When do you get a pump?

I'm 24 weeks pregnant and planning on bfing. I was finishing my registry today at Target and I noticed the different brands of breast pumps and all the accessories. I wanted to register, but how do I know what pump to get? Also, when do you rent or buy a pump is it after the baby is born or before??

Thanks,

Nicole

[tiredbuthappy]

i purchased it on my way home from the hospital.

what to get depends on your goals. many moms who bf exclusively don't use a pump regularly. in those cases, a small manual is sufficient. If you plan on returning to work, or pumping to store, you'll probably need something good like a medela pump in style. I'd wait and see how things are going before investing in something so expensive.

[Irish741]

I registered for a pump recommended by a friend. It is the high end Medela. It came with a great bag and all the parts necessary. It was the best thing I received!! I planned on breastfeeding for 9 months but returning to work earlier than that so I knew I would need an efficient pump so I could do it at work. Well about 5-6 weeks after I gave birth I had some real trouble bf-ing. I pump about 4-5 times a day right now. I am trying to ease my baby back into bf-ing. It cost about $300 but for the amount of times I have pumped in the last month and a half it has averaged out to $1 per pump session. Anyway, I do not know what I would have done without that pump. It has become a stample on my breakfast table. I really would like to put it away someday soon though.....

I would do a little research and maybe ask around about recommendations on various pumps. Eventhough you may plan to exclusively breastfeed you never know what issues you may come across when it comes to feeding your little one and a good pump could really be your saving grace.

[Irish741]

Oh I forgot to say....since I registered for it I got it a few weeks before my baby was born. Since I didn't think I would be usiung it till I went back to work I never opened it till I started having issues though.