Know Your “Why” Before Buying a Breast Pump
You’re expecting a baby! Perhaps this experience has been meticulously planned, maybe it was a surprise or something in between. In preparing for the arrival of a baby we are often told all of the things we need to purchase. One bigger ticket item many consider is a breast pump. This is a tool used to manually express breast milk and can often be used to increase and/maintain milk production. What kind should I get, why and when? Some families are even given the option of purchasing a breast pump and having the item reimbursed through extended health plans. How are families supposed to decide what to do?
The first question I always counter with is what is the intended purpose? Are you anticipating the birth of a premature or medically fragile baby or babies? Do you need to return to the workforce in the coming weeks or months? Perhaps you’re hoping to have breast milk on hand in case you’re out at an appointment or a dinner without baby. There are many instances when a breast pump is a valuable tool but different circumstances determine the right tool and perhaps the need will change over time.
A common counter is well what if I need one right away after baby is born and I don’t have one? Great question! If your baby isn’t latching, perhaps they are unexpectedly in the NICU or some other unforeseen circumstance – there are options. Firstly, the preferred pump of choice is not going to be the ones frequently purchased for single users. In these instances, the recommendation is to use a hospital grade, double electric pump. These pumps are designated for multiple users and have specific functionality to stimulate milk production as close to a baby can as available currently. Pumps of this caliber are very expensive and for good reason. They can be requested for use when you are in hospital and can be rented from multiple locations across the city for a modest fee. From there, you can reassess what your need is and base your purchase around that.
More often than not, breast pumps are for the occasional users. They can be used when you are anticipating being separated from your baby for moderate amounts of time. There are a variety of options available depending on your price point and frequency of use. This purchase does not need to be made beforehand because you may not even need it for many months! One less thing to add to your list of must haves!
But what’s the harm? Especially if it is reimbursed, why not? Fair point but let’s consider it a little further. The mechanisms of a pump are limited in comparison to what your baby can do. If you goal is to establish breastfeeding, this is best done with the baby at the breast. If you are experiencing challenges in this area, seeking educated support whether private or public will provide the long-term support needed to help you reach your goals. During the early days of breastfeeding, pumping can exacerbate postpartum swelling and engorgement by drawing interstitial fluid into the areola. Also, the delicate balance of supply and demand can be impacted by improper pumping practices. We could also discuss how the introduction of bottle use can be done to benefit your breastfeeding relationship or could inadvertently create different challenges. Some of these challenges include flow preference and contamination.
This isn’t to say pumping doesn’t have a place, but it is a tool that may or may not be necessary. It is one that can be purchased at a time when you are able to make an informed decision on what is appropriate for you and your specific circumstances. One last note! Whatever choice you make, please be sure that if it is anything but a multi-user- hospital grade, electric double pump, it is bought new. Single user pumps are not designed to be shared. The price of buying used makes this an enticing choice but it is almost certainly a contaminated choice. If price is a factor in your choice, waiting is almost certainly your best choice.
When in doubt, seek the advice of a professional in this area. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants are educated and in experienced in the all aspects of infant feeding.
Natalie Borden IBCLC, CD/PCD(DONA), LC(CBI)
Natalie is an International Board Certified Lactation consultant and Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula. She is a passionate advocate for education and support for families as they start their journeys into parenthood.