Breast pumps and newborn advise

[ExcitingTimes2021]

Hello.

I was wondering when is the ideal time to start to express milk? My baby is only a newborn and I have struggling with breastfeeding so far. But looking to plan forward!

Also which breast pumps to people recommend? They seam to vary so much in price and style. I bought a haakaa to catch the leaky other boob milk but finding that quite painful for a poor result!!! I have breast implants so that might be why I’m finding it uncomfortable x

If you want to pump there’s no reason not to start straight away. I’d recommend hiring a hospital grade pump rather than buying one. They worked so much better for me.

Agree with the above. I stopped breastfeeding for a few weeks as I was sore and bleeding (worst decision I ever made for me personally!) I am now back to breast feeding and having to work to rebuild my supply.
In terms of pumps I have 2 of the elvie pumps and they are OK but absolutely not worth the money. It is handy that they are hands free but they are not great imo. Prior to that I had a Tommy tippe pump and that was much better at getting milk out but hurt me alot. From what I understand some people get on well with pumps and others don't. I found looking at amazon reviews quite helpful x

I've hired a pump that was available in hospital. Ardo. It's really simple and effective. It's a double pump too but obviously can be used as a single.

Do reach out for support re the pain. Two months in I am finally able to feed directly without pain after getting lots of help and tongue tie assessment. NCT have a free helpline.

I had a medela electric one but found the hand one worked better for me. Ask your HV to be referred to your local infant feeding team - they can check everything fits right which will really help and with any other issues. You can express now but don't do it too much or you could create an oversupply which can be a pain.

Hi,

I use a ‘Lansinoh Electric Double Breast Pump’ - I got it online from Aldi for £89.99. I’ve just seen they’re out of stock . So, I’ve just had a quick look and you can get it from Boots, Argos and Amazon by the looks of it. It’s quite a bit dearer but worth every penny for me.

Of course, like anything new, it takes a bit of getting used to everything (what goes where), but I would recommend it so much.

It comes with 2 full bottles, loads of settings (I just let it do it’s own course) and 2 sizes of nipple attachments, which may help with the pain.

It’s been efficient, straightforward (once you get the hang of it) and not painful and I’m a wuss. I can’t guarantee you won’t feel pain if you are doing now (but that could be the device you’re using as you say), but it’s worked for me - everyone is different.

Good Luck!

I used a Phillips avent pump and actually found it much better than the hospital grade Ardo!