what kind of pump will be good?
what kind of pump will be good?
Also, is there any problem with getting one from craigslist? We don't have a lot of extra money, and I don't want the rec. to pay anything because I wouldn't want to feel like I owe them a certain amount of milk or something, you know? I figure $100-200 is worth it if it helps my experience of pumping be more enjoyable.
I just jumped into this with both feet (or breasts ) because there is a true need and I care about these women and their babies, but I've never pumped prior to this experience so I need advice!
sarahgreen- Posts : 8
Join date : 2010-05-17
Get your pump through your insurance company
RE pumping time - I think this is dependent on your supply and ease of let down. I find it best to pump while working on the computer or to talk on the phone so I am not focusing on pumping. Ideally you want to have 2 let downs per pumping session so I turn down the speed and suction in between letdown so it is more gentle on my nipples.
mcdaidwiley- Posts : 15
Join date : 2010-06-02
Re: what kind of pump will be good?
You can also try the tricks to increase production - water, oatmeal, brewers yeast, etc.
africanqueen99- Posts : 8
Join date : 2010-04-05
Re: what kind of pump will be good?
I found it was easier to pump as PP said by doing so at the computer or when reading a book or talking on the phone. If I sit and do nothing but look at the pump, its like watching a pot heating up to a boil, it seems to take forever. My anxiety at it taking so long would also make things works cause I wouldn't relax.
Also play with the settings, some days I seem to do better with more suction and less speed while others it is the opposite or somewhere in between. Might need to adjust even during the same session. It takes a little practice but you will get the hang of it.
It is not recommended to buy a used 'single user' pump as you have no idea if the owner might have had an diseases and they can not be thoroughly sterilized. All of the Medela are single user. There are some pumps that are made for multiple users and those can be bought second hand and you then buy the flanges and such brand new. If you do look at a used one, go to the manufacturer's website to check if it is safe for multiple users first.
pbuder- Posts : 9
Join date : 2010-03-24
Age : 50
Location : Memphis, TN
Re: what kind of pump will be good?
Mcdaidwiley: how long is it usually between let-downs while pumping? I think that would help me to wait for the second one.
africanqueen99: are you getting 15-18 in a day or at one pumping? I'm currently aiming for 16 a day, then I hope to go some more from there. I've been pumping for just about a month.
A little off- topic, but how can I get the tubing really clean? Is there some tool that can go through there? I find condensation stays near the bottle end, which doesn't seem hygenic.
sarahgreen- Posts : 8
Join date : 2010-05-17
Re: what kind of pump will be good?
I am considered an over producer. I use the 8oz bottles on my pump and will fill both up pretty much everytime I pumped so I was able to cut down the number of pumps pretty quickly. I pump for about 30mins three times a day (which I've been told is pretty easy schedule) and I average about 55ozs a day. I get two to three letdowns per session if I stay relaxed and don't /watch/ for it, usually 10 to 15mins apart.
My friends were lucky if they would get 4ozs total each time they pumped so had to pump pretty much as often as they would be breastfeeding, even at the four month mark.
I say this to just keep in mind, what someone else gets what be a good comparison for you. Keep track of what you produce and when you've pumped. Also make notes of your water intake, stress and health levels because those will factor in as well. I did this when I first started pumping and then before/after when I dropped the number of pumps.
Two places for more information are kellymom.com and babycenter.com has forums for pumpers.
pbuder- Posts : 9
Join date : 2010-03-24
Age : 50
Location : Memphis, TN
Re: what kind of pump will be good?
sarahgreen- Posts : 8
Join date : 2010-05-17
Re: what kind of pump will be good?
In a day. I only pump twice a day, though, since I'm working on limited freezer space and my recipient child isn't local.sarahgreen wrote:
africanqueen99: are you getting 15-18 in a day or at one pumping? I'm currently aiming for 16 a day, then I hope to go some more from there. I've been pumping for just about a month.
.
If my early morning session doesn't produce as much as I'd like I toss some brewers yeast in my breakfast and drink twice as much water as normal to make more in the afternoon session. Then my average stays consistent.
Last edited by africanqueen99 on Wed Jun 09, 2010 3:51 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : clarification)
africanqueen99- Posts : 8
Join date : 2010-04-05
Re: what kind of pump will be good?
sarahgreen- Posts : 8
Join date : 2010-05-17
Re: what kind of pump will be good?
africanqueen99- Posts : 8
Join date : 2010-04-05
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