The skinny on breast pumps

I would check into WIC in your area too.  We got approved and we only had the twins.  We get 20 cans of formula a month, in the beginning, we only had to buy 1 or 2 extra cans to get us through till the next month.  Now since they don't drink as much, we have extra. 

I tried breastfeeding for like 2 weeks after we came home from the hospital.  I would breastfeed each baby, then supplement with formula, then pump.  Well, when you are up every 1-2 hours, the pumping went by the wayside in order to get some more sleep!  So, I  ended up not producing very much.  Do whatever is best for you and the babies, as long as they are healthy! 

Good Luck! 

Used is fine! (according to my lactation consultant in the hosp. and a good friend of mine) Every mother buys her own sterile supply kit, so basically you're just buying the "motor". I definitely prefer hospital grade, rather than the pump in style, especially if you think supply might be an issue. The suction is much better. Check online for the Medela lactina select. It's an awesome pump.  If price is not an issue, then the best pump you can get is the Medela Symphony. It mimics the babies sucking patterns as close as you can get and allows for multiple let downs per session.  Good luck sweetie!

With the twins you should be able to get a script for a pump I was able to.  I'm not going to lie to you the bf is very hard and pumping is even harder. I don't make enough about 3oz total.  the kids are on special high calorie formula which is quite expensive, they go through a can every 4 days and the can is only 12.8 oz. I'm currently still on disability until the end of my maternity leave so i was able to qualify for wic thank God because with the reduced income the formula would have been quite a financial burden. You should see if you qualify because you can start now with benefits for yourself while your pregnant.

Marsha

I used the Medela Pump In Style Advanced backpack pump and loved it.  My OB wrote a prescription for it before we left the hospital and I only had to pay a $40 co-pay (we are lucky to have prescription coverage).  I was able to pump both sides at the same time although figuring out how to do took some time.   Accessories (flanges, bottles, etc.) were much less expensive through the lactation consultant.  From what I've read , women with inverted nipples can still breastfeed and pump--a good lactation consultant can be a great help (mine was a God send)

I am a nurse and work with moms and babies in the hospital.  The overall favorite is the Medela brand; their hospital grade the better than the pump in style, but you have to pay  a hefty monthly rental fee. I personally bought the Pump in Style and it did the job, and was portable. Some moms only want to breastfeed for a couple weeks or months, others for a full year. For a couple months, I would rent, otherwise I would by the Pump in style. Yes, it's pricey, but well worth it, because it will be a lot cheaper than paying for formula. Shop around for the best price. I would personally buy new. Some hospitals have lactation centers where you get a discount with a doctor's prescription, also if you have a healthcare spending account, you can use it to pay for the pump as well.  I agree with the other poster to breastfeed directly as much as possible; nothing empties and stimulates milk production better than baby. Also, if you have difficulty with milk supply, you can ask your OB to prescribe Reglan which has the effect of increasing milk production, and many nurses and lactation consultants recommend "mother's milk" tea to also increase supply.  My advice to you is to take advantage of breastfeeding classes offered by local hospitals or lactation center, many times they have multiple courses before you get to 7months. I would try to attend all of them offered, and take your honey with you so he can learn and help and support your decision. When you deliver, also request lactation consultants to visit and assist you in the hospital and after discharge. Breastfeeding is not easy but it is very rewarding. Best of luck to you!