Mom to Be with a breast pump question...

Hi, I am contemplating registering for a breast pump, and have done my research....the Medela electric $200 plus are the best ones out there...

I just have a hard time putting this on my registry...i think it is a lot of $$$, and I don't know if I will even BF at all...if it will work, etc.

So, I suppose, I am looking to see what you did....looking for the old school mom, who went with a manual pump, and had no problems...

any advice is appreciated.

Message edited 9/8/2009 4:41:38 PM.

Re: Mom to Be with a breast pump question...

I planned on BFing

DD had a difficult time latching

I bought a Medela instyle pump (double) at the hospital, after I realized DD had a hard time latching

I mostly pump, some formula too

I didn't put the pump on the registry though, just cause I felt weird about it, and didn't know if I'd need it yet

Re: Mom to Be with a breast pump question...

I rented a pump and pumped for 3 months. I also had a small manual pump that I used just to relieve pain after I stopped pumping. My hand was killing me after only a few minutes! And you don't get as much milk as you'd get from an electric pump. If you're going to pump, even just to supllement, get an electric pump. It is easier and faster. The manual pump was fine for me b/c I only used it 1-2 times per day for less than a week. You can buy a decent electric pump for less money than a medela. I was going to buy one (I forget which one but it wasrecommended in baby bargains) but renting was fine for me.

Re: Mom to Be with a breast pump question...

Re: Mom to Be with a breast pump question...

I used the Medela and thought it was great. One benefit to being on your registry is that you get 10% off at BRU after your due date. I'd suggest lying about your due date so you can get it earlier.

I have a friend that had a manual pump and it used to take forever to pump! When DD was 3 weeks old she wasn't gaining enough weight and I had to breastfeed, then pump, then give her in a bottle whatever I pumped out after EVERY feeding (which was every 2-3 hrs). BFing in the beginning takes so long (DD took 20-30 min per breast) and then I had to pump. I would not have had the energy for a manual pump. So 40-60 minutes breastfeeding, 10 minutes pumping, 10 min feeding her pumped milk in bottle, then 5 minutes washing pump parts. 1.5 hours later repeat. It was exhausting! So, since you never know what your experience will be like before the fact, I'd suggest getting the electric pump. You can also rent them from some places or the hospital but after 2/3 months it ends up being more than buying it. Good Luck!

Re: Mom to Be with a breast pump question...

I put the pump on my register, but to be honest, most people wont buy anything related to breasts off the registry. I put it on just so I could purchase it at a 10% discount. I actually bought my pump 2 1/2 weeks after I delivered. I knew at that time that bf was something I would continue to do.

I would put it on your registry and if my chance someone purchases it for you, return it and keep the gift card in case you decide bf is something you will keep at.

Re: Mom to Be with a breast pump question...

I bought it at the hospital, which was cheaper PLUS there was no tax

Re: Mom to Be with a breast pump question...

honestly, i would rent from the hospital at first. you never know if you're going to be able to pump or breastfeed. i pumped for 7 weeks and had to stop because my supply was basically nothing! i actually bought it 2nd hand (sterilized everything) from ebay so i got a 250 pump for 75 bucks! i'm just glad i didn't buy a brand new one and waste that money! (250 is not cheap!) i also had a manual and it was terrible. my hand got so tired and i got like NOTHING out!

Re: Mom to Be with a breast pump question...

I was going to just rent one from the hospital, but DH's cousin was nice enough to lend me her medela electric pump that she bought last year and doesn't use anymore. She sterilized everything and we bought some of our own accessories.

Do you know anyone you can borrow it from? If not i'd put it on your registry and if you don't get it you can just rent it from the hospital.

Re: Mom to Be with a breast pump question...

I rented from the hospital for 5 months

Re: Mom to Be with a breast pump question...

I borrowed one from a close friend who barely used hers. i am glad i didn't buy one because BFing did not work for me.

I would put in on your registery...if anything, you will get the 10% completion discount on it, but i think epople avoid buying BFing things for some reason!

I am glad i didn't spend the money on one because BFing was a complete failure for me, despite really trying!!! i think it's a purchase you should make once you see if BFing, or pumping for that matter, works for you. you can rent one in the meantime.

Re: Mom to Be with a breast pump question...

I actually was able to purchase my pump on ebay brand new for about 75 dollars less... i do also have a hand pump that i kept in my diaper bag for emergencies...

i am very happy i got my pump prior to ds being born since he never actually nursed... poor kid fell asleep everytime...


i do have to agree that the hand pump kills your hand and you definitely do not get as much

Re: Mom to Be with a breast pump question...

I wouldn't register for it. You will get a ton of GC's and return items for store credit. Then, if BFing works (and believe me I am really into BFing.. but, realize that it doesn't work for anyone..and might not have worked for me) you can buy the pump. It is a big purchase if you don't wind up BFing for whatever reason.

I tried the manual.. it sucked.

Re: Mom to Be with a breast pump question...

I put it on my registry just to get the discount. I went with the Medela single pump (I think it's called the swing). Breastfeeding has been great for me (FM if you ever have any questions) but I did pump in the beginning so that I could give Chloe bottles as well. The pump was around $100 if I remember correctly and I really liked it. A double one would have been nice, but it was unnecessary. If I was planning on pumping after returning to work I would have splurged and got the double in style.

ETA: DD stopped taking bottles around 5 months and I haven't really tried again (she is 7 months). I haven't touched the pump since then.

Message edited 9/9/2009 9:45:37 AM.