To Pump or Not to Pump

jeffandlizzy · May 2013

Hey SAHMs! I work from home, my husband and I own our business and work out of our home, so we are planning on keeping the baby with us rather than put the baby in daycare. I have two questions on breastfeeding:

#1 - Pump or no pump - If you are with the baby all the time, do you recommend getting a pump at all? I know it is nice to have breast milk in reserve, for nights out and for DH to take care of feedings but what is your opinion?

#2 - Single or double pump - A single pump is cheaper and if you are not going to be pumping a lot, is it worth it to save the money and get the single or spring for the double and get it done faster?

bumpuser8448316 · May 2013

I would start with a single manual pump. It will be perfectly adequate to help you build a small stash for when you're away from baby or to just pump a night or two ahead when you're planning a date night.

I wouldn't plan on pumping and having DH handle feedings for a few months though. You need to establish your milk supply so even if DH got up to do a night feeding, you would still need to get up and pump.

If you decide later you want to pump more or the hand pump isn't cutting it, then I would invest in a nicer electric pump. I have a $200+ Medela PISA that was a waste of money because I can't freeze my milk.

jillyjill1026sr · May 2013

I definitely say get a pump- you will want some time away from your baby every now and again without having to look at the clock to make sure you're back in time for the next feeding. I have a single electric pump that has worked very well for me. As PP said, your husband won't be doing MOTN feedings for a few months (DD's pedo didn't recommend introducing the bottle until after 8 weeks), so you will have some time to think about what will work best. I really like electric vs. manual because I can have one hand free to read or look at the iPad, or even feed DD if I'm pumping during her meal time.

penguingrrl · May 2013

I would still definitely have a pump. I SAH and am not away from my son that frequently but it's really nice to have the option.

I personally did not respond to a manual pump at all, but luckily have a double electric that has worked beautifully through all 3 kids. I haven't used the double function nearly as much when BFing full time, but BFing didn't work out with my first and the double was critical to being able to exclusively pump for 6 months so she had breastmilk (that was very important to me, not everyone would choose to EP).

joyfullyfound · May 2013

QueSyrah:
I would start with a single manual pump. It will be perfectly adequate to help you build a small stash for when you're away from baby or to just pump a night or two ahead when you're planning a date night.
I wouldn't plan on pumping and having DH handle feedings for a few months though. You need to establish your milk supply so even if DH got up to do a night feeding, you would still need to get up and pump.
If you decide later you want to pump more or the hand pump isn't cutting it, then I would invest in a nicer electric pump. I have a $200+ Medela PISA that was a waste of money because I can't freeze my milk.

Exactly this. Man, I love when another poster says exactly what I was going to, so I don't have to type it out :P

That said, I had a manual that I wanted to use after DD was born, but I never got into it and ended up not pumping at all. It's been a bit hard, yes... I wasn't able to go out for very long without her, etc, but it's been wonderfully having such a strong breastfeeding relationship with her, and as time passed, I had more and more freedoms. Now she only nurses when she wakes up, so I can leave for the rest of the day no problem.

I'd try pumping and see if it works for you. If it ends up being something you're not into pursuing, then I wouldn't sweat it at all.

eaglesfan700 · May 2013

My double electric pump was invaluable to me, but I enjoy a lot of dinners out with friends, football games and just time for myself. With the double electric I was able to build a huge stash pretty quickly

I tried a manual pump and it was completely worthless. I was going to bring it on a trip H and I were taking without the kids and ended up bringing my double electric.

vettymama · May 2013

I would get a pump. It is nice to have a stash for nights out and growth spurts or if you're supply decreases.

I have the Medela pump in style advanced and love it.

vettymama · May 2013

Also, check into your insurance, it may cover the pump. Mine was completely covered and they just gave it to me when we were discharged from the hospital.

4RingCircus · May 2013

I'd recommend getting a good double pump. I used mine quite a bit to build up a good stash. We were able to go away for our anniversary weekend.

Nel11 · May 2013

In general, I would definitely recommend having a pump for all the reasons previous posters have stated. However, not everyone responds well to some/all pumps, so I would caution you not to spend a lot of money until baby is here, nursing, etc. You may need to pump for supply issues and need a top-of-the-line one, or you might not want/need one at all, in which case a small manual pump or no pump would be best. Definitely check with your insurance- if they cover it you don't have to worry about cost. Also, consider renting a hospital-grade pump if you need one in the beginning- they are the most efficient, and it will give you a chance to figure things out before buying one.

jeffandlizzy · May 2013

Thanks everyone! I contacted my insurance and they will cover a pump. Yay! The two options are:

https://www.amazon.com/Ameda-Purely-Yours-Breast-Pump/dp/B002G51EJ8/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1369768870&sr=1-2&keywords=Ameda+Purely+Yours%C2%AE+Electric+Breast+Pump

or

https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Advanced-Personal-Breastpump-57065/dp/B00BM9MJNE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Anyone use either of these? Thoughts?

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