Breast pumps can provide a healthy alternative means for breastfeeding your baby. But you need to understand what’s obtainable out there.
If you’re looking for the best advice on renting breast pumps from hospitals, this table breaks down the pumps, duration, price, etc.
|
Breast Pump |
Duration of Use |
Price ($) |
|
Medela Symphony Plus Breast Pump |
7 Days 30 Days |
$30 $90 |
|
Medela Latina Breast Pump |
1 month 3 months |
$40 $100 |
|
Classic Baby Pump |
1 month 3 months |
$40 $100 |
|
Medela BabyWeigh Scales (Battery operation only) |
1 week 1 month |
$25 $55 |
|
Ameda Elite
|
1 Week |
$30 Deposit refundable: $50 |
|
Ardo Calypso
|
1 Week |
$30 Deposit refundable: $100 |
|
Ameda Platinum
|
1 Week |
$50 Deposit refundable: $100 |
I hope this table has been helpful?
Moving on, the moment I got into the world of pumping, I was in some way confused. I didn’t know anyone else who used one and the information I found online was not sufficient.
Even though I was a busy mom, I wanted to breastfeed; just like a lot of other moms.
Yet we needed to pay the bills, and that’s to mean I would not manage to be a stay-at-home mother that would have made this a little bit easy.
This is increasingly becoming a universal story for most moms. We’re held up by so many things, and our busy schedules do not always allow us to be around to breastfeed. Regardless of whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or not.
I mean, at times we just want to take a nap, and someone could blame us? Being a mom is a demanding job!
If you are now reading this, you probably have an interest in pumping your breast milk.
Well, you are indeed not the only one; more and more parents prefer pumping these days. I understand that getting into the world of pumping can be daunting and scary at times: it definitely was for my case.
First, let’s discuss a checklist of the advantages of pumping.
Benefits of pumping breast milk
- If you’re busy or a working mom that spend a lot of time away from home, a breast pump might be precisely what you need; it will allow you pump milk and store it for later use or leave it with the caretaker of your baby.
- Breast pumps help you stimulate milk production and are recommended by doctors.
- It also means that it is not a must for you to be around when it comes to feeding time to your kid.
- Lastly, pumping can be very essential if your doctor recommends that you stop breastfeeding on medical grounds.
How do I pick the perfect breast pump for me?
So you want to pump! That’s great!
When renting breast pumps from hospitals, you need to select one that is fit for you.
First, you’re going to consider your budget. Renting one can be pretty expensive, however, if you can go for a breast pump that is within your budget, the better.
Comparing the varieties of breast pumps available for renting
There are different types of breast pumps which can be broken down into two categories: manual and electric. Also, there those that are referred to as “hospital-grade” breast pumps.
What are these “Hospital Grade” Breast pumps?
First and foremost, this is not the official terminology, and there is nothing, in particular, to distinguish between a non-hospital grade pump and a hospital-grade pump.
Even then, this term is frequently used to define high-end pumps that are reserved for moms with difficulties on expressing milk and using breast pumps.
Besides, they are meant for temporary use and are often supplied by the hospital.
Additionally, the term is used by insurance firms who provide breast pumps and rentals to nursing parents. They classify them into three categories: manual, hospital grade, and personal-grade.
Most pumps labeled “hospital grade” are usually double pumps with a wide range of functions and settings to make pumping fast, efficient, as well as comfortable.
Although they are available for purchase, you can rent them as well.
High-end electric breast pumps: for frequent pumpers and busy moms
These pumps are more efficient and faster, draining milk super-fast and getting the job done quickly. They run on electric or battery power.
Pros:
- Comes with settings that mimic breastfeeding to promote milk expression.
- Hands-free categories are super convenient!
- Much faster at pumping.
Cons:
- Require either electric or battery power.
- More expensive
Single-Electric Breasts pumps: For daily pumpers and stay-at-home moms
If you’re a nursing parent that that don’t need to pump frequently and don’t spend a lot of time from home, this can be ideal for you.
These single-breast pumps require more effort and time to use than their higher-priced counterparts.
Pros:
- Relatively cheaper than high-end pumps
- Faster pumping as compared to manual models
Cons:
- Generally, not portable.
Manual Breast pumps: for moms on budget and frequent pumpers
While most moms will opt for an electric pump, many do appreciate the fact that manual pumps are small and portable. Also, they are nearly silent and best for pumping in public.
Pros:
- Cheaper than electric models
- Small and portable
Cons:
- Much slower than electric pumps
For my part, I prefer renting electric pumps: the speed and convenience just can’t beat. So, if you plan on pumping frequently, do yourself a favor and rent an electric breast pump.
Getting started with Pumping
Given that you’ve decided to rent a breast pump from the hospital, you will want to get started soon!
If you can’t manage to rent one, try to borrow from the hospital; the nurses will likely accommodate you.
Your first pumping session might not produce much, so don’t be disappointed. First, start to establish a good supply, and you won’t regret later.
Establish a Routine
Establishing a pumping routine is the best thing you can do. It will let your body adjust to the habit of pumping so that you can produce more milk. Remember the following:
- Newborns eat in about 8-12 times per day, therefore aim for pumping that much, as well.
- Feed your baby when you first start out with pumping, then set them somewhere and pump once they are full.
- Prepare to pump all hours of the day and to train your body to adjust to pumping.
- Store the milk safely after you pump.
Conclusion
The final decision lies with you. Make sure you consider all the factors such as cost, as well as the pros and cons of different types of breast pumps listed above, and if you get a model that works best for you, or meets your unique needs, take it.
