Picking a good breast pump can be daunting because there are so many breast pumps to choose from. Do proper research if you want to select a breast pump that is right for you and your baby. Selecting a good breast pump depends on your baby’s needs, the stage you are at, personal circumstances, and your attitude towards expressing and breastfeeding. Wait until your baby is born before getting a breast pump.
The following are what to look for in a good breast pump:
1. A Manual or an Electric Breast Pump?
Pumping sessions usually last for around 10 to 15 minutes. If you are busy, so you have a few minutes to express breast milk, you might want to consider buying an electric breast pump that you can use to pump both breasts at the same time. A double-breast pump not only helps to reduce the pumping time by half, but it also helps to stimulate milk production. If you have more time, you can buy a manual breast pump.
2. The Price of the Breast Pump
It is easy to find breast pumps in baby stores, most drugstores, medical supply stores, and even discount department stores. However, most new mothers go for the cheapest breast pump because they want to save money. Never borrow or buy a used breast pump because of contamination. There are health insurance plans that cover the cost of renting or buying a breast pump, so you can buy any breast pump you want without worrying about the price. Buy high-quality and affordable breast pump.
3. Easy to Assemble and Transport?
A good breast pump is easy to assemble and transport. Breast pumps, which are difficult to take apart or clean and assemble, are frustrating. It can reduce your enthusiasm for expressing breast milk. After finishing expressing, remove and clean all the parts that touch your skin and milk. That is why you need a breast pump that is easy to assemble. If you will travel with your breast pump, pick a lightweight model.
4. The Suction
What is comfortable for another woman may not be comfortable for you. Once you decide to buy an electric breast pump, select the one that allows you to control the cycling speed and the degree of suction. If you want to enjoy expressing breast milk, pick a breast pump that is comfortable for you. Do not pick a breast pump because your friend tells you she loves using it.
5. The Breast Shields
What are breast shields? They are cone-shaped cups that fit over nipples and breasts. Most of the standard breast shields are small for some women. Pick a breast pump that has breast shields that can perfectly fit over your breasts and nipples.
Talk to the manufacturer, especially if the standard breast shields do not fit over your over breasts and nipples. The manufacturer will show you their replacement breast shields. So, pick the right size.
Pumping both breasts at once? If yes, pick a breast pump that has two breast shields.
6. The Accessories
Pumping and breastfeeding take up a lot of time. If you are going to use your breast pump regularly, you need several accessories and parts that will make the process easier and enjoyable. By the way, it is hard to find replacement parts for those breast pumps that have a few accessories with them.
So, check all the type of accessories before picking a breast pump. What are the best accessories? Steam bags, cooler, extra bottles with lids, breast pump cleaning wipes, breast pump bag for holding all the essentials, hands-free pumping kit, battery pack or extra power source, and lanolin cream.
These are what to look for in a good breast pump.
Allison Zulawski
Allison Zulawski is a co-owner of The Care Connection Lactation and Wellness Center. The Care Connection has been in the community for over 28 years, helping nursing mothers with all of their breastfeeding needs.