Do I need a breast pump?

LoveDontCostAThing · September 2017

Total first time mom question...do I need a breast pump to breastfeed? I am not dead set on breastfeeding. I would like to try it and hope that it works out, but if it doesn't, then I am not opposed to formula. So, do you only need a pump if you're planning to breastfeed and return to work soon? Can you breastfeed and not use a pump at all? Thanks, and sorry if I sound silly!

dragonfly87-2 · September 2017

@LoveDontCostAThing If you plan to stay at home and do not anticipate long gaps of time away from your child, then you probably don't need a breast pump.

However, if you live in the US and have health insurance, you should be able to get one for free. So it wouldn't hurt to have it just in case you need it.

LoveDontCostAThing · September 2017

@dragonfly87-2- thanks...I was thinking to get one in case, but if not needed, didn't feel like calling insurance lol. I have good insurance, so they will probably cover in full. I may as well call! How do I know what kind to get? I plan to stay home for 3-4 months.

dragonfly87-2 · September 2017

@LoveDontCostAThing Some insurance companies limit you to specific pumps, while others will let you choose any pump. I know mine has 3 available and then I can "upgrade" for a fee. Some will make you wait until after a certain number of weeks gestation and some will make you get a prescription first. It just depends. It's best to contact them and see what the process is for requesting.

kaitlinliz · September 2017

Definitely call...my friend stayed home and she pumped the entire time to help build a stash up for when she did go back to work...and pumped in case she had to drop baby with gma and so dad could feed her. I plan on doing both breast and pumping just to build up my milk supply and hopefully have a stash for if/when I go back to work. My company has over 50 people but not our program so idk if I fall under the "you must allow them to pump" group or if they'll say tough luck. I can definitely see them saying I can pump during lunch and that's it.

So I'd definitely get one just on the safe side. I have to call for mine still. Some places let you place it after 28 weeks, others make you wait til you give birth so call and just see what the requirements are

LoveDontCostAThing · September 2017

@dragonfly87-2 -thank you! I will call and find out my policy.

@kaitlinliz -good points about pumping if gma is babysitting, etc. that's interesting they make you wait until after 28 weeks or birth! I will be 29 weeks on Monday. my friend had recommended I try to get one even earlier than 28 weeks because she said they can take awhile to be delivered, so I would think birth would be too late! so, I guess there are no laws about pumping at work? that doesn't seem right that they would tell you tough luck. maybe you can start looking into it now in case you have to advocate for you and baby!

MaximumEffort · September 2017

I ordered mine and received it the next day.

samsterrr · September 2017

I stayed home with my son last time and I still got a pump, a cheap simple one though. I had over supply so I took advantage and pumped when I could(not too often because I hate cleaning pump parts and didn't want to make the oversupply worse). The milk was used for babysitting, adding to baby foods later on, saved for sippy cup learning, cereal in toddler hood, milk in cups when we didn't breastfeed during the day anymore, popcicles for toddler, ect. Anything I didn't use that would expire soon I donated to a local mom in need.

Basically all to say it cant hurt to have a pump hahaha! Especially if insurance covers one!

LoveDontCostAThing · September 2017

Thanks everyone! I will definitely call my insurance! Any suggestions about what pump to get??

DungeonTrollMel · September 2017

this is a comparison chart of the ones my insurance covers to help you start

https://breastpumps.byramhealthcare.com/media/Byram-Breast-Pump-Chart.pdf

LoveDontCostAThing · September 2017

@DungeonTrollMel -thanks! any recommendations about which is best?

DungeonTrollMel · September 2017

I'm going with the spectra s2 and then buying freemie cups to go with it. Everyone I know with a spectra loved it more than a medela and several lactation consultants have mentioned it's the closest to hospital grade. But everyone has different preferences about what they like

LoveDontCostAThing · September 2017

@DungeonTrollMel -thank you! I know nothing about breast pumps, so this is all helpful to me!

snackcakes1417 · September 2017

You can always try a cheap hand pump if you don't want an electric. They actually work well if you just plan to do it once in a blue moon.

LoveDontCostAThing · September 2017

thanks @snackcakes1417...i'll call my insurance and see what my options are!

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