For more than four months, the breast pump was my near-constant companion. We couldn't make the 2-hr (each way) trek home without it. I couldn't sleep through a night without a visit to it. I could attach all those parts and components in the dark with no contacts or glasses in record time. I cannot say that I always loved the breast pump that we rented from the hospital. But I will say that I'm glad I didn't have to live without it. It is a tool that was worth its weight in gold. Liquid gold. : ) Because of all that efficient pumping, my daughter was able to be fed breast milk, exclusively.
If you have a very premature baby, I would encourage you to try pumping for your child. There are so very many benefits for these babies. If, for whatever reason, you are not able to, please check out this post on saving money on specialty formula.
In the near future (perhaps next week?), I'll be doing a short series going into a little more detail about pumping for your infant.
For more great tools, check out Toolin' Up Tuesday hosted at Life as Mom.
I too pumped using a hospital grade rental pump for 6-7 months. Addyson was able to use the breastmilk for almost 9 months because we had a good stock in the freezer and she didn't take breastmilk for quite some time in the hospital (TPN through IV was her main source of nutrition for a long time because her body couldn't digest anything). A friend of ours just had a baby and she is breastfeeding. She said they bought a small handheld battery opperated pump for when she goes back to work. I told her, if they can afford to, rent a hospital pump. They are so efficient and well worth the money... for the LIQUID GOLD!
ReplyDeleteI rented a hospital grade pump with my second preemie, and it definitely made a difference.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful success story! I am so glad. Yet again, another part of having a baby that I have taken for granted. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI pumped for Tyler and the hospital and insurance paid for one. it was Far better than the one I got from the WIC office. I didn't get much out but I was proud to be a pumpng momma
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear that hospital pump was a useful tool to some other preemie mommies too!
ReplyDeleteNancy- You SHOULD be proud! I had (and have) so much admiration for the pumping mamas who kept at it even when their production wasn't super high.
Ryann- You are so right about the value of efficiency-- I think mommies who are able to both breastfeed and pump are often successful with the "smaller" models. But I think I'd be disappointed after getting used to the hospital grade!
You are SO right that a hospital grade pump is a necessity for extended/exclusive pumping. I pumped exclusively for my preemie for 14 months and would not have been able to do so without the hospital grade pump. I found several techniques that helped me maintain a good supply for that long if you need any more feedback for your upcoming pumping post.
ReplyDeleteispeakbeanish- I would absolutely welcome your tips and advice... 14 months! That is remarkable. I'll be talking specifically about keeping it up on Tuesday. But, since I can only claim 4 months of pumping experience (which lasted us 7), I would be thrilled to have the benefit of your expertise on the subject!
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