Farmgirl, there is some good advice in this thread. It is great that this works for some people, but I feel that I would be remiss not to tell you that this is the minority of cases. Most of us plan to have our partners do one feed, but often this doesn't work out as we hoped. I am not saying this to put you off, but just so you know up front, to save disappointment down the track.

Tenar has raised some very valid points about introducing a bottle early. It is recommended that you use a spoon or cup for feeding EBM in the early weeks if EBM is needed, as introducing a bottle early can cause problems with breastfeeding. And missing feeds without expressing in the first 6 - 12 weeks when supply and demand is being worked out by your body can have an impact on your ongoing supply. As well as that, most mums have too much milk in the early weeks and therefore feel really full when missing a feed. So often the reality is that much as we want to miss the feed and sleep, we can't anyway as we are too uncomfortable. And one more thing is that establishing breastfeeding in the early days with a newborn can be really tough, and trying to figure out and fit in expressing as well can add a lot of stress.

Dads can help out with baby in so many ways and have bonding time even when they are not giving feeds. They can change the nappy and bring baby to you for feeds, they can hold and comfort an unsettled baby while you rest (often babies settle better on Dad's chest where there is no milk smell), and/or they can do the bathing. And of course any help with washing etc will be very much appreciated!

It might be an idea to keep these things in mind, and see how you go in the first weeks before you make a decision. If all is going well and you want to give it a try, that's great. If not, I am sure you will find another arrangement that works for you.

With regard to what you need, I wouldn't get too much up front. See how you go. You can always buy a pump and accessories after the baby is born. If it looks like you will be expressing frequently, it will be worthwhile spending more for a good electric pump. It might be though that you find that you won't express much and a cheaper one will be fine. You can also hire pumps. For EBM storage I recommend the Avent cups as being the best value. Zip lock bags such as Glad freezer bags are not recommended as there are concerns about their safety. And you don't need a steriliser - the current recommendations are that you don't need to sterilise equipment used for breastmilk - just wash in cold water first, then in warm soapy water at least once in 24 hours when they have been used.

I hope this helps.