If you are likely to be discharged home before your baby, if breastfeeding is not yet established or baby is needing supplemental milk, you will need to consider how you will continue to express breast milk at home.

A double electric breast pump is ideal as double pumping provides greater stimulation for parents who are separated from their baby (as well as saving a lot of time)!

Medela Symphony double electric pumps (the same type that we use here on NICU) are available from www.medela-rental.co.uk or by phoning Medela on 0161 7760400.

Using the online code MEDNICU, the cost is £36 for the first two weeks and then £36 per month after this.  Orders placed before 3pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same day for next working day delivery.

We would advise against purchasing Tommee Tippee breast pumps due to frequent reports of poor performance and difficulties with use.  Spectra (S1 / S2), Medela and Ardo are well known breast pumps which are compatible with the bottles used in hospital (although you may find it cheaper to rent).

Bedford Hospital, South Wing, Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9DJ

Email: pals@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk

Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, Lewsey Road, Luton, LU4 0DZ

Email: PALS@ldh.nhs.uk