If you haven’t been residing under a large rock, we will wager that you are aware that breastfeeding is beneficial for your infant.
But what if you want or need to return to work, spend time away from your infant, or have difficulty placing them to the breast but still want to continue breastfeeding? Some mothers may choose to wean, but there is an alternative: a quality breast pump.
A breast pump enables mothers to provide their infants with colostrum even if they cannot breastfeed them directly.
There are so many varieties of breast pumps currently available in the market. Regardless of your reason for expressing, you can find a pump that fits your lifestyle and requirements. However, knowing precisely what you need can be difficult, particularly if you are new to pumping.
The following is a guide to the various varieties of breast pumps currently accessible.
Manual Breast Pumps
Manual breast pumps are operated manually by hand and can only be used on a single breast. The pump is placed over the breast to induce suction, and the other hand is used to ‘pump’ the mechanism. These pumps are typically less expensive and more compact than their electric counterparts, making them a good option for those on a budget or with limited space.
A silicone breast pump is a manual breast pump that captures tiny quantities of breast milk while breastfeeding on the opposite breast.
Manual breast pumps are ideal for mothers who only want to express breast milk occasionally and who are not using expressed breast milk as the baby’s primary source of nutrition. A manual pump can be time-consuming and tiresome on the wrists.
However, these are excellent options if you want to get a well-deserved night’s rest or if you must be away from your infant but still want them to receive the benefits of colostrum. If you have a delayed let-down reflex or limited milk supply, you may find that a manual breast pump does not provide sufficient stimulation for expressing a large quantity of milk.
Electric Breast Pumps
An electrical receptacle or a battery either powers electric breast pumps. They are available in models that permit single or double breast expression. The cup is placed over the breast, and the suction is produced automatically, freeing up one hand for other duties or simply providing an excuse to unwind.
An electric pump is the best option for women who routinely express breastmilk because it is speedier than a manual pump, enabling you to express and store more breastmilk in less time. As such, you can look into options such as small electric breast pumps.This is also ideal for working mothers who need to express but may have limited time. If you have difficulty triggering the let-down reflex, an electric pump may be a better option than a manual pump.
Hospital-Grade Breast Pumps
A hospital-grade breast pump has a more powerful vacuum and enduring pump motor than an ordinary electric breast pump. Multiple users can utilise these compressors with their closed systems. Each mother has her own sterile ‘pump pouch’, so there is no risk of cross-contamination. Hospital-grade is not a regulated term; therefore, it is essential to comprehend what each brand means when they refer to themselves as hospital grade and to only purchase reputable brands.
As the powerful pump can stimulate breast milk production, these top-of-the-line breast pumps are ideal for mothers who must frequently express large volumes of breastmilk. They operate faster and more efficiently than standard electric pumps, making them the best option for working mothers and mothers who exclusively express. In addition, they are the best option for mothers of twins or premature infants who are initially unable to breastfeed and those seeking to establish or increase their supply.
