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

Dana - posted on 09/26/2009

I would say go ahead and buy the Medela Pump In Style. Even if nursing doesn't work out for you with this baby there is always next time. Do not waste your money on a cheap one... they hurt... take forever to get any milk... and overall suck!



The pump I bought with my 1st child was the First Steps one and all it did was suck my nipple in and made it swell up... A lot can be said for the different breast pumps.



Also if you are on WIC and breastfeed only... they will give you a breast pump for free. Not the Medela... but one that works okay and gets the job done.

Leticia - posted on 09/26/2009

i bought one and could never get any milk out. guess they don't like me. :(

Taleasha - posted on 09/26/2009

buy one...they help alot.

Leticia - posted on 09/26/2009

i forgot about that. ask your ob about that or go to labor and delvery and tlk toi the,

Sandi - posted on 09/26/2009

You can rent hosptal grade electric pumps. So if you want to have one before your baby gets here, but dont know if you will be able to nurse, then I suggest this. You can look on the madela website for places near you that rent pumps

Leticia - posted on 09/26/2009

it would be good to have one, try going to wic and talking with them. they'll give you a free hand pump and sometimes the lactation consultant at your hospital can help with you and getting an electric one from wic, if you plan to go to school or work after a while. if you dont know if breastfeeding and pumping will work with you dont spend 300 on a medela cuz you cant return them. i tried 2 diff ones and i could never ever pump enough for a bottle.so i just gave up. i sole gave the breast then introduced food accordingly.

Tiffany - posted on 09/26/2009

I bought a very good pump my first baby, three kids later it still works great! If you buy one ahead of time it is a good incentive to breastfeed, at first it is a lot of work, but it does get easier you just have to get to that point. They do cost a lot of money but you will save by not having to get formula. Renting is great but if you plan on having more then one baby you will save in the long run if you buy one. Good luck! I love Breastfeeding it is such a special time with your child.

Libertad - posted on 09/26/2009

I would agree with Emma Walsh. This way you can also have time to yourself, VERY IMPORTANT! If you are not planning to breast feed for too long you should introduce the baby to the pumped milk sooner rather than later. I had a hard time getting both of my girls drinking from a bottle.

Ashley - posted on 09/26/2009

Yes buy one. I didn't, and when my milk came in I was miserable because i couldn't get him to latch on, plus he had jaundice which lowers their appitite. I had to send my mom and sister to wal-mart and get me a hand pump ($20) until I could buy a medela pump double pump. I have been nursing since July 10th and I pump maybe one bottle a week, but I haven't started back to work.

Amber - posted on 09/26/2009

I would say yes you so want one, but if you are unsure, most hospital rent pumps, and after 8 weeks, if you are currently receiving W.I.C., they also give you a pump, hospital grade, as well.

Ashley - posted on 09/26/2009

I only bought a manual pump to use on nights when my son slept over at his grandparents' house... pumping to relieve engorgement is a HORRIBLE idea, it'll just mess up your supply and cause you to continue to produce more milk than you need.

If I were you, I would wait and see how breastfeeding goes... give it a month or so, it takes longer for some than others, to get adjusted to it.

I've never had any luck with pumps and could never get more than an ounce out unless I was extremely full from being away from my son over night.

Nancy - posted on 09/26/2009

I say wait and buy one off the internet after you and the baby are home. It took me all of 20 mins to find a pump online that I bought and use twice daily. If you need one at the hospital they will supply it for you. Also, don't put a lot of pressure on yourself about breastfeeding. Sometimes it doesn't work out but your baby will still be fine. You can't return the pump after you open it so it is worth the wait to make the investment.

Heather - posted on 09/26/2009

i breastfed my daughter from when she was born until she was a year and didn't use a pump at all.

Christina - posted on 09/26/2009

Alot of insurance companies and hospitals will supply breast pumps for you - check with your insurance first. My insurance paid for the medella pump instyle which is close to $300. My family had bought me it before I delivered and luckily I didnt open it so I was able to return it and spend the money on other cute things :)

Suzanne - posted on 09/26/2009

Wait... because once you buy one you can't return it and it would be a shame to waste all that money if you can't use it

Anna - posted on 09/26/2009

I'd buy one and buy a good one. You'll most likely have more money before the baby comes and it is a really good incentive to have a $300 pump sitting there needing its cost to be justified. Take a look at your commitment to breast feeding, figure out what your goals are and get some support early. Go to a LLL meeting pregnant and start getting comfortable around breastfeeding now. It can be challenging, but it is worth it!

And take all those free samples to the food pantry. It is way too easy to damage an early nursing relationship by "just making a bottle this one time" Post your local LC 24/7 support hotline next to the phone and on the fridge.

nak with #4:)

Abbey - posted on 09/26/2009

YOu can rent them from Shoppers Drug Mart........I would not buy one until you know you will use it. I rented one for the first two weeks I was home and I u it alot but I have not needed one since. They can be very expensive and the cheep ones are cheep for a reason. Best of luck.

Sushma - posted on 09/26/2009

Breast feeding will def work if you want it to work. Its very challenging but hang in there and within 3 months you will be doin fine. I have a 3 month old and I am breast feeding her. I invested in a Pump and its very helpful. I would suggesst you to buy the pump asap because it will def aid in lactation.

Rachel - posted on 09/26/2009

i also forgot to say that you dont actually have to as it is acctually possible to express by hand and is often easier

Rachel - posted on 09/26/2009

hi i am whats called a peer supporter and am trained to give extra support to breat feeding mums, when you but your pump is up to you but for the first week at least you will not need a pumump as till day 3 there is only colostome which is the rich yellow milk and you do not produce enough of this to express as you only produce enough for babies needs after about day 3 your proper milk comes in and so we recomend not expressing for the first week
Rachel irving

Wendy - posted on 09/25/2009

Yes, buy one beforehand so that you are prepared. It'll be too hard and inconvenient to try and get one after you have the baby. It will work out for you if you want it to. I will say that if you are interested in doing it because you know that it's best for your baby, don't set your self up for failure before you even try - it will work. Even if it is difficult at first and doesn't seem like it's working, it likely is. Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for you baby for so many reasons - you won't regret it!

Kai - posted on 09/25/2009

i bought my pump before i delivered... i breastfeed the whole time at the hospital and started pumping to store when we got home. however one night i was too tired to hold my baby girl while she ate, so her daddy made a bottle out of the milk we had stored - she took it like a pro. Now all I do is pump and give her bottles. Shes only 3 weeks old.

Joanna - posted on 09/25/2009

I would invest in a pump before delivering. When I had Alexandra, my milk hadn't entirely come in (I believe this is normal...) so, with the help of a lactation consultant, I started using it. It really helped to get my flow going!

Also, a few days after coming home, I was sent back to the hospital with a bad infection. :( I brought my pump along for my 4 day "adventure". Had I not, I truly believe my daughter would have been a formula fed baby her entire life. The pump saved the day! You just never know what could happen. It would be best to be safe!

Lauren - posted on 09/25/2009

If you're so worried about changing your mind about breastfeeding, then buy a pump that can be given (or sold) to another mother. Medela Pumps are not a good example of this because the milk can get into the motor. Even using a different kit doesn't keep milk from potentially mixing. I, too, am wondering about getting a pump beforehand (I am expecting my third child on New Years day), but I am so determined to breastfeed that I'm in a hurry to spend the money on the pump. Hand expressing milk when you are engorged is a great way to pump just enough to relieve the pain and can be faster than pumping.

Jennifer - posted on 09/25/2009

Buy one first. I had planned on breastfeeding my son, but he was born with a cleft palate and I couldn't. I did want him to have the breast milk, so my husband went out and bought one before we left the hospital. The hospital should have one for you to use while there.

Buy a good one too. We got a Medela ($$$) but it's worth it.

Also, the sooner you can get your baby to the breast the easier it is for both of you. Until your baby is used to nursing, do not use a pacifier. Pacifiers can cause problems.

Heather - posted on 09/25/2009

It's hard to say.. If you are very determined to breastfeed and stay with it, then I would say yes, get one. But I have heard of some women not being able to produce enough milk to breastfeed, and in that case, it would be a waste to have bought one. I also say this because I would recommend buying a nice (expensive) one that works well and it easy and pain-free to use. I have a Medela Pump in Style and it's amazing! (but was $280). You will not regret nursing.. It's amazing and the best thing you can do for your little one's health! Good luck!

Latoya - posted on 09/25/2009

You may want to wait but it shouldnt matter either way. You wont need it until after you deliver but if you want to be up on the game then go ahead and buy one before. My baby is 1mo old and I use mine already.

Sharon - posted on 09/25/2009

Quoting June Huey:

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

I am planning to breastfeed. Should I invest in a breast pump before I deliver in november or wait until after I deliver just incase breastfeeding does not work out for me?

Hi June

I have two children and breastfed both of them.  My first child took to it like a duck out of water but my second child I had difficulty with them latching on, all babies are different so I would buy one just incase.  A breast pump can also be handy to relieve you if your breasts become to full and uncomfortable but I would keep any milk you express for the baby.

Cindy - posted on 09/25/2009

I never experienced any pain with any of my children so not all women find Bfing painful. Just wanted to share that. Not debate it! Oh and I bf'd my 1st for 18.5 mths and my 2nd till age 2

Cindy - posted on 09/25/2009

I did , and I used it to pump when my L/O sometimes slept thru a feeding or when I wanted to increase my supply. With my 2nd baby I rented a hospital grade one as he stayed in the hospital 25 days , so i needed to pump for him. I had a great supply with both boys! Good luck. I would recommend Medela electric brands most!

Ann - posted on 09/25/2009

I haven't read the other responses so I'm sorry if I'm repeating. I would say yes! Definitely buy one! You may can hold off on the electric one for a little while, but I used a manual one when I got engorged after my milk came in. I just pumped a little to relieve pressure so my boobs weren't so rock are that my daughter couldn't latch on. Also you may need it if your baby can't latch on for whatever reason. Hope this helps! Good luck to you!

Brandie - posted on 09/25/2009

Definitely buy one now! My daughter rejected my nipple for the first 5 days so I really had to rely on a pump before she would latch on. You never know how soon you'll need it, and it's definitely better to be safe than sorry!

LeAnne - posted on 09/25/2009

I would wait to buy one, just in case it doesn't work out for you. and if you don't want to spend that money then you could always borrow one from your hospital. and it does hurt in the beginning, but you get used to it.

Samantha - posted on 09/25/2009

Hi, I have been breastfeeding my son for 9 weeks now. If i was you i would wait before buying a breast pump as you don't know whether or not u will be able to breast feed yet depending on u and baby. To be honest if your baby does take to breast feeding you probably won;t be going out anywhere straight away so all your baby will need is you and depending on how much milk you have as when u do begin to express then your breast start to produce more milk. I would wait until you have had baby then decie. hope this helps. Sam x

Cecilia - posted on 09/25/2009

I bought one in advance and it was great because I was able to start pumping early which stimulated my supply so I had a nice back up when I returned to work. I work full time and have maintained my supply with my pump for almost a year. My daughter has nothing but breast milk since birth. Your pump is your best friend and it is good to start ASAP.

Jan - posted on 09/25/2009

Personally I would wait & see. I breastfed all 4 of my children but my eldest daughter could'nt breastfeed her sons, not through want of trying, it just didnt work out for her. Best of luck. Jan. x

Robyn - posted on 09/25/2009

I would say yes to buying a pump....even if you dont go back to work...i got mine before i delivered...( im a mother of 2) if your going to breastfeed and really strong about it...then you may end up needing it when you go home..some women have problems with their baby latching on to one side then the other... and the lady at the hospital help me out because i had that problem and at first in order to get her to latch on i had to pump that side for just a few mins to get my nipple out enough for her to latch on to... so it could help you out in that aspect.... but even if you dont go back to work ome have more milk production then others and have to pump because you start to leak or get so full... that your baby cant latch on until you do pump.... i know there is the manual pumps or you could even hand express some milk just enough to help latch on.... but if your like me i didn't want to waste a drop.... pumping into a bottle for someone else to help you feed while you take a bath....or even just to give dad or the grandparents time to bond while feeding the baby.... that way you can pump and save while they feed the baby.... it all is very worth it cause in long long run you save soooo much more money.... you can always resale the pump to a friend family member or even at a yard sale... cause the would have to buy new covers anyways...... i wish you the best of luck with your breastfeeding... i am so glad that i did and enjoy that i am still breastfeeding my 5 month old now.........you will enjoy it.... i hope you the best and good luck

Tracy - posted on 09/25/2009

I say buy one now. I suggest a Medela Pump In Style or Ameda Purely Yours. These are the two most user friendly pumps I have seen...and used. I exclusively pumped for my oldest due to latch issues. I went through 4 pumps before finally buying a PIS. Best thing I EVER did. I bought the Purely Yours after my PIS was stolen out of my car :( They must have thought it was my purse...bet they were surprised :P

Rikki Lee - posted on 09/25/2009

I would wait to buy one, cuz you are not really supposed to pump until your baby is at least two weeks old when your milk supply is established. If for some reason (heaven forbid) your child has to go to the NICU the hospital should have a pump for you to use so that your child still gets breast milk instead of formula. If you are going to be staying @ home with your baby most of the time you don't need a fancy one. I have a manual pump & I actually prefer it to the electric ones, but if you are having to go back to work or school you may want an electric.

Jennifer - posted on 09/25/2009

I would recommend buying one before- I ended up needing one as soon as I got home for extra stimulation since I son would not nurse well- would not have wanted to buy one on Sunday afternoon with 2 day old newborn. But breastfeeding should work, even if you cannot exclusively breastfeed- something is better than nothing

Kathryn - posted on 09/25/2009

I would say buy one before. I had a mass amount of problems with breast feeding when i started. I had this rusty pipe as its called i effectivly burst a blood vessel and i was just drip out blood i had to speak to a laction consultant i had cracked nipple, thrush. It got to the point that i would dred feeding my daughter because it hurt so much. I ended up having to give her a bottle at one point because she just wouldnt latch on. Im not saying this will happen to you by any means, everyone is different but its just nice to have a pump so that if there is a problem you can pump or if you need and extra few hours of sleep someone else could give your baby the breast milk bottle. Breast feeding does get easier, its not as easy as they make it out to be at first though, well thats what i found anyway, it didnt really just come naturally. Anyway i realize i am straying form the question. but yes i say you should get one before hand. Good luck with the labour :D

Melanie - posted on 09/24/2009

Quoting Sara:

Quoting Jodi :

Breastfeeding can work out for anyone! You really have to push through in the beginning, it does hurt, but once you get past it, it is the most amazing experience! I would buy your pump beforehand, after the baby is born, you probably won't have much time to find one, online or elsewhere. SLEEP!!! Good luck!!!!

It does not work for every one! Some baby don't latch on the breast. Some womens milk does not come in fully.

Every baby is different also. With a good lactation consultant you can work through most latch problems. I had a lot of issues with my first born, but kept at it until we finally had a good latch and let down. Don't let things scare you at first :) You can do it!

Carlyn - posted on 09/24/2009

It depends a lot on if you are returning to work or school after a short time (like 6 weeks.) If so, buy one. Or better yet, ask your friends and family to get one for you as a baby shower gift. I had to return to work when my little one was 6 weeks, and having a high quality pump was essential to maintaining our breastfeeding relationship.

If you are going to be a SAHM, however, you might not need one, or just need a simple manual pump rather than an electric. If you are not going to be away from baby for the first few months, then you can wait and buy one when you need it.

If you do buy one, shop around. I saved almost $100 buying my Medela pump in style from an on-line medical supply company.

Claudine - posted on 09/24/2009

Don't buy the pump. Lots of women think they are going to breastfeed, and then for whatever reason, decide not to when the baby is born. You can rent one from your hospital (they're usually pretty cheap) to get you through until you can buy one. Why spend hundreds of dollars on something you may not need? And don't kid yourself that you'll be pumping right away. I waited a few weeks befor I even started pumping- everyone's different. It also doesn't necessarily hurt- I NEVER had any pain- not once for 2 kids. (and trust me, I'm not exactly the breastfeeding queen!)

Melanie - posted on 09/24/2009

I highly reccommend buying a quality breast pump like Medela. I have breastfed three babies and will my fourth due in December. Do not waste your money on cheaper pumps. They do not have the suction or functions that you will need. I have successfully pumped a freezer full of milk with each of my babies, starting very early on. Do your research on which is in your price range and go for it! Good luck!

Sara - posted on 09/24/2009

Quoting Jodi :

Breastfeeding can work out for anyone! You really have to push through in the beginning, it does hurt, but once you get past it, it is the most amazing experience! I would buy your pump beforehand, after the baby is born, you probably won't have much time to find one, online or elsewhere. SLEEP!!! Good luck!!!!

It does not work for every one! Some baby don't latch on the breast. Some womens milk does not come in fully.

Sara - posted on 09/24/2009

I bought one ahead of time and did not have much luck breast feeding. I would say see if you can rent one from the hospital to make sure you can do it. Then if you have no problems get one.

Fallon - posted on 09/24/2009

Sometimes it is great to be able to pump both sides at once though..Handy for me anyway..and sometimes it's nice to feed the one baby on one side and pump a bottle for the other from the other side..it just depends on your needs..although i know my Dr. Browns pump broke down right away and I had hardly used it..they did replace it quickly but if I had been depending on it I would have been doomed..so far no torouble at all with my medela pump..but I should have sinceit was over $300!

Fallon - posted on 09/24/2009

I breast fed my older two with no problems and although I had a pump both time..first time a cheap hand pump that never worked for me and second a dr browns pump wich was pricey but also never worked and then I had the twins and started pumping at the hospital and had great success with the medela pump they let me use there so i went out and bought one..although now that my twins are nearly 6 months they just nurse straight from the breast..it is hand to have for riding in the car and things like that..and all that milk in the freezer is a godsend! plus I didn't have to deal with the engorgement this time..and all that extra milk will still get used instead of just leaking all over me! So I would say ask your hospital is you can try one before you buy..they can be expensive and if you don't get a good one you will wast time trying to pump with no results.

Stephanie - posted on 09/24/2009

I would get a pump but they are very expensive. Sometimes the hospitals will give you a pump. It just depends on the situation. But i don't plan on buying one cause i'll be around the baby til he's about one. But best of luck to you.