February 2014 Mommies :-)

Hi there, I decided on the Medela Swing double pump because I have heard and read about lots of people having issues with the Tommee Tippee one (which was option number 2). Apparently it doesn't break easily and even if it does, there's an excellent Medela network in SA that deals with replacements and repairs.

We were lucky in that my medical aid covered it and the baby monitor at Dischem (the Angelcare monitor). I am with Discovery - hubby is with Bestmed and I doubt whether they cover it.

I know that you can also hire the pumps from some Midwives - not sure where though but I'm sure a google or 2 will help with that.

I will have to pump at work and the noise on the pump isn't that bad (of course we took it out and connected everything and switched it on (I'm married to an engineer - that is just natural) - it is actually a bit more discreet than others that I know of. I also chose the one with 2 pumps as I don't want to spend an eternity in the bathroom at a time.

Hi Ladies,

As for the breast pump - they actually say its best if you DON'T pump for the first few weeks (unless you are planning on always expressing and bottle feeding?), since it can affect your milk production. I waited until my breastfeeding was established, and just popped out to get the pump a few weeks before returning to work.

I have the Medela mini electric - my medical aid paid for it (Discovery) BUT, out of my savings. This was 3 years ago, so not sure if that has changed....

The pump worked well - but it did make quite a bit of noise!! Luckily at my old job I had access to an empty office, but it was opposite the kitchen, and a few times I heard some of the other guys discussing the "funny noise" coming out of there (they didnt know I pumped there, only my bosses did). Luckily the door locked, since they tried to come in to investigate.......

I'm not sure what I'm going to do this time - I'll probably end up pumping in the bathroom (or try and pump enough overnight to last the next day...) In that case I think I might prefer a manual - just for the noise!!

im can always try submitting to medical aid and tell them to pay out of my savings. im on moto health care - think its part of momentum - its worth a try should i need one

Ya think ill wait on buying a breast pump. maybe just before i leave hospital if i need one ill send hubby out quickly to buy one. i think medela is the way to go also.
unfortunately i only have one sister and she doesnt have a baby.

WOW Belinda, Cant believe your medical aid covers a breast pump. It must depend on which plan you are on with discovery, I have never heard of it before.
Lucky you!!

Im on hospital plan with discovery, so only hospital fees covered

We are on Barloworld Medscheme but i know Momentum and Discovery also cover.

Hi Everyone!

Trudie, haha moenie worry nie, ek verstaan wat jy bedoel. Dis baie belangrik om aktief te bly en jou oefeninge te doen. Ek preek nou maar ek doen self nie meer myne nie. My pyn is (touch wood) nou heeltemal weg. Hoop dit bly ook so. Eks so bly die fisio het vir jou gewerk! Ten minse as myne met 'n vengeance terugkom weet ek waarheen om te gaan.

MArley, I think it's one of those difficult choices. Luckily my sister handed me her (brand new) electric medela breast pump. I've heard numorous times that Medela's pumps are great. But also, ive heard soooo many good things about manual pumps. The electric ones do make a funny noise and can be quite uncomfortable when youre back at work and have to express in the bathroom. Manual pumps may be much faster as well .
Then on the other hand, some woman don't even have enough milk for baby, never mind using a pump. So its a difficult one. spending over a 1000k on a pump which you might not really even use so often.
Don't you maybe have sisters that you can borrow from? (I know using someone else's pump can be a disgusting thought.) I know some midwifes who runs pre / antenatal clinics rent out breast pumps. Maybe its something to look at before you fork out the cash. Or speak to a breastfeeding consultant on which pumps work best?

I enrolled in a hypnobirthing course today. it starts next week tuesday already!! Freaking out a little that everything is happening so quickly. I thought to myself, no, i'd rather attend the next course, but when I thought about it, it takes a little over a month (one day a week), so if I dont do November, I cant do December because of Christmas inbetween. Then that only leaves january and my due date is 9th of Feb. So i have to do it now. NERVES!!

I was always dead set on all natural birth, but with every little kick I'm becoming more and more scared and second guessing my choices. Last night I had my first emotional night where I just felt like crying. The stress of this life changing event is taking over the excited, happy romantic feeling of a little baby. I'm sure it's totally normal to feel this way, like my husband said, If I wasn't stressed at all, he'll be worried. haha! I mean, a child is a massive life changer! So yes, please tell me you ladies have had moments of (keel toetrek) anxiety?

Anyway, it always feels better to talk about it, and this is the perfect place, as we know each other, but dont really know each other, so we can let off steam and be crazy and the people around us won't notice.. haha!

Bye ladies. have nice evening!
xx

no problem

thanks so much - what medical aid are you on