How to choose a breast pump- A detailed guide for moms

Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful and extraordinary experiences that we mothers and babies can share for a long time. It not only allows new mums to provide the nourishment to their babies, but it also helps in forming an incredibly special bond built from physical and emotional closeness while feeding. Having said that there are also quite a lot of mums who are unable to breastfeed for a variety of reasons. Latching issues, inverted nipples, cracked or sore nipples, pre-mature birth, engorgement, breast refusal, cleft lip or palate, resuming work after delivery are some of the reasons of being unable to feed exclusively. However, with the advancement of technology, there is a wonderful product available to help mothers feed their babies with breastmilk for as long as they want. Yes, it’s none other than a Breast pump. There are quite a lot of breast pumps available and it’s important to choose the right one basis your requirements. Here we are sharing with you a detailed guide on how to choose a breast pump for your breastfeeding journey. Now that you have decided to use a breast pump, it is a good idea to carefully consider what the best pump is for you before buying. The most important thing before investing in a good breast pump (manual or electric) is to consider how often you will be using the pump. Every breast pump is designed for a specific level of usage and you will get the maximum benefit from a pump that closely matches your personal circumstances.

I still remember my first pregnancy and how I had to also opt for a breast pump reason being maternity leaves were getting over and I had to resume work. After a lot of research basis my requirement we had chosen a breast pump for ourselves and it had immensely helped me for over a long period of time. There are three kinds of breast pumps available in the market. A manual breast pump, electric pump, a single or double electric breast pump and hospital grade breast pumps. Let’s deep dive into all these categories of a breast pump and help make a wise decision.

Manual Breast Pump

Manual breast pumps are quite easy to use and manage. They are comparatively cheaper than the electric model. They are good for occasional expressing of milk. However, if you are looking to express often, they can get hard to deal with as you need to express by pumping the handle by your hands again and again. A manual breast pump is a great option for mums who stay at home and do not have to express milk again and again. As they are quiet and small (about the size of a bottle), it makes them a good choice for travel as well. You could also check this compact breast up available at U-grow.

Electrical breast pump

Electric breast pumps are quite easier and more convenient to use, as the motor takes care of pumping for you. They suit the requirement of women who have to be separated from the babies for a longer duration due to work or health issues. Electric breast pumps are fully automatic, comes with variable cycling times and also with adjustable suction levels to help avoid nipple discomfort.

Since I am a new mum and was looking to express milk for my son, I was doing extensive research on breast pumps available and came across this wonderful 2 in 1 Electronic breast pump and nasal aspirator by U-grow. It’s quite easy to use since it has detachable parts that can be assembled quickly. This pump has the option to use battery power or an electrical outlet as well. You could check it out further on the U-grow website. There are also two variables available in an electrical breast pump. Single-use pump and double use pump. For the ones who have to express a smaller number of times can use single use as at one time it can express milk from one breast. For the mums who are full time working or are unable to feed at all naturally can go for double use pump as at one go milk can be expressed from both the breasts.

Hospital-Grade pumps: Well, there are also hospital grade pumps available and they are recommended for mums who are unable to nurse at all due to medical reasons. These pumps are heavy duty and are designed in such a way that it helps in building and maintaining the milk supply. Since they are expensive one can take them on rental basis from hospitals, lactation consultant or medical equipment rental stores.

All the breast pumps available in the market have a breast shield that cups the breast. The size may vary depending upon the brand and type of pump you are choosing.

Every mom’s feeding situation is unique and one of its own kind. In case you have decided to resume work and exclusively breastfeeding you will for sure need a breast pump. There are also a few mums who express milk so that they can share feeding responsibility with other caregivers at home. This also helps in taking the much-needed break and allow your bundle of joy to bond with other family members.

Hope you find this post useful. Do share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

This post is originally written for U-grow website.

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