Looking for a guide to help you select a breast pump? There is no need to look any further! While several types and brands of breast pumps are on the market, it is easy to become overwhelmed and unsure where to begin.
Now that the baby is here, your view on the pumping relationship may have shifted – you may have opted to pump after not expecting to, or you may want something low-maintenance to use on occasion. Whatever your pumping objectives are, there is a pump to meet them.
1. Silicone
A manual silicone breast pump is one that may be used. They are useful for giving steady suction since they suction to the breast and can then be used with one hand.
Some parents use them to stimulate a letdown, massage the breast, remove clogged ducts, capture milk on one side while the baby feeds on the other, collect leaky milk, and so much more!
They are portable and ideal for on-the-go use because they are made of a single piece with no little components or assembly required. They are also simple to maintain (dishwasher safe).
2. Manual
To express milk, a manual breast pump is used. They are portable and ideal for travel because they do not require a power source and are less expensive than certain electric pumps.
The hand pump allows you to pump as much or as little as you like, but it does need some expertise because you can adjust suction and pace.
Manual breast pumps are ideal for infrequent usage, such as when you need to express sometimes, wish to pump once a day, travel, etc. Manual pumps can also aid with breast/chest emptying after a feeding session, enhance supply, promote a letdown, and do various other things!
3. Wearable
Wearable Breast Pumps are among the more recent pumps on the market. Electric breast pumps that go inside your bra are known as wearable breast pumps.
While traditional electric pumps must be plugged in or are not always discreet while mobile, Wearable Breast Pumps are ideal for parents on the go or who are short on time – Wearable Breast Pumps are time-saving because they are designed to be used while multitasking.
Wearable pumps are not always inexpensive; nevertheless, the convenience of the pump may be worth it.
4. Wireless/Portable Breast Pumps
Portable breast pumps are wireless pumps that work well for infrequent use. They are ideal for on-the-go usage, preparing a little stockpile to use while out, multitasking, hands-free pumping, pumping at work, pumping in public, and more! Portable pumps, for example, can save time for stay-at-home parents or parents with babies and older children.
Also, some pumps may require you to hold the pump or flanges in place, while others may operate hands-free. All pumps, however, may be made hands-free by using a properly fitting nursing and pumping bra.
5. Personal Use, Double Electric
Double Electric Personal Use Pumps are the closest thing to a Hospital Grade Breast Pump you can get without purchasing one. These pumps are ideal for parents attempting to improve or establish a milk supply, exclusive pumpers, or stockpiling milk.
Regarding pump usage, Double Electric Personal Use Pumps will be long-lasting and feature a motor that can withstand everyday use. These pumps can also have varied vacuum and speed settings and can be used for single or double-sided pumping.
If you pump regularly, these pumps will be the most efficient in the long run and will be able to meet the daily demand.