In most instances, if you are successfully nursing, you will not be required to express your breast milk; nevertheless, many women do opt to do so at some time throughout their journey. Your motivations for expressing milk, as well as the frequency with which you want to do so, will affect the breast pump model you buy or rent to fulfil your needs. To assist you in making a selection, here is a rundown of the many breast pumps that are now on the market.
If you prefer to express breast milk using a pump, it is essential that the flange, which is the part of the pump that attaches to your breast, fits you well. Not only will this reduce the likelihood that your ducts will get clogged, but it will also ensure that the process is as comfortable as possible. It is important to remember that the more milk you pump out of your body, the more milk your body will create; thus, taking precautions to avoid overstimulation of your breasts may be necessary. Your breastfeeding peer supporter, health visitor, family nurse, and midwife are available to provide support and answer any questions you may have.
Manual Pump
They come in both single and double-pump configurations and are intended for the occasional expression of breast milk. They do not require any kind of power source. Thus, they may be taken anywhere. Electric pumps are often more costly than their manual counterparts.
Electric Breast Pump
Both single and double sizes are offered. Depending on the kind of electric breast pump that you choose, the pump may come with a variety of suction and speed settings for you to choose from. They require a power supply, which can be an AV cable or a battery, or they may provide you with the choice of using either. You can also look into travel-sized electric breast pumps should you need it.
Silicone Breast Pump
These one-piece gadgets function without electricity by applying a little vacuum pressure to the milk-producing tissue of one breast while you feed your baby on the other breast. This induces a letdown in the breast milk supply. It is essential to research the brand you purchase to guarantee that you are getting a product free of BPA.
Hospital-Grade Breast Pump
If you are expressing breast milk to expand it for an ill or preterm infant or for multiple children, it is suggested that you use a breast pump designed for hospitals. Breast pumps of hospital grade are meant to be used often and on a daily basis.
Open-System Pump
In a breast pump known as an “open” pump, no barrier prevents your breast milk from entering the tubing or mechanism of the pump. These pumps are designed for a single user only, and you cannot resell them when you no longer need them.
Closed-System Pump
A “closed” system is one in which there is a barrier that prevents milk from coming into contact with the tubing or the mechanics of the pump. Because of this, the pump can be resold when the user no longer requires its usage; however, it is vital to remember that many pumps are intended for use by a single user. You may need to repair components of the pump over time to keep its efficiency at a satisfactory level.
