Virginia Hospital Center question

[Anonymous]

I am interested in renting a hospital grade breast pump. Can I get one at VHS? Also-do you start using the pump while you are at the hospital or is it something you start at home? Don't laugh but I can't remember from the last time when I used a Medela--and FYI on that one-I burned out the motor from pumping so much. Any thought on whether this is possible and if not where I could get one would be great.

[Anonymous]

No clue about whether you can get one at VHC but definitely worth asking. If they don't surely the lactation consultant could help you find a place to rent one.

As for when to start pumping, I know there are sometimes intervening factors, but I know with my first child I didn't pump until she was nearly 8 weeks old and I wanted to start pumping and introducing a bottle before returning to work.

[Anonymous]

I delivered at VHC, and I'm pretty sure they don't rent pumps. You can rent from Alexandria Hospital though, depending on where you live.

[Anonymous]

I just had a pre-natal breastfeeding class with a lactation consultant and she told me that VHC does not rent breastpumps.

The LC I met with suggested I pump after feeding my baby. I tried breastfeeding with my son and only lasted 18 days - I think due to supply issues. So her goal is to help me boost my supply as quickly as possible this time around. I'm sure though you'll hear different things about pumping from everyone.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like VHC doesn't rent pumps, but when I delivered DD at VHC 2.5 yrs ago, I know I used a hospital grade pump while still in recovery.

I had a hard time getting baby to latch on and stay awake, so to get milk up they brough in a pump for me to use. I told them my DH could go get the one I had purchased and bring it to me, but they suggested I use theirs since it is stronger and I also got a whole set of extra tubes, cones, etc to take home. It was all covered by ins so I didn't pay out of pocket for any of it.

[Anonymous]

VHC doesn't rent pumps, but Preston's pharmacy on Lee Highway (right near the hospital) does. I can't help you with when to start pumping. I started after my milk came in and was using it to try to relieve engorgement. With Baby #2, I intend to start pumping as soon as I get home to prevent engorgement.

[Anonymous]

I started pumping as soon as I got home from the hospital after a vaginal delivery. I think it helped my milk come in very quickly. I also used it to try to produce more milk than I needed (by sending my body the message that I needed more than baby drank). I never had supply problems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like VHC doesn't rent pumps, but when I delivered DD at VHC 2.5 yrs ago, I know I used a hospital grade pump while still in recovery.

I had a hard time getting baby to latch on and stay awake, so to get milk up they brough in a pump for me to use. I told them my DH could go get the one I had purchased and bring it to me, but they suggested I use theirs since it is stronger and I also got a whole set of extra tubes, cones, etc to take home. It was all covered by ins so I didn't pay out of pocket for any of it.

I delivered at VHC less than a year ago, and used a hospital pump there, so they still have them to use while you're still admitted.

[Anonymous]

I can't comment on VHC items, but I burned out the motor on my Ameda pump. I called them, they fedex-ed me a new one overnight, gave me a box to send the old one back...no questions asked and didn't have to pay a dime (just had some engorgement while waiting for the replaced pump to arrive).

So you may want to call Medela and see what their policy depending on the make and model. Also, I heard that if you weren't the original owner of the bump (it's borrowed, bought used, etc.) then any replacement/guarantee policy is void. Like I said, not sure if that is true and not sure how that is proved (maybe need the ID# to verify it was you who bought it or something)...just FYI.