How to choose a breast pump

Manual and electric breast pumps help with reduced and increased lactation, with lactostasis, and in cases where the child does not want to take the breast. But sometimes they cause discomfort to a woman, and expressing milk takes too much time. Therefore, it is important to choose a product that will best meet the requirements of the mother.

Best Breast Pump Manufacturers

In the production of high-quality breast pumps used polypropylene, ideally, medical. This material is highly resistant to high temperatures, i.e. products from it can be sterilized under any temperature conditions. It is absolutely safe for the health of the child and mother.

The high quality of the product is also evidenced by the mark on the packaging “without bisphenol-A” or “BPA-free”. This means that the material from which the breast pump was manufactured does not contain a substance that is hazardous to health, bisphenol-A.

Bisphenol-A is often found in polycarbonate plastics, from which many baby care products are made. When the temperature rises, it is released into the fluid contained in the plastic container and increases the risk of developing tumors, diabetes and other diseases in the infant.

The following manufacturers are responsible for the quality and safety of their products:

1. Philips Avent - a leader in the manufacture of breast pumps and other baby care products. The company's products are made taking into account the physiological features of the female breast. Avent breast pumps are easy to use, you can express your milk without leaning forward, i.e. sitting with a straight back. They have a massage funnel that promotes milk production and reduces discomfort.

2. Medela. The company's products are sold in more than 100 countries around the world. In the production of milk pumps, Medela uses its own patented technology, thanks to which the action of the breast pump most closely resembles baby sucking. As a result, more milk is expressed. Medela's quality system is certified to ISO 13485.

3. Tommy Tippee. The company's products are very popular in Europe, America, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Breast pumps are developed taking into account the physiological characteristics of the female breast. They are comfortable, take up little space and, as a rule, do not cause pain when used.

4. Pigeon. The company's products are based on research conducted in Pigeon's own laboratories. In the production of materials used are safe for the health of the baby.

Types of breast pumps

Breast pumps differ in appearance and mode of action. They are mechanical or manual and electrical. Manual models are divided into piston, pump, syringe. All of them have their pros and cons and are suitable for different life situations.

Mechanical breast pump with a pear

The simplest and most budgetary type of breast pumps. Milk is excreted due to a rubber pear (pump). Mom needs to compress the pear to create the necessary pressure and start pumping.

Such products usually consist of a pumping mechanism and a funnel that is applied to the nipple. Sometimes they are equipped with containers for milk.

Pump pumps are not intended for permanent use. They are uncomfortable, often cause painful sensations and lead to cracking of the nipples due to the pumping process, which is very different from sucking a baby’s breast.

Manual Breast Pump

This breast pump consists of two cylinders: internal and external. One end of the breast pump has a funnel that is applied to the breast, then comes a transparent cylinder (pump) with graduations. Due to the movement of the outer cylinder, pressure is created and pumped out.

A woman should hold the product with two hands - with one hand hold the funnel near the chest, and with the other move the outer cylinder.

Mechanical Piston Breast Pump

The most convenient type of manual breast pumps. Consists of a nozzle for the chest, a lever and a bottle for milk. To start pumping, you need to attach a funnel to the nipple and press the lever. Products usually have a massage funnel, which reduces the likelihood of pain. Some devices are additionally equipped with pads for the chest and nipple.

Electric breast pumps

This is the most convenient type of breast pump. Powered by batteries or network. As with the manual models, the funnel is tightly applied to the nipple, but the woman does not need to make an effort to start the process of extracting milk. Decanting occurs due to the action of the electric motor.

Electric models quickly and painlessly collect milk. In this case, the mother can choose the intensity with which the pumping will occur. Milk is collected in a bottle, from which you can later feed the baby.

Some models provide a biphasic pumping mode that is similar to a real breast sucking. Initially, the device works quickly, contributing to the production of milk, and later begins a slow and deep pumping.

Which breast pump to choose

For regular and long-term use, an electronic breast pump is best suited. If you constantly need to express your chest, but you want to save as much time as possible, choose a double breast pump.

A good and more affordable option are piston models. They are convenient to use, have high efficiency and most importantly - do not cause discomfort. Suitable for both regular and occasional use.

Model syringes and pears are designed for rare use. They are light and compact, you can put them in your purse and take to work, on a visit or on vacation. It is often not recommended to use them.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.