Being a new mum is an emotional roller coaster. After you have finished with baby clothes & diapers, the next step is to choose the best breast pump for you and your infant. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
Congratulations on the arrival of your baby! Your breast milk production increases by your bond with your infant. You might consider storing it for later. After all, breast milk is a life-giving elixir.
It has everything the infant needs to thrive— it is why doctors counsel nursing for the first few months since it contains probiotics, vitamins, minerals, antibodies, and beneficial enzymes.
Breast milk is an excellent source of nutrition for your infant, and a new mum encounters several obstacles post-partum, including nipple latching. It’s a source of anguish and discomfort, and as a mother, I understand. Urban working mothers do not have the luxury of feeding their children when they are hungry.
Don’t blame yourself, we sail in the same boat.
Breast pumps come to our rescue if one cannot be available 24/7. So, welcome to the breast-pumping world!
Learn everything you can!
What are breast pumps?
A breast pump is a device for nursing moms to obtain milk for their babies. It operates on a suction mechanism similar to a newborn sucking, stimulating milk flow, and collecting it in a container linked to the pump. It expresses breast milk for newborns when the mother can’t nurse the child. It aids in preserving milk and simplifies the feeding process.
Breast pumping is an innovative solution for working parents who want to feed their newborns breast milk instead of formula to increase their baby’s immunity.
Also Read: Manual vs. Electric Breast Pumps: Which One is Right for You?
What are the purpose and benefits?
Breast pumps serve a variety of uses and provide several benefits to feeding moms. The following are the benefits of breast pumps:
Maintain Milk Supply.
Breast pumps enable women to squeeze milk from their breasts, therefore assisting in maintaining milk supply. Regular pumping can help boost milk production, especially if there is a shortage of milk.
Nursing Flexibility.
Breast pumping devices allow mothers to give their babies breast milk even when unavailable to feed directly. It is a boon for working mothers who are away from their children.
Breast pumps allow partners, family members, or carers to participate, increase bonding, and share duties in newborn care.
Breast Pumps Can Help With Engorgement and Blocked Ducts
Breast pumps can help with engorgement or sore breasts caused by an excess of milk production. They can also aid in cleaning clogged breast ducts, which can cause pain and limited milk flow.
Breast Pumps for Adopted Babies.
Breast pumps boost milk production, allowing women to nurse their adopted children. It may be a bonding event for both mother and child.
Channeling Milk Supply.
Expressing breast milk with a pump helps moms collect and store milk to establish a supply for periods. You might find it useful for returning to work, traveling, or dealing with medical conditions that hinder direct nursing.
Mothers must pick a suitable breast pump and learn how to operate it to maximize its advantages and guarantee comfort and efficiency.
Breast Pumps Glossary
There are five types of breast pumps: manual, electric, single, double, and hospital-grade pumps. Here is a quick rundown of each.
Manual Breast Pumps.
Manual breast pumps operate by hand and do not require power or batteries. They are typically tiny, light, and portable. Manual pumps are an inexpensive alternative for infrequent pumping and can also relieve engorgement or regulate milk production.
Electric Breast Pumps.
These pumps produce suction and remove milk from the breast using an electric motor. Electric pumps are more efficient and quicker than manual pumps, and many versions include adjustable suction levels and pumping rates. They are available in single and double-pumping configurations.
Single Breast Pumps.
Single breast pumps express milk from one breast at a time. It is compact, lightweight, and affordable. It is best for mothers who pump milk occasionally or prefer nursing and pumping side by side.
Double Breast Pumps.
Double breast pumps express milk from both breasts simultaneously. It saves time and is great for working moms who require a large quantity of milk storage. You can try a single breast pump once comfortable, buy a second one, and make it double.
Hospital-Grade Breast Pumps.
These pumps are intended for frequent and extended usage, particularly by moms with medical conditions that may interfere with nursing. They have a higher suction and may extract milk faster than manual or electric pumps. Rent it from a medical supply firm with a doctor’s recommendation or prescription.
Factors to consider before buying breast pump
Types
The first thing that comes to mom’s mind is— Is a breast pump easy and comfortable to use? Yes! Breast pumps might be complicated at first, but if you find the correct pump, they are pleasant and easy to operate. These are the considerations you should make before making a purchase.
⦁ Usage Frequency. If unsure how frequently you will use the pump, start with a manual pump. These are less expensive and are suited for infrequent pumping. If you wish to pump milk regularly, invest in an electric pump.
⦁ Pumping session duration. If you have time, single pumping is OK— but for working moms, double pumping is a better alternative to save time.
⦁ Accessibility and Facilitation. For travel, portable pumps are a fantastic alternative since they are lightweight, small, and simple to build. Breast milk is conveniently stored and transported in tiny bags.
⦁ Washable: Dishwasher-safe pumps are available on the market, which saves a lot of time in cleaning and is also dependable.
⦁ Noise level. If you get time to pump milk at night, use quieter pumps with quieter engines.
⦁ Credibility. Select only high-quality food-grade pumps. It provides you with confidence that your baby’s milk is safe.
⦁ Budget aspects. The cost of a breast pump depends on its functionality and features. Create a budget based on your requirements. Remember that investing in a high-quality product can save you money in the long term.
Essential Breast Pumping Accessories
When it is about breast pumping, there are several accessories that you will need to make your pumping session convenient and efficient. Like:
⦁ Breast Milk Storage Bags. These bags keep expressed breast milk securely. They are frequently pre-sterilized and have a tight closure to prevent leaking and contamination. Breast milk preservation is critical for its quality and safety for subsequent usage.
⦁ Pumping bras. Pumping bras or bustiers enable hands-free pumping, allowing moms to multitask while using the breast pump. These bras include apertures or slits that keep the flanges of breast pumps in place, allowing moms to pump without having to support the pump.
⦁ Breast Pumping Bottles. Breast pump-compatible bottles attach directly to the breast pump flanges for simple milk expression. These bottles are marked with measurements and are best for storage or feeding.
⦁ Nipple Cream. Nipple cream or lanolin can help soothe and mend painful or cracked nipples caused by repeated pumping. It can give relief and aid in skin healing.
⦁ Cleaning Supplies. Bottle brushes, dishwasher baskets, and quick-clean wipes are necessary for breast pump cleaning and sanitation after usage.
⦁ Hands-free Pumping Bra or Strap. Hands-free pumping bras or straps with a breast pump to keep the breast shields in place while you read a book, work on a computer, or rest during the pumping session.
Remember that the accessories you require will differ depending on the breast pump type, pumping regimen, and personal preferences.
How Do You Store Breast Milk?
The proper temperature must be maintained while storing breast milk because it degrades in hot and humid conditions. It’s how you keep the elixir of life:
⦁ Refrigerate for up to four days.
⦁ If you wish to keep it for a long time, freeze it.
⦁ You may also use an insulated ice pack to retain breast milk for up to 24 hours. After, refrigerate it.
⦁ Always use sterilized, BPA-free plastic bottles with airtight closures. Avoid storing breast milk in a disposable bottle.
Happy feeding!
It’s crucial to remember that every mum has different requirements and preferences, so what works for one mum might not work for another.
Reading reviews, asking other parents for ideas, or even consulting with a breastfeeding consultant for personalized guidance.
Remember that finding the right breast pump that is comfortable and efficient is critical for a happy breastfeeding experience.