Breast Pumps

Every breastfeeding mother knows how important breast pumps are. Whether you are going back to work, taking a short trip to the mall, or simply want somebody else to do the feeding while you rest, the breast pump is your biggest ally.

There are several breast pumps to choose from, that is why it’s necessary to pick one out and get comfortable with it long before you actually need to use it. All breast pumps in the market can pump milk in each breast at one time, while others are capable of expressing milk from the two breasts simultaneously. If a mother needs frequent pumping, double pumping is advisable as it reduces saves her half the time.

One type of breast pump is the manually-operated pump. This is the type that requires you to squeeze a rubber-like device in order to pump milk from each breast. Another variety necessitates the use of the foot and leg muscles to pump both breasts simultaneously.

Another type is the handheld battery-operated ones. These breast pumps make use of batteries to create suction which reduces muscle fatigue. Most of these are recommended for intermittent use, have single pumping features, and come with AC adapters for use with electrical current.

Electric breast pumps are obviously operated with the use of electricity. These may be directly plugged into an electric socket, or may make use of an AC adapter. An electric breast pump is generally designed to do double pumping action and is recommended for regular use. Hospital-grade breast pumps are known to be the most effective means of stimulating and maintaining the supply of breast milk.

Whatever type of breast pump you choose, make sure that it has the following comfort and safety features: two-phase program; adjustable suction; automatic suction release; consistent suction; automatic cycling; breast design and sizing; long nipple funnel; ease of maintenance; capable of double pumping; flexibility of use; and alternate power sources.

Mother who only need to be away occasionally from their babies and for short periods of time may be better off with a simple manual (hand) pump. Since these pumps are small and cheap, it is not hard to learn the proper technique of expressing milk form the breasts. Pumping milk can even be done on one breast while the baby is nursing on the opposite breast.

For mothers who intend to go back to work full time or who need to be away from their babies for a couple of hours each day, they may think about getting electric breast pumps. These are proven to be more capable of stimulating the breasts which is necessary to maintain the breast milk supply. Also, make sure that the electric breast pump you are getting has a backup power option.

Some mothers are also at a crossroads between renting and buying a breast pump. Rentals are the best options for mothers who are only planning on short-term nursing. The high quality, hospital-grade rentals are also advisable for those who are breastfeeding for the first time and are pumping to start a consistent supply of breast milk.

Whether you’re renting or buying a breast pump, ensure that is a warranty covering the transaction. The manufacturer’s warranty should cover the duration the pump is going to be used. Rental should be made from a reputable agent who is capable of exchanging a defective pump.

Pumping the breasts may be one of the most uncomfortable endeavors motherhood can bring. However, it shouldn’t be as painful as most people believe it to be. If it hurts a lot, then you are probably not doing it right – or you are not using the appropriate breast pump. To make it somewhat of a rewarding experience, seek the help of you lactation consultant.