Breastfeeding - first post on SAHM

KYBABY2011

Hi all! I am 20 weeks pregnant and in the process of registering. I will be staying at home with little man, and breastfeeding. Did anyone have a nursing pump that they used? I don't plan on being separate from him so I see the point of not even having a pump, but I wanted to register for a small electric pump for when I do have to go somewhere. DH just wants to register for a hand pump, but I am thinking that doesn't seem easy. Any thoughts or advice?

 

This is baby #1.  

mdearrington

IMO if youre going to get a pump, get an electric pump. You will be glad you did. I EBF till 10months old. There were times when if the boys got sick I would have to pump because they didn't want to latch.

honestly, I only used mine a handful of times but I was always so glad I had it. 

app1e3

I bought a Lansinoh Affinity double pump and loved it. It was very inexpensive and user friendly. I have recommended this to a few other friend and all of them have been pleased with it as well. 

Congrats on your little man and GL! 

eaglesfan700

Personally, my Medela PISA was my most prized baby item.  I pumped every day and had a huge stash.  That thing was worth every penny

It was super important to me to be able to get away for a night, go out with friends, go out by myself or even away for a weekend.  

IMO a hand pump was completely worthless and a huge waste of my time

I will say that you might want to wait until after baby arrives to make sure BFing works out for you.  Those pumps are expensive so if for whatever reason BFing doesn't work out, you don't want it to go to waste.  You can also check with your hospital - sometimes they rent the double electric pumps, so you could do that before buying one

Kitten80

welcome and congrats on baby  I am on my phone so sorry for errors I may make  I got a Lansinoh electric pump as it was mid-price range and it had good reviews so I hoped it would function for more than one child (i have heard people having to replace the whole pump each time).  I am glad I did it...when it came time to make cereal, or the need for an occasional relief bottle or time when I would have a hard time nursing, a efficient pump was helpful!  To me, manual seemed like a lot of work, but that was just my opinion.  Some people like them cause they are portable and work without electricity.  If you hope to BF for awhile, you may find it helpful to pump as I needed bottles for DH's work function when MIL sat, etc.  Tip: Don't open your pump until the baby comes in case BFing doesn't work for some reason you can return it then. GL

mrsfirefly

I love my Lansinoh double electric.  I returned the hand pump I registered for after DD was born because I had to pump because she had a poor latch and needed bottles from weeks 3-7 and to increase my supply.  Now I use it to pump milk for solids. It is totally worth it and I think cost less than $150 from Target.com.

foreverMorgan

I had a Pump in Style. I pumped a stash so I had milk for times that someone was watching LO (date nights, running errands alone, etc). I didn't use it all but I was glad I had it. DS bf'd for 16 mos. and stopped due to my pregnancy. DD is still bf'ing at 23 mos. Its a long time to nurse without an emergency stash.

KYBABY2011

Thanks ladies!!! I will definitely keep researching different pumps and brands. 

Andrewsgal

eaglesfan700:

Personally, my Medela PISA was my most prized baby item.  I pumped every day and had a huge stash.  That thing was worth every penny

It was super important to me to be able to get away for a night, go out with friends, go out by myself or even away for a weekend.  

IMO a hand pump was completely worthless and a huge waste of my time

I will say that you might want to wait until after baby arrives to make sure BFing works out for you.  Those pumps are expensive so if for whatever reason BFing doesn't work out, you don't want it to go to waste.  You can also check with your hospital - sometimes they rent the double electric pumps, so you could do that before buying one

This was me too, I could not have lived without my PISA. I love it and it has made it through two kids and I am sure it will make it through #3, well worth the money. I also like to get a few hours away from my kids a week, which I know  makes me a better mom and i think others should do too. 

Stacyc625

electric.

 

silkyhorse

My son won't even take a bottle, and I'm still glad I have my pump!  I have the Medela single pump and love it.  I pump to add milk to rice cereal and other solids we're trying, and also to practice using sippy cups.

jdreams76

Can't help I didn't pump after leaving the hospital So we just never purchased one. 

mandymack

Welcome to the board!!!

I, too "planned" to breastfeed and never be separate from my baby and definitely understand where you are coming from and what you think will happen BUT I have to say, having a pump could end up being a lifesaver for you in more ways than one and I definitely think you should either register for one, rent one from the hospital, and/or just be open to the idea of pumping once baby comes because you just never know! 

I got the Medela Pump In-style Advanced (PISA) several of the previous posters mentioned they had and absolutely LOVED it!  I recently just purchased all the replacement parts/tubes so I can use with with this baby as well! 

For me:

I pumped so that DH could give Emily a bottle for at least one of the night time feedings the first couple of months before she began sleeping through the night.  Exhaustion is really tough and as an exclusive breastfeeder, no one can relieve you and having his help gave me an extra 2-3 of sleep each night.  It was absolutely priceless!!!

I also pumped so that I could get away for an hour to shop, go the to doctor, get a haircut, meet with a friend, have a date night, enjoy a glass (or three!) of wine, etc. and was able to do so because I had bottles to leave with my mom/family or babysitter.

I also pumped so that Emily could have breastmilk when I was ill or she was ill and couldn't latch on comfortably.  And when I was first breastfeeding and it was so painful (think raw skin, even bleeding nipples!).

Finally, I pumped so that I didn't have to breastfeed in public bathrooms, dressing rooms, on an airplane, in front of DH's coworkers, etc. when I personally wasn't comfortable or just had no place to sit!  It was such a relief and so much less stressful on ME to leave Emily in her carseat/stroller and offer a bottle.

I hope this is helpful, I just wanted to give you some of my personal experiences with why pumping was helpful for me.  Good luck and I second the poster who said DO NOT OPEN THE PUMP until you are certain about it because once opened you can't return it. 

Dochas

I bought a single electric Medela and really regretted it.  Get a double electric if you're going to pump at all.  I just bought the Lasinoh and wish I had done it sooner.

mrsrobinsontobe

everyone has given you great advice...i'd say check w/ your insurance for "durable medical equipment" it is often covered. also, sometimes you need a hospital grade pump. free pumps are good!