If you are looking for breast pumps, we are glad that you are, because you think it important to continue to give your baby, mothers milk and not formula, in your absence. We will help you choose the right breast pumps and will also take you through a whole load of features you should look for while selecting one.
Why use breast pumps?
Breast pumps are usually used when the mother and baby are separated for a few hours or may be a week. But there are times when breast pumps are also used when a mother faces temporary difficulties feeding the baby or if the baby is not comfortable sucking from the mothers breast for some reason.
What are the types that are available in the market?
Remember! The basic use of breast pump is to express milk. There are various types of pumps that can make the job easier one way or the other.
Some pumps can express milk only from one breast at a time, while there are others that can express milk from both breasts simultaneously. If your need is frequent pumping, go for the double one. Here are some types listed-
- Hand held battery operated: These pumps use batteries for creating the suction. This way it also reduces muscle fatigue.
- Manual: This type makes one use the hand muscle to pump. But there are pumps that uses leg and foot pumping for mothers who are susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Electric breast pumps: These use AC adapter and are powered by electricity. You can also plug it in directly into an outlet. These are usually designed for double breast pumping and are mostly used by mothers who pump frequently.
- Hospital grade pumps- These are extremely efficient for maintaining the milk supply. They usually come as double breast pumps and are sometimes available for rent too.
Some important features to look out for
When you buy a breast pump make sure that they are safe and easy to use.
Adjustable suction control: The level of suction that is comfortable for you may not be comfortable for another mother. So choose a pump in which you can adjust the suction.
Two phase pump program: helps in faster expression of milk because it focuses on stimulation and expression mainly
Easy to clean and use: Remember, its important to maintain cleanliness and hygiene while feeding your new born. Buy pumps that are easy to maintain
Efficiency: If you are hard pressed for time, make sure that you buy a pump that sucks faster and is a double breast pump. That way it not only saves time but also boosts milk production by emptying both breasts completely at the same time.
Most importantly, remember that breast pumps are there to make your life easy and not to complicate it further. So understand your need first, and inquire around and then shop for the pump. If you are going to be away from the baby for long hours.. please do seriously consider buying a pump. It definitely will cost you some money, but that any day better than feeding a baby with formula!
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