When you become a mom, you’ll learn about all of the different available products. You can spend a lot of money on completely unnecessary things. This is true in the case of breast pumps. On the market, there is a variety of breast pumps to choose from. Picking the best breast pump is a tough decision to make. There are a lot of things that a mother should consider when choosing the best breast pump.
Picking the Best Breast Pump:
Pumps are a mother’s best friend when you’re breastfeeding your child. They allow you to take a bit of control over your life and the amount of time you spend with your baby. Plus, if you work outside of the home, a breast pump for working moms is a necessity. To help you out, we have listed down simple 8 Steps to choose the best breast pump and make an informed decision:
Step 1: Know about types of pump
Breast pumps are available in a variety of sizes and styles. Therefore, in the process of choosing the best breast pump, you must gain information about what different types of pumps are available. This makes it easier for you to identify your particular pumping needs and select accordingly. Some pumps are manual and they are operated using your hands. On the other hand, some are operated with batteries and motors. Besides, working moms can check out the best portable breast pump for ease.
Step 2: Know about Electric breast pump
Electric breast pumps have different models that can serve the needs of various moms. These are those which provide the user with a means to pump out breast milk from their breasts when they have become too full. Electric breast pumps are powered with electricity either by a battery, USB port, or wall outlet. Having a strong, efficient pump will not only save time but also ensure that you have enough supply for your baby.
Step 3: Try a Manual breast pump
If you are going to be pumping with a breast pump for more than a month, then you should consider choosing the best manual breast pump. Manual breast pumps are easy to carry around and lighter than electric ones. Plus, some moms may feel an increased sense of control with a manual breast pump. Manual pumps are affordable and easy to use, and they can be powered by your hand — saving you lots of energy. Comparatively, these simpler pumps are less expensive with fewer parts to break and don’t require electricity or batteries.
Step 4: Practice regularly
Once you have selected the best breast pump, it’s time to get used to it and learn how to use it. When it comes to breast pumps, practice makes perfect. Most women have difficulty initially producing milk with a breast pump. Getting used to pumping takes time, and it may seem like you aren’t producing much milk in the beginning. Just keep going! You can even try pumping in different positions, like cradling the pump on your lap or leaning over it. You can even give a try to the best breast pump for multitasking, once you know how to pump.
Step 5: Pay attention to clothes
When the time comes to pump, dressing in a manner that’s comfortable and allows pumping to be easy is key. Wear something easy to remove such as a dress or shirt. A blanket or shawl can be used as a way to give yourself privacy in public when pumping. You should also look for larger pockets in the clothing or a place to clip the connectors. This makes carrying the pump hands-free simple if a spare hand is needed for anything else. If you’re wearing a dress, make sure it’s loose enough so that you can slip the pump under it without a struggle.
Step 6: Make sure you are comfortable
When it comes to the best breast pump, different brands make different products, but all will have their take on comfort and fit. Check the fit of the flange or breast shield on your nipple. It should center the nipple without touching it directly. You should not experience any discomfort. If you don’t feel comfortable, try another size. Besides, the breast pump should not only fit your breast in terms of nipple size but also the shape of your breast. If you purchase a pump that doesn’t fit properly, then you will get little or no milk out.
Step 7: Consider cost factor
The cost of breast pumps is often an important point of consideration when choosing the right one for you. The cost usually varies depending on various features and functions that come with a particular breast pump. Remember all the best breast pumps will have their unique advantages and disadvantages. There are inexpensive manual breast pumps, which may be good enough for occasional use, and more expensive ones with advanced features such as timers, adjustable suction levels, and rechargeable power packs.
Step 8: Avoid used pumps
Never use used pumps. The risk of bacterial and fungal infection is too high. Not only that, but you will also miss out on all the latest technology and accessories that come with new models. While used pumps might not be broken, there is no guarantee that it has been properly cleaned and maintained. This means that any bacteria or fungus could still be present on the equipment and can cause illness to you or your baby. Simultaneously, when you use a new pump make sure that the pump parts are washed regularly to avoid contamination.
Tips to keep in mind while using a breast pump:
If you are nursing your infant and considering a breast pump as well, here are some things to keep in mind while using the breast pump:
- It is advised that you should establish a routine when it comes to pumping.
- The best way to utilize your breast pump is to pump both breasts simultaneously. This will save time and energy-consuming work.
- Store pumped expressed breast milk in a clean, plastic, or glass container at room temperature or in an insulated cooler bag, which can be chilled with ice packs.
- You get to see a lot of options for breast pumps, thus to choose the best, read on the internet what other mothers have to say about them.
- When switching between breasts, you need to use a new flange as well, to avoid cross-contamination.
- Skipping a pumping session will harm your milk supply.
- It is recommended that you pump every three to four hours when you are away from the baby.
- If you are a working mother and require the use of a breast pump, then do not neglect the importance of hygiene when using your breast pump.
Conclusion:
If you are really planning to give breastfeeding to your baby or if you are already doing it, then it’s important to have good knowledge about the maintenance of the breast pump. With a few precautions, you can easily save yourself from a lot of troubles that may badly affect your overall breastfeeding experience. Hopefully, this article will help you in choosing the best breast pump for yourself.
