Hi, My partner recently bought me a breast pump as I'm expecting and want to breast feed. I couldn't get it out the wrapper quick enough I just wanted to see how it works etc.

Thing is when I did discover how it worked I was amazed. Has anyone used a breast pump before? It looks asthough it takes ages, Does it?

It took me forever but I ended up not producing milk... by the way things sounds like they are going better for you... I am glad.

Your buying these things kind of early aren't you bless you, what did he buy electric or hand held?

Hand held well I'm nearly at my 3 month mark. Things are a lot better thanks

Hand held come in electric and person powered lol if you have any sense and you really want to breast feed and you have enough milk for baby then id consider buying an electric one once baby is born lol or your hands will fall off from all the pumping giggle

I started with a hand held, and it does take longer, but once you give birth and really start producing milk, it will quicken up. I used a dual electric one after a while, and that is much more quick.

I loved my electric pump I found the breast trumpets were a lot nicer than the avent hand held thing I bought at first in fact I didn't rate avent at all even there bottles were crap lol

I had a single manual pump with my first son, and by the time I got a full bottle my hands were killing me haha(I would have to take turns with both hands, because my hands would start to tire and cramp after a while). It will work, BUT it is much faster, and a lot less uncomfortable for your hands if you get an electric. I took that lesson and got an electric one this time around. They don't have to be expensive to work well, and if you just get a single pump, it will cost less. However, in the end, cost won't matter much, as if you get one you don't like, you won't use it much and it will have been a waste anyway. Might as well get one that you know will work well. Some hospitals also rent (VERY sterilized) electric breast pumps out, but you have to decide if the cost is worth it, or if you would rather just buy one of your own. Once you have baby, and they have been feeding for a while, your milk will come in and it will come out a lot faster and easier (whether you want it to or not. Hah. Definitely get breast pads as your milk will be more then happy to leap out with out your permission. ESP if you hear a baby crying ;0) Just a side note, if you are trying it out, be careful not to do it too much, as nipple stimulation can cause strong uterine contractions. Its much too early for you to have to go in at this point, so try not to get too over zealous with your curiosity and pump testing;0)

Sadly they don't rent them here in the uk Buggage there are separate hire companys and for what they charge you might as well buy one its crazy money.

Oh OK. Sorry about that. I keep forgetting about the differences. *blush* but I agree, it would be much better to just buy one anyway. They just offer that option here if you want to rent theirs until you buy one of your own

I think a rental here 2 years ago for a week was 25 pounds now I bought my double electric medela for 65 its crazy money admittedly I sold it on eBay 3 months ago for 55 lol

(just double that amount for a general dollar amount )

(would have just rated, but have to spread the rep first ;0)I agree that is an outrageous amount of money... wow... definitely a good idea to get a good one and hold onto it until you are sure you won't need it again I guess!

So true about the breast pads and milk coming when not wanted... I specifically remember accidentally squirting my poor husband in the face after a shower... he still gets nervous around the girls... haha.

I had an electric on and I loved it I had tons of milk though and it came in handy. Mine plugged into the car lighter so I could use it if we went places. Good luck breastfeeding can be hard at first but it is such a joy and good bond between mom and baby

Hehe yea, I definitely learned that during those "intimate" times with my hubby, while I was still breastfeeding, to wear a bra and nursing pads haha.(he didn't appreciate being in the line of fire, as it seemed to dampen the mood for him(no pun intended);0)

I know! I mean its just a little milk, and Im not even pregnant now, but he cowers like a hurt puppy if I get to close with them.:p

Hahhaha. My hubby use to make fun of me and say I need to strap them in or I would be punching him in the face all the time because they got so much bigger while I was breast feeding. And I can't understand why it makes guys so uncomfortable, its just (like you said) milk, not acid or something.

Yeah I don't know, I think it has something to do with it being your milk rather than a cows. Who knows.

Hehehehehe you lot are funny.

Oh you just wait... :p

I remember after I had my daughter and was finished breastfeeding - I thought my milk was dried up - my husband found out it wasn't! I was so embarrassed.

I would definitely invest in breast pads, lanolin ointment and a good electric pump.
They make a world of difference.

See if there is a midwife clinic nearby. You might be able to get a great one, as my wife did, at a discount and then resell it back. Best damn 250 we spent during and after the pregnancy.

Yes, Nowwhat, good advice. Lansinoh is what we used for when I was breastfeeding(and will use again this time) and we discovered that not only does it work miracles for sore nipples(and you don't have to wash it off before baby eats, as its perfectly safe for them to swallow) but it also is a miracle worker for diaper rash. My son has exzema and this was the only thing that we could use to immediately clear up his rash. Nothing else worked. So it would definitely be a good investment.