Guide to Breast pumps
It is not always convenient to breast feed when you are out and about. Breast pumps are a great way to collecting milk for use when your baby is hungry.
Modern breast pumps are easy to clean and have disposable parts to assist hygiene. The pump action is classed as a closed collection system which separates the sucking action from the collection, thereby preventing milk from contaminating the tubing; this also makes cleaning easier.
Once expressed, the milk may be stored at room temperature for a few hours, chilled for up to a week or frozen for up to 6 months, usually in specially designed plastic bags. For those out and about times there are cool bag accessories for the pumps.
Types of pumps
Manual Pumps
Manual pumps are the lowest cost option but they require significant effort and are therefore tiring to operate. A further downside is the lower rate that milk is expressed and this can result in a decline in overall milk output with time.
Electric Pumps
Electric pumps are the most popular and some are able to operate in a manual mode with additional adaptors. It should be noted that these electric pumps are motor driven and some users consider them to be noisy.
Battery Operated
Battery operated pumps are available but are generally considered too slow and the batteries do not last for any worthwhile time.
Main Operated Pumps
Mains operated pumps are the popular option and these can be supplied with car power adaptors and manual suction adaptors. Many of the pumps are available for dual operation (both breasts).
A top tip
If your lifestyle or circumstances indicate that a breast pump would make life easier for you then it is wise to purchase the pump a week or so before needed to allow for familiarisation.
Did you know…
Hand on heart; I always thought that a breast pump did just that, pumped. In fact the breast “pump” uses suction to pull the nipple into the shield between 30 and 60 times per minute to trigger the milk expression response. It should be noted that, at this rate, it is still not as effective as Baby but Mum can “pump” from both breasts at once with a dual pump system!
About the author: Trevor is the founder of Hello Baby and father of two screaming children. Read more from this author
Topic: Baby Feeding |
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