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When do you need a breast pump?

JessieJHJessieJH member
in Breastfeeding

A little intro first- I'm due with my first baby on 2/10 and will be fortunate to have 5 months of maternity leave to be home with her around the clock. DH will also have a month of leave.

Our hope is to breast feed for as long as possible with goals for the first year. When I return to work I definitely plan to pump, but I'm wondering when I should start so that I can build up some supply in the freezer. A very good friend said she wanted to give me her pump, but she won't be ready to do that for another two months since her own LO is still BF'ing a bit. Should I wait for those two months or should I buy/rent one of my own?

Funny- I took a BF class, but forgot to ask this question then. :-(

Thanks!

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Re: When do you need a breast pump?

  • kmchavez82kmchavez82 member

    My LO is only a week old and I bought a pump to help with engorgement and to make sure I'll be able to provide her with all she'll need especially after I go back to work in 5 weeks. I've read several different opinions on when to start so I can't help there but one thing to note is sharing pumps can be tricky. I had a friend that also offered (while tempting because medela pumps are pricey) I did some research and there are differences in pumps and sharing. Find out if your friends pump is an "open/closed" system. If closed, go for it... if open think about investing in LO's health and bite the bullet and purchase your own. Alot of warranties are void if you share. (Medela is an open system). Check this out:

     https://www.ivillage.com/breastfeeding-are-used-breast-pumps-safe/6-n-137250

    The FDA states "Only FDA cleared, hospital-grade pumps should be used by more than one person."

    Hope this helps! GL! I wasn't planning on bf and started 3 days after birth and its going pretty well. :)

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  • kevin11kevin11
    I would buy your own. Check your insurance - I've heard some people get help from their insurance for their own pump. I was able to buy one directly from our hospital at a greatly reduced cost. I didn't think I would need a pump for a while after my son was born but my LC in the hospital had me start using the pump immediately because my milk didn't come in at all and my nipples were too flat.
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  • JessieJHJessieJH member

    Ah- thanks for the tips ladies. I didn't realize that some people started right away, but I suppose it makes sense.

    I believe her pump is a closed system Medela, but since I won't get it right away it sounds like I should buy one. Sigh- I thought I was done with the shopping. Oh well!

    Thanks again!

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