April 2017 Moms

Bring pump with to hospital?

I'm due in about 2 weeks and packing my bag.  I was thinking of bringing my breast pump with to the hospital so when I meet with the lactation consultant they can not only instruct me on breastfeeding my baby, but also about my pump.  I figure they will be billing me for the consultation anyway so I want to get the most out of it that is possible.  Just looking for opinions if this is a good idea or not.  I feel like i'm bringing a lot of stuff with.  Has anyone done this and did the lactation consultant have time to help with it?   I posted this in the breastfeeding forum also.

Re: Bring pump with to hospital?

  • @hb7, I don't have an answer for you, but I am interested in hearing what other mommas think.

    MMC @ 10w March 2016
    Cautiously expecting April 5, 2017

    <a href="http://lilypie.com/"><img src="http://lmtf.lilypie.com/ZBoVm5.png" width="400" height="80" border="0" alt="Lilypie Maternity tickers" /></a>

  • Someone on here suggested doing that. I packed mine. 
    DD #1: April 2017
    DD #2: May 2020
    Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022

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  • Absolutely bring it. I ended up taking mine to my first pedi appointment because I couldn't figure out why one side wasn't sucking as hard (the tubing popped out and I didn't even know that was possible). I would have much rather had it at the hospital, where I had duffle bags and lots of room and hands to help, instead of our first major outing with baby.

    If you don't want to bring it, nbd because the hospital provides pumps to use while you are there. Definitely try pumping before you leave the hospital though, so they can reassure you that yes, it is supposed to feel that way, or that you have the correct flange size, etc. Even if you have no questions, it is nice to be told that you are doing it right.
    IVF/ICSI #1 - BFP, DS born Jan 2013
    IVF/ICSI #2 - BFP, DD born Feb 2015
    IVF FET - BFP, due April 2017


  • I would love to have the instruction from the LC at the hospital but I can't officially place an order for my pump until they have LO's official due date on file.... so basically we won't get it until we're already home.  The hospital offers breastfeeding groups though and my pediatrician told me she'll offer support as needed so I'm hoping it's not a big deal!
    Babysizer Cravings Pregnancy Tracker
  • @catem07 same. I may not need to pump much at all since I'm not going back to work. But I still want to use it properly! 
  • yep, i'm bringing mine for instruction!
  • I am also planning to bring my pump to get instruction from the LC if time allows. I don't plan to pump at home until we have breastfeeding well established (4-6 weeks or so) but I would just like to get some professional help on how to set it up and use it. My hospital also has a free breastfeeding clinic twice a week with certified LCs, which I definitely plan on making use of as well. 
    BabyFruit Ticker
  • With DS 1 I got my pump from the hospital while I was there, I guess that's just how my insurance does it. Should you need to pump for any reason (we had to feed DS thru a tube because he was too tired to BF on his 2nd day of life even though he knew how lol) I recommend using the hospital grade pump. It is way stronger and gets the job done easier. This may also just be my area/or my insurance, but lactation consultations were always free for me. My insurance wasn't even billed. I only throw that out there in case that's helpful info and maybe that's a common thing. Definitely bring your pump along and make sure you know how to use it before leaving. If you forget (I did, a lot goes on the first few days!) YouTube had good instructional videos for use and cleaning the pump I have. 
  • My hospital recommends that you bring it. I didn't because I was not at all prepared when DS came. I went in for my ultrasound sound and they told me I had to have a baby that day, I didn't even have my hospital bag packed. I may take it this time even though I know how to use it because I had supply issues last time and want to go over EVERYTHING with the LC while I'm there.

    Babysizer Geeky Pregnancy Tracker



  • My hospital covers the pump, but they won't order it until the baby is actually born. It's sent within a few days to your house. They said I won't need it since it's just colustrom and the beginning. I'm a little bummed but the hospital has weekly support groups for BF that I can go to, so I should be covered if I need help. 
  • @carpediem55 I'm wondering if we have the same health carrier/insurance now that I know you live "near" me. Mine is the same way in regards to pump.
    Me: 29 DH: 33
    Married: 5/30/2013
    DSS #1: 5/25/2007
    DSS #2: 1/22/2011
    DS #3: 7/8/2012
    BFP: 3/14/2016 ~ MC: 3/19/2016
    DS #4: 4/21/17
  • I didn't take mine. They have pumps at most hospitals, if needed, and my pediatrician offers lactation consultants at their practice. I didn't start pumping at the hospital, but did a few days after I was home to start building a stash. I don't think I would have wanted to pump at the hospital, if I had! I wanted to snuggle the babe! 

    BabyFruit Ticker
    DD: 6/20/11
    DS: 2/23/13
    EDD: 4/15/17 

  • @KirstinH88 my hospital/insurance is Kaiser. 
  • @carpediem55 Yep! Samesies.
    Me: 29 DH: 33
    Married: 5/30/2013
    DSS #1: 5/25/2007
    DSS #2: 1/22/2011
    DS #3: 7/8/2012
    BFP: 3/14/2016 ~ MC: 3/19/2016
    DS #4: 4/21/17
  • *lurking from May* DO bring a pumping bra so you can have your hands free when you're pumping. It is good to distract yourself!
  • hb7hb7 member
    Update: I had my baby 2 weeks early on 3/27. I did pack my pump, did not need it/use it. I used the hospital grade one. The lactation tech did not want to get into pumps yet but I can see her as an outpatient and go over it then. But do pack your pumping bra just in case! It made my life much easier! My baby is having trouble latching and the pump is helping my milk come in faster.
  • No joke, pumping isn't that complicated.  Read the manual now, and have questions ready.  I don't think it's worth it to lug it all the way to the hospital.  The hardest part is knowing if the flanges fit, and your boobs will change so much that it won't necessarily help to ask right after the baby is born.
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  • I would be super worried about engorgement pumping that soon. It happened to me and almost turned me off BF. I agree the hardest part of pumping is knowing your flanges fit. I have huge nipples, always have, but I'm technically only a 21mm. They just appear to be huge. I had to order proper fitting parts from Amazon and saw much better results pumping...like ounces different.

    If you have Medela, they have all kinds of helpful videos on the website. Also, even after you see a lactation consultant, you can always head back to the hospital later with your pump. No one will turn down a new mom in need.  
  • I agree with what several other have said in terms of pumping early on. If you don't plan on exclusively pumping I would hold off on pumping to allow your supply to regulate a bit. 

    I was was encouraged to pump right away (by a lactation consultant) and give DS a bottle. I ended up having to EP for him because he refused to latch once he was introduced to a bottle. I am not sure if it was the bottle being easier or the fact that I became so engorged that it made it tough to latch, but it was terrible and I don't want to go through that again.
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