Finally your baby has arrived, and you are so overwhelmingly happy that you are ready to spend the rest of your life holding her close to you forgetting about the world. But you have a career and sooner or later you will have to leave for work. But you are very particular about exclusively breastfeeding your baby. So the next step would be to find and buy the best breast pump for your needs.
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Breast pumps are a boon to nursing mothers, especially the working ones who are pressed for time. The baby no more has to depend on formula feed. With the help of breast pump your munchkin can conveniently feed on your milk while you are away at work. They are also very handy for stay- at – home mums,who would sometimes need to go out without the baby or when they would like to enjoy some “me time”, leaving the baby to someone’s care.
When selecting a breast pump the most important factor to be taken into consideration is the frequency of its use. They are divided into following categories:
Best Breast Pumps
Manual breast pumps
Though they are less popular than electric breast pumps, they are very cost effective and do not need electricity or battery to be operated. Moms who pump milk occasionaly, like once or twice a week can go for manual breast pumps. The only disadvantage of manual breast pumps is that they are very strenous on the hands.
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Electric breast pump
They are very popular among working women. Electric breast pumps though a little expensive are highly reliable, hassle free and help to express milk at a faster rate. They operate upon electricity via an adapter or batteries. They are available in 2 varieties – Single and double and are most suited for women who express milk regularly.
With single breast pump, you can express only one breast at a time, while you can drain milk from both breasts at the same time using the double breast pump.
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Hospital grade breast pump
These are of highest quality and most efficient. They are intended for multiple uses and can be even rented or borrowed. They are double kit pumps and express milk from both breasts at once. If money is not an issue for you, then grab this type over the rest.
Based on efficiency, performance, cost and buyer ratings we have listed below some very popular breast pumps available in the market and online.
* Philips avent manual comfort breast pump:
Cost: 34.75 $
Customer rating: 4/5 ( based on 228 reviews )
Features: The breast pump has a unique design, so your milk directly flows from breast into the bottle even when sitting straight. This means there is no need for you to lean forward to make sure all your milk flows in the bottle. The soft cushions provided feel gentle on your skin and are highly efficient in extracting milk quickly. Along with the breast pump you get a feeding bottle with specialized nipple that lets baby latch on without any nipple confusion.
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Medela’s pump in style advanced
Cost: 272.70$
Customer rating: 4.5/5 (based on 525 reviews )
Features: It has a double motor, a battery pack for times when one can’t find an outlet. Letdown mode that helps get the milk flowing, and adjustable settings. It is a double electric pump and hence very much time saving.
Lansinoh’s new affinity pro double electric breast pump
Cost: 135.33$
Customer ratings: 4.7/5 ( reviews based on 3482 ratings)
Features: It has three modes that helps you to quickly pinpoint the best speed for you, an LCD screen that keeps track of how much time you have been pumping and soft cups that help keep you comfy through pumping session.
* Medela free style breast pump
Cost: 461.45$
Customer rating: 5/5 ( reviews based on 2364 ratings )
Features: It is specifically designed for women with large breasts. The pump is compact and weighs less than 1 pound, so allows for mobility while pumping. It is hands free so you can do other things while you pump. It is also provided with adjustable speed and vaccum combinations, which lets you find your most comfortable pump setting. It has a digital backlit display which is perfect for late night pumping sessions.
Other features include cooler bag with contoured ice pack which provides upto 12 hours of cooling time. It also has four milk bottles moreover all parts that come into contact with breast milk are BPA- free hence, safe for you and your baby.
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Bellema effective pro double electric breast pump
Cost: 218.33$
Customer ratings: 4.7/5 (based on 3,480 ratings )
Features: It is provided with a great hygienic closed system with anti backflow control. It has a two phase pumping so you can choose either single or double mode. It is light weight and super easy to clean. It gives you ultimate comfort with adjustable suction on left and right sides. The Bellema comes with two 4 oz bottles and nipples, as well as a bottle adapter that allows you to use the pump with Avent and Medela bottles as well.
Simplisse’s double electric breast feeding companion
Cost: 99.98$
Customer ratings: 4.5/5 (based on 638 reviews )
Features:
This pump is designed to help minimise tugging and pinching and gently elicit milk expression.The inner and outer soft flexible breast cups work together to mimic baby’s suckling motions to encourage let – down. It includes 4 collection bottles ,microfibre tote bag, insulated cooler and 2 ice gel packs with wet sponge bag. It is also dishwasher safe.
Spectra baby USA S2 single/ double breast pump
Cost: 229.83$
Customer ratings: 4 / 5 (based on 875 customer reviews )
Features:
It is a hospital grade double/single electric breast pump. It has inbuilt rechargeable battery. Though it is hospital grade, it is portable. A physical barrier between the milk and pump ensures hygiene and motor performance. It has maximum suction strength of 250 mmHg and the ability to be used as a single or double pump. It is completely flexible, and has touch button. The suction is adjustable in both let – down and expression mode.
Few tips for pumping:
- Make pumping routine. Relax while pumping as relaxing helps in even flow of milk.
- Massage your breasts before pumping. Some massage can stimulate your mammary glands and clear clogged duct.
- Keep yourself well hydrated. Drink some water or other fluids before pumping.
- Pump as often as you would nurse. Pump every 2-3 hours, including at night. Pump in the early morning when you get high yield.
- Maintain good hygiene to guard against infections.
So, there you go! 7 great pumps to fit all your needs and pumping situations. These are all great products.You might find pros and cons for all purchases that you make.What is important is choosing the style which suits you best.
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References:
Journals.sagepub.com
https://maternityathome.com
