When Should You Order A Breast Pump

So, there I was, a new mom, blissfully cradling my little bundle of joy, when suddenly, my breasts decided to turn into water balloons. I mean, who knew they could produce enough milk to feed a small army? I was leaking through my shirt, soaking my bra, and let's not even talk about the poor baby's outfit. That's when it hit me - I needed a breast pump. But when should you order one, you ask?

Well, let's dive into this, shall we? First things first, you don't have to wait until your baby is born. In fact, ordering a breast pump before your little one arrives can save you a lot of hassle. Imagine this: you're in the throws of labor, your baby is finally here, and all you want to do is cuddle and feed. But no, you're scrambling to find a breast pump because your milk has come in with a vengeance. Not fun, right?

So, when's the best time?

Ideally, you should order your breast pump around the 28-32 week mark of your pregnancy. This gives you plenty of time to familiarize yourself with the pump, figure out how to use it, and even practice a bit. Plus, if you're planning to go back to work, you'll have time to figure out how to pump at work (yes, that's a thing, and yes, it can be a bit of a logistical nightmare).

But what if you're not sure about your plans? What if you're still trying to decide whether you'll breastfeed or formula feed? Well, here's the thing: even if you decide not to breastfeed, having a breast pump can still be useful. It can help stimulate milk production if you're having trouble, and it can also help relieve engorgement, which can be quite painful.

What about insurance?

You might be wondering, "But what about insurance? Can't I just wait until after the baby is born to order one?" Well, yes, you can. But here's the catch: many insurance plans will cover the cost of a breast pump, but only if you order it before your baby is born. So, it's worth checking your insurance policy to see what they cover and when.

3 breast pumping schedules free printable sample charts – Artofit

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, I get it. Ordering a breast pump before the baby arrives makes sense. But what if I don't know what kind to get?" Well, that's a valid concern. There are so many different types of breast pumps out there - manual, electric, hospital-grade, etc. - it can be a bit overwhelming. But don't worry, we'll dive into that in our next post. For now, just remember: you don't have to decide right this second. You've got time.

So, there you have it. Ordering a breast pump before your baby arrives might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference. It gives you time to get used to the pump, figure out how to use it, and even practice a bit. Plus, it can save you a lot of hassle and stress in those early days and weeks with your new baby. So, what are you waiting for? Get ordering!