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Breast pumps offer many benefits to mothers. Not only can they pump milk from the mother's breast to the baby's bottle, but they can also help increase or maintain a woman's milk supply. Additionally, breast pumps can relieve swollen breasts and clogged milk ducts or lift out inverted nipples to help a baby latch correctly. With so many brands and types of breast pumps available, it's natural to feel anxious about where to begin your search. However, keep in mind that this is a highly personal experience. Before purchasing a pump, ask yourself—and a trained specialist—a few key questions. Not Too Big carries an array of different pump models for you to choose from. In this blog post, we'll give you some breast pump tips on how to choose the best breast pump for you and your baby.
During your pregnancy, you may wish to consider purchasing a breast pump for the following reasons:
You have experience using a breast pump and intend to use one again.
You plan to go back to work shortly after the baby is born, and you intend to pump breast milk there.
A breast pump is covered under your medical insurance.
Your breasts may be lactating
You are planning on spending significant time away from the infant.
You plan to give your infant expressed milk.
Shopping for a breast pump can be a daunting process for pregnant women, but it doesn't have to be. A breast pump is an essential piece of equipment for any nursing mother and having the best breast pump makes all the difference in the comfort and efficiency of your breastfeeding journey. To help make breast pump shopping easier and less stressful, here are some breast pump tips to keep in mind.
First, research different brands and models to understand features like suction levels, express rate per minute, available accessories, noise levels, ease of portability, and cleaning instructions.
Additionally, breast pumps come in two main types—manual or electric—each with their own advantages depending on your needs.
Lastly, when purchasing online consider factors such as shipping costs or free shipping options along with any return policies that might apply to ensure you get the most out of your breast pump experience.
If you feel uncertain, take a deep breath. It can be helpful to become familiar with the different types of breast pumps before making your purchase. Knowing what's available will give you a better idea of what features to look for in the future.
Breast Pump Tips for Postnatal Shopping
Your perception of pumping breast milk may have changed since your baby was born. You might not have anticipated needing to pump, for example, or a doctor may have recommended a hospital-grade pump that you want to try. Or maybe you're simply looking for an occasional solution that's more efficient than what you're using now.
No matter what your needs are, there is definitely a breast pump out there that will suit them!
Types of Breast Pumps
Though they are not required, breast pumps can be a helpful tool in achieving your feeding goals. They work by creating a vacuum seal over the nipple, which then helps to stimulate milk flow and also collects breastmilk for later use. This is similar to how a baby would feed directly from the mother's breast.
The manual pump is less expensive than other models and doesn't require batteries or electricity. It's also portable and easy to clean, but the hand-operated lever can become tiring if you need to pump several times a day.
Electric and Battery-Powered Breast Pumps
Mothers who need to pump quickly often use electric pumps. Pumps with a motorized mechanism create the suction and have control panels that regulate the suction level and cycle through speed settings.
Electric pumps are convenient but can be cumbersome, especially if you don't have a reliable power supply or charging capabilities. Therefore, it's essential to prepare for unexpected events and determine how much mobility you will require.
Single-pump or twin-pump models are available depending on your preference
Other types of pumps:
Passive Breast Pumps
The passive pump can only be operated using vacuum and suction. This pump is appealing because it can extract milk from one breast while the user continues to nurse on the other.
However, this pump should not be used exclusively because it will not encourage or maintain ongoing milk production when used on its own.
Wireless Breast Pumps
A wireless pump is a much more convenient and mobile solution that can be worn by the user. You can control it with an app on your smartphone, and it can even track how often you pump and how much milk you produce.
The wireless breast pump attaches to your breasts via suction cups rather than wires or tubes.
Final Thoughts on Buying a Breast Pump
With all this information, you should be able to make an informed decision about what type of breast pump is best for you and your lifestyle. Don’t forget that you can always speak to a lactation consultant if you have more specific questions or need help troubleshooting. They will be able to answer any questions you have and help give extra breast pump tips to put your mind at ease.
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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