English Deutsch Français Italiano Español Português 繁體中文 Bahasa Indonesia Tiếng Việt ภาษาไทย
All categories

I am pregnant 6 weeks now with my third child. My eldest is 6 and my baby is a year. I pretty much think I'll be good to go swinging this but I have one concern.

I pumped for both my previous kids, and with this one, I want to do the same. I am not interested in directly breastfeeding, so if that is your advice, please, let someone else respond. I am not comfy with that option.

Anyway, I have a Medela Advance, and honestly cleaning it is the worst time consuming thing! Does anyone know a quick way to do it? Or, if it's safe to clean just once at the end of the day? I don't want to be bothered with so much cleaning with a new baby and two kids. I only plan to pump this time for 3 months, and if things go well, I may shoot for longer. If things are too hectic, I will just formula feed with no worries after the first six weeks, I do plan to go that long in any case.

Just hoping to know if anyone knows any shortcuts!!!

2006-10-24 05:55:40 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting Newborn & Baby

8 answers

That's great that you are going to try to do this. I also did like most suggest and put some parts in the fridge, and used the microwave bag for sterilizing.

I ended up giving up on the whole pumping thing very quickly with my second child. My kids are 18 months apart, and I just didn't have a moment's peace with the oldest one trying to "help" with everything. Of course, I feel kinda bad about it, and it certainly would have been alot cheaper than buying forumla, but I needed to stop to save my sanity! Being home alone for 8 weeks with a 18month old and a newborn is very stressful! Good luck!

2006-10-24 08:20:18 · answer #1 · answered by Stacy 4 · 0 2

I know exactly what you mean... cleaning the pump is the worst. I wasn't pumping exclusively, but I too put mine in the fridge and cleaned it once a day. (Of course I only pumped once a day so I was mostly putting it in there so it wouldn't be sitting in the sink growing bacteria and stuff if I didn't get to washing it right away.)

I have an Avent manual pump and I also got one of those Avent microwave sterilizers (so I wouldn't have to keep buying bags.) I got mine at a gently used baby store for about $12.

Plus I got one of those dishwasher cages for all the little bits and pieces and if the dishwasher was going to be run anyway I'd put the pump in there too. (This is my first baby and with just my hubby and I here the dishwasher only runs every few days.)

If I was going to express full time though I would seriously have considered getting a 2nd pump too.

Maybe you can get your 6 year old to help out with some little things to free up a couple minutes here and there? I'm sure they'd be elated to be doing such important work for Mommy!!

Good luck and congrats on baby #3!!
Take care.

2006-10-24 06:29:17 · answer #2 · answered by Poopsie-Daisy 4 · 2 0

Put the horns of the pump in the refridgerator between pumping sessions and pull them out when you need them again. I did that sometimes when I worked and pumped for my oldest. Unless you have a premie that would probably work fine.

OR....see if you can buy a second set of horns. I think a lot of moms who exclusively pump get a second "collection kit" and alternate between the two to cut down on cleaning time. Contact Medela or the place where you bought the pump and see if you can buy a second collection kit.

I would encourage you to attempt directly breastfeeding for the first two weeks as the sticky colostum is almost impossible to pump and nursing directly at the breast for the first two weeks will help you to establish a better supply. Then switch to exclusively pumping if you want.

2006-10-24 06:01:46 · answer #3 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 2 0

Between uses, you can sterilize the pump with the microwave bags mentioned. I bought mine online. (It was 3 years ago, so I don't remember the site. Just search for "breastfeeding pump supplies".) Before you go to bed at night, put the horns, tubing, and all attachments into the dishwasher. This will clean and sterilize everything. Just make sure you have a good rinse agent in the dishwasher.

2006-10-24 06:04:15 · answer #4 · answered by CCTCC 3 · 2 0

I'm not familiar with that machine, but I rented a Medela from the hospital and the only thing I had to clean was the two bottles that catch the milk. It was minimal washing. Took two minutes, tops.
Maybe you should consider buying another breast pump that is easier to maintain.

2006-10-24 06:04:55 · answer #5 · answered by stocks4allseasons 3 · 0 0

Avent makes a MUCH better pumps, no tubes and you can pump directly into bags for freezing. Ive had many MANY women talk about how avent isis pumps are better than any medela pump theyve ever used. Even their manual pumps are better than medelas electric ones.

Try those. Ebay as great deals on new ones, target has reviews on them from many moms you can read.

2006-10-24 06:05:02 · answer #6 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 1 0

they have these great bags that you can sterilize every part to the pump. Look for them the next time you go into a walmart or target. All you do is fill the bag according to the directions with water and put in the microwave.

Good luck

2006-10-24 05:59:28 · answer #7 · answered by Buttercup=sweetness 2 · 2 0

If you don't mind the added expense throw it in the dishwasher. 45 mins and its perfect

2006-10-24 06:02:26 · answer #8 · answered by Bryon H 1 · 1 0

fedest.com, questions and answers