I am not eligible for a new breast pump on my health insurance. My BFF gave me her old Medela to use. My other friend told me that the hospital (same one I'm using) gave her all new replacement tubing and what not because she also got a used breast pump from her sister.
My question is, is this standard? Can I expect my hospital to give me the stuff or should I go ahead and buy it? Who could I call to find out?
Also, when did you start pumping? I am wondering if it will be a few weeks, and I don't get free stuff from the hospital then I could just order it on my own. FYI: I am mainly pumping for DH to be able to participate in feedings, so I won't be pumping a ton.

TTC since August 2011 (Me-29, DH-32).
4/28/2012 - SA: 5% motility.
5/21/2012 - SA: same results.
Only shot is IVF (ICSI)
5/31/2012 - HSG: all clear
6/22/2012 - appt with RE, confirmed ICSI is necessary.
8/3/2012 - First IVF Monitoring Appointment
8/17/2012 - Egg Retrieval (retrieved 23 eggs, 3 made it to freezer)
8/18/2012 - OHSS - hospitalized, need to wait one cycle to transfer embryo(s) due to OHSS
8/29/2012 - begin meds for frozen cycle
10/12/2012 - FET one embryo
10/24/2012 - Beta #1: 442
10/26/2012 - Beta #2: 947
10/29/2012 - Beta #3: 2900!
11/15/2012 - first u/s: baby measuring perfect, heart rate is right on target
2/6/2013 - A/S looked perfect. Still team green by choice!
7/6/2013 - Baby girl born after 44 hours of un-medicated labor, 2 hours of pushing, and emergency c-section due to transverse head. DD was perfectly healthy at 6 pounds, 14 ounces. We are thrilled!!
Re: BTDT moms: breast pump?
My two girls Flower and Ayla Faye
I can't speak for the hospital giving you replacement supplies, but I wouldn't count on it. What pp said makes sense; some people probably get tubing and whatnot from the hospital IF they pump in the hospital. But most people don't, and I wouldn't recommend it.
I wouldn't count on getting stuff from the hospital. DS was sent to the NICU for a day, so they brought me a pump and tubing. I don't think I could use the tubing on the pump I purchased, though - I used a Medela Symphony at the hospital and purchased a Medela PISA when I went home.
I would talk to a lactation consultant (or a couple) to get opinions about when to start pumping. We had one LC who really encouraged me to pump and another who freaked me out with stories of oversupply and leaking everywhere (which didn't happen).
When I had LO, I used the pump at the hospital because we had to supplement (my milk didn't come in until day 6).
They provided me the standard medela tubing set and said I could keep it. It worked perfectly with my PISA and the hospital's Symphony.
It wouldn't hurt to buy one and then you have 2 sets if the hospital gives you a set.
TTC since August 2011 (Me-29, DH-32).
4/28/2012 - SA: 5% motility.
5/21/2012 - SA: same results.
Only shot is IVF (ICSI)
5/31/2012 - HSG: all clear
6/22/2012 - appt with RE, confirmed ICSI is necessary.
8/3/2012 - First IVF Monitoring Appointment
8/17/2012 - Egg Retrieval (retrieved 23 eggs, 3 made it to freezer)
8/18/2012 - OHSS - hospitalized, need to wait one cycle to transfer embryo(s) due to OHSS
8/29/2012 - begin meds for frozen cycle
10/12/2012 - FET one embryo
10/24/2012 - Beta #1: 442
10/26/2012 - Beta #2: 947
10/29/2012 - Beta #3: 2900!
11/15/2012 - first u/s: baby measuring perfect, heart rate is right on target
2/6/2013 - A/S looked perfect. Still team green by choice!
7/6/2013 - Baby girl born after 44 hours of un-medicated labor, 2 hours of pushing, and emergency c-section due to transverse head. DD was perfectly healthy at 6 pounds, 14 ounces. We are thrilled!!