There is a lot of information about pumping out there these days. Many moms are even putting breast pumps on their baby registry. How do you know what your breastfeeding experience will be before your baby even arrives? What if your baby is premature?
It also depends on your goal. Is your goal to breastfeed your baby or feed your baby breast milk? Purchasing a breast pump is something that you should think about and be prepared for , but you can wait until after the baby is born.
If your goal is to breastfeed, you may only need a manual pump for occasional expression. If you are planning to feed your baby breastmilk and not actually breastfeed then you will most likely want (and need!) a double electric pump. If your baby is premature or you have problems with low milk supply then you will most likely need a hospital grade pump, and a lactation consultant.
Hospital grade breast pumps provide top of the line pumping technology. This type of pump is the ideal choice for mothers of multiples or pre-term infants. Hospital grade pumps are also the best pump option for mothers who need to initiate lactation or increase milk production.
Hospital grade pumps are available as rentals from hospitals, health units and some pharmacies. Each mother will need her own milk collection kit to use with the hospital pump.
This is a great way to get started with pumping. You may not need to pump long term, or you may need the functions that a hospital grade pump can offer such as more cycle speeds and more options for increasing the milk. Once you have your milk supply established you can move on to the next phase.
If you are going to continue pumping you can go to a personal use pump. Some pumps will use the same kits as the hospital grade pumps. For example if you use an Ameda Elite or Platinum pump, your collection kit will work with an Ameda Purely Yours personal use breast pump.
Trying to decide which type of pump you need can be tough, but you do want to take into consideration things like milk contamination, ease of use and comfort while pumping. Talking to a breastfeeding specialist and other moms may give you some help, but you will be the one who knows what kind of pump you will need. It is a big investment to purchase a double electric pump so you want to make sure you make the right decision.
If you are not sure, then renting a hospital grade pump is your best option. This will help you make the decision if pumping is for you! Remember breast is best, but sometimes you need an option to help give your baby the breastmilk if you are unable.
Good luck and happy feeding!
It also depends on your goal. Is your goal to breastfeed your baby or feed your baby breast milk? Purchasing a breast pump is something that you should think about and be prepared for , but you can wait until after the baby is born.
If your goal is to breastfeed, you may only need a manual pump for occasional expression. If you are planning to feed your baby breastmilk and not actually breastfeed then you will most likely want (and need!) a double electric pump. If your baby is premature or you have problems with low milk supply then you will most likely need a hospital grade pump, and a lactation consultant.
Hospital grade breast pumps provide top of the line pumping technology. This type of pump is the ideal choice for mothers of multiples or pre-term infants. Hospital grade pumps are also the best pump option for mothers who need to initiate lactation or increase milk production.
This is a great way to get started with pumping. You may not need to pump long term, or you may need the functions that a hospital grade pump can offer such as more cycle speeds and more options for increasing the milk. Once you have your milk supply established you can move on to the next phase.
If you are going to continue pumping you can go to a personal use pump. Some pumps will use the same kits as the hospital grade pumps. For example if you use an Ameda Elite or Platinum pump, your collection kit will work with an Ameda Purely Yours personal use breast pump.
Trying to decide which type of pump you need can be tough, but you do want to take into consideration things like milk contamination, ease of use and comfort while pumping. Talking to a breastfeeding specialist and other moms may give you some help, but you will be the one who knows what kind of pump you will need. It is a big investment to purchase a double electric pump so you want to make sure you make the right decision.
If you are not sure, then renting a hospital grade pump is your best option. This will help you make the decision if pumping is for you! Remember breast is best, but sometimes you need an option to help give your baby the breastmilk if you are unable.
