If you are just getting ready to enter the world of motherhood, all the decisions you have to make can make your head spin. If you’re a first-time mom, you’ve probably never had a reason to choose a breast pump before, and with all the different breast pump options, it can be hard to make a decision. To make your choice easier, we have summarized the different types of pumps and their pros and cons in terms of the features you are looking for.
Some breast pumps are best for moms who plan to be with their babies during the day and don’t plan to bottle feed their babies much. Other breast pumps are ideal for moms who plan to return to work after their baby is born and want to feed their baby breast milk during this time. Whatever your situation, there is a breast pump that will make it easier to collect breast milk for your baby. Here’s what you need to know about each type of pump:
Double Electric Breast Pump
Double electric breast pumps are one of the most versatile and common types of pumps. This type of pump is compact yet powerful. They provide comfortable and efficient milk collection from one or both breasts. They are easy to carry and so you can use them at home, at work, while traveling.
With so many double electric pump options, what should you look for in a double electric breast pump? Customizable settings: Babies feed differently and a good pump should be able to give you a choice of different settings that will be most effective for comfort and ensure you get the most milk possible.
Comfort: Let’s be honest, using a breast pump probably won’t be your favorite part of your day. But finding a comfortable breast pump makes all the difference. Lansinoh’s ComfortFit® breast attachments feature soft and flexible edges designed to gently cradle your breasts. Finally, think about how you will use your breast pump. If you will be expressing milk in close quarters with coworkers, you may want to find a quiet pump.
Manual Breast Pump
A manual breast pump works differently than an electric pump. Although the vacuum power of the manual pump is similar to electric pumps, instead of working with electricity and batteries, you collect breast milk by squeezing the pump handle. The manual pump also works in 2 phases, stimulation and milking. With its two-phase technology, it offers easy and comfortable milking by mimicking the natural sucking rhythm of babies. It is completely silent and can be easily used with one hand. The manual pump provides great comfort for occasional breast pump use or as a backup pump next to an electric pump. For on-the-go use, you can easily carry it in your bag due to its size and few parts. You never know when you will fall behind schedule and breast milk waits for no one!
Silicone Breast Pump
The silicone breast pump is great for easily collecting extra breast milk and storing it when you are away from your baby. Even if mothers breastfeed their babies on one breast at a time, breast milk collects in both breasts. In this case, the Silicone breast pump helps to save every drop by collecting the accumulated milk from the breast where you are not breastfeeding your baby. It is completely silent and is not operated manually. Unlike the use of manual or electric breast pumps, the silicone breast pump does not allow you to collect breast milk when you are away from your baby or not breastfeeding. However, it is a great tool for collecting milk that has accumulated while breastfeeding.
There can be a lot to learn when it comes to motherhood. But having the right breast pump can make your breastfeeding experience much easier and more comfortable.