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Breast pump!!

I vote for breast pump as well. I remember how painful it was the first week when my breasts were SUPER engorged and my LO was fast asleep and not able to nurse. My attempts to hand-express were pitiful and unsuccessful so I sent my husband out to buy me a breast pump regardless of the cost.

Could you see if you can find a double breast pump secondhand? The one I got you can use as a single or a double, which can save time if you decide to build a suppy of frozen milk for later use.
Then use the gift card for the nursing tanks and other baby essentials? (Maybe save some of it for after the baby is born, in case you need to get different baby wash or something because of a skin reaction?)

breast pump!

@cvbee: I actually haven't had any issues hand expressing but I've hated using the pump! Luckily, I'm still using a borrowed pump from the hospital, but at this point I don't think I'll be buying one to keep.

I'm actually sitting here right now with DS in his Moby Wrap because it makes life so much easier. He's comfortably sleeping and I can use both hands without an issue.

I don't want to get preach-y but I did want to bring up some issues with the Bjorn. I was originally planning on getting one but I basically got reamed out by some of the "crunchier" moms I'm friends with because they aren't the best option developmentally. Obviously it's your choice, but in case you're unaware (like I was) Bjorns really aren't that great for babies! If you google "Baby Bjorn Crotch-Dangler" you'll get tons of info.

If I were you, I'd actually save the gift-cards till after baby is born to see what YOU need the most since you never know!!!

I definitely vote breast pump, getting the bigger items out of the way always make me feel better.

Oh, and the lactation consultant I've been lucky enough to work with told me not to waist my money on a single pump; brand doesn't matter as long as it's electric and a double pump.

@regberadaisy: you can pump in half the time with a double, and what mama has free time! also if i pump on one side, i let down on the other, so i'd be wasting at least an ounce every time i pumped.

@cvbee: by the way, I have also LIVED IN my nursing tank from target. it makes feeding soo much easier. Especially at nightime.
And it makes it so my wardrobe isn't so limited. I don't have to worry about exposing my stomach by lifting my shirt.

@cvbee: What about getting a manual pump? That's all that I am getting since I plan on staying home for 4-5 months. I won't need to pump that often. My girlfriend absolutely swears by the Medela manual pump and she has four kids!!!
Then, you would have enough $ to get a mobile and some other odds and ends.
Just a thought!

I would say misc. stuff. There's a LOT of misc. stuff that you'll use! You don't know if breastfeeding will work out, but you can always rent a pump for a month or so. And I third the others about the Bjorn... Go for a better SSC or a wrap/sling instead.

@cvbee: I recommend investigating your Health Insurance to see if they are willing to cover your breast pump if your physician can deem it 'medically necessary'. I left the hospital with a Medela Freestyle Double pump simply because LO had elevated bilirubin levels and the pump could be justified because it would help her immensely if I could get my milk to come in faster. The nurse made a single phone call and it was mine.

I second the Target Nursing tanks, loved them!