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By: ePregnancy

And Around the Bend They Come!  
Congratulations, Mom, you are in the home stretch! Just as jockeys count the strides in the homestretch, you are probably counting the days. In the next few days you may get hit by lightening -- but don’t run for the rubber-soled shoes, this isn’t an electrical shock (that’s lightning). Lightening refers to the baby settling deeper into your pelvis; some refer to it as the baby “dropping”  but we don’t like to think about dropping babies (remember the Goonies’ Sloth?). Although you may feel like there is a watermelon sitting on your pelvic bones, you might also get some breathing relief, as the baby is no longer compressing your diaphragm. So breathe easy, it won’t be long now.

We’ve been doing a lot of talking about breastfeeding in the past few months, and certainly the practice is widely acknowledged to be the best choice for growing babies. However, some women choose not to breastfeed, or are unable to for a variety of reasons. If you are one of the many moms who chooses to use formula, be sure you are fully educated. We recommend taking some time to read over the FDA guidelines on formula feeding.

If you are going to breastfeed, and don't want your little one to take formula, you'll need to invest in a breast pump. If you don't want to shell out quite as much cash, there are places where you can rent them and your doctor should be able to fill you in on the available resources. There are several different kinds of pumps on the market today, ranging from small, inexpensive hand pumps to more complex electric ones. Here's the scoop on what's available:

• Manual pumps -- These tend to be much less expensive than the electric models, and are typically smaller, making them more convenient and portable. Some moms love these pumps, because they can pump on one side while nursing on the other without disturbing the baby; other moms find them just too slow and hard to operate.
  
  
• Battery-operated pumps -- More portable than high-end pumps, these are perfect if you only pump occasionally (if you are leaving your child with a sitter and don't want to give them formula, for instance). As with the hand pumps, generally you are only able to pump one breast at a time, and they will be slower and less efficient than a higher-grade electrical model.
  
  
• High-end electric pumps -- This class of pump seems to have it all: they are efficient, convenient, portable and you can pump both breasts at the same time. Some are even smart enough to mimic a baby's sucking pattern! They are pricier than the previous two, but many women feel it's worth the investment -- particularly if you will be pumping often.
  
  
• Hospital-grade pumps -- By far the most expensive, these pumps can cost upwards of $1000. If you can't breastfeed, but still want to provide your baby with breastmilk, this is the option for you. They are fast, efficient and thorough -- but are also bigger and heavier, making them much less portable. This is the most commonly rented pump due to the high cost -- check with a lactation consultant for a supplier. 

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