You are a breastfeeding mother and you know that breast milk is the best food for your baby. However, there are times when you are not able to breastfeed your baby. Like when you are planning to join office and will be away from your baby for many hours. Breastfeeding pump is what a mother needs in such cases.
What is a breastfeeding pump?
A breastfeeding pump is a mechanical device that helps a lactating mother extract more milk from the breasts. These pumps can be categorized as Manual Devices (powered by hand or foot movements) or Electrical Devices (powered by batteries or electricity).
Based on the range, though, breastfeeding pumps can be categorized into three types.
Types of breastfeeding pump
1. Top end electrical breastfeeding pump
- A top end electrical pump is known to draw a lot of milk in short amount of time. Thus, these are advised for mothers who have to get back to work or cannot nurse regularly.
- These electrical breastfeeding pumps are fully automatic having variable cycling times and easy to adjust suction levels to avoid any nipple discomfort.
- Electric breastfeeding pumps generally have a lot of accessories like bottles, storage bags, clips, labels etc.
2. Hospital grade electrical breastfeeding pumps
- The electrical breastfeeding pumps are especially designed for women who cannot develop enough milk and thus require help for extracting their milk.
- These hospital-grade electrical pumps have a fast suck-and-release cycle that draws milk at the same rate as a baby would, while nursing.
3. Manual Breastfeeding Pumps
- Manual Breastfeeding Pumps are portable and affordable when compared with electrical breastfeeding however these pumps require you to pump a piston or squeeze a lever to create suction.
- Manual Breastfeeding pumps, generally, empty one breast at a time and requires both hands for operation. The time and effort taken to use manual pumps are also higher.
Next on the list is, who should use a breastfeeding pump?
Anyone can use a breast pump, although the reason would vary.
One of the primary reasons why women use breastfeed pumps is to ensure continuous breastfeeding even after they return to work. At times, it is used by women who have low milk supply. In a few noted cases, it is used by mothers who find it hard to keep their baby latched on.
Breastfeeding pump
Breast pumping tips you should remember
- Do not buy a used pump. Breast milk is known to contaminate the pump and thus, it is not advisable to buy a used one.
- Make sure you choose the right size of breast shield. A small shield might cause sore nipples or permanent damage.
- The after purchase care includes ensuring that you clean the pump parts after you use the breastfeeding pump.
- You don’t need to sterilize it; basic cleaning suffices.
Lastly, what brand should you go for?
Breast pumps available in India
Breastfeeding pumps, in India, are now becoming very essential. With so many options available in market, one can choose a pump that matches one’s requirement. Some of the most popular pumps which you can buy, by clicking on the link below are –
Great tips indeed! i am using electric breast pumps since 2013, when my first child was born. Till now Medela is my first choice. Thanks for your valuable Breast pumping tips.