Pumping at the Hospital

Sharra13 · April 2016

I couldn't find any answers to this question in search--hope someone here knows.

I intend to exclusively pump if I can (I may change my mind but that is the plan right now) and want to be prepared when I get to the hospital. I'm wondering if you guys have experience pumping at the hospital and can tell me what I should be prepared for, what I should make sure to bring, and what I do NOT need to worry about.

I know from the tour that I am allowed to use/rent the hospital grade pump while there (and even check it out for a month if I really want to). But what about all the stuff that comes with it--does the hospital usually provide refrigeration for what you pump, bottles and/or milk bags, breast/nipple pads and soothing creams, etc? Do they sanitize the pump for you each time?

Thanks!

baby-2-due · April 2016

I'm not planning on pumping until I go back to work, but my dr did tell me to bring nipple cream and nipple pads to the hospital as they don't provide that. It may be different depending on your hospital. My hospital has a refrigerator in the room so if I did pump and store I would have a place for it.

sillyfox · April 2016

I only BF at the hospital but I would say to call the hospital and ask to speak to the lactation consultants there, or maybe ask your OB at your next appointment and if he/she doesn't know they can point you in the right direction for who to ask.

Not sure if you're a ftm so if not ignore if some of this is repetitive. I would recommend some lanolin for sore nips, bring your own bottles/bags, pads, and shields, just in case. You might even bring your pump from home so you can make sure you're comfortable using it later on, even if you intend on using the hospital grade pump while you're there. Also- nursing tops/bras, maybe a robe, etc. for easy access. I got a pumping bra for pumping at work with my first and it is a freaking God-send. I can't recommend it highly enough, especially if you are EPing!

Pumping Bra I used:
https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Hands-Free-Breastpump-X-Small-Large/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1460737381&sr=8-3&keywords=pumping+bra

BTW - I'm investing in some of these shields this time! I have heard great things about them!!
https://www.amazon.com/Pumpin-Pal-Super-Shields-Complete/dp/B0085CBA90?ie=UTF8&colid=2JW4WU51TY0ZJ&coliid=I5NTMO236WGMC&redirect=true&ref_=br_it_dp_o_nS_ttl

Also, you will need to wash parts frequently, but in between the medela wipes are awesome, and I loved the quick clean micro-steam bags! I would throw my pump parts in the fridge at work (in a cooler so they were discreet) between pumping, and after my last pump of the day I washed them in warm soapy water in the sink then threw them in a steam bag in the microwave for 2 minutes, and they were ready for the next day. Not sure what the protocol is at the hospital for washing pump parts and bottles but might be handy to at least have the wipes with you!

Good luck! Happy to answer any more questions you have!

AmmyBelle · April 2016

FTM here, but this was discussed a lot during my hospital tour - the policy here is to use "hospital grade pumps" which means they have this huge old pump that is apparently the best thing ever (tm), and the tubes/suction cups/etc are provided for you to use (and take home) since it's a self-contained machine (i.e. it doesn't need to be sanitized after each use because you just detatch certain parts of it for each patient). So we were told not to bring anything. I assume since they told us to bring popcicles if we want, they have a place to store breast milk, as well. They also have nipple creams/lactation people to help with the use of the pump and recommend that you take advantage, even if you plan on BFing exclusively afterwards (you never know, right?)

The way which this was said seemed to imply it was standard for hospitals, but given the variance of other things I thought were "standard" - I'd call the hospital and ask just in case!

JennyS86 · April 2016

I second the advice to call and speak to Lactation regarding what is provided. Last time, I pumped from day one, and I was able to keep a medela symphony pump in my hospital room the entire stay. They provided pump parts, storage bottles, dish soap, lansinoh cream, breast pads, and nipple shells. I was also able to keep a Symphony in our nicu room so I could pump at her bedside. I washed the pump parts in a wash basin with dish soap and hot water.

eta: even if you exclusively pump, skin to skin should still be done to increase milk supply!!

kbrands7 · April 2016

I second the shield and pumping bra recommendations from @sillyfox. I used them when pumping for DS and they're awesome! When I had to pump at the hospital, they provided bottles, refrigeration, etc. and gave me a tub and bottle soap to wash my supplies each time (along with instructions on how to best wash things to get them clean but not damage the valves). If you don't know how to use your pump, consider either bringing it with you so they can lead you through it, or set up an appointment with LLC or a lactation consultant from the hospital for once you're home (or before you have your baby!).

seasalt123 · April 2016

I've been pumping in the hospital for a month now (NICU baby) and I second the advice given by everyone. I have had all flanges etc provided and they supplied the medela symphony pump and parts. We use the parts for three days and then toss them (new bottles each time though as we can't sterilize them). Definitely ask if everything is provided.

I also got got the pumping bra. If you don't want to invest quite yet, get an old sports bra, put it on and mark where your nipples are. Then cut a small (length of dime or nickel) vertical line by each nipple and use that as a pumping bra. Awesome to have your hands free while you pump.

Sharra13 · April 2016

Thank you so much for all your replies, ladies!! I'll definitely look up that bra and shields @sillyfox!

Good idea to ask my OB. I thought of calling the hospital but just had no idea who to even direct that question to--wish I had thought of it at our tour. It seems dumb that I didn't think of the lactation people, haha. I guess I just have sort of an anti-lactation-consultant minset from hearing too many horror stories about them being really really pushy about BF around here. I kind of assumed they wouldn't be helpful with EPing (and would try to push BF and judge me), but should probably NOT assume that and at least try.

khochanadel · April 2016

I write this as I am at the hospital using my hands free bandeau. My milk is finally coming in here on day 5!

For as long as my babies are in NICU, I have access to the Medela Symphony hospital grade pump in my room. They gave me some lanolin cream, hydrogel packs, nipple shields, etc. The cleaning of the parts can be very tedious, especially at first. I think the next time I venture out it will be to buy a little scrub brush. They just gave me a little wash basin and some Dawn soap.

From what I understand, most hospitals bill the same amount for a delivery whether you take their stuff or not... so take everything you can. Tbh I have mixed feelings about the LC here but she's been more helpful than not and truly not judgemental (can't say the same of all my nurses). Hope this helps!

JessicaB0627 · April 2016

I don't think I saw this mentioned yet, but your milk likely won't come in while you're still in the hospital. So you'll just be pumping colostrum and feeding that to baby, so you wouldn't necessarily need storage. I had to EP with DD and all that I got out from pumping she would immediately eat. My milk didn't come in until I was home.

I didn't bring anything either since I didn't know I would be pumping. They were able to provide everything needed except for nipple cream I think.

I think it would definitely be worth it to try to ask a LC. They would have some good information.

finnybooboo · April 2016

Sharra13 said:

Thank you so much for all your replies, ladies!! I'll definitely look up that bra and shields @sillyfox!

Good idea to ask my OB. I thought of calling the hospital but just had no idea who to even direct that question to--wish I had thought of it at our tour. It seems dumb that I didn't think of the lactation people, haha. I guess I just have sort of an anti-lactation-consultant minset from hearing too many horror stories about them being really really pushy about BF around here. I kind of assumed they wouldn't be helpful with EPing (and would try to push BF and judge me), but should probably NOT assume that and at least try.

Honestly, I would have the same thoughts as you about the LCs trying to dissuade you from EPing. My milk didn't come in for 5 days, my daughter was screaming, we were frazzled first time parents, and we asked for some formula on day 2 I think. They gave it to us but really weren't very supportive of it. Some of them can be suppppppppper judgey. I would still call since they probably are the best resources, but I would be prepared for questioning on your decision.

JennyS86 · April 2016

finnybooboo said:

Sharra13 said:

Thank you so much for all your replies, ladies!! I'll definitely look up that bra and shields @sillyfox!

Good idea to ask my OB. I thought of calling the hospital but just had no idea who to even direct that question to--wish I had thought of it at our tour. It seems dumb that I didn't think of the lactation people, haha. I guess I just have sort of an anti-lactation-consultant minset from hearing too many horror stories about them being really really pushy about BF around here. I kind of assumed they wouldn't be helpful with EPing (and would try to push BF and judge me), but should probably NOT assume that and at least try.

Honestly, I would have the same thoughts as you about the LCs trying to dissuade you from EPing. My milk didn't come in for 5 days, my daughter was screaming, we were frazzled first time parents, and we asked for some formula on day 2 I think. They gave it to us but really weren't very supportive of it. Some of them can be suppppppppper judgey. I would still call since they probably are the best resources, but I would be prepared for questioning on your decision.

More and more women are EP, and I think LCs are just a little slow to come around - but they will. You're doing great, Mamas!

khochanadel You're feeling judged by the nicu nurses? for pumping? ummm, you're doing the best thing for those twins, end of story!

Bellodomani · April 2016

JessicaB0627 said:

I don't think I saw this mentioned yet, but your milk likely won't come in while you're still in the hospital. So you'll just be pumping colostrum and feeding that to baby, so you wouldn't necessarily need storage. I had to EP with DD and all that I got out from pumping she would immediately eat. My milk didn't come in until I was home.

I didn't bring anything either since I didn't know I would be pumping. They were able to provide everything needed except for nipple cream I think.

I think it would definitely be worth it to try to ask a LC. They would have some good information.

It's not totally impossible that it might come in though- I had my son around 5:00 am on a Wednesday and my milk came in with a vengeance on Thursday evening!

khochanadel · April 2016

JennyS86 said:

khochanadel You're feeling judged by the nicu nurses? for pumping? ummm, you're doing the best thing for those twins, end of story!

Not so much judging me for pumping, but for not being able to get anything out of those early feeds. I had the Willie Nelson song "everybody's talking at me" in my head nonstop the past two days. Someone would scold me for not getting enough sleep. Then someone would scold me for missing a feed to sleep.

Everything is starting to normalize now, thank God.

JennyS86 · April 2016

khochanadel said:

JennyS86 said:

khochanadel You're feeling judged by the nicu nurses? for pumping? ummm, you're doing the best thing for those twins, end of story!

Not so much judging me for pumping, but for not being able to get anything out of those early feeds. I had the Willie Nelson song "everybody's talking at me" in my head nonstop the past two days. Someone would scold me for not getting enough sleep. Then someone would scold me for missing a feed to sleep.

Everything is starting to normalize now, thank God.

I hear you. When my twins were in the nicu, some nurses said to pump through the night because that is when prolactin is highest, but others said to sleep and pump after waking.
I think sleep is helpful for pumping - exhaustion doesn't really help anybody. I usually slept and pumped in the middle of the night when I woke, but didn't set an alarm. If I slept until 6:30am, then I clearly needed it! Then I would pump and go into the nicu for the day.
Just make sure you're eating and drinking!!

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