I am planning to breastfeed. Should I be buying a breast pump before I deliver or wait ?

Laura - posted on 10/02/2009

I bought a manual Medela pump about 10 days after delivery and that worked fine. It's a good idea to introduce a bottle with pumped milk once breastfeeding is well established (within the first couple of weeks) and then keep offering it a few times a week (even if you're home) so that baby is used to it and you can leave for a few hours if you want. The pump will also help if you get engorged in the first few days-I didn't have any problems with this b/c I just kept feeding my son every couple of hours as the milk came in and that seemed to prevent it happening, so I didn't need the pump right away.

Sarah - posted on 10/02/2009

I would wait and see how you go - if you need a breast pump usually the NCT will hire them out for you when you leave the hospital or if you need one before the hospital will go through it with you - I breastfed my youngest for a while and brought a cheap manual one to use to express if I wanted to go out and leave her with someone else.



Good luck with the forthcoming birth hope everything goes well

Melissa - posted on 09/30/2009

I would buy one before and you should buy a nice double electric pump. Definatly worth the extra money. If breastfeeding is not something you are dedicated to at this point look into renting one. You can rent them from Babies R Us. I bought my $400 pump for $50 from Craig's list. I just bought new tubing, breastshields, and pumping bottles. Saved a whole lot of money!

Casey - posted on 09/30/2009

I would say yes, buy a manual one at first, to make sure you'll be able to stick with it, then if all goes as planned, invest in a good electric one for sure. Altough, if you put your mind to it, it will work out. It is hard in the beginning... I almost quit several times due to cracked nipples and troubles getting my little man to latch on, but he is 2 months now, and it is the most incredible thing. The hard work has been worth it, and I woudln't trade it for anything. Also, opinions vary about when you should begin pumping. My doc said you can start pumping @ 2 weeks, and a lactation consultant told me to wait until 4 weeks, so if that's the case, you won't need one right away regardless. Good luck to you!

Brittany - posted on 09/30/2009

I am only 18 and nursing and it was really hard for me for the first week but i bought a breastpump and it helped me out a lot. it also helped me because after about 2 weeks my daughter was getting really bad gas and didnt want to nurse because her stomach hurt so i had to pump in order to get her to eat. So it was bennefitial for me to buy it before hand

Aarti - posted on 09/30/2009

Definitely buy it before! It is something you will use, and even though it is going to be tough at first, breastfeeding DOES work for all moms who don't give up.

Sharon - posted on 09/30/2009

Wait. The hospital will probably have one you can use if you need it in the first few days and the best thing to stimulate milk production is your baby not the pump. Also most mid-wives will tell you not to express milk or give your baby a bottle for the first month if you are breast feeding as it confuses the baby - the sucking action on the breast is very different to that on a bottle so it is best to get them used to the breast before you introduce a bottle.



Just a tip from my own experience, breast feeding initially is not easy - it is time consuming and hard work at times. Add to that the stress of not knowing if your baby is getting enough food and it can get you down BUT once you get the hang of it it is so much easier and convenient than bottles, better for baby (as I am sure you know!) and so rewarding for yourself. You get such a special bond with your baby form breast feeding and I heartily recommend persevering! Good luck :-)

Lindsay - posted on 09/30/2009

Wait. You have to get the baby used to breastfeeding. If you pump and give them a bottle before they're 4 weeks, they'll get nipple confusion and then there goes the breastfeeding! I bought one for $150 and never used it!

Jajaira - posted on 09/29/2009

Totally up to you. It may be easier if you get it before so you don't have the added stress after the baby's here & can start pumping sooner, but you may want to wait to see how it turns out since it can be tough. Good luck!

Dalynn - posted on 09/29/2009

My advice on Breastfeeding: (1) Do research and be informed. Unfortunately, you will get lots of conflicting advice while in the hospital between your OB doctors/nurses verses the lactation consultant. (2) Never be afraid to call the lactation consultant they are there to work with you. (3) Breastfeeding can be really rough for the first 2-3 weeks not to mention painful. (4) There are different things that can help you lactate more...nursing often, pumping often, drinking more fluids, mothers milk tea, fenugreek, magnesium or REGLAN which has to be prescribed by a doctor. (5) Pumps are very handy if you need alone time, want to run errands, go on a date with your significant other ect. and thus need to be able to give a bottle every now and then. For my first child we purchased the cheapest pump which at that time was playtex and I would not recommend it! It was not a very strong pump and thus I hardly was able to get anything so when my son was about 4 months old I purchased a medela which is more expensive but was much stronger and worked out to be better for us! Now I am on baby #2 and I breastfeed most of the time but I do pump and store milk as well for those times when I will not be around. Hope this helps! Good luck!

Christen - posted on 09/29/2009

Definately but it now! I waited until had to run out and buy one the day after I left the hospital because I was so uncomfortable. I was producing way more milk than the baby could eat. I would say for convenience just get one now! Best of luck :)

Angel - posted on 09/29/2009

i think you should wait because you never know if your going to use it i only used mine once

Stephanie - posted on 09/29/2009

Not sure if you could qualify, but in Arkansas, we have a program called WIC. It's a supplemental nutrition assistance program....different than food stamps. Anyway, they give you a pump on this program. If you haven't done so already, check it out! :) Hope this helps! Also, I know for the first few days (hopefully that's all you'll be in the hospital anyway) all you really have is colostrum, and to my understanding, there's not enough of that to pump...so I would say you could wait a minimum of a week...

Carmen - posted on 09/29/2009

I would suggest you get an inexpensive manual breastpump (AVENT makes one for about $60 or rent a high quality breastpump from the hospital) so you can have your own pump to prime your breast during the first few days after delivery. And just so you know, milk doesn't come out right away, at first is colostrum which is rich in proteins, and even if the child consumes a few drops, hang in there, it takes time and patience ( I remember crying my first two weeks because my baby would bite hard she left marks). Also, get some lansinoh ointment, just in case your nipples chap or crack. Remember, you can pump for some relief, in case you get engorged or just to have some rest and let someone else bottle feed your child if you express regularly.

Jamie - posted on 09/29/2009

Definatly! Remember you can always return it if you need to. But give breastfeeding a shot. I got the most milk in the first few weeks. I have about 1000 or so ounces frozen. I am still breastfeeding and my son is 6 and a half months. (4 teeth). Good Luck! Be positive and it will work out!

Kisha - posted on 09/29/2009

Why? You have everything you need except baby of course. The only reason you would need a pump is if you were returning to school or work full-time.

Jodi - posted on 09/28/2009

many insurance companies will buy a pump for you - check it out - saved me

Jessica - posted on 09/28/2009

I would wait, as that's what i did.... i have a one month old and haven't needed to express yet, i have hand expressed if i'm feeling a bit full and he's not ready for a feed...
Also everyone prefers different breast pumps so i would suggest to hire from chemist or hospital if you find you need one... try a few then buy the one you like!

and like Jodi said persist and breastfeeding is wonderful! goodluck

Ann - posted on 09/28/2009

Hi.
I would buy one as they are a life saver if you have to go somewhere or something happens that means you need to have a back up supply of EBM for bubs.
I had one & it was a blessing as I had a forceful letdown which would make my DD gag. Once I knew, I was able to express until the letdown passed, breastfeed her, then top her up with the EBM. Have a look at http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/ they have heaps of handy info.

Stefanie - posted on 09/28/2009

That's entirely up to you...My opinion, would be to buy it early (even if it stays in the box)...that way when you're home and exhausted, you already have it there. I woke up so many times completely engorged and was so happy to have it already at home!

Melissa - posted on 09/28/2009

yes after 1-3 days after baby your boobs get rock hard and sore i would sagest a breast pump to relive the hardness and pain

Sheila - posted on 09/28/2009

You may want one but I learned something this past week. If you are going to breastfeed your baby you may want to consider formula/breast. I had to go into the ER and they would not let me have my baby until they heard her screaming in the waiting room and I was crying because my baby was screaming. Johanna sleeps with me and is 100% breast fed I had a really hard time with the week I had to go without breastfeeding her because she absolutely would not drink any other type of milk substitute so I fed her what solids I could and juice, it was a nightmare.

Rachel Faye - posted on 09/28/2009

def buy one before so your prepared and can understand it before birth. Once that baby comes you won't have time for all that!

Anna - posted on 09/28/2009

I would definitely buy one... and not in case you can't breastfeed, but because you may need to give your nipples a break from breastfeeding at some point or another. Plus, if you need to leave your baby for longer than you can go without a feeding, you'll need it. I got the Medela Swing and it was wonderful. I breastfed for over 15 months and when I went to Hawaii for 5 days I took my pump and my supply didn't go down a bit.

Jessie - posted on 09/28/2009

I bought a breast pump before I had my daughter, and it was one of the best investments I've made so far! When my milk came in, I got a blocked milk duct. The pump, along with regular feedings and a bit of deep tissue massage, helped work that out. It also helped me when my body was producing too much milk. I would pump it out before I went to sleep[ so that I wouldn't wake up engorged.

I bought an Evenflo Comfort Select Performance Single Electric Breast Pump , which runs about $45 at Target or Babies 'R' Us. I hope this helps!

Harmoni - posted on 09/28/2009

I have 5 more wks to go. And I bought everything but a swing and bassinet... So yes buy a breast pump if you plan on breast feeding. Read the manual and get to know what things are and how to use it. You'll also need to clean it as well.

Samantha - posted on 09/28/2009

i would wait you may want to use the hospitals first to see if you like it if you do then you can do out and buy one thats what i did

Jody - posted on 09/28/2009

First - know that your baby will be ok if they don't get much to eat the first few days (unless there are complications such as jaundice). They have fat stores to hold them over.

Many hospitals will provide an in-room pump for your use, they may even give you the plastic gear you need to use it if you are having trouble nursing. (ask your hospital policy up front) When you get out rent the "hospital grade" pumps - they are AWESOME. That way its not a big investment until you are sure you need a pump, but its so handy for getting started breastfeeding. You can pump as often as 1-2 hours to increase your supply, feed your baby by other means (like a bottle, or in my case i syringe/finger fed my 2nd child til he finally latched at 5 weeks). Much less stressful this way (though it is a challenge to find time to pump if you don't have help). Then work on the latch when baby is not so hungry mad, and you are not so painfully full - or empty.

Then, if you think you want to keep on pumping don't hesitate to spend the money - do the math, formula is super expensive, and though it has all the vitamins it doesn't have the anti-bodies.

My first child wouldn't latch but I sooo wanted to breastfeed - so i pumped until he was 5 months. My 2nd finally got a good latch at 5 weeks and is still slurping hungrily away at 7 months! And i still use my trusty medela backpack pump when im at work or even just needing a few hours of freedom away from the baby.

Good Luck and best wishes!! Breastfeeding is hard but so worth it!!

Sarah - posted on 09/28/2009

first question is this yer first baby? and 2nd how comited are you to breastfeeding? im expecting my 3rd baby and breastfed both my other two i didnt hesitate about buying my breast pump before i delivered either! the other thing you need to concider is what kind of breast pump to buy i tryed both for me i found an electric one much easier but that is personal anything else i would be happy to helpxxxxx

Lise - posted on 09/27/2009

I have tried breast pumps and they never worked for me...They may work for you..As a mom who has breastfed, I would never have given up the experience of the closeness that you will form with your child at that time. Remember breastfeeding is not for everyone so I would wait until after the child/children are born then go from there

KATIE - posted on 09/27/2009

I bought one beforehand and did a lot of research on it 1st I was able to breastfeed and didn't have any problems. However 2 friends of mine also bought one and didn't end up sticking with breastfeeding so they never used theirs. If you have a good network to help you after you have the baby I would wait to buy one to make sure you don't have any complications with it and continue with breastfeeding that way you don't waste your money!!! Good Luck!

Colleen - posted on 09/27/2009

Ive had 3 kids and I have never used a pump.... I bought one being told I should and I have never needed it.. so I guess its totally up to you... If you intend to express and have others feed your baby then you will need one.. if you dont (like me) then you wont need one...

Tiffany - posted on 09/27/2009

Yes! Buy it! Unless your insurance covers you to rent one from the hospital. BUT, don't use it until the baby is here. Also, bring it with you to the hospital. The lactation nurse can help you w/ yours too! I also recommend borrowing or buying thrift. Just bleach & boil it before use! They are EXPENSIVE!

Molly - posted on 09/27/2009

Do not bottle feed until your well established with your baby breast feeding. You do not want to confuse the nipples. Wait at least 6-8 weeks!

Linde - posted on 09/27/2009

I recommend getting a pump. The question is which pump should you get! The kind of pump you get depends on how much you are going to use it. I've used several medela pumps and I really like that brand. You can look on the side of the box and they explain how to pick a pump. If you are going to stay at home and try to breast feed almost exclusively then a hand pump or single electric pump might be fine. If you are going to go back to work and/or are worried about your supply not being enough a double electric pump would probably be best.
Electric breast pumps can cost a pretty penny and it is recommended by the manufacturer not to use someone elses pump. Not so much because it is unsanitary but because the motors wear out.
My daughter was born 6 weeks premature with a congenital heart defect, I was able to get a free pump from my insurance company which they delivered. I also was given the option to rent a pump. If you are on WIC they can help you get one.
I started out with a hand pump, I would recommend having one for when you get home. The hospital or birth center should have breast pumps for you to use during your stay.

April - posted on 09/27/2009

I would say yes...buy a good pump...I am breastfeeding my son but needed to pump at times.

Addie - posted on 09/27/2009

I LOVED my breast pump and kicked myself for not getting one before my oldest son was born we had to make an emergency run to walmart and get one, he had gotten thrush and it was so painful to nurse him but I was able to pump until we could get him to the dr a day or two later is saved my nipples (that sounds bad but very true!) it will also help your milk supply the trick is finding one that works for you I love my Gerber manual one and would buy the electric one if I was working out of the home but everyone is different :)

Jess - posted on 09/27/2009

i would recommend buying one before the baby comes. we waited until my milk came in and it was horrible. i was so engored, i was bawling until my boyfriend ran out to the store. i had a playtex pump. i cant remember what model, but it was electric and about $200.

Margie - posted on 09/27/2009

My daughter borrowed a breast pump from a friend, she hates it. Due to the fact it hurts. She is doing very well with nursing my grandson. FYI If you need help in nursing the lactation nurses will help you out thats what they are there for. The reason why she wanted to pump is so that her husband will bond with the baby as well.

Tammy - posted on 09/27/2009

I breast feed my baby and bought a pump. I would recommend you wait till after you deliver. The hospital you give birth at will let you use a hospital pump to help your milk come in.

You will not know the type of pump you need till your baby is born. YOu may want a hand pump or an electric depending on your needs and the babies.

I would definitly recommend buying one, I would just wait to see what your situation is. You can always rent a hospital pump until you decide which one you want. I personally have a hand pump and an electric pump. I like the electric pump because it helps so that I can pump quickly and I can pump both breast at the same time.

Tiera - posted on 09/27/2009

Go ahead and get one . . . less to worry about after the birth. And don't scrimp- get a good one. It'll be worth it.

Rebecca - posted on 09/27/2009

I bought one afterwards because you can actually use the one at the hospital if need be when you are there. Sometimes it's also cheaper to rent the hospitals depending on your budget. It's completely sanitized and you get all new tubing, bottles and nipples. I bought one the day I got out because we found out at the medical supply place down the rd carried the Medela brand pump and our BCBS ins covered 80% of the cost as long as we got a script from the pediatrician or your OB dr. We ended up paying only $35 dollars.

Tina - posted on 09/27/2009

WAIT!!!! First check with your insurance. I got a Medela double electric pump for free from my insurance. I love the Medela brand the best for pumps. Your doctor can write you a prescription for it and you take it to the hospital pharmacy. They will check with your insurance and see how much if not the whole thing they will cover. Getting a breastpump any time is great.

Cassie - posted on 09/27/2009

Based on my experience with nursing. I would say maybe buy you a good manual one! The Medela Manual pump is good and only about $35. The hospital gave me mine the first day because my baby had to stay on oxygen and I couldn't see him at all the first day. It also helps to get your milk supply in faster, mine came in the next day. I ended up having to pump for 3 months because my baby wouldn't nurse, mostly because of my lack of knowledge of breastfeeding, make sure you get plenty of help with nursing while you are in the hospital! Good Luck

Michelle - posted on 09/27/2009

Before you buy one I would call your insurance company and see if they will cover a breast pump. If they do you usually have to wait till the baby is born, but get it asap after baby if they will cover it. I ended up only paying $50. for a medela pump which was a $300. pump, so it is definitely worth checking into. You are going to want to start pumping asap to get stock built up and to give yourself a break.

Amanda - posted on 09/27/2009

Hi I am due in november also I am going to buy one just in case I am very determined to breastfeed the second time around I have more information and I'm taking a class for it however if I've given it my all or even have to go somewhere w/o my baby boy maybe at 4 mo I can leave some expressed milk until i return I think it's better safe than sorry however you want to make sure you are very determined so you won't give up easily

Brenda - posted on 09/27/2009

Buy one now!! I bought an Avent with my first child, and I got another one for the one on the way. I started pumping in the hospital along with feeding him, and I was producing enough to feed twins which was helpful when I went back to work. I also got a nipple sheild from my visiting nurse and never had chapped or cracked nipples. You can usually find them at Target.

Autumn - posted on 09/27/2009

I would buy one if I were you especially if you are going to go back to work. The Medela ones are the best although they are almost $300 they are so worth it, once again especaily if you will be going back to work! It helped increase my milk production as well in the beginning

Caty - posted on 09/26/2009

i plan on trying to breast feed also. its basically up to you whether you want to buy one now. personally i am going to wait cuz there are so many factors that may prevent me from being able to like not producing a lot of milk etc.. i plan on buying a pump after i have my baby in nov and see what his needs are and what im able to do.

Kristin - posted on 09/26/2009

Definetly buy one before. It will help you to push through the rough first few days of breastfeeding, just mainly to give you some relief. I paid a lot of money for mine & it's been worth every cent. Ameda is the brand of electric pump I use & I would recommend it. I've used it for 2 babies now & it hasn't let me down yet.