When did you go out and buy a breast pump?

[dulcemariamar]

I always thought it was a good idea to wait until after the birth to get a breast pump to see if you really need one.

However, the breast pumps here are really expensive. I see that on Amazon UK, I could order one and safe almost half because they are having a sale. Even if I bought it later, it would still be cheaper than buying it here.

Should I just buy it before LO arrives? Or wait and see. It takes about a week to get here. If BF works out for me, will it be horrible to be without one for a week?

[Deleted]

I got one for cheap shortly before my DD was born, using a 20% off one item coupon combined with my 10% registry completion discount at Babies R Us. I waited to open it until I had established that breastfeeding was going well and I would actually use it.

For your situation, I'd get the pump you want on sale and don't open it. Even if you can't return it, I am sure you could sell it on Craigslist or something for the price you paid if it's that good of a deal. Just make sure the seal is still on the box, etc.

[scribellesam]

I bought my pump pre-birth, but didn't use it until 3-4 weeks after DS was born. You may or may not need it right away, depending on your supply? I remember the LC in the hospital telling me I could pump right away to encourage my milk to come in, but I didn't bother and had no issue. You can rent them from the hospital too here in the US, if that an option for you. Then you can decide later if you want to buy your own.

[Deleted]

Oh, if it is on Amazon UK do make sure it will work with US power/outlets before you buy.

[anna7602]

I would get if you can get a significant cost savings. Is there Ebay or Craigslist or anything like that where you live? I would think you could at minimum resell it for your cost if you don't need it later.

I received the pump from my very pro-BFing MIL (she nursed both DH and his sister in the 70s when a lot of her friends were using formula and is VERY passionate about the whole issue). I was glad I had it because I ended up using it pretty early on.

[crazygame]

I didn't buy the pump until after I knew I'd be breastfeeding. I intended to breastfeed, but there are lots of things that can prevent it. I rented one from the hospital for a month, because I ended up needing one right away due to supply issues. After a month, I bought one using HSA funds. I am not sure that is legal anymore, but it was then.

[Here]

I bought it and then returned it to buy it at Target.com for cheap. They were okay with the return as long as it wasn't opened.
I used it at 7 days so I could go out and leave something in case she got hungry.
Check out some of the changes to health insurance, because it might be covered.

[psyck]

I rented one from the hospital.

[Brie]

I bought it when he was about 3 weeks old so we could introduce a bottle. I wanted to make sure BFing worked for us first. I missed a bunch of sales, but I didn't want to get stuck with one if we wouldn't need it.

[Ashley&Scott]

My insurance covered mine so we waited until M was born. (OB wrote an Rx) DH picked it up at the medical supply store in the hospital the day we were discharged.

I did purchase a manual pump before he was born. (Medela Harmony $30) I really liked having both a manual & a double electric. I used the manual at home most of the time, it was easier if I only needed to pump one side. I use the double electric at work.

[CloudBee]

I think I will hold out until after birth, but plan on having a cheap manual one. I already added it to my registry. I need to call, but am hoping I can get decent reimbursement for purchase of an electric from my insurance company. Our plan provisions won't change until 1/1/13, so I will probably call after the new year once the rep is versed in our new plan/legistlation.

[Deleted]

DH bought one while I was still in the hospital. (We were there for 5 days.) I had been pumping using the hospital pump and knew that I would need to pump every day for a feeding.

[Deleted]

I bought one before she was born and I was glad I did. I didn't want to have one more thing to worry about when I was in the hazy newborn days. I think I used it within the first week but I'm having trouble remembering.

[dragonfly08]

I'm glad I started by renting one, because DD had latch issues and even a hospital grade pump couldn't help me establish a supply, so BFing ended up not working for us. I'd have been out the cost of a personal pump if I'd bought one ahead of time.

[atouchofklasse]

I'm glad I waited.

[huskymom]

I didn't use it for 3-4 weeks, but bought with 20% coupon plus 15% registry completion pre-baby when I was buying out the rest of my registry. Didn't open though in case I needed to return.

[bunch]

Long before she was born.

[Saudade]

I bought one before DS was born and, given my situation, was sooooo grateful that I had it because it is what saved breastfeeding for DS and me.

I would buy it and not open it so that if you won't need it you can return it.

[grosnl19]

I purchased one in July...it was onsale on Amazon and we were in the States so I ordered it. Hopefully BF works out for us. I can't believe how everything baby is SOO much more expensive here.

[jenjen]

I planned to wait until we had established BFing so I didn't get one. However when my milk came in (first night we were at home), I was so engorged, DS couldn't latch. Long story short, the LC recommended I get a pump to soften everything up. So I bought one when DS was 4 days old or so and used it a ton for the first few weeks. I know everyone is "don't pump!!" But I didn't have a choice. I thought my skin was going to explode from the pressure and DS wouldn't latch so they just got more engorged. Get one before the baby, don't open it and then you can return if needed. OR make sure your hospital has rentals if you want to go that route for a while.

[mrssandro]

I bought ours pre birth. But now I wished I had rented a better one. Maybe for our next kid.