WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for May, 1998: Re: Breast pumps

Re: Breast pumps

From: A. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 27 May 1998 13:27:58 -0500 (CDT)

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At Tue, 26 May 1998, Mary wrote: >
>I'm currently 33 weeks pregnant with my first child. I want to try
>breastfeeding - at least while I'm on leave from work. I'd like to hear
>from Moms who've used breast pumps - What's a preferred brand or type?
>What did you like (or not like) about them? Thanks

Mary,

If you have access to a news reader, you might try reading and posting to: alt.support.breastfeeding and misc.kids.breastfeeding. It's a font of amazing collective knowledge and support! And consider going to a few meetings of your local La Leche League, too.

Of the electric double breast pumps, I hear the most good things about the Medela 'Pump In Style' - about $200 anywhere, if you buy it, but many pharmacies will rent it to you. I own one of these, purchased secondhand, and it really is good. Alternatively, the White River pump is very good (and even claims to increase milk supply) but it's more expensive to purchase. I don't know about rental costs. If you're going to rent exclusively, you might try for the White River. *I* would.

Among battery-powered handpumps, there is a White River hand pump for around $55. Medela also makes a good one. There are a few others.

You probably would do well to avoid any pump you can buy at the grocery store, and any pumps made by companies that also make formula. The general experience of women on the breastfeeding newsgroups is that those pumps do not work well, and can unnecessarily discourage you from breastfeeding. (They theorize that this is because the formula companies don't stand to profit by a mother who successfully breastfeeds. I don't know about that. I think that cheaper price generally == cheaper quality, and you get what you pay for.)

Hand-powered breastpumps are less expensive - usually $25 - $40. I use an Ameda/Egnell one-hand pump. It works well, and comes with a silicone 'Flexishield' insert to help cushion the breast inside the flange. However, it doesn't provide the right kind of stimulation for me to have a let-down, so it's mostly good for relieving engorgement and pumping an ounce or two for mixing with cereal. Other women in the newsgroup rave about the Avent Isis, which already has a silicone flange. They say it works very well, and doesn't tire your hand out. I haven't used it, though, to tell you. I didn't like the Medela hand-pump, which requires two hands to use - impossible to use while baby is nursing, and awkward anyway. But some of the women on the newsgroup do like it, and sometimes they get their DH to do the pumping for them while baby nurses.

Consider buying a pump *before* your baby is born. When your milk comes in, you may be really quite uncomfortable, and it's wonderful to be able to relieve some of the engorgement with the pump, especially if you have a sleepy baby as I did.

Also, find the name of a board-certified lactation consultant now - either through your hospital, or in your local phone book. In case you run into difficulties (and I hope you don't!), it's *so* helpful to have someone like that to help you and your baby figure out how nursing works! As natural as nursing is, it's not necessarily easy for the first few days or weeks - momma and baby both have to learn to work together. I, however, am a sterling example that difficulties can be worked through if you wish - my daughter is nearly 9 months old, and nursing wonderfully. But we did have a rocky start.

If you haven't considered it, and if you find you enjoy breastfeeding, you may wish to continue after you go back to work. Even if you don't pump at work (many women cannot get the time or privacy) you may be able to feed formula during the day, and breastfeed in the morning before work, and after you come home in the evening. Many women do this successfully (especially after 6 weeks, when their milk supply is solidly established).

If you have more questions, I'd be happy to answer them (email me directly). I can also point you to a lot of useful resources, including places on the world wide web where you can purchase breast pumps.

--angela

Next message: J.Glenn Bradley MD: "Re: Laparoscopy Complications"
Previous message: Shoup: "Thursday Chat With Marie Allen - OBGYN.net Maternal Grief Coorespondent"
In reply to: Mary: "Breast pumps"
Next in thread: AMANDA: "Re: Breast pumps"

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