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Pumping question for bf-ers
I am working on making a list of everything I need before Baby K gets here. I am hoping to be able to breastfeed this time, so I want to get everything ready to do some pumping if I need it to get my supply up.
I have the Medela PISA. Any ideas on what I need to get? I'm guessing membranes, but what about tubing? I was looking around on BabiesRUs and I didn't see that they sell tubing.
Do I need new flanges (is that what you call the part that actually goes on your b00b? And how do I know what size of flanges I need? With Marshall I just used what came with it, but I've heard that making sure you have the proper size can help with your output when you're pumping. It came with the "stiff" ones...doe the soft ones work better?
I think that's all I have...for now!
Re: Pumping question for bf-ers
Honestly, my best advice would be to wait and ask the LC at the hospital. We rented a hospital grade pump for a month to help get my supply up (not necessary) but they gave us TONS of stuff- tubing, flanges, membranes, etc. All of which fit the PISA that I ended up buying. Even if you don't rent one, but ask to use one at the hospital, they will come fit you for flanges, etc.
If you really want to go ahead and get it- you won't need new tubing unless it got kinked up or something. Membranes, yes. If you put the pump/flanges on and it feels like it is pinching then you should try the next size. I never had luck with the soft ones, but I know some people (Chelsey I think) recommended them at one point.
Our crazy, wonderful life
The hospital gives out a lot of stuff and LC will help fit you also. I've just used what came with the pump and it works great for me. I have a Medela Freestyle. Tubing should be fine unless it has mold in it or kinked. Target may sell the tubing.
Just remember to get your supply up pump often even if you aren't getting anything out! This tells your body you need to be producing more milk. Drink plenty of water!!
I also say use the hospital pump while you are in there. It will come with a kit that works with the pump in style. I have the freestyle and use the soft flanges. I liked them.
Also if you plan to pump in the hospital or at all afterwards, GET A PUMPING BRA! Really. I so recommend one. Helps with sanity and you can have 2 hands to tend to baby or toddler with.
My Blog Picture A Day Blog
I never got a pumping bra but I did make a few with old sports bras and I devised a way to sitck my pump in my regular bra so that I could be hands free!
Neena Mae. 1/7/10
"A baby nursing at a mother's breast is an undeniable affirmation of our rootedness in nature." - David Suzuki
Second all of the stuff said here.
I was able to go hands-free with just my normal bras, too.
Good luck!
Blog
Thanks ladies! I'm planning on taking a breastfeeding class. That way I can tell them about the issues that I had last time and see if they have any advice for me ahead of time. I know that the odds of things happening the same way again are pretty slim, but I'd rather be over-prepared.
I did see a LC a couple of times when I was in the hospital with Marshall but I don't feel like they told me anything/helped me at all. :-( But this time I have a better idea of what I need/want from them. Last time I didn't know what I didn't know...if that makes any sense!