So my pump is supposed to arrive tomorrow so I'm sure I'll learn all the parts to it- but what are the membranes and what do they do? You can buy new ones at target or Walmart when they go bad?
You can buy replacement parts at pretty much any store with baby stuff - tubing, boob funnels, membranes, etc. Some people like to have two sets if they pump at work so you don't have to wash them each time.
You can buy replacement parts at pretty much any store with baby stuff - tubing, boob funnels, membranes, etc. Some people like to have two sets if they pump at work so you don't have to wash them each time.
I had two sets, came in very handy so I could just wash once a day. Also you can refrigerate parts between pumps. Medela parts are pretty easy to find, target has a great selection. If you buy off Amazon check to see if they are Medela parts or a generic (if that matters to you). I think the extra pieces for other pump brands can be harder to find.
And the membranes are little plastic flaps that help create suction, they are very thin. I think my pump came with an extra set to start with.
You can buy replacement parts at pretty much any store with baby stuff - tubing, boob funnels, membranes, etc. Some people like to have two sets if they pump at work so you don't have to wash them each time.
I had two sets, came in very handy so I could just wash once a day. Also you can refrigerate parts between pumps. Medela parts are pretty easy to find, target has a great selection. If you buy off Amazon check to see if they are Medela parts or a generic (if that matters to you). I think the extra pieces for other pump brands can be harder to find.
And the membranes are little plastic flaps that help create suction, they are very thin. I think my pump came with an extra set to start with.
Thank you ladies! I can honestly say I've done my fair share of research and reading lots of books. But I just don't understand pumps. Once mine comes in I'm sure it will be easier to understand.
The only trouble I had with parts was the tubes! I could never find them at target or babies R us. Where I have gotten parts is off eBay. And not used either! I have found cheaper pieces from eBay stores.
Also you should never get used parts that have touched other women's BM. Even if it is considered sterile there can still be a risk. I got lazy with my third and (pumps themselves are ok used because milk does not go to the pump) with my used pump she game me some parts and I used them even after cleaning and I ended up with thrush (sp?)
I don't think anyone has mentioned this yet: the pump part.. I'm sure it has a technical name... The funnels that actually go on your boob. They come in different sizes. If you can, get a lactation consultant to fit your funnel thingies correctly. You will get more milk and less possibility of clogged ducts if they are fit correctly. And your fit can change as your little one grows and your milk supply changes. (I had a hospital LC fit mine because daughter was in NICU, but a lot of pediatrician's offices have LCs as well.)
Oh! Also look into Milkies Milk Savers. I haven't used them personally, but they sound great and I've heard good things from women who have used them. It's basically a bag that you attach to the breast you aren't currently using to feed baby (or pumping from if you're using a single pump) and it catches the leaks. I've heard once your supply is established you can get at least a few ounces per feeding that way.
My best friend tried to use those and hated them. She said that you have to sit up perfectly straight, or they spill all over you. Some people love them, though so I guess it may depend on your own anatomy whether they would work well or not.
Pump came in today! I now understand what all those silly parts are for I am just worried about size fitting of the breast shields- but that is something I will ask my LC.
This may officially be one of the most helpful threads for N15. You ladies are answering questions I didn't even know that I had!
That being said, STMs- did you buy a bunch of extra parts (like those little membrane things) or do they seem to last?
I replaced my membranes every 5-6 months. Any time I noticed that I wasn't getting as much milk I would get new ones. They tend to stretch out a little and don't work as well.
<sReviving for FTM question as I'm dealing with this now, and don't need help figuring out how to purchase much like the newest pump thread. So my insurance is sending me the Medela starter kit basic one... I'm going to purchase the ice bag and bottle accessory out of pocket as well as some storage bags, but looking at other accessories,...Why do you need spare parts? Completely and utterly (har har) oblivious here. Any other recommendations for things us FTMs should get for pumping and storing?
*Edit* Welp, please ignore. This is somewhat embarrassing. I knew i read this post and referenced without completely scrolling through the whole thing. Yup. Sorry, sorry. I will totally take my licks and see myself out.
As far as the amazon brand PP said they remember someone mentioning, it was me. The brand is honeysuckle and they sell in boxes of 300 cheaper than any other brand and I believe 3 leaked out of my huge box. They are almost exactly the same as lansinoh. You can buy they on their website but amazon has them at the same price plus free shipping. I EPed and produced about 50 ounces per day even storing some in bottles in the fridge I used a lot of bags.
Re: Milk Storage
funnels, membranes, etc. Some people like to have two sets if they pump at work so you don't have to wash them each time.
Medela parts are pretty easy to find, target has a great selection. If you buy off Amazon check to see if they are Medela parts or a generic (if that matters to you).
I think the extra pieces for other pump brands can be harder to find.
And the membranes are little plastic flaps that help create suction, they are very thin. I think my pump came with an extra set to start with.
I can honestly say I've done my fair share of research and reading lots of books. But I just don't understand pumps. Once mine comes in I'm sure it will be easier to understand.
Also you should never get used parts that have touched other women's BM. Even if it is considered sterile there can still be a risk. I got lazy with my third and (pumps themselves are ok used because milk does not go to the pump) with my used pump she game me some parts and I used them even after cleaning and I ended up with thrush (sp?)