Breast Pumps
Choosing Breast Pumps
Whether you plan to go to work but want to continue breastfeeding your child, or whether you're still staying at home but want to leave a ready supply of breast milk whenever you plan to go out – a breast pump is certainly of great help. Before going out to purchase or rent a breast – pump, it is very important to find out the types of breast – pumps available in order to choose the pump that is best for you.
Occasional Use: Manual Pumps
If you only plan to pump occasionally (i.e. to relieve engorged breasts, boost milk supply) or at least just once a day, then a manual breast pump may suffice. Manual breast pumps are cheap and portable options, but they can be tiring to use and are not as effective if you plan to use it several times a day. However, because manual breast pumps do not have mechanical parts, they are very reliable even after a long time. Just make sure that you avoid using bicycle horn style pumps. They can be cheap, but the rubber bulb can harbor bacteria and the strong suction of the pump can damage breast tissue.
The Avent Isis manual pump is a favorite of breastfeeding mothers. The pump only takes one hand to operate and the silicone insert and suction level of the pump are comfortable to the breast. The Isis affordable and is compatible with all Avent bottles and can even be used with narrow neck bottles with the use of an adapter. The Avent Isis comes with one 4oz bottle, or can also be purchased as part of a kit.
The Medela Harmony pump is another manual pump that is usually compared to the Avent Isis because of its soft insert and easy to use one-hand design. The pump features a Two Way Expression Technology which mimics the natural nursing rhythm of the baby. All parts of the pump that come into contact with breast milk are BPA free. The pump can be used with Medela bottles and other traditional milk bottles.
Out Of The House Moms: Electric Pumps
If you plan to work full – time or pump exclusively, then an electric best pump is the best choice for you. Electric breast – pumps usually pump milk from both breasts at the same time. Its strong suctioning imitates the baby's nursing pattern, helping you keep your milk supply up. Electric pumps also come with accessories like AC car adapters, milk coolers, hands - free kits and travel cases. The only downside to most electric pumps is its price. A good electric breast pump can cost anywhere around $200 - $300.
The Medela Pump In Style Advanced is one of the top choices when it comes to double electric pumps. The Pump In Styel Advanced's cycle features two stimulation phases: the first phase mimics the baby's initial rapid suckling in order to stimulate milk letdown. Then the pumping slows down in order to mimic baby's slower and deeper suckling when milk starts to come out. This easy to use pump is quiet and comes as a kit that includes an AC adapter, a milk cooler bag, milk containers and lids and a battery pack for pumping even without electricity.
The Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump is BPA free, and features adjustable speed and pump suction. The pump offers plenty of variations that imitate the baby's suckling in order to achieve faster letdown. The pump can be used with almost any milk bag or bottle, and runs of AC, batteries or the car adapter. The pump can be purchased as is, or along with a kit and a bag. One common complaint about this pump is that it's pumping force is slower than most electric breast pumps. That isn't a problem though, as most mothers do not need strong suctioning in order to produce milk.
There are more manual and electric breast pumps out in the market, so it is suggested that you also take a look at some of them before choosing the right pump for you.
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