And we're off..Research Topic #2: Breast Pumps

Ah the breast pump. Insane torture device or necessary feeding mechanism? I must admit that the breast pump freaks me out a little bit. My research started with Baby Bargains, which highly recommended the Medela brand. After looking at the options, I was considering the Pump In Style Advanced or the Freestyle. After a couple of chats with friends, the pump in style advanced won out because it was cheaper, quieter, and overall I had more friends who had experience with it (and raving about it) than the freestyle. Apparently people love this pump. While asking about pumps, I learned some new terminology-the suction cups are called "horns"(lending further proof to my torture device theory) and also learned what "accessories" people use and don't use - most don't use all of the accessories. It was also helpful to learn about the storage systems people use/prefer as well has the entire pumping system that people have created for themselves. I'm sure we'll create our own system but it's nice to have a frame of reference.

All of this information came in handy when we ventured to Target last night to register. We were going to wait a little while, but we received a catalog from Target in the mail (how DO they get your name when you're expecting?!?) with a coupon which gives you a $20 gift card just for registering! The catch was we had to do it before the coupon expired early next week. I have to admit I think we both were really excited to do this. We chose Target because it is easily accessible, affordable and both of our families are frequent shoppers. I know there are online sites that sort of consolidate everything for you, which I think are great, however, I like to see things before I buy them and I know that our families tend to be the same way.

After signing up on the computer kiosk, Target gives you a tote bag of coupons and samples (BLK YOU WILL LOVE IT!!) and the scanner gun. Then you are off! I was armed with a list of things to look at. The baby section at Target is pretty small. This is both a blessing and a curse - Babies R Us may give me a panic attack, but I think it is probably where we will go next for items like the car seat and stroller, of which Target does not have that great of selection in store.

Then we got to the breastfeeding aisle. The pump in style advance was there like a shining beacon. "HOLY HELL" was my husband's reply. Apparently one of us was not researching breast pumps and the price was a little shocking to him. I told him I didn't care if 20 people went in and bought the thing for me - I would rather have that that 20 different cute outfits. Call me practical. Thanks to CD, who gave me a lesson on breastmilk bags and bottles, we went with the Lasinoh breast milk bags and the Dr. Brown's bottles, which you can attach directly to the breast pump. FANCY, ha ha ha. Dr. Brown's were also recommended in, you guessed it, Baby Bargains.

All in all it was a fun experience, although short. I added some more things, like bum genius cloth diapers, online since those ARE available at Target, but no in stores. We decided to not register for any clothes beyond basic onesies or any toys. My experience at baby showers is that people like picking out clothes on their own and that is primarily what you get from a lot of people so I kind of want to be surprised about that aspect.

Now I'm sure it will be like when we were getting married and i was checking the registry, adding and editing almost daily!