Question about Breastfeeding and Having a Plan if Problems Arise.

[Trixter]

I wasn't sure whether to post this in Breastfeeding or Formula Feeding section.

I'm a first time mum to be, almost in third trimester. So with time moving forward I want to feel confident about my plans to feed my baby boy. I have a couple questions, I'd appreciate help.

Ultimately I plan to breastfeed, it's what I'd like to do, it's what I feel happy to do. However, I know that doesn't always happen easily, there might be issues, and as a back up plan I'd like a Medela breast pump, to try to express my milk rather than go straight to formula. Because the Medela is roughly £100, which to me is a lot of money, especially while having to save for my maternity leave, my question is this: If I try to establish breastfeeding but for whatever reason it fails (worst case scenario, hopefully all will be fine) how can I ensure my breast milk doesn't dry up while I wait to order in a breast pump? I don't want to pay 100 now for something I may not need, so only want to buy one if necessary at the time. Could I buy a cheap manual one to keep milk flowing whilst waiting for Medela to come? Or would I have to use formula for a couple days?

This might seem like a really silly question but this is my first baby, I've no idea how things will pan out with breastfeeding and I'd like a back up plan in place, just for my peace of mind.

 

[MindUtopia]

If you are concerned about only offering breastmilk, yes, maybe just get a manual pump if you don't mind using that only a few times. If you are happy to offer formula if feeding from the breast isn't working, do that (frankly, it's probably easier than hand expressing or cheaper than using a manual pump just a few times, but not everyone wants to do that). But you can easily order a pump for next day delivery or just run out an buy one from a shop same day (Mothercare stock them, probably Argos or other places would as well), so I wouldn't stress about your milk drying up. It doesn't happen that quickly and even if your supply drops a little, you can pump a lot to start to get it back up. As for pumps, when you do buy one, if you expect you'll be exclusively expressing, definitely go for a double pump that you can use hands free. I had a single electric pump last time (because I never planned to really pump except as a one off, but due to some medical issues, I needed to start exclusively pumping after 6 weeks) and it killed my supply. I literally dropped down to nothing in 4 weeks even though I was pumping for a total of 6 hours every day. It's just much harder to keep things going with a single pump, never mind it takes twice as long.

 

[becsboo]

I would not buy the pump yet you can just hand express until you get one

 

[Trixter]

Thanks both for your replies. I have nothing against the idea of formula bottle feeding if ultimately that's what happens, but in an ideal world, would like to breast feed, or try expressing.

I do get a bit nervous when thinking of how time consuming pumping could be, I have to admit.

Is the Medela the best electric pump? Any other contenders?

 

[noon_child]

Where in the world are you? Where I live in the UK, children's centres and some hospitals hire out breast pumps to women who are experiencing difficulties breastfeeding.

A manual pump is cheap, and a good stop gap if you want to wait for a specific brand of electric pump to be delivered i.e if you don't want to buy whatever is in stock at the supermarket. Some people even find they get more from a manual pump (though they can make your hand ache after a while).

Hand expressing can be more effective and gentler on your nipples too near the beginning.

Nothing happens so quickly that you need to buy anything now.

 

[luz]

If you are in the US, there are a ton of places that will rent you a pump while you wait for yours to come. I think it's worth it to buy a medela. With my first i bought the freestyle and used it to pump after i went back to work for 3 of my kids. This time around i want to buy the new medela, so i'm saving my money so i can have it before the baby is born.

you could hand express, but i never had any luck with that. pumping was always way easier for me.

 

[broodymrs]

In the uk you'll be able to hire one from your local breastfeeding support and it's a medela one. It's worth getting the number of your breastfeeding support worker now. I called mine the day I left hospital and she was at my house a couple of hours later

 

[Trixter]

Thanks for all your replies and advice. Doing this for the first time so just wanted to be prepared.

I'm in the UK. I would certainly consider renting a Breast pump, although only as a go-between as I guess if I was using one long term, it'd be more cost effective to buy one.

I think I'll buy a manual, which is cheaper, and use it while waiting for delivery or purchase of an electric pump - IF I have problems breast feeding baby.

Of course any other advice welcome