Reddit reviews LactaMed Simplicity Hands Free Bra Kit - Black

Daddy got it right here

This pump bra is what I used while pumping. Cheaper than most pump bras I found and worked well. If I had any clue where mine was, I’d offer to send it!

Hi there. I've been exclusively pumping for eight weeks now. The pumping bra should help. Are you massaging your breast while pumping? If not, try using your thumb/knuckles from the base of your breast down to the nipple while pumping, all around and really watching your output to see which areas give the best result when massaged.

You should also be pumping at least seven times a day, around twenty mins per side.

Make sure your flanges fit correctly. The default sizes are often too large. I personally had to special order size 19mm flanges.

Here's the bra I'd recommend. Seriously a life saver:
https://www.amazon.com/LactaMed-Simplicity-Hands-Free-Bra/dp/B00JAO6TT8

Good luck. I know this is hard. Let me know if you have any questions.

Rationale is that 1) less access for massaging, and 2) compression can block ducts.

Here’s one that works that allows massaging. You just can’t walk around or anything, but does hold up flanges while you’re seated.

I made it to 6 months but I worked full time. I think it would have been easier to make it a year if I worked part time... You are incredibly lucky! Definitely get a good pump. I used a hospital grade and worth every penny. Pump both breasts and then when baby is nursing on one side you can manually pump the other if you want! Go buy THIS https://www.amazon.com/LactaMed-Simplicity-Hands-Free-Bra/dp/B00JAO6TT8

Good Luck! You'll do great!

I wear a nursing bra that unclips and then use this thing. I put it on over my clothes and just pull my shirt up. Works great.

If anyone else is looking for something I have used this for a year and I swear by it! Super cheap and easy to use.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JAO6TT8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

LactaMed Simplicity Hands Free Bra Kit - Black

Your girlfriends arms will thank you.

I've just stuck them in my bra and combined with the suction, they stay on fine. I'm smaller chested though. I have a friend who uses this (or something similar) and like it: https://www.amazon.com/LactaMed-Simplicity-Hands-Free-Bra/dp/B00JAO6TT8?th=1

First off, you are not a failure as a mom. Even if breastfeeding doesn't work out, that would not make you a failure. You are working so hard for your baby! Breastfeeding is incredibly difficult, and here you are at 7 weeks already! That is an achievement!!

It sounds like you would benefit from having someone evaluate exactly what's happening when baby tries to feed (and to get some feedback on what you're doing right in order to get your confidence back up). So the best advice I can offer is to contact a lactation consultant. Does the hospital where you delivered have a breastfeeding medicine or lactation department? It would be worth asking. They may be able to offer you an appointment or recommend an out-of-hospital lactation consultant (the out-of-hospital groups sometimes even do home visits, which is super helpful).

Are you spending time skin-to-skin with baby? Skin-to-skin isn't just helpful in the first day or for NICU babies, but can help you two bond as well as keep your milk prpduction up.

I'm glad to hear you are paced feeding-- that will definitely help avoid bottle preference. You probably already know this, but make sure to use preemie nipples only when paced feeding.

It can be hard to learn how to hand express, but you can do it! There are some Stanford videos that may be helpful for you. Please note that they're sometimes a little specific to pumping for a baby in the NICU, but I think they're good to see all the same. Here's one on hand expressing (start at 1:34) and another on hands-on pumping. I'm one of the moms who has to do hands-on pumping to get any milk production, and you might be the same way. I'm a big fan of this particular pumping bra, which allows full access to the breast so you can compress while pumping.

With regard to your Medela, are you using the correct size breast shield? If you hold the pump parts sideways, do the white membranes lie flush against the yellow valves, or do they droop? (If that doesn't make sense, check out this video to see what I mean.) If the white membranes droop or are torn, they need to be replaced. If you are able to meet with a lactation consultant, have your pump with you and ask them to evaluate your pumping set up.

Best of luck to you, momma! Please remember, you are not a failure. Even if breastfeeding ends before you want it to, you are a rock star for everything you've done and continue to do for your little one!

First off, get a pump harness thingy. I used this https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JAO6TT8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1478782791&sr=8-1&keywords=breastpump+harness Not the prettiest but it got the job done.
This allowed me to have hands free while pumping. I was even able to get up and walk short distances. I would pump in the twins room while they napped, and if one fussed I could get up and get her. I also pumped while bottle feeding. Set up a twin z pillow and held bottles while pumped.

I pumped and supplemented, probably 25% formula.

I ended up dropping the pumping and tried breastfeeding (and tandem) at 6 weeks because my boobs were rejecting the pump and my supply was dropping to nothing. (First 4 weeks were golden, with decent oversupply). That ended up working best for me in the long run, it saves a ton of time if you can swing it.

I always need something to hold them on. Especially if the bottles get kind of full and heavy. Sometimes shoving them in my bra works, sometimes not. This is my favorite style: Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra, Patented, Pink, XS-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_isiYCbTN4AGSQ

This one is a good style too: LactaMed Simplicity Hands Free Bra Kit - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JAO6TT8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yuiYCb4EXTT9V

This one didn't work as well for me when the bottles got heavy: BRAVADO! DESIGNS Women's Maternity Clip and Pump Hands-Free Nursing Bra Accessory, Dove Heather https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCO9OY8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_duiYCbCP16VSQ

Also cutting holes in a sports bra works, especially if you need one now but it was a pain to get on/off, and I pump multiple times a day, every day, so I got a dedicated pump bra.

This is what I use. It goes overtop clothes and such.
It's not exactly a bra

I bought my extra Spectra parts through their website. They aren't sold in stores like Medela parts are.

I think you'd want the small set of Pumpin Pals. It comes with a pair each of xs, s, and m, so one of those sizes should work. They only work with the standard 24mm Spectra flanges (regardless of what size Pumpin Pals you're using).

The Avent bottles screw onto the Spectra bottles, so that's what I used. I got a few 4 oz bottles and a few 9 oz bottles.

It's really hard to hold the bottles in place while you pump, especially if you're large chested. I'd definitely recommend a pumping bra. I used this over my regular nursing bras:
https://www.amazon.com/LactaMed-Simplicity-Hands-Free-Bra/dp/B00JAO6TT8
It was cheaper than a full pumping bra and was more convenient than having to change every time I wanted to pump.

I loved this thing, which looks stupid but really works, and it doesn't require changing bras.

https://www.amazon.com/LactaMed-Simplicity-Hands-Free-Bra/dp/B00JAO6TT8/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1536595062&sr=8-3&keywords=simplicity+hands+free+pumping+bra

Pumping is the pits. On particularly annoying days, I like looking a pictures or videos of my little man. It helps with let down and reminds me of why I put myself through milking torture on the daily.

Sounds like you've tried a bunch, but in case you haven't seen or tried it, I recommend this hands free "bra" -if you can really call it that.

LactaMed Simplicity Hands Free Bra Kit - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JAO6TT8?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

It's the only one that I've found worthwhile, you don't have to get undressed all the way to put it on, and it let's me use my hands to do anything other than hold the flanges.

I hope you find a groove that works for you, but if not, it's ok to stop or move into combo feeding or whatever works best for you and babe.

I use this. I fold my nursing bra to where the boobie pads (I use disposable ones) are facing up to catch any errant drops of liquid gold. Perks of using that nifty tool: it doesn’t really require laundering.

I have this - super adjustable, and you can add more length to the strings as needed:

LactaMed Simplicity Hands Free Bra Kit - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JAO6TT8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.ISgDbV011D5H

I used this LactaMed Simplicity Hands Free Bra Kit - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JAO6TT8/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_izG1Db60J5434
I wore a nursing bra and used this. I never wore a pumping bra. It worked everywhere and it’s small and easy to transport

This one looks super weird, but works for me. I use a spectra pum, but it's universal. It's only $14 and is super small. It can kind of squeeze milk out before you get the flanges in but otherwise is fine. LactaMed Simplicity Hands Free Bra Kit - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JAO6TT8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_32m3Db061G07Q

I'm on my third week back so heyyyy on the same boat. Missing my baby all day probably contributed to some stress, and work in general is stressful, so I really hope I can relax more so I can pump more milk.

I use this hands-free tie thing and find that it's so much easier to set up while at work versus a hands-free bra.

LactaMed Simplicity Hands Free Bra Kit - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JAO6TT8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_ZB7qiAR6SXtbA

(On mobile so sorry about the formatting, or lack there of).

As for pumping bra I got this for 13 dollars

LactaMed Simplicity Hands Free Bra Kit - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JAO6TT8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_eB.ozbB28JB7V

Is it a bra, no. Do I feel ridiculous strapped in by shoelaces, totally. Could I make it myself, probably but with a newborn I ain't got time for that. Does it work? Totally! I usually pump one side while my little one nurses on the other so he helps trigger letdown, but I've done both sides a well! Hope this helps!

I got this one off Amazon and love it. It's so easy to adjust it for the perfect fit and is quick to put on.