001, when Medela came out with their Symphony. The SMB is STILL THE INDUSTRY standard and what all other breast pumps are based upon. Don't let her scare you! I am just waiting for the kits to go with them (AMEDA). Hopefully I will have a few up and running next week. Please click on the link below for the history of these beautiful pumps

01/04/2024

Overwhelmed by all the breastfeeding information out there? 🤱

We have you covered, mama. Click the link for everything you need to know about storing breast milk. 🍼

https://www.ameda.com/milk-101/milk-101-article/how-to-store-breast-milk-safely/

05/25/2022

Whoever said not to cry over spilled milk was definitely not talking about human milk!

If you are experiencing an extended power outage and have milk frozen for your baby, you may be worried about losing it.

Before the power goes out, turn the freezer to the coldest setting, move milk to the centre and group storage bags in larger bags or containers to reduce mess and cross-contamination from other items.

Once the power is out, treat the freezer like you would a cooler:

- Keep it closed! Open it no more than once a day to remove the milk you need and check on the contents.
- Use ice blocks or cubes if available (place in ziplocks or trays) to keep contents cold longer.
- Milk that has begun to thaw, but still contains some ice crystals can safely be refrozen.

Learn more here: https://kellymom.com/hot-topics/frozen-milk-power-outage/

If you decide to move your milk or need to leave your home, see more tips here:
http://bfnews.blogspot.com/2017/09/evacuating-with-frozen-breast-milk.html?fbclid=IwAR1gyJnC6ZnwHjkyHf39H6HiXYm1rmqiN22CffAEEk3713QWrfIj8yaagIM

05/19/2022

Struggling with increasing your breast milk supply? Here are some tips on how you can maximize your milk production. 🍼🤱 https://bit.ly/3FPDoM5