[Mama]

<p>When The Bortski was a baby, I pumped milk all the time. I pumped so I could go out to dinner with my husband. I pumped so I could do some freelance work. I pumped so I could go skiing for a couple of hours. The <a href=" http://www.medela.com/newfiles/PNSABK_lrgr.html">Medela Pump In Style</a> was my best friend. Sort of. </p>

<p>When baby number two, The Bear, was born eight months ago, I pulled my breast pump out of the closet and pumped to relieve engorgement. But now, that pump is back in the closet next to my husband's shoes. It is literally gathering dust. I have used a hand pump (the <a href=" http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/pumps_personalUse_manual.html#Harmo ny%20breastpump">Medela Harmony</a>) a few times. I even stuck it in my purse once and took it to a black tie wedding. But even that pump isn't getting much use lately.</p>

<p> Why have I abondoned pumping? I'm not quite sure. Perhaps because The Bear sleeps solidly between 6 pm and 11pm, so there's little risk he'll wake up hungry and torture a babysitter if we went out. Perhaps I don't pump because I'm working from home. Or maybe I'm just too lazy. </p>

<p>So why the ramblings about my pumps? Another blogger has asked me for suggestions of the best pumps. So I turn to all of you. Which ones do you use? Which do you love? Which do you hate? What's the best bang for the buck? And while you're at it, anyone have any good pumping stories to share?</p>

<p>Meanwhile...I have to say, in a weird way it's a blessing I haven't been pumping and stockpiling frozen milk. Our refrigerator is not working well, and I would be absolutely beside myself if I had to throw out pumped milk. But the refrigerator...man, don't get me started. That's another story altogether.<br />
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