A breast pump, also known as an express pump, is a simple mechanical apparatus that lactating mothers use to extract the milk from their breasts. These devices come in many varieties, and each manufacturer creates a variety of models tailored specifically for mothers who breastfeed. They can be manual hand-operated or automated machines powered either by hand or by foot motion. Manual pumps can be used with a wide range of electric and battery-operated devices. In contrast, electrical pumps must be powered either by the mother’s hands or by some external power source. Many new mothers choose to buy an electric breast pump as it eliminates the need for complicated, extra apparatus, which can be confusing or bulky.
Types of pumps
On the other hand, the battery-powered models can offer mothers more control over the flow of milk, meaning that they can slow down the milk flow rate if they have a baby or increase the flow speed when their baby is tiny. They are also easier to maneuver around the house and more convenient than the previous model type, which required a lot of practice, time, and patience to master. All electric pumps are typically wireless and have a waterproof cable and rechargeable battery, making them very convenient. Still, they do have one major shortcoming – the battery does not last indefinitely.
A double electric breast pump can be handy for older infants or toddlers who may not express milk adequately on their own. For such children, a double pump can help promote better lactation, helping the infant receive twice the amount of milk that he/she would typically have. These are generally considered the best option for premature babies. However, this could prove problematic for very young infants. Such infants should not be positioned on a breast until they are at least one year old. For older babies, it is generally advisable to use a single pump for both breastfeeding and bottle feeding.
Technology used
Breast feeding pumps from Ameda use two essential technologies to achieve their effect – open and closed systems. In a well-designed and optimised unit, the available system pumps the breast milk into the bottle, while the closed system pumps the milk into the bottle via tubing. A pumping technique that is good for practical purposes will be the most effective and the right one for the individual patient. This technology means that the milk reaches the infant much sooner and is usually preferable for newborns and babies. However, this is not always the case. Older infants or growing children can express milk quicker. Also, the older an infant gets, the more difficult it can be to get him/her to breastfeed successfully. The ideal candidate for expressing milk using a breast pump motor is an infant who is between months four to six months old.
Open pumping techniques have several benefits. Firstly, the process itself is entirely automatic, meaning that the infant and the mother are never left to do any work. The pumping process itself can also be quite pleasurable, and it is essential that the infant feels relaxed and comfortable. Some breast pumps are fitted with a silent switch, making them much simpler to operate than conventional pumps. Also, a quiet, smooth and quiet movement is very reassuring for the infant. For this reason, it is often the most preferred method of expressing breast milk. The advantages of electric breast pumps are plenty. They are convenient and quick. Also, they can express milk much more rapidly than manual pumps. However, they do have their disadvantages. Although these breast pumps can express milk much faster, it can also take longer to deliver the same quantity.