From the moment the pregnancy test shows a plus sign, your life will never be the same. Now it's time to prepare, and as expected, there are endless possibilities when it comes to products, so here are our best tips regarding breast pumps. Below, we will delve into the world of double, single, and silicone pumps - and hopefully, this will help you find the best choice for you.
Why is a breast pump a must?
Even if you plan to breastfeed your baby, it can be good to have a breast pump close at hand. Why? Well, to increase milk production, especially in the early days. The amount of breast milk is based on demand, and by pumping right after breastfeeding or during breastfeeding, milk production increases. It can also be practical to pump because you can save and freeze milk so that more than just mom can feed the baby (think evenings and nights when you want to sleep or why not a child-free evening with a date at the restaurant?). Naturally, if you plan to breastfeed after you return to work, you will want to have a breast pump nearby to keep your production up and have a milk stash in the home freezer.
It’s electric (boogie woogie, woogie)
The electric breast pump does the hard work for you and allows you to quickly get started with pumping. Unlike a manual pump, the Elvie Pump lets you find your own pace that you set in advance. You simply avoid the hassle of finding a working solution for hand expressing or similar. Electric breast pumps usually offer more options than manual breast pumps. For example, you can choose between double or single pumps, adjustable suction levels to mimic your baby's pattern, pump history to know how much was expressed from previous sessions, and much more. Most electric breast pumps have a cord that you plug into an outlet, while battery-operated pumps (like the Elvie Pump) are perfect for pumping without being tied to an outlet for hours.
The downside of conventional electric pumps is that they can be quite cumbersome to carry due to their size (but there are, of course, more convenient alternatives (*cough cough*)). Some electric pumps that claim to be quiet actually aren't, making it difficult to pump discreetly or not wake the baby if it's sleeping nearby.
Pros and cons of electric breast pumps
Advantages:
- Less work than manual pumps
- Faster than other methods for releasing breast milk
- Offers multiple settings, which increases your comfort
- Provides more choice and versatility than manual pumps
- Travel-friendly pumps offer hands-free flexibility
Disadvantages:
- Costs more than manual breast pumps
- Sounds more than manual breast pumps
- More parts which can make it more complicated to clean and sterilize
- Electric breast pumps rely on an outlet, which can be difficult if you are traveling
- Some options are cumbersome to carry or bring along
Are you a practical type? We understand you
A manual breast pump can be a perfect choice if you want to pump for one feeding a day or take a break sometimes. Portable silicone options like Elvie Curve can even be used when you are feeding or pumping on the other breast, or when your breasts feel full. With a manual pump, you can control the suction speed yourself - making the stimulation feel natural and more like your baby's sucking technique. That said, with some manual pumps, regular hand stimulation is required to create a rhythmic vacuum that stimulates milk flow. This can take up both hands until you get used to it, which can strain your hands. And unless the pump is explicitly 'hands-free' and can be worn in a bra, it can be difficult to express milk when you're on the go - despite its small size. But if you choose to go manual, it can be an excellent cheap option for occasional feedings or something that can fit in your handbag, gym bag - any bag! However, if you want to feed your baby exclusively with your own milk, it's worth investing in a powerful electric option.
Pros and cons of manual breast pumps
Advantages
- Cheaper than electric breast pumps and costs nothing to maintain after you have bought one
- Few parts which make them easy to clean and sterilize
- Compact, lightweight and easy to carry
- Naturally quieter than conventional electric breast pumps
Disadvantages
- Having to control the pump yourself can make it difficult to get into a good rhythm
- Manual pumps are generally slower and less powerful than electric ones
- Repeated pumping can be tiring for your hands
- Less discreet unless it is explicitly designed to be so
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Hello, is it me you’re looking for?
There you have it, a brief summary about breast pumps that you probably discovered while scrolling through your feed during the night. All moms are different and function differently; some find the right kind of pump immediately while others need to search a bit more. So if a certain pump doesn't work for you, it doesn't mean there isn't another one that will work, but rather that you need to keep trying until you find one that suits you. Kind of like Cinderella's shoe, but with a breast pump. No matter what you choose, it should feel right and comfortable for you as a mom. The important thing is that your pump always supports you (and your breasts).
