What do I need to get started

Re: What do I need to get started

• JilllyBean member

  January 2014

  I'd get your pump now and then wait. Use whatever insurance money you can get and get the pump. If you want to get the one with the bag and all that that's fine too. You don't know how BFing and pumping is going to go so I wouldn't buy a bunch of stuff until you know it will all work out. I guess just my opinion

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• msjanet02 member

  January 2014 edited January 2014

  totally get the overwhelming part! that was me. i was afraid to open the boxes and didn't even understand totally what i had registered for and borrowed from friends. i had a friend come over and go through it all with me. you'll need:

  
  

  the actual pump unit (motor) with AC adapter

  pair of flanges/shields that come with valves and membranes

  a pair of tubing

  bottles that connect to the shields

  
  

  that would be the bare minimum. additionally, i recommend:

  medela cooler with ice pack (stores 4 bottles)

  at least 8-10 bottles

  storage bags (i recommend lansinoh and store flat in freezer)

  manual hand pump (i like the medela harmony) for just in case

  
  

  for cleaning:

  i bought these pop-up sponges from trader joe's. basically, just separate sponge from my regular dishwashing sponge with no scratchy side

  i use regular "environmental-friendly" dish soap

  oxo good grips bottle brush

  for cleaning when traveling or at work, i got the oxo tot on-the-go drying rack, which comes with a bottle brush. i love that thing!

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• opheliainwaders member

  January 2014

  It's a little incidental to the pump itself, but DEFINITELY get a hands-free pumping bra. I like the Simple Wishes one the best.

  

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• VitaLuna member

  January 2014

  I have enough of everything for every other day washing, since I get home late from work and don't always feel up to it. I have 8 bottles to pump into, two sets of flanges/connectors, a car adapter, and extra membranes (make sure you have these!). Aside from the actual pump items/cost, I have a simple wishes bra, the microwave bags (I don't use the dishwasher), bottle brush, boon lawn drying rack, and a cooler bag with lots of ice packs to keep my pump parts and milk cold.

  

   

  

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• spartybride3 member

  January 2014

  Thank you! What exactly are membranes and flanges??? Also, is it better to do the actual bottles or those thin storage containers? Are bottles better than bags? I was looking at these two sets: 

  
  

  https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/Medela-reg-Breastmilk-Storage-Solution/1040059464?categoryId=32067
  

  
  

  https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/Medela-reg-Breast-Milk-Freezing-and-Storage-2-7-Ounce-Containers-with-Lids-Set-of-12/1014989587?categoryId=32067
  

  
  

  I definitely want a pumping bra. Also, what about the disposable nursing pads & cooling pads?

  
  

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• VitaLuna member

  January 2014

  I pump into the Medela bottles that came with the pump, then pour them into our Dr. Brown bottles at night for her to eat the next day. I freeze any extra in Lansinoh bags.. I'd suggest freezing in bags since they take up less space. I used disposable Lansinoh pads in the beginning (I rarely leak now).
  
  The reason you want extra membranes is because they can tear and wear out, making the pump lose suction. This happened to me just the other day at the beginning of my shift, so I was glad to have an extra with me.

  

   

  

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