gratefulgirl, I completely forgot about the letdown setting! Haha, glad to get a reminder in advance.
Hands free pumping bra is clutch. I recommend getting a couple different types of nursing bras: sports bra type and underwire type. I had some not so supportive nursing bras and then when I looked at photos of me with it on (under my shirt), I cringed a little.
I didn't do nursing attire, I either wore shirts that I could pull the neck down enough or just pulled the bottom of the shirt up. Of course, this depends on a mom's comfort and need for privacy. I did use a nursing cover when I was in public though.
I have the PISA. I like it. I used the Ameda in the hospital when DD2 was jaundiced and hated it. It was not as effective. My insurance only covers Ameda. If my PISA breaks I would pay to buy another. Personal opinion.
Let me share my dumb new mom story: the PISA has a letdown setting and an after letdown setting. For the first 8 weeks I thought letdown was any drops of milk so I would switch immediately. I pumped very, very little and was so discouraged. Then DD1 went on a nursing strike (thanks Wonder Week 8). I was so engorged that I letdown immediately while pumping. I quadrupled my pumping output. I doubt anyone else would be so ignorant, but just in case. Also this story shows that you can be really ignorant and your kid will still make it.
So for us other ignorant new moms, what counts as let down? Is it unmistakable, lots of milk flowing out?
Let down was unmistakable for me. It started with a slightly uncomfortable tingly feeling and then a spray in multiple directions. It also keeps going if the baby unlatches during that time. So keep a burp cloth handy!
Now I'm laughing remembering the number of times I sprayed milk all over myself, the baby, and the couch.
It is embarrassing how long after that phase ended I still found milk on my nursery furniture from MOTN feedings despite scrubbing repeatedly and trying to clean up immediately when it happened. So embarrassing.
Post by ameliabird on Jul 27, 2016 11:25:03 GMT -5
I got the Ameda one last time and it worked well. I got the Medela PISA this time because I tried my SILs and it worked better for me since I had a low supply.
joy I love my medela tank top from target. I wear it under regular scoop neck shirts. That way I lift the shirt and it covers top boob and the tank covers belly. I don't use a cover because I never can get my kids latched with it on.
Maybe I'll buy a few tanks from Old Navy for cheap and see if I like them. If they work, great and I'll do a lot of laundry. If they don't or I end up not breastfeeding for months on end, then I won't be out too much money.
bocaburger I think everyone's letdown may be a little different. The medela 2 minute letdown setting for me equals no milk As soon as it switches over to regular setting I get streams off and on. I am a lower supply person though. I felt vindicated when the LC watched me pump and she was like wtf is up with your boobs.
joy I love my medela tank top from target. I wear it under regular scoop neck shirts. That way I lift the shirt and it covers top boob and the tank covers belly. I don't use a cover because I never can get my kids latched with it on.
That is my preferred method too. Position the kid right and there is no skin showing at all.
Post by frodabaggins on Jul 27, 2016 19:03:24 GMT -5
First time around, my insurance paid for a variety of pumps. I didn't really do my research and just chose one randomly. Not a brand that anyone would recognize. I thought that by renting a hospital grade pump from a breastfeeding/baby store that I would get significantly more milk from each pumping session, but I actually didn't at all! My no-name pump turned out to be better.
This time around I was getting ready to pull the pump out and get everything sanitized and ready to use again when I randomly signed up for this Maternity Wellness Program through my NEW insurance at work. They told me that because I signed up, they would send me a brand new top of the line Medela pump for free, backpack to lug it around in included! All right
I did get a hands-free bra and attempt to do the double pumping that way but it never worked for me and was the cause of much frustration. I found it less stressful to just pump one boob at a time and continue working with one hand, then switch.
My insurance didn't cover a pump 3 years ago so we bought a Medela. I think it's the PISA? I pulled it out last week, charged it, checked for parts, then had a nagging feeling so I checked it again a few days later. I had no flanges in the bag at all. Or collection bottles.
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