Should I get a pump?

[leckert]

I agree with the Medela Swing pump (although I'm eyeing off the symphony - double pump but it's a bit $$$). I got a secondhand Medela mini-electric and that would have done me fine if I didn't go back to work fulltime at 4mths.

Sign up with the ABA - do it even if you don't think you'll need them (handy mag every 2 mths) and you get 20% (or is it 10%) off purchases - online included (it's where I ended up getting my Swing pump. -cheaper than the chemist or Target where I've started to see some pumps even with postage) They have a number of pumps available and good support as well.

[Teeki]

Hmmm... thinking now I may go for an electric one, the medela one if it's getting such good reviews! Thanks though human bean

Reckon I'll definitely sign up to the aba too, thanks for the tip leckert. Thanks again for all the advice, it's helping me get my head around it all!

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[lissy]

Hey I just did a quick search & medela swing is on sale at nursingangel for $229 so its probably worth doing a google search Kaytee.

[Taurean]

That's a good point taurean, it should help with supply right? And will at least get me used to the feeling, DH is very rarely allowed to touch my nipples so how will I go with a little one sucking milk out of there? Makes me a little nervous to be honest lol.

If I do start expressing early, is bubs going to use all that extra colostrum? Or do they only need it until the actual milk comes in?

I wrote that last post a bit quickly. I should have added that I was always under the impression that unless advised by your midwife/OB, you shouldn't express too early before your due date as it can induce labour (nipple stimulation releases oxytocin). Might be best to start another thread and check with Barb - unless you're reading this Barb - any comments???

Colustrum is liquid gold though so any amount of the good stuff will be very much appreciated by your little one

With regards to having something sucking your nipples, it really is SO different when you're BFing. I was a bit concerned about that but honestly, it is a different feeling altogether - it's incredible, heartwarming and surprisingly relaxing once you get the hang of it . I'm sure you'll be fine hon.

[Teeki]

Ah good point taurean, I'd forgotten about it inducing labour! I had a chat to DH (cos he'd really know lol) and a work friend with a baby, and I think I'm leaning towards getting a medela. If I get that one you found lissy, or sign up to the aba, cost should be alright. And from the chat with DH I can see a few reasons to get a bit of a milk store going.

Thanks again everyone!

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[wysiwyg]

Personally I am a fan of waiting until you need something especially with baby things, because you imagine things one way and they always are different and then you can buy something suitable for the actual situation you are in, which might not be what you thought. I thought about getting a pump with DD, but in the end decided to wait and see, and borrowed one from a friend just to see what I thought when bub was about 8 weeks, I couldn't use it, it killed me, my nipples got stuck in the funnel - I was so glad I hadn't bought one. But I was able to express by hand fine and that worked really well for me and got plenty, and didn't cost anything.

You can hire pumps through the ABA too, that way you can try and see what suits you, and then make a purchase if you need to. Or borrowing from a friend to try out is also a good move.

[Taurean]

I couldn't use it, it killed me, my nipples got stuck in the funnel - I was so glad I hadn't bought one.

Just on that, there are various different nipple shield sizes for Medela pumps and it's SO important to get the right size or yes, you can damage your nipples. I did that. My LC got me onto the correct size and boy did it make a difference.

[Teeki]

Thanks I think I'm still leaning towards getting the medela, as I'll need it when I go back to work, or as a just in case when bubs is with daddy one time. Given me a fair bit to consider anyway!

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[Taurean]

Not sure if you want to buy yet hon but the Mothers Direct website currently has 20% off breast pumps - until Friday 30 Jan

[onthefly]

Personally, I would hold off on buying anything just yet - you might spend hundreds on something you hardly ever use. Some mums find expressing really easy and handy, others (like me) find it far more hassle than it's ever worth, you know? Plus, different pumps work differently for different women - it would suck to buy something that didn't end up working well for you.

[Teeki]

Yeah, we wound up deciding to see what it's like at hospital first, if I can borrow one and see what it's like. Also will be signing up to ABA when our computer's fixed, so hopefully there's lots of advice there

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