For those planning to breastfeed...

musiscout

I finished the baby registry today at the Target store. What all did you put on it? I  originally had the $270 medela pump, bobby, medela accessory kit and even some replacement parts. I left the bobby and the accessory kit, but am wondering if it's best to wait on the rest to actually see if breastfeeding works for us. I really want to do breastfeeding, but don't want to stress myself out over it. So, I have regular bottles on the registry too. I had minor breast surgery to remove a noncancerous lump, but should probably still be able to breastfeed. However, I was on special formula as a baby and saw a friend struggle with breastfeeding her daughter who ended up having problems with digesting the breastmilk too. So, I'm wondering if it's better to wait a couple of weeks and see how she takes to breastfeeding. Then, get the pump. I luckily live next to Target and BabiesRus.

What are you getting ahead of time? What do you need to start out?

eaduvall

i registered for a pump also. i don't really thing that anyone is going to buy it but i put it on there anyways. I also do not know if i can BF, if i have a flare (a reinsurance of my rheumatoid arthritis) then I will not be able to BF and take meds. i did register for a few bottles and I am hitting up Enamil and Simalac for free formula samples just in case. I am not buying anything until I know for sure, maybe the Boppy because you can use it for other things. plus if LO and I leave the hospital at different times for some reason my insurance covers an electric pump up to 90%. god forbid this happens but if it does i want them to pay for the pump not me.

MommaA117

I put the Boppy and the Medella bottle set along with 50 milk storage bags. I will buy the pump when I see how BF'ing is going for me...since that is not returnable. The other stuff can be returned if BF'ing does not work out.

aztoid2006

I feel weird putting a breastpump on my registry, but I did put "My Brest Friend" on it, as well as two types of bottles since I know that the baby will have to take bottles at daycare (hopefully with breastmilk).  I think I will buy the pump before the baby is born, so we have it, though.  Have you checked out breastpumpsdirect.com?  They have good prices and were recommended in Baby Bargains.

kattyleigh

Just an FYI, the "My Brest Friend" pillow worked out a million times better for me than the Boppy.  I had both and hated using the Boppy.  But this is again one of those personal preference things.  I think 50% of women love the Boppy, 50% love the MBF.

march2008

I'm going to breastfeed but I do not plan on getting a breast pump until after the baby is born. I will probably put a pump on my registry after my baby shower is over so that I can use the completion discount later on.

I did register for 2 different types of bottles and 2 packs of breastmilk freezer bags. I also already bought a pillow because it was on clearance for under $10 - the My Brest Friend pillow. I figured for that price, I couldn't pass it up. Hopefully everything works out and I'll be able to breastfeed.

mskolman

I think you are very smart to not buy the breast pump yet. I didn't with my son either. For one, I didn't know if he would survive (serious heart defect) and also I didn't know if I would be able to pump or have any supply. I had friends that bought the expensive breast pumps, but then were not able to breastfeed or pump. They have since just loaned it out. Hopefully it will work for you and then you can just go send your hubby out to go get it!

mari_gold

I would put it on your registry so you can use a completion coupon toward if you do decide to get it, but no, you won't need it right away. Every lactation consultant I've ever spoken to has recommended waiting at least four weeks before you start pumping so that baby has a chance to establish your supply. And, truthfully, those early weeks are hectic enough without also trying to squeeze in a pump session.

 

Veittobe

Right now I'm thinking I will rent a breast pump from the hospital for the first month. If breastfeeding works out, I will then consider buying my own once I know I'll use it. 

jen&jay07

I felt awkward putting a breast pump on my registry and so I did not.I did put a Boppy (with a replacement cover) on it because I know I can use it for baby lounging on the couch or our bed. I also put some bottles on there as I know I will need them either way.

 I very much would like to BF but have no idea how it's going to work out. I think I will rent one from the hospital initally and if all goes well purchase one after a month. I have my maternity unit tour schedule in a couple more weeks and will inquire then about what pumps they have available at that time.

kimbo1216

I registered for a pump.  Neither my mom, nor my sister had a problem breastfeeding, so I'm hoping I'll be the same.

If you are unsure, you can always rent one from the hospital and see how it goes.  If it works for you, then you could invest in your own.

However, if you do want to get one ahead of time and are also registered at BRU, I would recommend registering for one of their Medela breastpumps.  We picked the $180 one.  I'm not sure the big difference, but from what I could tell, it was all in the bag.  The $300 one had the big to-go tote or something, the one we picked had a slightly different bag--and maybe a few less accessories???

Anyway, just thought you might want to review more options.

OctoberCAPA

Veittobe:

Right now I'm thinking I will rent a breast pump from the hospital for the first month. If breastfeeding works out, I will then consider buying my own once I know I'll use it. 

This is what I plan to do too.  Many of the resources I've seen say that the hospital ones are much stronger than anything you can buy and work better at the beginning.

LaRue86

I put everything breast feeding related on mine so I could use the completion code. I have had some things purchased of my registry and have actually received a lot of it. Most of my friends breastfeed so it is nothing taboo in my circle. I was lucky and was able to purchase the pump from Target, so I went ahead and purchased it.

Someone purchased me breast pads, the lanolin cream, and milk storage bags in bulk. Worse case scenario I cannot breastfeed and I will just take the "accessories" to BBB and return them. You never know what people will buy. One friend even purchased some of her favorite things for breastfeeding that were not on my registry.

M&M227

I've read that it's best to wait to buy your pump.  Stores have very strict return policies on them.  They must be unopened and you need to return them in a specific time frame.  My fear is that I will receive one for my shower and by the time I realized breastfeeding isn't working for me the time frame for returning will be past.

I plan to breastfeed for at least a few weeks before I buy a pump.  It will be something I have to buy myself.  I did register for milk storage bags and a few other accessories, just not the pump.

Marissa423

Breastfeeding is an art and a science. It is best to keep at and encourage yourself to keep going even when it is hard. You may even want the pump there for when the baby is sleeping and you need to get milk out to help prevent engorgement and so forth. If you end up being concerned about how breastfeeding is going, I would call in an expert like a lactation consultant. They coach us so well on getting through the rough patches with this kind of stuff.

Have fun with the registry! Plus, just think. You registered for it so it will be a gift.

JSanFran

Veittobe:

Right now I'm thinking I will rent a breast pump from the hospital for the first month. If breastfeeding works out, I will then consider buying my own once I know I'll use it. 

 

This exactly...except I went ahead and put it on my registry just to get the discount...am sure no one will buy a >$250 breast pump so just going to see how it goes with the hospital one and hope for the best! ...THEN go buy one assuming its worth it...

My friend rented hers from the hospital and only pays like $5 a month and its super powerful!!!