Jordan Ellis
Packing a hospital bag is one of the final steps in preparing for the arrival of a baby. One question that arises is whether to bring a breast pump. Many hospitals provide breast pumps for patients to use during their stay, and these hospital-grade pumps are designed for frequent pumping. However, some mothers prefer to bring their own pumps for various reasons, such as familiarity with their device and settings, and to ensure they have their preferred flanges and bottles. Additionally, there can be issues with slow response from staff, limited pump availability, and biased advice against pumping. Packing a personal pump can be beneficial, especially with the increase in birth interventions due to COVID-19 hospital policies, which have led to early breastfeeding complications. It is essential to check with the hospital beforehand to understand their policies and the availability of pumps and accessories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to bring your own breast pump to the hospital | You are familiar with your own pump and how it works, which can reduce stress or confusion |
| You can use your preferred flanges and bottles | |
| You may have specific settings on your pump that work best for your body | |
| You may want to practice your pumping technique | |
| You may want to exclusively pump or supplement breastfeeding with pumping | |
| You may want to bring colostrum you've collected while pregnant | |
| You may want to avoid biased advice against pumping from lactation consultants | |
| You may want to avoid the slow response from staff, limited pump availability, and poor flange recommendations | |
| You may want to avoid the risk of pump kits being a victim of global supply chain issues | |
| You may want to avoid restrictive visitor policies that prevent your support team from bringing the pump to you | |
| Reasons not to bring your own breast pump to the hospital | Hospitals usually have pumps available for patients to use during their stay |
| Hospital-grade pumps are efficient, easy to use, and designed for frequent pumping | |
| You may not need to pump right away, as nursing and hand expression may be enough in the first few days | |
| You may not want to carry the extra weight of the pump to and from the hospital | |
| You may want to avoid carrying extra items home |
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What You'll Learn
Benefits of bringing your own pump
The decision to bring a breast pump to the hospital depends on several factors, including your ability to breastfeed, medical needs, and hospital policies. Here are some benefits of bringing your own pump:
Familiarity and Comfort
One of the main advantages of bringing your own breast pump is familiarity with your device. You already know how your pump works, how to assemble it, and how to adjust the settings. This can reduce stress and confusion in a new environment and make you feel more relaxed and comfortable during your hospital stay.
Practice Your Pumping Technique
If you plan to exclusively pump or want to start pumping early, your hospital stay is an excellent opportunity to practice your pumping technique. Lactation consultants can guide you through the process and observe your technique to offer advice on improving efficiency.
Access to Personal Accessories
When you bring your own pump, you can use your preferred personal accessories, such as flanges, bottles, and storage bags. Using accessories that you are comfortable with can make a big difference, especially if you have any special preferences or sensitivities.
Avoid Availability and Sizing Issues
Some hospitals may have limited pump availability, and there is a risk of not receiving the correct flange size. Bringing your own pump ensures you have access to your pump whenever needed and allows you to use the flange size that best fits you.
Reduce Contamination
Hospitals may expose your pump parts to less favorable germs. By bringing your own pump, you can pair it with a collapsible travel basin to prevent the need to touch the hospital sink, reducing the risk of contaminating your pump parts.
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Hospital pump availability
The availability of breast pumps in hospitals varies, and it is important to check with your hospital beforehand to confirm their policies and availability of pumps. Many hospitals provide breast pumps for patients to use during their stay, and these hospital-grade pumps are typically designed for multiple users, efficient, easy to use, and suitable for frequent pumping. Hospitals usually have lactation consultants who can guide you through the breastfeeding process and provide support and advice on latching, positioning, and troubleshooting. These consultants can also help you learn how to use your pump properly if you decide to bring your own.
Some benefits of bringing your own breast pump to the hospital include familiarity with your device, allowing you to be comfortable with the assembly and settings. This can reduce stress and confusion in a new environment. Additionally, you will have access to your personal accessories, such as preferred flanges and bottles, and specific settings that work best for your body.
On the other hand, some hospitals have noted that their lactation consultants and nurses are focused on encouraging direct breastfeeding and may be hesitant to provide bottles or pumps. In such cases, bringing your own pump can ensure you have access to the equipment you need, especially if you plan to exclusively pump or supplement with formula.
If you do not have your own breast pump, there are options to obtain one through insurance or rental services. Many health insurance plans cover a personal breast pump through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Alternatively, rental services are available, and hospital-grade pumps can be rented with a prescription.
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Lactation consultants
Benefits of Lactation Consultants:
Hospital Lactation Consultants:
Most hospitals have lactation consultants as part of their maternity care team. These consultants are a valuable resource for new mothers, offering guidance and support during their hospital stay. They can assist you in establishing breastfeeding right from the early hours after birth, promoting bonding, milk production, and your baby's health. Hospital lactation consultants can also advise on pumping techniques and the proper use of breast pumps, whether hospital-provided or your personal pump. They ensure you feel comfortable and confident in your ability to express milk.
Advantages of Bringing Your Breast Pump to the Hospital:
Bringing your own breast pump to the hospital offers several benefits. Firstly, familiarity with your device can reduce stress and confusion in an already new and overwhelming environment. You are already accustomed to assembling and adjusting your pump's settings, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience. Additionally, by bringing your pump, you have access to your personal accessories, such as preferred flanges and bottles, ensuring a more customized and efficient pumping process. This is especially important if you have specific preferences or sensitivities.
Working with Lactation Consultants:
When working with lactation consultants, be sure to express your preferences and concerns openly. For example, if you plan to exclusively pump or have specific pumping techniques you'd like to employ, communicate this clearly. Lactation consultants are there to support your individual journey and can tailor their advice accordingly. Additionally, if you experience any issues with breastfeeding, such as sore or damaged nipples, don't hesitate to contact a lactation consultant for support and guidance. They are equipped to provide you with a healing plan and ensure your comfort.
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Packing your pump
Benefits of Packing Your Pump
You may want to bring your pump to the hospital to avoid any issues with limited pump availability, poor flange recommendations, biased advice against pumping, or supply chain issues affecting pump kits. Packing your pump ensures you have access to your preferred flanges and bottles, and you can also maintain your preferred settings on your pump.
Packing Tips
If you decide to pack your pump, ensure that you have removed it from the box, set it up, sterilized it, and practiced using it. Assemble the pump and double-check that you have packed everything necessary in the pump bag. Sanitize the pump kit (the part that collects the milk) and store it in a sealable plastic bag to keep it clean.
Other Considerations
While packing your pump, consider including a travel or neck pillow, a small Bluetooth speaker, and a nursing pillow to support you during your hospital stay. You may also want to bring your own nipple cream, as tender nipples are common postpartum. Additionally, pack a black nightgown that is comfortable, inexpensive, and free of any metal in case you need to wear it during delivery.
Hospital Provisions
It is worth noting that hospitals usually provide breast pumps and accessories like flanges, bottles, and storage bags. They also offer guidance from lactation consultants, who can support you in establishing breastfeeding and provide advice on pumping techniques.
Remember to check with your hospital beforehand to understand their policies and the availability of pumps and accessories.
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Other items to pack
When it comes to packing for a hospital delivery, there are several items you may want to bring in addition to your breast pump. Here are some other items to consider:
Clothing and Comfort:
- A robe or comfortable clothing: You may prefer to have a robe or your own comfortable clothing, especially when having guests in your room.
- Socks or slippers: Many people prefer having their own socks or slippers instead of walking around barefoot.
- A black nightgown: Consider something comfortable, without metal, and perhaps inexpensive in case of stains or emergencies.
Personal Care:
- Hair and makeup supplies: You may want to look your best for photos.
- Nipple cream: Hospitals may provide this, but having your own can be helpful in case of soreness when breastfeeding.
- Nursing pillow: This can provide extra support as you learn different breastfeeding holds.
Convenience and Entertainment:
- A small travel pillow: This can help make pull-out chairs more comfortable for partners or guests.
- A Bluetooth speaker: To play music or podcasts during your stay.
- Your own pillow: You'll be spending a lot of time in bed, so bringing your own pillow from home can make your sleep more comfortable.
Remember to also pack essential items such as ID, insurance cards, hospital paperwork, and a list of medications you're currently taking. It's also a good idea to check with your hospital to confirm their policies and what they provide, so you can plan accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on several factors, from how well you’re able to breastfeed to medical needs and hospital policies. Many hospitals provide breast pumps for patients to use during their stay, but some mothers prefer to bring their own for reasons such as familiarity with their own device.
You’re already accustomed to how your pump works, how to assemble it, and how to adjust the settings. This can reduce any additional stress or confusion in a new environment. You will also have access to your personal accessories, such as your preferred flanges and bottles.
Aside from your breast pump, you may want to pack your own nipple cream, a nursing pillow, a small travel or neck pillow, a Bluetooth speaker, socks or slippers, a robe, hair supplies and makeup, a black nightgown, and a baby book.
