So, I've been having some pumping supply issues lately. When my father-in-law passed away, I knew I might have some supply issues. They didn't show up for nearly 3 weeks. I've now been dealing with them for about 2 weeks. I won (from Medela) a Pump-In-Style when my daughter was only a month or so old (I really don't remember, but it was very early on). I was in a video Medela produced about lactation consults. And yes, they gave me the pump. So, there it is. But, I was NOT paid my Medela to say what I'm about to say. I digress.
I've heard wonderful, wonderful things about Hygeia. I knew with over 16 months (probably closer to 17 months) use on my ole' Medela PIS, I might need to break down & buy a new one. I pumped with my DD for 15 months (so, about 14 months use with her) & I started pumping with DS when he was 1 month old, to get a freezer stash (so about 3 months with him).
And, I had flexible spending account money burning a hole in my pocket. I had to use it quickly. I bought the EnJoye. I just wanted to compare them for you all.
Medela Pump-In-Style Pros
The pump parts (flanges, etc) come apart. This makes for easier cleaning. It's easy to find Medela products. I don't have to get online to buy products. I never broke anything using it (I broke a filter adapter thingy on the Hygeia pump the first time I used it). There's no deciding how fast to go. It really is simple for first-time moms (and us second-timers too!). When you buy bottles, they come 4 to a pack. Three (like Hygeia sells) is not incredibly convenient.
Hygeia EnJoye Pros
Feels like a mom & pop company (I'm not sure if it is, but, it just feels more personal). The standard flange size is 27mm (Medela's is 24). The pump is chargeable. You can charge it & then it runs on battery power (which makes this pump very portable...I've already used it in the car & I've walked around the house with it). You can control speed & strength. I'm discovering I actually get more milk when I use a faster speed the entire time. You can record your baby (not sure if I really like this...as I have hit the play button a couple of times...you hear a baby crying...and I've done it in public!!). It's a "green" pump. You can send it in to be recycled when you're done. Or, because it is designed for more than one user, you can sell it to someone when you're done. I already have someone who's asked to buy mine when I'm done. It seems a little bit lighter. Hygeia follows the WHO code about human milk.
About Both
They're both loud. They both come with a cute bag & a freezer bag. It sucks to pump. Really. I just wish I could get as much milk pumping as I know my baby gets. He's much more efficient than any pump will ever be! Here are links to BOTH websites: Hygeia & Medela.
The bad thing is, buy a pump is a huge investment. It will save you money. It is a hard decision. Please read about the companies.
Happy Pumping People!
Showing posts with label breast pumping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breast pumping. Show all posts
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Friday, July 23, 2010
Why I Chose to Breastfeed
Welcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!
This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on The Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about Importance of Breastfeeding. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!
I've been a little SWAMPED with school, so I didn't post the previous two days. Here's what you missed:
Wordless Wednesday...ironically, I have two pictures of myself breastfeeding. TWO! And, they're both mostly head shots of me. One is at a restaurant and you can only see my face. The other is an extremely adorable picture of my daughter's head and me. Her foot is up on my chest. That's it. Maybe with baby #2, I'll be brave enough to take more pictures!
Yesterday's Carnival post should have been about how my birth experience impacted nursing...
I really thought I had written about my "birth." I guess I have not shared that here. But, that goes along with the importance of breastfeeding and why I chose (and committed fully) to nursing my daughter.
When I was pregnant, and even before, I knew I'd nurse. I have an awesome sister-in-law who was an excellent example. She nursed her first daughter for a year. It could be done. Women in Oklahoma do breastfeed for more than 6 weeks!
Then I got pregnant. I did not take breastfeeding classes. I thought I knew it all (yeah, right!). No one prepared me for how hard breastfeeding is. It's truly an art. Then came A's birth. A. was born via c-section after 24 hours of labor (induction for pre-eclampsia) and 2.5 hours (included in the 24 hours) of pushing. I was devastated. Heartbroken. Fortunately, I had the most awesome nurse, who, despite my post-partum hemorrhage (the real deal, lots and lots and lots of blood) got Addison to latch on. Not only did she did A. to latch on within, probably, less than 1 hour from her birth, she did so as I was actively bleeding. That simple act helped me so much. The bond was formed. The connection was made.
The next 48 hours were a totally different story. I got 2 units of Hespan (a starch that is used as a volume expander...trying to avoiding getting blood), was on Magnesium Sulfate, was out of it, and got 2 units of blood. My blood pressure was 140s/40s...for real. That's because my hemoglobin dropped dramatically. I felt awful. A. got very little, if any, of my milk in that first 48 hours. Daddy (and the entire family) learned to syringe feed (formula) during this time.
At 48 hours, I went to the mom/baby unit. I struggled over the next 48 hours. I got 2 more units of blood. I saw every lactation consultant (almost) employed at the hospital. I pumped. I resigned myself to being okay with formula and breastfeeding. My nurses (who happened to be my employees, as I was their manager) comforted me, consoled me, told me formula was okay. I was heartbroken.
But, somewhere...maybe the ride home...maybe the first morning we woke up to a room full of bottles...I don't really know.....somewhere though, it hit me. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I did NOT have the birth I wanted. In fact, I despised the way my daughter was born. I felt respected. I loved (and still do) my OB. She was so awesome and encouraging and supportive. She told me I'd VBAC next time. So, it had nothing to do with the way I felt during surgery. I hated my recovery. I hated having MY child cut from me. So, I decided I would NOT give up on breastfeeding.
Then, I had milk supply issues. Huge issues. As in, my milk didn't "come in" for 2 weeks. For 2 weeks, I breastfed, pumped, and fed A. formula. No wonder I was exhausted and had a horrible recovery. I was always feeding or preparing to feed my daughter! When I saw my OB at my 2 week visit, I nearly begged for her permission to quit breastfeeding. After all, I thought, if she thought it was okay, it would be okay. Well, she told me it would be okay...but to keep breastfeeding. Grrr, not what I wanted to hear. But, I did not want to disappoint her. Or myself. Or my daughter. (Probably in reverse order!)
Little A did not get the birth she deserved. She would get the food she deserved. So I nursed. And nursed. I took fenugreek (per my OB's recommendation). At about 6 weeks, it all sunk in. Nursing was suddenly easy. I vowed quitting at any time, was still indeed quitting. And I vowed never to quit. (On a side note, I think it's okay to quit at 3 years...where we are now!)
Other than psychologically mending my relationship with my daughter...it has helped her health. She has been a healthy little girl. Compared to my nephews, who only got a little breast milk (less than 1 week), she is absolutely healthy!
And, I'm frugal. And green. Think of all the money I saved! And water!
And, that, is how breastfeeding became so important to me.
Here are more posts by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.
This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on The Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about Importance of Breastfeeding. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!
I've been a little SWAMPED with school, so I didn't post the previous two days. Here's what you missed:
Wordless Wednesday...ironically, I have two pictures of myself breastfeeding. TWO! And, they're both mostly head shots of me. One is at a restaurant and you can only see my face. The other is an extremely adorable picture of my daughter's head and me. Her foot is up on my chest. That's it. Maybe with baby #2, I'll be brave enough to take more pictures!
Yesterday's Carnival post should have been about how my birth experience impacted nursing...
I really thought I had written about my "birth." I guess I have not shared that here. But, that goes along with the importance of breastfeeding and why I chose (and committed fully) to nursing my daughter.
When I was pregnant, and even before, I knew I'd nurse. I have an awesome sister-in-law who was an excellent example. She nursed her first daughter for a year. It could be done. Women in Oklahoma do breastfeed for more than 6 weeks!
Then I got pregnant. I did not take breastfeeding classes. I thought I knew it all (yeah, right!). No one prepared me for how hard breastfeeding is. It's truly an art. Then came A's birth. A. was born via c-section after 24 hours of labor (induction for pre-eclampsia) and 2.5 hours (included in the 24 hours) of pushing. I was devastated. Heartbroken. Fortunately, I had the most awesome nurse, who, despite my post-partum hemorrhage (the real deal, lots and lots and lots of blood) got Addison to latch on. Not only did she did A. to latch on within, probably, less than 1 hour from her birth, she did so as I was actively bleeding. That simple act helped me so much. The bond was formed. The connection was made.
The next 48 hours were a totally different story. I got 2 units of Hespan (a starch that is used as a volume expander...trying to avoiding getting blood), was on Magnesium Sulfate, was out of it, and got 2 units of blood. My blood pressure was 140s/40s...for real. That's because my hemoglobin dropped dramatically. I felt awful. A. got very little, if any, of my milk in that first 48 hours. Daddy (and the entire family) learned to syringe feed (formula) during this time.
At 48 hours, I went to the mom/baby unit. I struggled over the next 48 hours. I got 2 more units of blood. I saw every lactation consultant (almost) employed at the hospital. I pumped. I resigned myself to being okay with formula and breastfeeding. My nurses (who happened to be my employees, as I was their manager) comforted me, consoled me, told me formula was okay. I was heartbroken.
But, somewhere...maybe the ride home...maybe the first morning we woke up to a room full of bottles...I don't really know.....somewhere though, it hit me. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I did NOT have the birth I wanted. In fact, I despised the way my daughter was born. I felt respected. I loved (and still do) my OB. She was so awesome and encouraging and supportive. She told me I'd VBAC next time. So, it had nothing to do with the way I felt during surgery. I hated my recovery. I hated having MY child cut from me. So, I decided I would NOT give up on breastfeeding.
Then, I had milk supply issues. Huge issues. As in, my milk didn't "come in" for 2 weeks. For 2 weeks, I breastfed, pumped, and fed A. formula. No wonder I was exhausted and had a horrible recovery. I was always feeding or preparing to feed my daughter! When I saw my OB at my 2 week visit, I nearly begged for her permission to quit breastfeeding. After all, I thought, if she thought it was okay, it would be okay. Well, she told me it would be okay...but to keep breastfeeding. Grrr, not what I wanted to hear. But, I did not want to disappoint her. Or myself. Or my daughter. (Probably in reverse order!)
Little A did not get the birth she deserved. She would get the food she deserved. So I nursed. And nursed. I took fenugreek (per my OB's recommendation). At about 6 weeks, it all sunk in. Nursing was suddenly easy. I vowed quitting at any time, was still indeed quitting. And I vowed never to quit. (On a side note, I think it's okay to quit at 3 years...where we are now!)
Other than psychologically mending my relationship with my daughter...it has helped her health. She has been a healthy little girl. Compared to my nephews, who only got a little breast milk (less than 1 week), she is absolutely healthy!
And, I'm frugal. And green. Think of all the money I saved! And water!
And, that, is how breastfeeding became so important to me.
Here are more posts by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.
- Sylko @ Chaotic Mama—http://chaoticmama.wordpress.com/2010/07/23/breastfeeding-carnival-importance-of-breastfeeding/">Breastfeeding Carnival: Importance of Breastfeeding
- Sara @ The Covered Wagon—http://thecoveredwagon.wordpress.com/2010/07/23/nursing-a-food-allergic-child">Nursing a Food Allergic Child
- Shelly @ Lousy Mom—http://lousymom.com/content/importance-breastfeeding">Importance of breastfeeding
- Timbra @ Bosoms & Babes—http://bosoms-and-babes.blogspot.com/2010/07/importance-of-breastfeeding-carnival.htm">The best non-decision I ever made
- Shary @ Mama Fish—http://www.blog.sharylove.com/?p=193">Why Breast Milk is Best
- Claire @ The Adventures of Lactating Girl—http://wp.me/pDcm9-kQ">I Breastfeed For Me
- Lauren @ Hobo Mama—http://www.hobomama.com/2010/07/why-breastfeeding-is-important.html">Why breastfeeding is important
- Kate @ KateIsFun—http://kateisfun.blogspot.com/2010/07/importance-of-breastfeeding.html">The Importance of Breastfeeding
- Kaitlin Rose @ Bring Birth Home—http://bringbirthhome.com/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-came-naturally/">Breastfeeding Came Naturally
- Brooke @ Milk Maid Mamma—http://milkmaidmomma.blogspot.com/2010/07/why-i-chose-to-breastfeed.html">Why I Chose to Breastfeed
- Lexi @ Life as a Mommy—http://dennyandlexi.blogspot.com/2010/07/special-bonds.html">Special Bonds
- Whitney @ According to Waddlebug:The (Un)Balancing act of Motherhood—http://theunbalancingactofmotherhood.blogspot.com/2010/07/importance-of-breastfeeding.html">Importance of Breastfeeding
- Natasha @ naturalurbanmama—http://www.naturalurbanmama.com/2010/07/importance-of-breastfeeding-x-men-and.html">Importance of Breastfeeding:X-men and Faberge Shampoo
- Shelly @ Lousy Mom—http://lousymom.com/content/wheat-allergies-and-working">Wheat allergies and working
- And of course the guest poster on the Breastfeeding Cafe’s Blog today is Jen Karsbaek—http://wp.me/pwUtv-j9">Breastfeeding Helps Me Love My Son
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Pumping Sucks
Welcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!
This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com.
For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about breastfeeding and employment. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!
This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com.
For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about breastfeeding and employment. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!
I had a very demanding job when my daughter was born. I was the nursing manager of a very busy unit in a large hospital. I had over 100 employees that reported directly to me. I was acquiring more responsibility when I went back to work. The deck was stacked against me. When I returned to work, I had only been breastfeeding comfortably and easily for 6 weeks.
Within the first few weeks of returning to work, I attended a breastfeeding symposium. I learned, in Oklahoma, a very small percentage of women still breastfed at 1 year of life. My heart was broken. I really felt I was up against all odds. I was determined though. I was NOT quitting breastfeeding for my job. Fortunately, my boss was incredibly supportive. No questions asked, I pumped when I needed to. Actually, I think it made her a little uncomfortable, so she let me do it when I needed! It doesn't matter, I got to pump.
Also, very luckily for me, I had a private office. I was able to close the door and pump. I also worked with a great group of lactation consultants, so they totally supported me. I quickly learned, although the statistics and my job (sort of) were against me, I had a lot on my side. So, I pumped. I pumped and pumped and pumped. When I returned to work I pumped 3 times a day (and that was in only 8-10 hours). It decreased to 2, then finally to once per day. I actually started enjoying my pumping time (although I never enjoyed hooking myself up to pump). It was nice to close my door and have some peace. It was lovely. Quiet...except that stupid sound pumps make!
Now, actually breastfeeding after returning to work was a different story. I was so exhausted from working so much, I could hardly stay awake when my daughter wanted to nurse at night. We, out sheer exhaustion, began to co-sleep. It saved my sanity. My daughter began to cluster nurse at night. She would take a bottle during the day, but much preferred momma to that bottle!
I was also finishing graduate school during my daughter's first year. I remember sitting in our living room with her nursing and me reading article after article. What fun that was! Breastfeeding while working is completely possible. If you're returning to work, pumping provides you some quiet time. Some time to think about your baby. Some time to get away. Think about that while you're pumping, don't think about that silly pump!
Here are more post by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.
- Emily @ Baby Dickey—http://babydickey.com/2010/07/20/im-a-working-breastfeeding-mama">I’m a working and breastfeeding mama
- Sylko @ Chaotic Mama—http://chaoticmama.wordpress.com/2010/07/20/breastfeeding-carnival-wohm-breastfeeding/">Breastfeeding Carnival: WOHM Breastfeeding
- Claire @ The Adventures of Lactating Girl—http://wp.me/pDcm9-k5">Breastfeeding Student
- Veronica @ Crunchy VT Mommy—http://www.crunchyvtmommy.com/2010/07/business-boobies-breastfeeding-todays.html">Business Boobies: Breastfeeding & Today’s Workplace
- Whitney @ According to Waddlebug: The (Un)Balancing Act of Motherhood—http://theunbalancingactofmotherhood.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=hPqB7ykBAAA.rpL5vTOCm959XOeIBIstfw.6RM2FvDk2_YxziTSXshxHg&postId=4170124354150495212&type=POST">My Perfect Job
- BoobiesNBabies @ Num In Mind—http://numinmind.blogspot.com/2010/07/I-Remember-Baby-Friendly-Workplace.html">I Remember a Baby Friendly Workplace
- Claire @ Geeky Gaming Mama—http://geekygamingmama.blogspot.com/2010/07/breastfeeding-and-employment-my.html">Breastfeeding and Employment
- Natasha @ Natural Urban Mamas—http://www.naturalurbanmama.com/2010/07/breastfeeding-at-work-in-canada-is-this.html">Breastfeeding at Work-In Canada is this an issue?
- Brooke @ Milk Maid Mamma—http://milkmaidmomma.blogspot.com/2010/07/pumping-sucks.html">Pumping Sucks
- And of course the guest poster on the Breastfeeding Cafe’s Blog today is Christy Porucznik—http://wp.me/pwUtv-hB">Maintaining Breastfeeding While Separated from One’s Baby—Often Known in the USA as Gainful Employment
Saturday, June 28, 2008
The Big Night Out
Well, we did it!
Actually, Greg already had, it was my first time. We spent the night away from little A. She stayed with Grandma and G-pa while we went on a date and spent the night in a hotel. It was really fun! I even pumped in our hotel...what fun. So, a little over 24 hours without my little munchkin & I survived! I was so anxious to get back to her this morning though!
And, supposedly she slept "through the night." She has done that approximately 3 times for us (all in a row, last July, all while we were traveling...of course).
As for pumping while away, here's what I did:
Pumped as usual at work (recently went back to twice a day -- to increase for a vacation later in the year) -- my last pumping was towards the end of the day
Pumped before bed -- sort of later than one of our normal feedings, but oh well
Slept without anyone attached to my breasts for 10 hours
Woke up to extremely full, slightly painful rocks on my chest!
Pumped!
So, it wasn't that bad. See, we're planning on a trip to Mexico in a couple of months. I wanted to make sure I could (1) be away from Addison for the night and (2) pump for 24 hours away. I think I could do it with 4-5 pumpings a day. Of course it's not like it's all peaceful and cozy to go 8-10 hours without pumping. It's actually quite painful!
Well, I'm proud of myself, but I sure did miss my little girl!
Actually, Greg already had, it was my first time. We spent the night away from little A. She stayed with Grandma and G-pa while we went on a date and spent the night in a hotel. It was really fun! I even pumped in our hotel...what fun. So, a little over 24 hours without my little munchkin & I survived! I was so anxious to get back to her this morning though!
And, supposedly she slept "through the night." She has done that approximately 3 times for us (all in a row, last July, all while we were traveling...of course).
As for pumping while away, here's what I did:
Pumped as usual at work (recently went back to twice a day -- to increase for a vacation later in the year) -- my last pumping was towards the end of the day
Pumped before bed -- sort of later than one of our normal feedings, but oh well
Slept without anyone attached to my breasts for 10 hours
Woke up to extremely full, slightly painful rocks on my chest!
Pumped!
So, it wasn't that bad. See, we're planning on a trip to Mexico in a couple of months. I wanted to make sure I could (1) be away from Addison for the night and (2) pump for 24 hours away. I think I could do it with 4-5 pumpings a day. Of course it's not like it's all peaceful and cozy to go 8-10 hours without pumping. It's actually quite painful!
Well, I'm proud of myself, but I sure did miss my little girl!
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