Pump Etc Question

[Jillilan]

I've looked over the boards regarding pumps and I have a few questions if you don't mind- only 2 friends of mine have had babies!

-should I buy/rent a pump
-If I do buy- most people say Pump in Style is the best- agree/disagree
-what other "accessories" do you need for b/f (bags, storage bottles etc)

-anything else I'm missing- I'm open to your suggestions- I'm clueless about what to get/what not to get.

Thanks for your ideas- Jill

[lisamarie]

I would for sure buy. I rented at first and it was nice..but not the best to tote around. The Medela Pump in style is the best I think. I didnt have any problems with mine. I had TWO sets of the bottle and cones..that way I only had to wash every other time. HTH.

[texasred1]

-should I buy/rent a pump = I'd say buy, especially if you are going to have to return to work and plan on bf after returning

-If I do buy- most people say Pump in Style is the best- agree/disagree = I too have the PIS, after 4.5 months it's still ging strong

-what other "accessories" do you need for b/f (bags, storage bottles etc) = I have probably more accessories than you need, but here's what I got and like:
I have a total of 10 of those little bottles. I take 4 with me to work everyday to pump 2xs a day. I aslo pump once at home before I go off to work. And I take the sitter anywhere from 3-4 bottles a day (but that's because I have a little piggy).
I also bought the "soft" horns, can't think of the real name for them right now.
Storage freezer bags, I *think* I'm using First Years, they stand up on they're own in the freezer.
And my favorite thing was a hands free bustier thing
www.easyexpressionproducts.com

hth!

[lisamarie]

Oh my..I wish I would have known about that bra thing..I soooooooooooo would ahve bought one.

[Jillilan]

Thanks so much for your feedback!

That lady looks too happy in that bra add! :lol:

Thanks!
Jill

[Bella923]

I agree with everything Michelle said. Love my PIS!

Michelle: Wow I need that bra!!!! It's sooo annoying sitting there with both hands busy hold the bottles! I am sooo ordering that bra! Like right now!

[wantingbabynumber2]

I always tell people RENT first at least a month and see how the breastfeeding goes and make sure you and baby like it. Then BUY a pump. Medela is by far the best maker and the Pump In Style is great. I had that one and got the backpack one because the pump unit came out and I could put in a purse and take it to dinner/school or take the whole backpack. The hands free things are excellent. There is also a hands free pump called whisper wear that I really like too. you can buy a single or a double fits right in your regular bra. I got this also since daughter was a preemie and couldn't nurse on two sides at one feeding so I'd feed on one and pump at the same time worked great on letdown and quick pumping. I think the whisper wear feel more like a real baby sucking and it was easier to use those at time only AFTER my milk was in and established. The medela was a little stronger and got my milk going. We rented for about 2 months I think since I was exclusively pumping to have the industrial one to get my milk to really come in. I personally hated the medela symphony I would not have bought one they had those in the NICU.

[texasred1]

That hands free bustier is awesome!!!!!!! I just fold it up and put it in the PIS bag. I just wish I would have bought it sooner!

[Sherri]

Jill, it depends on what you're using it for. If you are planning to pump at work, you will definitely want something easily portable like a Medela Pump In Style. I'm borrowing my SIL's which you're not supposed to do, and it's worked out well until recently - the motor seems to be weakening, which is to be expected after she used it for her two kids. So I recommend buying new. Four things I've found very helpful, regardless of rental or owned pump:

1) The right size breastshield, depending on the width of your nipple (a lactation consultant helped me with this)

2) 5-ounce sized collection bottles. I used the small (2.5 oz) cylanders when I was pumping in addition to bf, but once I started working and missing bf sessions, I needed the larger collection bottles. The set of four fits into the carrier and ice pack that come with the PIS.

3) Lansinoh storage bags, because you can lay them down flat in the freezer and stack them on top of each other. They are so thin that they defrost very quickly in warm water. I tried the new Medelas that you can pump directly into, but they're shorter and fatter and take up tons more freezer space and take longer to defrost. I'm much happier pumping into the bottles and transferring to the freezer bags when I get home.

4) An appointment with a lactation consultant when you get home from the hospital or birthing center to help you get set up. It helped SO much and was worth every penny.

Congratulations and good luck with the rest of your pregnancy and birth. Hope you are feeling well!