To get a pump or not

I personally bought both an electric and a manual pump before baby was born but ended up replacing the electric one when she arrived, my advice would be to invest in a good pump as I’d bought a cheaper one to start with and the difference in the 2 were night and day! X

@Megan what one did you end up buying if you don’t mind me asking?

I got my pump before which was good because my baby had jaundice and I was able to bottle feed him with breastmilk instead of giving him lots of formula. Also I went thru so much getting the right flange size I wish I did it before hand

I got a spectra S1 which is hospital grade and was recommended by a lot of people on this group x

My only rush would be to get it by the time the baby is here. It can definitely help establish milk in the hospital and you’ll have it near by when you are ready to start pumping.

@Ana thank you, that’s another thing on my mind is how to actually get the right size! Wish there was more awareness around this

@Vanny yes that is very true. However I was told to not pump until 6 weeks 🙈 there is so much conflicting info out there

I was told the same thing… my experience waiting to introduce a bottle until 6 weeks was the WORST thing I ever did. My daughter REFUSED the bottle. Because I waited so long she would only take the boob. I EBF until she was 13 months. I tried over and over to give a bottle and nothing. I was so depressed because she would want the boob all day and night. I’d never get rest. With my son, he was introduced a bottle at 3 Days. I pumped and did formula and I had no problem with latching him on the boob or bottle. This was just my experience. I really wish that someone would have told me about bottle refusals waiting until 6 weeks. Lesson learned, this babe I’ll definitely be introducing a bottle within the first week

@Vanny I have also heard that too. So much info it’s so easy to be overwhelmed with all the info and especially if it’s your first time how are we meant to know?!? Thanks for sharing with me!

Get a manual pump.. if you have insurance, you get a free one from them. Free pumps i got through insurance - elvie stride with my first pregnancy and momcozy m5 with my second. I also received new parts and bags for free through my insurance. During your hospital stay, you can have the lactation specialist come measure you for free. I exclusively pumped for both bc they got used to the bottle and didn't have the patience to latch until my letdown; my letdown was also too aggressive for them as well 🥴 I was an overproducer, so i was able to make a year-worth in 4 months and stopped pumping all together.. which was sooo nice, so then my partner could help with feedings. If you do end up exclusively pumping, buy the momcozy bottle washer!

I started hand expressing colostrum at 38 weeks (and freezing it) & was so glad I did bc we had the hardest time latching. My milk supply came in around day 4 just as the baby's appetite needed it and I kept pumping until we finally started to nurse successfully at 5 weeks. By then the pump had created an oversupply & I had about 500 frozen ounces. Check with your insurance to see if you can get a pump for free. Mine offers free milk storage bags every 90 days too!