Breast Pumps

The breast pumps are mechanical devices to draw out milk from a lactating female, for subsequent use. With the help of breast pumps, mothers can make sure that their babies get all the required antibodies, which are important to fight off illnesses and infections when they cannot breastfeed their kids directly. Many companies manufacture breast pumps including Medela, Ameda, Playtex and Avent. The various breast pumps include manual breast pumps and electrically powered breast pumps with various models for both single and double breasts. You can get information about different breast pumps from the Internet and make informed decision about the one, most suitable for you.

Uses Of Breast Pumps

• People, other than the mother, can later feed the baby when the mother is unable to do it or has other commitments. For instance, working mothers.
• Some females suffer from engorged breasts due to excess milk formation, much more than their babies can consume. In such cases, the breast pumps help to give them relief from the pressure exerted by the superfluous milk.
• Breast pumps are useful for increasing the production of breast milk. It instigates the breast to produce more milk by stimulating the milk producing hormones.
• Breast pumps are beneficial to incite lactation, while the mother is recovering from childbirth and its aftereffects.
• If a baby is unable to suck or cannot cling long enough to consume breast milk directly from the mother, breast pumps are a good option.
• When a mother is unable to nurse the child due to dry, cracked nipples, sore nipples or is suffering from nipple infections, use breast pumps.

Factors To Consider In The Selection Of Appropriate Breast Pumps

• The frequency (number of times) and the duration you will be away from your baby. For occasional use, simple manual pumps are the better option. For regular and more efficient use, electric pumps are best.
• Duration of the pumping of each breast – If you are pressed for time, use an electric double breast pump model, as it is very fast and takes only half the time of manual breast pumps.
• Controlling the degree of suction – Adjustable suction enables you to be more comfortable, when using the breast pumps.
• Size of breast shields – Buy your correct size than using standard size.
• Weight of breast pumps – Check out breast pumps that are light, especially if you want to carry it around with you. Some of the models have a handy carrying case with even convenience for storing milk in an insulated area.
• Noise level of breast pumps – Better to choose breast pumps with lower noise
• Ease of assembling – The breast pumps must be convenient, easy to remove and clean after using it.
• Backup power of electric breast pumps – See if there are electric outlets, if not get rechargeable battery. Moreover, purchase a breast pump with an adapter that can be used in the car.
• Cost of breast pumps – Manual breast pump is cheaper. Electric breast pump is a good investment and can be used in future, for younger kids also.