I have a hand pump by Mebby and I like it very much. It claims to be the only pump that imitates the baby's sucking. The only one I heard NOT to buy is the one by Chicco because it hurts.

I only use mine occasionally for when we go out. It came in very handy when we went to a wedding a couple of weeks ago and I pumped enough for two bottles which my mom then gave to the baby.

I breastfeed exclusively, but my sister's ped in the US suggests pumping once a week to keep the baby used to taking a bottle if need be. I think it's nice that way Dad can participate in feedings every once in a while.

R Duskey,
I'm POSITIVE I saw a glider there. You may be in luck!

Ramona,
I do not suggest buying a breast pump before giving birth. You just have no idea what your situation will be. You could also get double mastitis or something and have to stop breastfeeding...Not that that will happen of course. Facciamo le corna! I first rented a high-end Medela electronic pump in the pharmacy for about 1 Euro a day (I had to buy my own kit for around 50 Euros). Then I really didn't use it that much so it was all a waste of money. I returned it. I later bought the Avent Isis pump (available on Bimbomarket for around 50 Euros - I'm a fan!), which is manual, so I didn't expect too much from it. But I LOVE it. It works even better than that expensive Medela electronic pump - I get more milk with it. I began to use it as my baby went longer between feedings (in the beginning he ate every 90 minutes so there really was no leaving him with anyone else...) and I could leave him with a family member. I still use it quite a bit, and I'm really happy with it. My suggestion is get a pump when you realize what your needs will be. A friend just had a baby and her baby has problems attaching (even her La Leche League consultant who comes weekly can't figure it out) so she pumps exclusively and needed a high-end pump. My suggestion is to wait.
Michelle

I second C in Bo's advice about a baby book in Italian. Even if your reading level is low, there are plenty of vocabulary words you'll need to know when you go to the pediatrician and it's just helpful to have around. My baby just got the second round of vaccinations and it was helpful to read what he was going to be vaccinated for here, which seems to be different than in the U.S.
Auguri a tutte!
Michelle

BH

Hi Michelle,

You may want to suggest to your friend who's having trouble with the latch to contact Valerie at Il Nido on Via Marmorata (if she's in Rome) she may be able to help...it's worth a try.

Just a note to any moms or future moms looking for a glider, finally found one that doesn't cost a fortune, made by Neonato. I ordered it from Ideal Bimbo in Campi Bisenzio/FI but any boutiques that carry Neonato products should be able to order for you. Cost was 215 euro.
http://www.neonato.it/schedaprodotto.asp?id_catEcomm=6&id_prodotto=229

I really don't think cloth diapers are readily available. I bought all mine in the states another friend whose lived here many yrs couldn't find them and my local midwife who is very much into these things didn't know where to find them.
Linea Baby in Quercegrossa isn't bad. Typical prices, maybe a little less than other places.
As for the pump I have the medela hand pump (similar to the ISIS), the same model cost half as much in the US.
The only other thing I would add is I bought (ordered online)nursing tank tops from Target that are fabulous. $15 each, and reasonably supportive (I was a C cup before), also they are thick enough to wear alone.
You can find nursing pads everywhere (prenatal, io bimbo, linea baby) but they cost less like everything in the states.
Weleda you can get at pharmacies here.
I also saw a glider chair at Linea Baby.
We actually bought everything except the crib in the states. My husband goes regularly for work, sometimes I just have it sent to his hotel. Given the prices, exchange rate and lack of choice I personally think it kind of sucks for shopping for baby stuff. On the other hand the enthusiasm italians have for babies makes it fabulous.
Best of luck!

I'm looking for a glider which isn't too expensive. I tried to find the Neonato glider referenced above here in Rome but all the shops listed on the neonato website seem to have them out of stock and they can't order me one until september. Does anyone have any other recommendations for shops which sell comfortable chairs for breastfeeding (does not have to be a glider) in Rome?

Hi Ramona

Might be a tad on the late side - its nearly September and you'll probably be able to get the Neonato glider by now. But we found a very comfortable armchair at Ikea. Its in the Ektorp range and I think the model is "Muren". Good luck!

Vicky