Purchasing a breast pump

If you are interested in expressing some milk to leave for baby when you go out for dinner or to the gym, then an effective breast pump is crucial. There are several Medela pumps available through the babycafe japan amazon store at varying prices:
Swing
Mini Electric
Harmony


If you need to increase your milk supply or your baby is separated from you due to sickness or your return to work, it is better to rent a proper hospital grade pump. You can do this via Hoxon. See the rental breast pumps link in the right-hand column.

If you have cracked or painful nipples after your baby is born, the first thing you need to do is have a midwife or lactation consultant come and work with you while you correct baby's latch. Breastfeeding is not supposed to hurt! Some mothers find that some special lanolin nipple cream helps relieve the pain. There are a few brands around, watch out for any that need to be removed before nursing: these are NOT the brands to buy.

A well-known brand is Purelan, available through BabiesRUs, Tokuyama baby, or amazon here