Leakage and Pumping

kfuss4

Im sure this has been asked before, please dont flame me! But I plan to EBF, and I plan on going back to work atleast 20 hours a week and school (prob online class though) eventually as well.  From what Ive read, I will need a good electric pump since I will be pumping so much...but do I need a double one? Can I just pump one side and then the other or will that take too long? And will one be leaking a lot the entire time Im pumping the other side? I know everyones milk supply is different, but Id like to hear your experience on it. 

--I ask this because Im on a budget and trying to save money anywhere I can! 

ncbelle

I'd go with a double pump - check out the Lansinoh or Ameda (they are the same pump; the Ameda just comes with a bag, cooler, bottles, etc.).  It's worked really well for me, is much cheaper than the Medela, and unlike the Medela is a closed system (so you don't have to worry about milk in the tubes).

ValerianOddity

I have the Ameda Purely Yours double electric pump, and I love it.  My understanding is that double pumping is more efficient that single, because of how your milk lets down; nothing goes to waste.  Also (obviously) it takes less time.

mistresscox

I have a double pump, and while I haven't been doing it that long I have found that I HATE double pumping.  I have to hold both cups to both boobs-it's a total PITA IMO so I just end up pumping one at a time so I have at least one hand free to do things while pumping.  It takes quite a bit longer (because I have to do each side individually) and I do leak out the other side while pumping, but I'd rather have my hand free.  Of course that may change when I go back to work-I'll probably end up doing both sides at once there because "breaks" for me are going to be rushed as it is. 

jkipp82

mistresscox:

I have a double pump, and while I haven't been doing it that long I have found that I HATE double pumping.  I have to hold both cups to both boobs-it's a total PITA IMO so I just end up pumping one at a time so I have at least one hand free to do things while pumping.  It takes quite a bit longer (because I have to do each side individually) and I do leak out the other side while pumping, but I'd rather have my hand free.  Of course that may change when I go back to work-I'll probably end up doing both sides at once there because "breaks" for me are going to be rushed as it is. 

I'm double pumping as i type this.  I use my forearm to hold one side and my hand to hold the other side - thus giving me a free hand.  I originally didn't want to double pump, but it really is more efficient, especially if you're gettin up in the middle of the night to do it.

Lucy_Plus_One!

You will save SO much time and energy if you just get the double pump. I absolutely understand needing to save money, but this is one of the last areas I would suggest you do it in if you are definitely going to be pumping, and especially if it will be away from home.

You can also get some cheap sports bras and cut holes in the front for the pump to go through. This creates a hands free pumping "bra" so you can also eat lunch, read, or do something else with your hands. 

GL!

ValerianOddity

jkipp82:

I'm double pumping as i type this.  I use my forearm to hold one side and my hand to hold the other side - thus giving me a free hand.  I originally didn't want to double pump, but it really is more efficient, especially if you're gettin up in the middle of the night to do it.

I do this, too!

alaskabride2be

I have a double electric pump and can pump both sides in about 10 minutes. I have made my own "hands free" bra by taking a front closing sports bra and cutting slits in it. This has helped tons! I also noticed that if I read or do something else while pumping I tend to get more and get it faster. Before you buy one, check with your insurance and see if they will pay for one or pay for the rental of a hospital one. 

It sounds like you will be pumping often. Because of this I would think that you will want a double electric pump. I would be wasting lots of milk due to leaking if I didn't pump both sides at the same time. Good luck!