Thanks for the reply.
I was a bit confused, because when I tried to search on this site, I thought I might have read that if money is not an issue, then use the Symphony. Then on the other hand, everyone is raving about the Limerick! :-)

So why do you think I should not use Fenugreek? Could it cause a problem? I was actually thinking of using it more in my diet- not taking pills yet. We actually use fenugreek seeds as a spice and eat the leaves as well. Would love your input on that.

You know now that you mention it I think I heard the same thing on the symphony. If you didn't have such great luck last time with the symphony though I think I would give the limerick a try. Everyone does seem to rave about it. That and it is a multi user pump so you could easily sell it when you are through with it.
As for the fenugreek I use this site a lot to look at herbal safety http://growinglife.com/herbalsafety.htm and it shows a caution for fenugreek during pregnancy. I am not sure why but I would be sparing in my use to be on the safe side and not add the herbs until after delivery.

Thanks again for the post.
I really wonder what Lenore's actual opinion is on the matter.
Does she still answer questions on this board?
She may know best since this is her line of expertise, and she may have used both pumps.

Thanks for the link re- herbs.

She does still post on this board For the last year she has been working on her doctoral thesis. Those of us that have been here awhile jump in to help out where we can. Lenore is the one who posted that if money wasn't an object to buy the Symphony, you refreshed my memory on that one. Do you already have a symphony or did you just rent it last time? If you already have it then that is what I would use and see how it goes. You can always switch pumps later on if you need to.

Wow you are fast!!
I rented the Symphony last time, so I don't have it.

So in spite of the great Limerick reviews, Lenore still thinks the Symphony is a better bet? Hmmm... now I am really confused

I am on the verge of buying the Limerick pump of June 2006 for a very low price, but now I am reconsidering.

Hope Lenore will have a minute to shed some more light on this.
You, Lalle, are a great help. Thanks!

I would buy the Limerick for the great price. Trust me you will be able to sell it here if you end up deciding on a Symphony. I am sure Lenore will pop in soon.

Whew! Ok I'm here. I do check the board every day and chime in where needed. As Lalle said, I'm finishing up my Ph.D. but also in March my son Ethan was hospitalized with pneumonia and last week my husband's business partner was killed in a plane crash together with his companion. So it's been a rough couple of months. I'm most grateful for the women on this site who pitched in and helped each other.

Having said that. The Symphony is the only pump with current research behind it by way of Dr. Peter Hartmann and his team in Perth, Australia. However it's expensive so most moms rent. That doesn't mean it's for everyone. The Pump in Style Advanced is based on the research that was done on the Symphony and much less expensive in the long run for moms pumping long-term. Then there is the Limerick Pj Junior which although doesn't have the paperwork that the Symphony has, is still a fabulous pump because it applies both positive and negative pressure much like a baby at the breast....and until recently was competitively priced with the Pump in Style. Now that the price has gone up, it sits between the Symphony and the Pump in Style.

Probably the main difference between the 2006 Limerick and the newest model would be the noise factor. About 1/2 way through 2006 they were able to produce a more quiet model.

But all three will do the job. The rule of thumb I guess would be if you don't do well with the Symphony, go for the Limerick because it functions differently at the breast compared to the others.

As for the fenugreek...that's a no no during pregnancy and probably not necessary. Better to spend your cash on an excellent board certified lactation consultant. You can find one here: www.ilca.org Just click on the "Find a Lactation Consultant" button at the top of the page.

Hope this helps clear things up.

Best, Lenore

I thought the Limerick was cheaper a while back. Why did they increase the pricing?

Lenore
Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post.
I am terribly sorry to hear about everything you are going through. I am amazed that you have 2 minutes to look at the boards... and then you are finishing your PHd!
Wow!

So perhaps I should just buy the Limerick.. and then have a backup of the Symphony to rent in case I need it. THat way I won't miss any time if I need it once I have the baby.
The Limerick I found is being sold to me for $125. It is apparently brand new and unused (still in plastic wrapping). The person selling it says s/he got it in June 2006, but I don't know how or where.

I emailed Pat at Limerick, with whom I had spoked a few days earlier, to ask her if the unit's serial number was one of the newer models, and if it would still be under warranty. The seller of the unit I am trying to buy has not even plugged it in, so I am not sure if it is working or not, though it should be.


I had a lactation consultant with my first child who was very good, so I will probably seek her out again this time as needed. I found her qutie late in the process, and my milk supply was already quite low at that point. Hopefully I will have a better experience this time. I had mailed you back then as well, and you had been a great help to me. I appreciate it.

Thanks a lot.

About the Limerick price...
I spoke with Pat the President of Limerick, and she said that their accountant told them that they were underpricing the product. They need to charge more for business efficiency. :-(

Yeah, that is sad. My insurance company paid for me to buy a pump in style, but they wouldn't pay for the limerick even if I'd been able to get my medical supply place to order one. The most hte insurance co will pay is 300.

I just wanted to add that I bought the Limerick and have pumped with it a couple of times. I started out with the Symphony and got drops the first time. but what I really like about the Limerick is that it doesn't pull your nipple in and out of the flange like the Symphony does. It pulls it in, but it stays in and the flange is soft and flexible. Very comfortable.

Laurie
Mami to Gabby and waiting for Zack

Thanks for sharing that Laurie.

Thank you for your kind understanding concerning my doctoral program and my husband's recent loss.

According to what I was able to find out, there is an issue due to rising oil prices that affects the method of shipping of the Limericks. I offered several suggestions to keep the price steady and they have taken my suggestions seriously. But for now, it is what it is. You may be able to find one at the old price online but be sure to contact Limerick for a new set of tubing and filters. Note that I do not work for them or receive remuneration from any pump company.

Best, Lenore