Pumps and Sleeping Arrangements - Looking for Opinions

[bam1014]

So I had lunch with my 2nd mom today and a couple things came up that I am looking for opinions on.

First, a breast pump. She thinks I should wait until after birth to get one, in case BF doesn't go so well. So if I don't do it, then I haven't wasted the money on one. I plan to give it a try, but I want baby girl to take to a bottle pretty quickly too (whether it be formula or milk) so that DH can feed her and that we don't have issues after I go back to work (only 6 weeks of maternity leave). I have decided not to go for the fancy expensive one, but I still don't know if I want to put it off. Even if I don't BF, won't I still have the option of pumping for a while?

Second, sleeping arrangements. MIL says she has a cradle for us, but I have yet to see it and I'm almost positive it's like 20 years old. I have no intention of letting baby sleep in the bed with us because of the dogs. I don't even know if I'm going to BF in bed . . . So I was thinking of getting a bassinet or something for the first couple of months or so. But 2nd mom thinks I can go straight to the crib when we get home. The nursery is like 20 ft from our bedroom and I am going to get a video monitor. I'm also getting a rocker/glider to go in the room and I envision that's where I'll do feedings? If I don't get anything for our room, then that saves money on bedding that I need to buy. Is there anything wrong with having the baby go in the crib right away? Will it be uncomfortable to feed from a sitting position all the time?

[kyliewiththree]

i plan on bf but if i cant for what ever reason i got myslef a breast pumpso she can at least get it through a bottle however way is easier on me and my lifestyle my breast pum p i have gotten this time is only a cheap manual one from big w and cost me only 39 dollars brand new so very affordable also i brought a cot and bassinette off a friend and i also have portacot for when i go away

[Caralea]

With my frist born/son, I didnt see my bedroom for the first whole month. I slept in a chair after recovering from a c-section couldnt make it 13 steps up and down every night to feed/pee/etc. For the first month he slept in a barrowed bassinet in the living room with me. It worked out just fine.

That first month our routine was all sorts of messed up. I tried to breast feed and pump and it was a mess, I was a mess. Sitting in the chair was much easier for me than any other position, but I had to be sitting up straight in order for the best milk supply. I rented a pump from a local company (got a Rx and everything, so it was covered by my insurance). They give you all new parts at the hospitals here and at the store that rents the machines gives you a set as well.

After I stopped breast feeding and was able to sleep in my own room (my son was 1month old), he also slep in his room/crib. It was only a step or two across from our room- but he never had an issue with it. Slept all night long infact after the bf stopped and he was on formula.

This is my second baby, but first child that will have a bed designated in our room. I do plan to breast feed and or pump again, using the same rental place- the nice part about it is if anything goes wrong with the pump, I get a new one with out the money out of pocket. Also this time around I had a friend who gave me all of her breast feeding supplys she was unable to use with her daughter this last year. I am pretty well set in that department- but hope I have a better supply!

I say Sabrina has good advice- you can hear many stories and opinions, but ultimatly once you become a mom and that baby is home.. you never know what the schedule will be like, bf in bed may be easier, a night or two after sheer exhaustion your baby may end up in bed with you, etc. You'll have to find a routine and be calm and open to changes as they happen!! Good luck girl.

[Spiket77]

SabrinaB39 gives great advice :)

I got a pump from a close friend who barely used it. My sister bought me all new tubing and accessories for it. You might want to ask around and see if someone you know has a pump. Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of reusing pumps but it's done a lot. Just get new parts...it's a lot less expensive. My sister recommended it and she is a neonatal intensive care nurse.

I was also gifted a co-sleeper bassinet to use the first few months. It attaches to the side of the bed. For me, I like the idea of rolling over and not getting out of bed to feed. But, that is because I have a hard time going back to sleep. Once the baby is sleeping in longer stretches, I will move him/her to the crib.

[SabrinaB39]

I am due with #4.  The first two I had a cheap manual breast pump and the 3rd I had the smaller less expensive Medela.  All worked just fine. If you want one, get one. There are several out there that are affordable.  You really don't need the $300 fancy shmancy one.  You can also go straight to crib but do what is comfortable for you.  My first two I had their crib in my bedroom and 3rd had a nursery but I used my pack n play in my room next to the bed.  This time I actually found a gently used bassinett for $20 on craigslist.  Do what makes you feel good about what you are doing. Plenty will give you advise. I would listen but ultimately do what I think is best for baby.  On breast feeding in the chair. You will most likely be very comfortable.  Using a boppy pillow in bed is comfy too.