Breast pump - buy now or later?

[ButterflyMama]

Hi there. :wave:

I am due to give birth in about 6 weeks and was wondering whether fellow breastfeeding bub hubbers thought it was a good idea for me to buy a pump now before bubs is born or after.

I have flat nipples, one is inverted and I am really keen on breastfeeding even if it means just using EBM. I am determined to give little miss breast milk and if this involves using nipple shields and pumping regularly for her so she can feed on breast milk out of a bottle then so be it. I have contacted the ABA and also my hospital's lactation consultant so I have a great cheer-squad going for me which really helps (and will help).

Do you think I should buy a pump now?

I'm thinking of going with a Medela Electric one.. what do people think on electric vs. manual?

I just have a feeling that electric will work better will encouraging my inverted nipple out.

All feedback appreciated, thank you in advance.

Jessie

[minime]

Buy later...I bought one b4 my first was born and I should have waited to see how the whole bf thing went. I prob would have liked an electric one as I ended up expressing milk for a few weeks as I couldnt get the handle on bf. I used to sit there for hours pumping pumping and crying crying....I'd wait

[eviestar]

hello i had one before dd was born and i was so glad i had it there, we had a few probs bf, but i express fed for a year, so i would say get one just in case and if you don't use it, it would be easy to sell

[stellarella]

I did not but one and im glad as I am very good at hand expressing so saved my money for other things.

However you are a special case. What did the ABA say??

I have heard that lots of women need to try different pumps before they find the right one. I know ABA hire them out if you are a member...this might be a good way to try them without forking out the cash for one that doesnt suit.

[nuddle]

I would wait until afterwards to see if you really need it, but know what you want and where to get it so you can send daddy out to get you one....

[tru]

It's hard because you just don't know how you're going to go. I wondered the same thing before I had DS but Im glad I waited until after he was born because I tried them out at the hospital before deciding.

If you are planning to birth in a hospital they should have a few different types for you to try and the midwives will show you how to use them correctly after bub is born.

I waited to buy a pump until breastfeeding was established and it was great timing because the new Medela Swing electric pump just came out on the market. I don't think I would have the patience with a manual one. I've heard if you are going to be expressing frequently manual pumps can cause RSI. Each to their own though! I've also mastered expressing with my hand if I don't feel like setting the pump up.

It's fantastic that you want to breastfeed. Best of luck to you and bub!