Breast Feeding Pumps

[Redstiletto]

Alright, I am giving in and starting to research and look for one.

What do I look for?

I was told I should register for one and for the accessories, but how can I register for it if I dont know what I am registering for?

For you ladies that have or are going to breast feed, do you have any advice on the type/kind of pump I should be looking for?


Thanks!

~Nic

 

[RooMama]

Do you want a manual or electric. I've always heard that the Avent Isis is the best manual and the Medela Pump in Style is the best electric.

 

[Redstiletto]

See I didnt even know there were two types.

No one in my family has ever breast fed, I am the first.

So I have no one to ask for advice here!

I really have no clue, what is better, manual or electric?

 

[Thankful4HIM]

Medela!!
Hospitals use this brand....they are expensive... but they're very good!!

If you are going to pump regulary.. Get the Medela Advanced... if not.. then get the regular....

here's a link to Target.. but you can shop around... Garage sales, etc.... you can buy your own set up

http://www.target.com/gp/search.htm...Medela&url=index=target&ref=sr_bx_1_1&x=0&y=0

there's the link to their products.... you can see the reviews on the pumps.. very good reviews....

 

[Redstiletto]

Thanks!

 

[Thankful4HIM]

if you're going to pump everyday... get electric.. it's easier... what I did with my last.. I went the LLC a lot becuase I had never BF before... She gave me the setup.. (pump, cups, handle, lines, storage bottles, these little white things that help suction) and I rented a pump for a month... after I returned the pump.. i had to pump manually.. soooooooooooooo tiring. my hubby had to help pump because I'd get so tired...

if it's an occasional thing... sure.. get the manual.. but hope hubby's there to help LOL

on some pumps you CANNOT adjust the suction.. and that can lead to issues... With Medela you can adjust the suction!!

 

[Thankful4HIM]

no prob...
I have the medela advanced..I haven't used it yet...but it's cool because it's very light to carry around with you.. and you can plug it in in the car and use it in there if also needed

 

[Redstiletto]

Oh cool! I really want one that is going to be a benefit not a burden, but I honestly don't know what to look for!

 

[Thankful4HIM]

Ok, I'll show you which one I have...
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...5/602-2743121-4517455?ie=UTF8&asin=B00069BVEE

that comes with all your pumping needs

I would suggest purchasing some storage bags... it'll take up less room in the freezer if you plan to pump and store...

 

[Redstiletto]

You store it? I thought you just fill bottles with it and use it.

I think I should have taken an earlier breastfeeding class, mine doesnt start until June

 

[Thankful4HIM]

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...7/602-2743121-4517455?ie=UTF8&asin=B00065H55W

If you don't plan on pumping everyday... Then just go for this one.

 

[Thankful4HIM]

You store it? I thought you just fill bottles with it and use it.

I think I should have taken an earlier breastfeeding class, mine doesnt start until June

You can nurse your baby.. from your breast.... or pump for immediate use so daddy or someone can feed baby...

or.. say.. you'll be going back to work.. or... having a babysitter for a few hours....or go out to eat and don't want to nurse in public..etc... you can pump some milk.. and freeze it.. they can put the milk inside a bowl or something of hot water, but NOT boiling water... boiling water kills the enzymes, and you cannot microwave the milk either...

here's a link on how to properly store and reheat breastmilk
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T026900.asp

 

[Redstiletto]

Thank you sooo much! You seriously do not understand how helpful you are!

 

[Thankful4HIM]

It's not a problem at all!! I was in your spot a couple years ago! I know how it feels... If you have any more questions.. don't hesitate to ask!!

If I don't know the answer, I'll get one for ya!

 

[Redstiletto]

Thanks!

 

[RoseofLima]

I would wait to purchase a pump until after you've had the baby and have been sucessfully nursing for several weeks.

 

[Redstiletto]

I might have to go back to work right away, hubby doenst know how stable his job is right now because they are doing re-allignments of the whole company, and so if he loses his job, I am going to have to have the baby and come right to work.

So I am just researching what to get and when. Plus I will have to pump a few weeks after the baby is born for a wedding we are going to and such.

 

[RoseofLima]

Do you work for a company that has benefits- including short term disability? You don't make your entire salary- but you can usually stay out of work for 6-8 weeks on short term disability --if your company offers it.

I am so sorry for that stress That sounds so hard!

I just think that pumps are expensive and if you aren't going to end up using it, it would be money better saved.

I think it certainly can be done-- but if you must return to work full time immediately- breastfeeding is unlikely to be successful---and might also be seriously stressful. I am seriously pro-breastfeeding-- and I mention this not to discourage you--but rather just to encourage you to in no way feel like a failure if breastfeeding ends up not being the right choice for your family's extenuating circumstances.

 

[Redstiletto]

My company doesnt offer paid maternity leave for hourly employees, only for salary employees.

So I do not fall under that unless my boss and the owner make an exception (highly unlikely, I am not from India)

So the only way I was able to take maternity leave (which is mandated by the state that any and every employee needs to allow it), is if my husband has a consistant job.

 

[Thankful4HIM]

Redstilleto

I wanted to let you know... if you need a pump.. and cannot afford that pump out of pocket.. if your hubby or you has health insurance.. they MIGHT cover up to an amount or non on a breastpump... My hubby works at a school, and some people who carried umm, Messa.. is the ins. company that covers up to $250 toward a Medela breastpump... unfortunately, we don't have Messa we have another co. but I got my Medela advanced pump for $50.00.. so, if.. Ins. doesn't cover and you have no fam. friends that have one to borrow or buy from... let me know.. and I'll contact the 20 so or odd people who offered to sell theirs and I can get you one cheaper than what Target sells it for...