We don't like the pump

[lunabelly]

I don't like to pump, and the only time I can really get anything is if I pump while nursing, but now that ds is wiggly, he likes to kick and pull at the pump. It's very distracting for him. Any suggestions?

Also, I have an ancient medela battery operated pump. Are the new ones better? I keep thinking that maybe if I had a better pump it wouldn't take so long.

[alegna]

What is your reason for pumping? Are you trying to build supply? Get ready for going back to work? Just for now and then?

If it's not needed, I say just forget it for now.

I never pumped- seemed like a huge hassle.

good luck!

-Angela

[lunabelly]

I just have one meeting in the city every two weeks, so I'm gone from about 6-9. Plus, I go out with my girlfriends once a month. Nothing major, but I really do need time away every once in a while.

[shoes]

I know you said you only get any while nursing, but... have you tried first thing in the morning before ds nurses? You can get up before him and pump next to him, smelling him, talking to him, imagine HIM, not the pump. When I pumped and worked with DD1 I'd get up a couple of hours before her to get all my morning milk, then she'd have to work a little harder to get all she needed but it really helped my supply and babies are MUCH more efficient than pumps anyway.
How long is it taking to pump? It takes a long time anyway, so it might not be the pump. I bought mine new off ebay for like $200, but if you are willing to buy used you can get it for super cheap on ebay. You can buy new pump horns at Target for Medela pumps too, so it's not as gross as some people think.

Good luck!

[lunabelly]

I could try first thing in the morning. It's all such a blur right now I'm not actually sure what time he nurses in the morning.

Usually, without him nursing, I pump for about 20 mins and get about an ounce of milk.

[SaraGriffin]

I bought a used medela off of ebay and got all new parts for it - so all I bought used was the motor. It cost about 70.00 and was the Pump in Style Backpack - the woman I bought it from only used it while her daughter was in the NICU for three weeks and it still had some of the original packaging. I digress though...
I can usually get 4 oz with my pump in about 20-30 minutes. Sometimes I can get a lot more though! I get up and pump after she nurses in the morning to increase my supply. It definately helps if you think about your baby while you are pumping. I always picture the slack-mouthed contented look Kaia has after she falls asleep at the breast