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.