Which pump for increasing milk supply?

[dawells79]

Hello all~

I am due in May with baby #3 and wanted to know what kind of pump I should use to increase milk supply. I know renting a hospital grade pump would be best, but it cost $75 a month to rent. I know that I will need it longer than a month based on my previous breastfeeding attempts.

I had problems with not having enough milk with my 1st 2 babies and was advised to let my milk dry up. After doing more research this time, I now know that I should have given it longer. I just wanted to know which pump is best for increasing supply, if I were going to buy one?

Thanks so much for any advice!

[CeceStar]

I have a Medela Pump in Style and pumped at work for two kids until they were a year old. I would recommend this type of pump, it worked well for me.

[sweetkisses]

First, congratulations on your pregnancy!

Can you give some details into why you believed you were not making enough milk for your first two babies. Maybe we can help figure out where or if there really is a problem before this next baby gets here and you'll be more prepared.


I think one of the best things you can do to ensure a good milk supply early on is to feed your baby on demand and avoid all artificial nipples (bottles and pacifiers) for at least the first 4 weeks. In the early weeks (as you know from having other babies) they want to eat what seems like almost constantly this is normal and the frequency of baby nusing will tell your body to make more milk.

To know if your baby is getting enough milk you need to count how many wet and poopy diapers they are having each day and make sure baby is are gaining wt.

[dawells79]

Thank you so much sweetkisses for your response!

I had c-sections with both babies and therefore it took longer for my milk to come in. I can't really remember how many wet and poopie diapers they had, but when I took them to the pediatrician they were not gaining any weight and she suggested supplementing.

I have to admit I did not receive the best information when it came to nursing. With my second child I worked with a lactation nurse at the hospital and even after I returned home. After a week and a half of nursing, pumping, nursing, pumping...the lactation nurse told me to go ahead and dry up that it just wasn't going to happen for me. I was devastated for the 2nd time and thought that Iwould never try again, but I just have this strong desire to try.

I have posted in the general breastfeeding forum and received some wonderful advice that I wish I would have had with my other 2. I am just trying to get as much advice as possible this time so that I can be successful in something that I've always wanted to do. Even as I sit here and type I get emotional just thinking of my other 2 and wishing that I would have trusted my body to do what it was designed to do.

Sorry this is so lengthy. Thank you for your support and the support of all these other wonderful women. It's very encouraging and empowering and I can't wait to nurse this sweet baby!

[Stephanie]

I would get a good double electric pump if you are concerned. Medela Pump in Style, Amedea Purely Yours, and Whisperwear are all good double electric pumps.

[sweetkisses]

I would get a good double electric pump if you are concerned. Medela Pump in Style, Amedea Purely Yours, and Whisperwear are all good double electric pumps.

I think all these are good choices for pumps. I used Whisperwear when I returned to work.


I'm so glad you are determined to give this another try despite what happened with your first two. I'm sure you have received some really good advice on the general boards. keep comming back with your questions. We are all here to support you.

[kyalamode]

I'm pumping as we speak... I use a Medela double pump (electric). While I never use the double-pump (I usually only pump one side at a time), I've heard it's good to pump both side simultaneously to help keep your supply up. This one works GREAT and has some storage for milk and little ice packs, along with your milk bags (or bottles) and all the connecting pieces. They're expensive, but some birthing centers and/or lactation centers will rent them if that works better for you.