Breast pumps come in various styles, brands, and types. It might be a bit overwhelming for you if you are buying it for the first time. You may also wonder if it’s the right thing to do.
Here’s a guide to help you understand the benefits of using a breast pump and when it’s actually okay to use them.
To find the right breast pump, the first thing to keep in mind is your budget or how much you are ready to spend on it. Given below are the three most common and useful types of breast pumps:
1. Electric Breast Pumps
Currently, the best types of breast pump available out there are “Electric Breast Pumps”. If you are a working mom who needs to pump breast milk frequently, an electric breast pump is the best option for you.
Electric breast pumps are powerful and stronger than all other types. They are not only used for collecting the milk but they are also helpful in increasing and maintaining the supply of milk.
Electric breast pumps are also much efficient and time-saving.
The only downside is that they are expensive and comes in a large size so they are not travel-friendly. Moreover, they also require a stable and constant power source to operate.
Therefore, you should be ready for emergency situations such as the unavailability of electricity. Thus, always keep some extra supply with you as a back-up.
How to use
Before using an electric breast pump, it is important to go through the user manual for special instructions such as voltage requirements as each model has different requirements.
To remove the milk, place the breast shield on your breast and hold it. You can adjust the shield as needed. Make sure that the shield is in the middle of your nipple. A wrong placement affects suction.
After placing it, turn on the machine and milk will begin flowing in the bottle within minutes. The electric breast pumps can adjust the speed of suction automatically as well according to the sucking motions of the baby.
Keep in mind that pumping through an electric breast pump should never be discomforting or painful. If it is painful, you are doing it wrong!
Once the flow starts slowing down, turn off the breast pump and remove the breast shield.
2. Double Electric Breast Pumps
Double electric breast pumps follow the same mechanism as those of electric pumps. The only difference is that they allow you to squeeze out the milk from both breasts simultaneously.
They are efficient and easier than single or regular electric breast pumps.
So, a double electric breast pump helps speeding up the process which is ideal for all the busy mothers! Moreover, they allow you to pump out your milk in different positions and they are not tiring at all.
Not only this, but most of the double electric breast pumps come with a memory function that allows you to store the right milk sucking rhythm.
Research has shown that double pumping increases the prolactin levels in your body that trigger the milk-producing hormone.
How to use
Using a double electric breast pump is the same as a single electric breast pump. The only difference is that you need to cover both your breast with the shields and then trigger the suction process.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to disassemble
- Allows easy cleaning
- Efficient than other methods
- Adjusts the suction levels automatically
- Comes with multiple settings according to your convenience
Cons
- Costly
- Makes noise
- Not portable
- Dependent on electric supply
- Difficult to sterile and clean
3. Manual Breast Pump
Just like any other manual apparatus, a manual breast pump requires you to pump your milk manually, by hand, with the help of a button.
To operate it, you need to either squeeze a button or slide it to trigger the process of suction. This continuous suction will suck out the milk from your breasts.
Manual breast pumps are small in size. They are very handy and inexpensive. You can also store them with you while traveling.
These pumps are mainly used for occasional pumping. They are not best to use frequently or for a longer period as it is tiring as well as time-consuming.
How to use
To use a manual breast pump, place it over the nipple and squeeze the button, handle or lever to trigger the process of suction. The milk will automatically go to the container that is attached to the device.
Another type of manual breast pump consists of a hollow rubber ball. This rubber ball is connected with a nipple-shield. To collect the milk, you need to press the rubber ball which in turn creates suction and suck out the milk.
However, the use of such a breast pump is discouraged as it is difficult to clean.
Pros
- Cheaper than other types
- Easier to clean than electric pumps
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Quiet
- Lightweight
- Not dependent on electricity
Cons
- Slower than electric pumps
- Difficult to maintain a rhythm
- Tiring