First of all, congratulations on your pregnancy! Secondly, congratulations on deciding to breastfeed. Choosing to breastfeed is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your child’s infancy. The benefits of nursing are countless and miraculous, and your child will thank you one day for giving him or her such a great start in life. Note that you don’t need to have a breast pump if you choose to nurse, but if you ever want to leave your baby with Daddy or a sitter for more than a few hours, it’s probably a good idea to get one.
There are two main types of breast pumps: electric and manual. Electric pumps plug into an outlet, while manual pumps are operated by hand. If you need to pump large quantities of milk—perhaps because you are returning to work before weaning your baby, or if you plan to have more than one child—an electric pump is likely the better choice. If you don’t need to express milk often, a manual pump will suffice. Choosing between the two types of pumps ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some women appreciate the speed and efficiency of an electric pump, while others prefer the control that a manual pump offers.
If you’re unsure about breastfeeding long-term and hesitant to invest in a breast pump, many hospitals offer the option to rent an electric pump. Remember, you are renting the pump itself—the part that does the work—not the attachments through which your actual milk will flow. Of course, you should never reuse or share breast pump attachments with another mother. This practice is unsanitary and can be dangerous if the other mom has certain diseases or infections that can be passed to a baby through breast milk. The attachments are generally purchased separately and are yours to keep even when you return the pump. Be sure to ask the hospital where you deliver about the option to rent a hospital-grade pump.
If you’re reluctant to spend money on a pump but still need or want one—perhaps because you plan to nurse for an extended period or expect to have more than one child—consider adding one to your baby registry or buying a used pump. Some pumps can cost several hundred dollars, and there is no shame in including big-ticket items on your registry. Grandmothers-to-be usually love to buy more expensive items, so don’t hesitate to add your preferred pump to the list. Save your money for diapers!
The smartest approach when choosing a pump is to do your research. Some pumps do not work well at all, and you don’t want to discover this the night before you return to work! Narrow down your options and check message boards online for other users’ opinions. You can also read reviews on the manufacturer’s website or the store where you purchased the pump. Keep in mind that a person’s opinion of a breast pump is highly personal and based on her own physical and emotional response to it, but this can help you gauge whether a certain model is a dud or not.
Once you purchase, rent, or receive your chosen breast pump, be sure to read all the directions thoroughly. It’s best to do this before your baby arrives. However, avoid testing the pump until after the baby is born, as stimulating your nipples with a pump can lead to uterine contractions. It’s best not to induce labor just to see if you like your new breast pump! Fill out and mail any warranty cards, and contact the manufacturer with any questions regarding use or parts. Additionally, you can often purchase replacement parts through the manufacturer if they get lost or worn out. Most breast pumps have parts that need to be sterilized before use, so make sure everything is ready for use after your little one arrives.
Not only can breast pumps help you build up a supply to refrigerate or freeze for future use, but they can also assist in establishing your milk supply. Some women find it difficult to stimulate their “let-down” reflex, especially if their baby has an improper or weak latch, so they use a breast pump to aid in this process. Breast pumps are also great for relieving engorgement. In the first weeks—and possibly even months—of nursing, your body may produce more milk than your baby needs, leading to engorgement. Not only is this painful, but it can also cause further breastfeeding problems, like blocked milk ducts or a condition called mastitis. Pumping excess milk can help prevent these issues. Another benefit of breast pumps is that they allow you to separate foremilk—the first, thirst-quenching portion of breast milk—from the fatty, nutritious hindmilk that comes afterward. Many preemies and underweight babies require the extra calories offered by hindmilk, which they often drink from bottles to avoid getting only the less nutrient-rich foremilk.
As for breastfeeding, it’s an incredible accomplishment. Like most things in life, anything worth doing requires hard work. The first few weeks of breastfeeding are often the most challenging. Engorgement, sore nipples, difficulty getting your baby to latch correctly, and the sheer exhaustion of caring for a newborn can be discouraging, making even the most determined mom want to switch to formula. However, establishing breastfeeding is much like breaking in a new pair of designer shoes: it can hurt like crazy at first, but it’s all worth it in the end. Stick with it for your baby’s sake and your own—you’ll be glad you did!
