2nd Trimester
Breast pumps and nipple shield??
Hi, I'm pregnant with my frist; I'm 21 weeks. And I was picking things for my baby registry. And I have things to ask.
1. On the breast pumps is electric or manual pumps better?
2. Do I need a breast pump?
3. What is a nipple shield?!
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Re: Breast pumps and nipple shield??
electric is you are going back to work
not unless you plan on working or pumping, it is very handy though even if doing this.
a nipple shield if for latching problems. The hospital will start you off with one if you need one, its one of those thing you can go buy if you end up needing it. They are cheap cheap
as for the pump, it depends on your need. obviously there is a big difference in cost. i went back to work after DS, so i have a double electric. if you plan to work, then a double electric is a must. if you are a SAHM then you could probably get away with a manual but its going to be PITA anytime you plan to leave DC and need to leave a bottle. if money isn't a huge issue, i'd get a double electric no matter what.
nipple shield - some people need to use these in order to BF but it's not recommend that you start by using one. so i wouldn't bother.
DD - February 2011
1. I like an electric pump better, it pumps more faster
2. If you're planning on staying home, you may not need one, but it will be nice to have if your DH wants to help with feeding, or if you need help bringing your milk in.
3. A nipple shield is a plastic shield that fits over your nipple. It helps if your nipples get really sore, cracked, or raw. Another use (why I used one) is sometimes babies have a hard time latching onto their mother's nipples especially if her breasts are engorged. A nipple shield gives them something to really grab a hold of and pulls your nipple into it. Some people say they create nipple confusion, but I was successfully able to wean DS off of it and exclusively breastfeed for a full year. It was a real life saver for me since every time I went to feed DS (at first) it was a very frustrating full hour process, he wouldn't end up getting much to eat and we'd both be in tears.
Check out these websites... they helped me not get stressed about choosing one.
https://www.babycenter.com/0_choosing-a-breast-pump_429.bc
https://babyproducts.about.com/od/feedingdrinks/tp/bestbreastpumps.htm
https://www.consumersearch.com/breast-pumps
I nipple shield goes over your nipple when breast feeding. It protects your nipple from bleeding and will also help to pull your nipple out to better breastfeed.
I was given one right away at the hospital and wish I didn't use it. I didn't know an better. My DD got used to the feel of it and wouldn't take my uncovered nipple. It was a pain to travel with and to always have with me.
The only thing it did help with was going from nursing to the bottle some nights. She was used to the plastic and therefore didn't seem to mind the bottle.
I wouldn't use it right away. I do not plan on using it with my next baby. But will ultimately use it if need be.
1. On the breast pumps is electric or manual pumps better?
Electric if you go back to work but after a year of pumping I couldn't hear the sound any longer and bought a manual one.
2. Do I need a breast pump?
If you are going to pump yes, they are pricey so maybe see if breastfeeding works for you before opening it?
3. What is a nipple shield?!
Something you use if your baby has latching problems.
My sister who BF 3 kids said that if you're staying home, and wont be pumping often, that manual works better. BUUUUUT, they take longer.