WWPgALD?

Mrs.EmmaLouise · October 2010

I'm really unsure about BFing. I mean, I really want to try it and do it. But the whole idea freaks me out a little more than I would like to admit. And once I go back to work (probably at 6-8weeks) I think pumping would be very inconvenient- I rarely get a lunch break, how am I supposed to break to pump? I can't just make my pt's wait. But, I still think I would want to at least try to pump at work.

Would you invest in the breast pump and supplies that go with it? Or wait? My concern is, I don't think I can get one in town, and shipping here takes forever. And since I'm shipping, that makes returns more difficult too. Should I maybe just get the hand one for now, and maybe the electric one if it works out?

TravelinMama · October 2010

Tough decision, but isn't your work suppose to give you time to bf? I wouldn't get anything until you seriously decide. You wouldn't want to waste your money on a good pump if you don't end up putting it to use, and if you're going to pump at work, you'll probably want something more than a manual.

elbandas09 · October 2010

I would definately get the hand one first and then the electric. Pumps arent for everyone that way if you like it then its worth the money! Dont worry bfing makes me nervous too!

vflipo · October 2010

I know exactly how you feel. I was considering getting a manual pump just because I don't want to spend the money on a pump if I'm not going to be able to use it much. I don't get breaks at work and I don't know how well it would work.

Winter*Mommy · October 2010

If you want to try it, I would go in with the mentality that "you are breastfeeding" and you'll do what you need to do to make it work.

I have used both a manual and an electric and the manual pump made it exceptionally difficult and took forever. That was all I had with DD and while I did breastfeed for 8 months, I VERY rarely, if ever, gave a pumped bottle because of how long it took to pump with the manual. If I gave her a bottle, it was formula and even though I was breastfeeding, I was spending about $30 - $40 a month on formula because of how much of a pain the manual pump was. Looking back, it would have been cheaper in the long run to just buy an electric.

With DS, I bought a Medela PIS and he got pumped bottles of breast milk about once a day. He did not have a drop of formula until he was 9 months old because I had a freezer supply to last me an entire month after I stopped nursing him (or rather, he stopped wanting to nurse.)

It takes work and I do not have experience with pumping while working full time, but I will say that the Medela PIS was a VERY worthwhile investment and I'm really glad I splurged and bought a double electric pump. I was able to pump both breasts at the same time and fill up two bottles in 10 minutes flat, whereas with the manual - it took me 20 minutes to empty one side and then I still had to do the other. If you are low on time, that's another reason why I would recommend the electric.

If it does not work out, you can sell it on eBay.

Those are my thoughts - I'm a BF advocate, but I also understand that some people just can't or don't want to and I think that's fine too. I just think that if you are planning to try it - try it all the way, or it won't work.

Ernie52408 · October 2010

Check with your hospital. Many have pumps you can rent.

Sonadora · October 2010

Does your hospital rent them? That way, you aren't out a whole lot of money up front and you can always buy your own if it works out for you.

Jessicaanne_1@yahoo.com · October 2010

Breastfeeding isn't for everyone. If it doesn't work for you then it doesn't work for you.

When I had my DD I breastfed and pumped for 3 months. Then I could not pump enough to keep up with her appetite, so the babysitter had to use formula. I still nursed 2 times in the morning and 2 times at night.

attyalice · October 2010

Sonadora:
Does your hospital rent them? That way, you aren't out a whole lot of money up front and you can always buy your own if it works out for you.

this. also, my sil works in a hospital and they let her use their pumps when working.... she just brings her own tubes and bottles... it is only an investment of about 15 bucks:) plus the hospital grade pumps work best:)

kellialayne · October 2010

I would wait honestly. The first few weeks you wont be pumping (most likely) and you can decide if it works for you. Also, if you need one immediately you can rent from the hospital. I almost bought one and since BFing didnt work for me it would have been a huge waste. GL!

sinisterkat01 · October 2010

I would probably wait before I invested in the electric pump. I bought one (plus accessories), and there is only a 45 day return policy. Now that I am getting overdue, I am getting a little worried. I haven't opened it because although I plan to breastfeed, what if something changes? I don't need to swallow the cost of a $300 pump if BF'ing doesn't work out, kwim?

By the way, don't feel bad if BF'ing weirds you out. It does me too, but I am just trying to get past that since it is better for the baby, and me, and all that jazz. I will NEVER be able to do it in front of anyone other than DH, and even that is a stretch.

alamber4 · October 2010

I feel ya on the whole thing! Just because my job is "required" by law to let me pump it doesn't mean that it will be anywhere near practical to actually do it. I can see myself leaking b/c there is no one to cover the store so I can do it. There is no real privacy for me to pump, unless I want to sit in the wal-mart bathroom (I work in a store within a wal-mart) and I definitely DO NOT want to do that. That said I just plan to see where it goes. I got a cheap hand held Avent pump (that actually has pretty good reviews) and if I really need to I will rent until I can buy an electric one. I wouldn't buy until you know if it is going to work.

grr_aargh · October 2010

I would absolutely NOT rely on a manual pump. I would, however, consider renting one from the hospital.

cintim · October 2010

I agree with the PPs who suggested renting one at the hospital at first. My Medela PISA was actually purchased in the hospital gift shop on my way home from the hospital. I hope out there the hospital will give you the rental option until you figure out how it will work out.

someflower6 · October 2010

hey lady!

for me, breastfeeding did not go so well. i really liked it, i had no pain whatsoever, but my supply was so low, my LO was on me ALL. THE. TIME. after 3 days of non-stop breastfeeding i begged my husband to go out and buy the most expensive breastpump, thinking a little pumping would solve all my problems. not so much. after 20 minutes of that thing being strapped to my boobs, i only got about half an ounce out. even with all day pumping (6-8 20 minute sessions/24 hrs) and breastfeeding, i was only getting about 2-3 ounces a day.

so here are the morals to the story.

1) if you want to even try breastfeeding, i say go for it. i was skeptical at first too but once i tried it with my LO, i really enjoyed it and i hated having to quit. i really wish i was better prepared. which brings me to point number 2.

2) if you are going to try breastfeeding, find a lactation consultant immediately. have her on speed dial. let her be your best friend. even if everything seems fine in the beginning, things can start getting weird and it's best to have someone you KNOW you can call and who will be able to help you whenever you need it.

3) a breastpump can be a really valuable tool. you can pump to help your supply or to create a stash to bottle feed. but honestly, for me it was pure torture. i hated having that thing on me for 20 minutes just to have a few drops come out... it was totally disheartening. the fact that i paid $300 for it doesn't help. it's now hiding in my closet. with that in mind, i would recommend renting one from the hospital or from an LC or somewhere. that way you can use it as a valuable tool, and if you need it you can continue with it or buy one of your own, and if you don't need it, you aren't committed to owning one.

good luck hun!

jdoman · October 2010

I think you first need to really decide whether or not you are going to commit to BF'ing, then decide on what supplies to buy. If you are going to be using a pump every day at work, I would honestly invest in a good pump (either Medela PIS or Ameda Purley Yours). I'm not going to say anything either way, but I would really urge any woman who is on the fence about bf'ing to do a lot of research into your options, and what effects both ff and bf will have on your baby.

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