Spectra and Medela pumps are both pretty reliable. There’s one called Willow that is a wearable pump but otherwise people often buy a hands-free pumping bra separately (this was the best one that I used). Freezer bags are sold separately as well and doesn’t matter which brand, doesn’t have to be the same brand as your pump
I actually mean something like this (link below) which is used for holding the pump flanges in place while you pump.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_BR6BGB4SBK3GYMV196P6
Flanges are typical on the more traditional breast pumps that insurances cover. I personally used a spectra and highly recommend it. I've heard mixed reviews on the willow/elvie and they're unfortunately not often covered by insurance.
I also am 40DDD. Not completely wire free, but very portable- I used the Ameda Mya pump. It is small enough to put in your pjs pocket and is battery operated once charged so you can walk around with it. The only “wires” would be the tubing from the pump to the flanges.
I used this in combo with a bra recommended by my lactation consultant that you can slide the flanges into (bra has flaps where nipples are) and then I just pumped into two small bottles to put right into the fridge. (Bra on Amazon - Simple Wishes Signature Hands... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Not perfect but I could easily put a shirt (or not) over the whole operation and walk around and get stuff done. The bra held the flanges securely in place.
Note I would think this is fine for around the house but probably not for trying to go to work and simultaneously pump. Unless you don’t mind some weird looks about the contraption under your shirt. 😅
Good luck! I am due in December and definitely feel more prepared this time around, but still interested to see what other moms have used too!
This pumping bra is the best! It really kept the flanges in place without worry or leaks. Check out the size chart for your best fit but I think it says your large-xlarge. I had 2 if one was in the wash. Does your insurance cover your pump? I got mine for free through aeroflow.
Simple Wishes X-Small/Large | Hands-Free Breast Pump Bra | Adjustable and Customizable Pumping Bra Fitting for Breastfeeding Pumps https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_RZM2BN32D58H0JJ8HR4B
Not speaking from personal experience yet, but this is the one a good friend of mine strongly recommended after her two kids: Simple Wishes X-Small/Large | Hands-Free Breast Pump Bra | Adjustable and Customizable Pumping Bra Fitting for Breastfeeding Pumps https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_2RY2QC9D3B4QWXR73A11?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I believe that our last specialty shop has closed. We had two back in the day but I haven't seen anything from them in years. If it helps, for my last baby I wore regular nursing camisoles or bras and then slid this on when pumping at work. It was pretty easy to flip down my nursing bra and hook this on. I didn't use the straps.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=twister\_B095T3P874?\_encoding=UTF8&th=1
i would just like to say props to you and your ex partner for handling an unexpected pregnancy while not being together more maturely than many people twice your age. It's unfortunate that you are in this position where you are not going to be able to rely on family help during a time when even having someone hold the baby for an hour while you shower and fold laundry is such a huge relief. If you're going to try breastfeeding don't forget that insurance will provide a breast pump for when you return to work and pumping tanks/bras are hugely helpful (I had this but have given it away now) https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00295MQLU/. I didn't end up being able to, but the spectra pump was nicer than the medela (I borrowed a spectra from a co worker who was done with hers when I was having difficulty, she had said the medela hadn't worked for her).
I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly.
This one. I have a spectra and it works perfectly.
Simple Wishes X-Small/Large Hands Free Breast Pumping Bra | Signature (by Moms for Moms) | Fully Adjustable and Customizable, Reliable Tight Seal of Breastshields/Flanges | Soft Pink https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QVnLFb4AJSQX6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I mostly used this style of pumping bra but with the straps taken completely off so it is just a bandeau or tube top that zips up in the front:
https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Signature-Pumping-Patented/dp/B00295MQLU
Medela also makes a pumping bra in this style.
Then I could drop the cups in my nursing bra and quickly put the pumping bra over. Or later when my supply regulated and I stopped leaking, I could just go braless.
I used this one with my first and now using it after going back to work with my second...
Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra, Patented, Pink, XS-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YELuCbB8CTAYK
It’s good because you can put it on over your clothes. Just don’t accidentally drop it in your office conference room after being sleep deprived during the 4 month sleep regression ����♀️
What kind of breast pump is it? Manual? Electric? Double electric? You really do need a double electric if you plan to pump at the start (very likely as they want low birth weight babies to be monitored in the hospital for a bit even if all else is well, they call them feeder-growers).
If you have any inkling of being open for potentially long term pumping (or if you only have a manual/single electric Medela), then I'd recommend calling your insurance tomorrow morning. Many of them need an order from your doctor, so if you factor that in, plus shipping, it will likely take a week at least to get it, and you want to have it right away. Hospitals do have pumps there that they can supply you with while you are hospitalized, but after you yourself get discharged its up in the air what resources you might have. My son's NICU had a few pumps but they were often in use so it was so much more convenient to use my own rather than wait, as you need to stay on schedule if you are pumping.
Additionally a pumping bra is a must. Your wrists and hands will get so tired holding the pump in a specific place (if you move around it easily loses suction) for 15+ minutes. This also frees your hands so you can eat or go on the computer or whatever. This is the bra I used, and it was so wonderful, that I bought a second for use with my next son (he started off in the NICU for breathing problems and later needed surgery, and I was able to pump for him those times). I even pumped in the car multiple times while my husband drove (I got a converter to plug it into my car).
I've gotten a free breast pump with both of my sons from the insurance. I know some people like to have two (i.e. one at work, one at home), so it depends on what works best for you.
Honestly I am pretty thrifty. But for the amount of time I spent pumping in the first 18 months, spending $25 on an actual hands free, strapless nursing bra was worth triple the price I paid. like this
Yes. It's this one.
It's awesome because it is super adjustable (big issue for me with my smaller ribcage and bigger boobs) and is wider so it actually covers and provides a little support. And the holes are nicer.
Ok so you want to exclusively pump now? Or just pump some for when its needed?
If you are still going to nurse, you should pump after a nursing session - getting the last out of the boob - so like 5 mins pumping after a nursing session. If you are going to exclusively pump, you just pump when you would normally feed. This should keep your supply up.
Try to relax as much as possible while pumping - pumps are less efficient then babies (babies get more out of the boob, easier), and a lot of how your body responds to the pump is your mental state, allowing the let down reflex etc.
Get a hands free pumping bra b/c you will be pumping a lot and it'll be great to have use of your hands.
Don't turn the pump suction on too hard - I did this when I went back to work and really hurt myself, be gentle, it should be on the lowest setting that gets milk out. My pumping sessions were typically 20-30mins, and I was able to get 3-5oz out of each side. This varys from woman to woman.
Dr browns bottles are compatible with the Madela pump as are the madela bottles. We like the dr browns better - no air=less gassy baby, although they are more work to clean.
Use nipple balm liberally.
Good luck! I hate hate hated pumping - but I love love loved feeding my baby. Pick a good show and eat some treats while pumping and be very kind to yourself! You're doing a good thing!
edit don't worry too much about your oversupply, at this early stage your supply hasn't really regulated yet, engorgement is common.
This one is great. Definitely can't wear it as a normal bra, since your nipples stick through the holes (ha). I usually just wear a nursing tank and pull it down and put this on, or take off my whole shirt and wear this. It's an extra minute of work to make the whole pumping process less tedious though.
Can't recommend the Simple Wishes pumping bra enough. I just pull up my shirt, unclip or pull down whatever I have on as a bra or undershirt, and zip the bra on. It takes like ten seconds and allows me to get a ton of work done while pumping. It's around $30 and has held up really well for me. They sell the same one at Target (branded as Lansinoh) but it doesn't come with the extra extender thing included like the Amazon one does.
When my SIL had her baby a month after I had mine, she unexpectedly had to start exclusively pumping her first week PP, and I bent over backwards to deliver her one of these bras the day she started. That's how essential it is to me! She bought a second one the next day.
Aside from pumping bras, you could also consider Pumpin' Pals. They allow you to lean back when you're pumping instead of having to awkwardly hunch forward. I haven't tried them myself but I've heard good things.
I would HIGHLY recommend this one: Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump with On-The-Go Tote
The tote looks just like any bag, the pump stays right in the side of the bag all the time, super convenient. Enough room in the bag for extra batteries, the plug, lots of bottles, tops, cleaning supplies etc.
I used this with two kids, and I took it to a law firm constantly where I work and no one ever had any idea it was my pump. It also comes with a little cooler and ice pack for the bottles you pump, which is also discreet and can go right into the fridge.
Here is the link to it at Target, but you can get it anywhere: https://www.target.com/p/medela-pump-in-style-advanced-breast-pump-with-on-the-go-tote/-/A-10762141?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&am...
I also bought a pumping bra on amazon, which held both of the pumps up to my breasts making the whole thing hands free and able to pump both sides at once. Completely necessary, a lifesaver.
It looked something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Signature-Pumping-XS-Large/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1516809760&sr=8-3&keywords=pumping+bra
Definitely sounds defective. I'm using this bra with my spectra and it works pretty well!https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have two of the Simple Wishesbras. I only wear them for pumping. You can put them over a regular nursing bra or on their own.
Pump bra - it’s a game changer to not have to hold the phalanges yourself even if you don’t pump that often. I have a couple of these.
46K here. Used this pumping for two kids. Full adjustability, it has a giant Velcro section in the back and zips up the front. LOVE it.
Ok so there’s this nursing bra hack that works in a pinch, I’ve also heard about cutting holes in a sports bra. I’ve bought this bra from amazon and it’s pretty good. I want to buy the kindred bravely nursing/pump bra when I go back to work though.
Don't use fenugreek if there's a concern! There are lots of other options. Moringa tea is another good one. But I would look into ordering some capsules either from legendairy
or euphoric herbals depending on what you want (combination wise). I believe both offer bundles so you can try their formulas out. Legendairy is completely fenugreek free.
They're both made in small batches and to order so they take about a week to arrive sometimes so in the meantime, get yourself loaded on oatmeal+brewer's yeast+ flaxseeds and try your best to pump every time baby gets a bottle. I know it's hard and you need to eat and sleep but this will make sure your supply knows how much it should make to feed your kid. Do a cup of oatmeal and a TBS each of the flax and Brewers. Then you can add whatever else you want like almonds or peanut butter and chocolate. Or like I add some nuts, berries and dried apricots.
This is the bra I use: Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra, Patented, Soft Pink, XS-Large
but it's like $40. And my feeling is...if you think you're going to need to pump a lot later(like you're going back to work) I'd actually fork out the extra $20 now and just buy some Freemies cups
to go with my pump. Freemies can slide into a regular bra and collects right there. Double check that the pump you have is compatible.
Simple wishes double pump bra Simple Wishes Hands-Free Breastpump Bra, Pink, X-Small-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rWD5ybC0YKSMS
I never took my pump to the hospital, I was only there for like a day and a half, so I honestly don't know when I would have had time to pump! I had a few weeks off work though, and that was more than enough time to figure things out.
If you're away from baby (like for work), then you'll want to have a pumping session for every time that the baby would normally eat during that time. The flanges will not stay on by themselves. If you don't want to sit there holding them on, then a hands-free pumping bra like the Simple Wishes (https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Hands-Free-Breastpump-X-Small-Large/dp/B00295MQLU) was a lifesaver. Yes, you can DIY a pumping bra out of an old sports bra, but I needed the strap style, because it let me put it on without getting undressed! Speedy, simple, easy.
KellyMom is a great resource for all breastfeeding questions- I used it the entire time I BFd my first, for the whole 2 years we nursed. They have a website on pumping: http://kellymom.com/category/bf/pumpingmoms/
Like others have said, too much pumping in the early days can lead to massive oversupply, which can give you issues with plugged ducts, mastitis, etc. I didn't start regularly double pumping until my LO was a few weeks old, and only had about 40 or so oz in the freezer when I went back to work, but it was enough. Don't get intimidated by the online blogs where you see moms who have massive freezer stashes of 100+ oz after like 8 weeks, I don't think it's necessarily a must.
One of the things that I'm going to try out this time around is using a passive system for collecting milk while I'm nursing- there are silicone pumps (Haakaa is one brand, I'm looking at this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZ2ZVCY/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_ttl?ie=UTF8&colid=1OXFLB0C355EB&coliid=I3S43KBTDY146T).
Particularly in the first feed of the morning, your supply is likely to be the highest. When you latch baby to one side, the other will probably leak to some extent. Rather than collect those leaks in a breast pad, this device collects the drips with mild suction, and from reports I've read, you can get 1-2 oz from each feeding. It's a less invasive way of collecting some milk here and there, which can really add up. Besides, this version is about $13, so I'll not be too bummed if it doesn't work out!
The tube is super adjustable from tiny to big. I only used one tank a day. I only had 3. The bambooobies were essential to not leaking everywhere. And they are the size of coasters so you can keep some extra in your bag if you're leaky.
this one I heart Amazon Simple Wishes Hands-Free Breastpump Bra, Pink, X-Small-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vZPExbD9F938Z
I got a car adapter for my Mandela pis.
I love this nursing bra. SUPER easy to use!!
http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Hands-Free-Breastpump-XS-L/dp/B00295MQLU
here are more.
Amazon has video.