OK...I want to breastfeed by baby and use a pump to express milk for my husband to help out with night feedings and such. Years ago when my daughter was born I had to start her on formula 3 days after she was born because my milk hadn't come in yet and she was getting lethargic. After it came in it never was really plentiful so I would breast feed until I believe I was empty on both sides and then give her a bottle until she was full. This continued until she was 4 months old and refused to nurse at all and went straight to the bottle. Back then I had a manual breast pump that either didn't seem to work very well or I didn't know how to work it. It seemed pretty self explanitory, but maybe I just didn't have enough milk. In any case my question is this. Do the electric pumps really work better than the manual ones? And if I buy one and don't like it or can't use it for lack of good milk production, can I return it if I keep the reciept? I just don't want to waste $100 - $200 for something I may not be able to get much use out of. But it sure would be nice to skip a feeding or two and let Daddy do it.
hi B....I tried them all. RENT or Buy the Medulla Hospital Grade Double Pump. It saved my sanity.
There is a lactation group behind the North Austin Medical Building. Call them or a medical supply company!
A Baby's Best Start
###-###-####
12201 Renfert Way Ste 110, Austin,
GoodLuck.
I agree with Valerie. I have also used both. I tried a small battery operated one and it was horrible. Then I switched to the Avent Isis IQ Duo Electric Pump. I actually wanted to buy the Medella, but they were out of stock at the time and I really needed it then! Unfortunately I can't compare the two, but since we used the Avent bottles, it was very convenient for pumping right into the bottles, then storing and feeding without having to transfer the milk. This may be TMI, but I'll be brave... I don't exactly have the firmest breasts so I sometimes felt that I wasn't getting the greatest suction with the pump and had to keep repositioning. I have talked to several people who seemed to be much more efficient than me pumping. They would get the amount in 15 minutes that took me 45. No idea if it was my body, my milk, or my pump causing that. I don't know if that would be better with a different brand or not. I am pretty sure you cannot return a pump if it is used unless it is defective, and then you would just be able to exchange it. I don't know how you feel about buying used. Some people think it is gross, but you could consider buying one used off craigslist, ebay or other consignment source. Obviously you would want to give it a super good sterilization before use, but it could save you some big money. Good luck and congratulations on deciding to nurse even though you know it may be difficult. By the way, I am also due in February with #2. Must be a great month :)
This is just my opinion, but the electric pumps (Medela, in particular) are awesome. I definitely think they work better than manual pumps and I have used both. The downside is that once you have used it, I doubt you would be allowed to return it. I would definitely check that with the store, but for sanitary reasons, I would seriously doubt that they would take it back once it's been used.
I don't know how your milk production will be this time, but feeding and pumping often can help to build your supply, so keep that in mind. Also, I think there are supplements you can take to help boost production, but you should check anything like that with your Dr. before you take it to make sure it's safe.
One other option to consider is that you could rent a pump from the hospital until you determine if your milk comes in or not. I think it's around $20-30 per month (although I never did that, so I can't be sure of that price). You may want to give that a try first so that you aren't spending a ton of money on a pump if you can't use it. Then, if your milk does come in and you decide you want to buy one, you know you won't be wasting your money.
I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
I hated my electric pump - ended up selling it for $50. NO, you can't return it. I used an Avent hand pump.
Stay super hydrated - that is the single biggest key to ensuring adequate milk production.
I've only used an electric, but I can't imagine a manual would do half as good a job as an electric. I would highly suggest a manual.
Also, if you seem to have the same issues with your next child, I urge you NOT to give bottles after every feeding. Your body will make what it needs to for your baby. If your supply is low, giving a bottle actually makes it worse, because it teaches your body it doesn't need to make that much milk. Supplemental bottles can be used in the beginning if absolutely necessary, but they're definitely something to wean off quickly. It took my milk time to come in, too, and my daughter was underweight, so we had to supplement for a few days. But, I pumped every 3 hours around the clock, setting my alarm if necessary, so that I could get my supply up and keep it up. There are also several foods that help boost supply, like oatmeal, and there's a Mother's Milk tea that helps as well.
Best wishes with breastfeeding this time around!
Hello B.,
I used an electric pump. My mother in law bought it for my hubby and I. It saved us ALOT of money. You might want to have your family pitch in for it b/c yes they are VERY expensive. Early x-mas gift. ;) I recommend the Medella. I have the one that looks like a brief case. It's really light wt. and very convenient. But I know they come with a warranty that say's if you use it for health reason's you can't return it unfortunately. But I know every pregnancy is different so I'm finding out. I to am expecting our second child in Aug. So, who knows you may be able to breast feed your son w/ no problem. I hope my suggestion help and good luck w/ everything.
M.
My milk came in better with the second one, but I still had to pump. The electric pump is awesome! I have the Medella double pump that I purchased from the Lactation department at the hospital with my first son. I paid $300 for it new.
I am now done with having kids, I still have the pump and it is in excellent shape. I would be willing to part with it for a small price if you are interested. You will have to buy new tubes and nipple cups ( for sanitary reasons....) but you can get them at Babies R Us, sometimes at walmart.
E-mail me and we can discuss the details. :o)
I've gone through four! The first three the motors went out on after 4 to 6 months...medella my 1st (expensive), even flow were #2 & 3 (cheap but definitely not worth it) and the 4th, that I am still using is the first years one that has two pumps but you can hold it with one hand. I got that one at target for a decent price...it is by far my favorite. I was hesitant to get it because it looked big and clumsy but I haven't had one spill yet (the others spilled all the time...they were kind of top heavy) and you can hold it with one hand! I found it more comfortable than the others and I could pump much faster with it (although the high setting is way too high so don't ever use it!). Also it has less parts than the other two that I mentioned so it makes clean-up easier. Pumping the first time for me was difficult (it can take time to train your body to do it) but the second time it happened quite naturally (although it had only been 9 months since I stopped nursing).
Good luck!
T.
I had the Medela electric pump and loved it, but I agree with the first post rent one. I think they are like $40 a month. If you see that you are really using it everyday then go out and purchase one. Also ask some of your friends if they would be willing to let you borrow theirs. Just buy all new parts for it. Since I am not having anymore children I loaned mine out and I am so glad that someone else is being able to use it.
I would definitely suggest renting a hospital grade pump IF YOU NEED ONE in the beginning.
I had similar issues with my first, nursed and pumped every 2 hrs for 3.5 weeks, had to start supplementing in the hospital, and ended up with no supply.
My second kiddo is now three weeks old, and nursing is going great! We haven't had to use a bottle yet! I just tried my double electric pump for the first time last night.
Please keep in mind that in order to establish a good supply, you need to nurse or pump every 2-3 hrs for the first six weeks, period. Even if your husband is giving a bottle, you need to pump. With that in mind, baby is much more efficient than the pump, so if you can avoid pumping for a few weeks, you have a much better chance of avoiding supply issues. Keep baby at the breast! Every time baby eats and is not eating straight from you, you are telling your body not to make that much milk.
With all that in mind, I would highly suggest talking to a lactation consultant, who will be able to put your mind at ease, and help you get the best start. I have had great luck with the LC's at the breastfeeding support center at Harris HEB hospital. You can call them and they are willing to talk you through anything. The number is ###-###-####. I would also suggest you spend a little time on www.kellymom.com There is a lot of great information.
Feel free to message me if you need a little nursing support. I understand it can be rough!
