I don’t really like talking about pumping or things like that. It is kind of awkward, and I never want to pump or talk about pumping again after doing it for thirteen months for our triplets. However, I don’t want your arms to fall off holding the pumping equipment in place every time you have to pump. I especially want parents of NICU babies and/or preemies and of babies that have difficulty latching on and require you to pump every three hours around the clock for your babies to know about this product.

If you are expecting triplets, this is the number one thing to have packed in your hospital bag just in case you end up in a situation where you end up choosing to pump. It is a bra that allows you to pump hands-free. Trust me, without it your hands will likely fall off after about five minutes of pumping.

I know because we didn’t have a hospital bag with us when our triplets decided to arrive 11 weeks early. I also didn’t know about this product. It took the lactation specialists 24 hours to suggest the hands free bra that they sold downstairs in the lactation store to me. My hands had been falling off every three hours for twenty-four hours by this time. When they finally brought me one of the hands free bras for pumping, I thought and still think it is one of the greatest inventions ever.

Also definitely look into renting a Medela Symphony Pump (or newest version) from the hospital if you will be pumping most of the time or for multiple babies. It is the most efficient and believe me you need efficient. Most likely they will recommend this option to you, if not definitely ask them about options available for renting a hospital grade pump. Hospital grade pumps, unlike the pumps you buy in stores are closed system pumps, making them safe and sanitary to share between mothers.

This also means that you will need to purchase the parts that work with the closed system hospital grade pump. The parts are what you will be the only one using and it will be important if you are pumping for every feeding to have enough pumping parts for a day so that you won’t be finding yourself cleaning them after every feeding.

We only had one set in the hospital when they were born and my husband would clean the parts in the sink in our room after every feeding. In hindsight it would have been so much easier to have bought at least two sets. The tricky part with doing this the first few days is that you may not be sure of the size that is comfortable for you, so you may want to wait to purchase multiple sets until you feel comfortable with the size that you like.

I’m glad this conversation is over, but I hope it helps!


http://tripletmomplusone.blogspot.com/

Mom to BBG Triplets and Singleton boy. Our triplets are almost four and our baby is almost two.

Also, just so that everyone knows, if you qualify for WIC they will loan you a hospital grade pump for free. 3 babies cost a lot of money so it is nice to save where you can.

Ashley

9/3/10 at 32w 5d
Mason 3lbs,13oz and 16.5in
Kyle 2lbs,15oz and 16.5in
Alyssa 1lb,6.8oz and 11in

That is good to know. I did not know that when I was pumping. I bought a pump that I could use the breast sheilds that was compatible with the hospital pump. This was a good investment because I did not have a hospital grade pump at home but when I visited the babies in the NICU I could use some parts there as well. I ended up with 4 sets which was really nice. I had to work for 4 months once the babies came home and I did not have to wash equipment at work. I could wash everything at home. I do have to say that the hands free bra is wonderful. I had one as well and it saved so much time. I was able to hold a baby if needed to when I was pumping. It was great and I don't know how I would have survived without mine.

So glad you all are sharing what helped you too because pumping all the time is rough, but I was thankful to have been able to do it. Great to know about WIC and it reminded me to mention to ask your insurance about renting the hospital grade pump. Our insurance ended up helping with the cost of renting the hospital grade pump.

http://tripletmomplusone.blogspot.com/

Mom to BBG Triplets and Singleton boy. Our triplets are almost four and our baby is almost two.

Our insurance covered all but 20% of the cost of the pump because the NICU gave us a prescription. Then we could resell it, so we actually could make money off the deal. Better to go that route and you can keep it for future kids or for sales.

Loren
GGG Jan.2005 @ 28wks

Sweetened Taters - http://sweetenedtaters.blogspot.com

All great advice - I'd like to add one more. I just got "super shields" form pumpin pal - they are the cone parts that go onto a breast pump. They fit into any breast pump, you buy a set of 3 sizes and they are actually breast shaped - a more gradual cone shape than the medela (and other cones) where there is a turning point to the funnel if that makes sense. They also pull more of the breast into the cone, simulating nursing a LOT better. I'm getting more milk just by switching to these instead of the medela ones that came with my pump. Oh and you also don't have to lean forward to use them so it's also a lot more comfortablefor my back.

http://www.pumpinpal.com/html/super_shields.htm

PS. I don't work for them or anything like that, this is just what worked for me.

I pumped for a year after my triplets were born. I also recommend the car adapter for the symphony pump and the Playtex cool bag that you keep in the freezer and only take out when needed. It cools hot milk and keeps it cool for eight hours.

That hands free pumping bra was the best thing EVER!!! I used to put my head down on the table and nap while pumping, write thank you notes while pumping, and even wash dishes while pumping!!!

BGG born 4/25/05 at 31w1d




New baby girl born 9/19/06