Breast Feeding Pump
Choosing a Breast Feeding Pump
 Different mums have different needs, so there is a a variety of
breast pumps. While manual breast pumps are
great for mums who spend most of their days and nights with
their babies, electric breast pumps are the better
choice for mums who are frequently separated from the babies
because of work or health problems.I will give you a list
of all available breast pumps.Whether
you're going back to work or simply want the flexibility a
breast pump offers, you'll have many choices. Some
breast pumps are hand-operated, and others run on
electricity. The designs also vary. Some models attach to only
one breast. Others let you express milk from both breasts at
once.
To decide which type of breast
nurturing pump is best for
you, ask yourself these questions.
1- How
often do you plan to use the breast pump?
If you'll be away from the baby only occasionally, a simple
hand pump may be all you need. These pumps are small and
inexpensive. You simply squeeze the handle to express the milk.
You may even choose to pump one breast while the baby nurses on
the other breast.
If you're returning to work full-time or you're planning to
be away from your baby for more than a few hours a day, you may
want to invest in an electric pump. Electric pumps stimulate the
breasts more effectively than hand pumps. This helps empty your
breasts and protect your milk supply.
2- How
long will it take to pump each breast?
Electric breast pumps are faster than manual pumps.
If you'll be pumping at work or in other time-crunched
situations, you may want to invest in a model that allows you to
pump both breasts at once. Double breast pumps help stimulate
milk production while cutting pumping time in half.
3- Is the
breast pump easy to assemble?
If the breast pump is difficult to assemble, take
apart or clean, it's bound to be frustrating — which may reduce
your enthusiasm for pumping. Make sure you can remove any parts
of the pump that come in contact with your skin or milk for
cleaning after use.
4- Is the
suction adjustable?
What's comfortable for one mum may be uncomfortable for
another. Choose a breast nurturing pump that allows you to control
the degree of suction. Some manual models allow you to adjust
the position of the pump handle.
5- Is the
breast feeding pump heavy?
If you'll be taking the breast feeding pump to work every day
or traveling with it, look for a lighter-weight model. Some
breast feeding pumps come in a carrying case with an
insulated section for storing expressed milk.
6- How
noisy is the breast feeding pump?
Some electric models are
quieter than others. If it's important to be discreet, make sure
the breast feeding pump's noise level is acceptable.
7- Are
the breast shields the correct size?
Every pump has a shield to place over your breast. If you're
concerned that the standard breast shield is too small, check
with individual manufacturers about other options. If you want
to pump both breasts at once, make sure the pump is equipped
with two breast shields.
8- If
you're considering an electric pump, does it have backup power
options?
An electric breast feeding pump needs to be plugged in. If an
outlet isn't accessible, you'll need a rechargeable battery pack.
Some models offer adapters that run on a car's cigarette lighter.
9- Is
cost a concern?
You can buy breast nurturing pumps from medical supply stores
and most drug and baby stores. Manual models cost less than $50.
Electric breast nurturing pumps that include a carrying case and
insulated section for storing milk may cost more than $200. Some
hospitals rent hospital-grade breast feeding pumps,
although the equipment that attaches your breast to the pump
must be purchased. Because there is a small risk of
contamination, borrowing a breast pump or buying a used pump
isn't recommended.
10- What
if you're just not sure?
Ask for help. A lactation consultant can help you make the
best choice — and offer support as you start to use your breast
feeding pumps or if you run into trouble. If you haven't worked
with a lactation consultant, ask your doctor for a referral.
Counselors from La Leche League and similar organizations can
help, too.
Recommendations:
Hospital-Grade pumps:
Recommended if mom is unable to
nurse at all due to medical reasons. These pumps are designed to
help build and maintain milk supply and are available on a
rental basis from hospitals, lactation consultants, or medical
equipment rental stores.
Daily Use double pumps:
Recommended if mom is employed
full-time or needs to pump every few hours.
Occasional Use single or double pumps: Recommended if mom
needs to pump just once or twice per day, or a few times per
week.
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