Collecting and removing milk from the breasts of new mothers need the help of breast pumps. The collected milk by courtesy of the breast pumps can immediately be fed to a baby or stockpiled in the freezer for later feedings.
Breast pumps make the milk collection a convenient and easier task for new moms. Other instances where breast pumps can be used include:
- Helps in pulling out inverted or flat nipples
- Provide babies with mother’s milk even when the new moms are not around
- When a new mom has to return to school or work
- Helps in relieving the pressure and pain of breast engorgement
- Helps new moms to start re-lactating when they have stopped breastfeeding
- Helps to encourage a milk supply to fulfil the needs of an adopted baby
- Boost up the milk supply
- Helps in the temporary weaning of a child
Having a breast pump on hand is very useful for whatever reason a new mom has for it. However, technology advances have also created and designed various kinds and types of breast pumps.
The choice of a breast pump can be overwhelming and confusing with the numerous brands, types, and styles available in today’s market. Yet, the search for the right breast pump can be achieved by thinking about the time spent on pumping and the budget.
Different Kinds of Breast Pumps
The wide variety of breast pump styles, brands, and types on the market can be a challenging task for new moms. However, the search becomes easier when a new mom knows and understands more about the varied breast pump models.
Bulb-style Breast Pumps
The shape of these breast pumps aptly names them as either bicycle horn or bulb-style pumps. However, the bulb-style breast pumps are the least recommended of all the varieties of breast pumps. This is because they have been seen as harmful to the breasts, inefficient, and unsanitary. New moms are often discouraged to use bulb-style breast pumps by medical practitioners.
Manual Breast Pumps
Being operated by hand perfectly describes the manual breast pumps. A suctioning action to remove the milk from the breasts is achieved by either sliding a cylinder back and forth or squeezing a trigger button. The small size and inexpensive price of the pumps make them an ideal travel companion for occasional or short-term pumping. However, they can be tiring and time-consuming to use.
Electric Breast Pumps
The best results are guaranteed by electric breast pumps especially when a new mom needs to pump often. The strong and powerful pumping action provided by electric breast pumps helps to start, maintain, and boost the milk supply of any new mama. While it is larger, more expensive, and need a power source, the electric breast pump’s efficient work also saves a lot of time.
Battery-operated Breast Pumps
If pumping for milk is only needed once a day, then the battery-operated breast pump is the ideal choice. However, the baby has to feed more on the breast when a battery-operated breast is the chosen option. This is because the pump is not sturdy enough to maintain or stimulate milk production.
The final word
Determining the best hospital grade breast pump to use can be helped by medical practitioners, a local milk group, or a lactation expert. Make a thorough research before buying one.