Types of breast pumps

Types of breast pumps

Types of breast pumps

To extract milk from your breasts, you can use a mechanical device called a breast pump. Reasons why mothers choose to use a breast pump to collect, store, or dispose of breast milk include:

  • Their baby cannot breastfeed directly.
  • They are separated from their children for long periods of time.
  • They need to increase their milk production.
  • They want to "pump and dump" to get rid of breast milk, like after drinking alcohol.

Whether or not you decide to use a breast pump depends on your particular situation. There are many breast pumps available, but they all consist of three main parts:

  • Breast shield. A conical cup that fits over the nipple.
  • Pump. The part containing the mild vacuum that expresses milk through a plastic tube that connects the pump to the funnel.
  • Milk container. Removable milk container.

Breast pumps remove milk from the breast by creating a seal around the nipple and applying and releasing suction that expresses the milk. There are different types of breast pumps that moms can choose from.

Hand pump. A funnel is put on the breast and a handle or lever is pressed to suck and remove milk from the breast. The milk is then collected in a milk jug.

A type of hand pump connects to a larger tube and creates a vacuum that expresses the milk and collects it in a container. Another type of manual breast pump has a hollow rubber ball that attaches to the funnel. Some doctors advise against using this type of pump because it is difficult to clean.

Battery-powered and electric pumps. A powered breast pump is plugged into an electrical outlet or powered by batteries.It has a small motorized pump that creates suction that removes milk from the breast. The pump comes with a control panel and a dial to help you control the suction power.

Some manufacturers create electric breast pumps with ejection function. Ejection causes milk to be released when the nipple is stimulated.

Because these types of pumps are powered by electricity, breastfeeding mothers should always have a back-up plan in case of an emergency or power outage. It is recommended to have a back-up hand pump.

Considerations when choosing a pump

Choosing the right breast pump depends on your needs and situation. In addition to the types of breast pumps mentioned above, there are even more options depending on how often you need to pump and your baby's age.

Pumps for occasional use. There are pumps designed for very infrequent use, perhaps once or twice a week. This includes:

  • Hand pumps are for limited use.
  • Small motorized pumps that run on batteries or plug into an electrical outlet. They can be noisy.

Pumps for regular use. If you have a lot of milk and your baby is suckling well, it's a good idea to get a breast pump designed for regular use. A reliable and efficient electric breast pump can be a great option, especially if you know you'll be away from your baby for a long time.

These breast pumps allow you to pump both breasts at the same time, saving money and pumping more milk. Depending on how you plan to use your breast pump, consider the noise level. Some electric models are quieter than others.

Pumps for babies less than 8 weeks or mothers who haven't established a milk supply In these circumstances, a hospital grade pump is recommended.

Previously used pumps. The use of a used pump is not recommended. Even after cleaning the breast pump, someone else's milk may remain in the motor. It's very unsanitary. Also, older pumps tend to perform worse over time. If the pump fails to stimulate your breast, milk production will decrease and you may not be able to get enough milk for your baby.

Keep in mind that the life of the pump is approximately equal to the warranty period.

Hands-free. Hands-free pumping provides added convenience as it allows you to express milk while you do other things. There are also portable breast pumps that can be placed inside a bra for more privacy.

Convenience. When buying a breast pump, consider how easy or difficult it is to assemble. In addition, some breast pumps come with a carrying case with an insulated milk storage section.


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