Breast Pumps for Long-Term Breastfeeding Success

 

 

If you’re researching breast pumps, you already know about the many health benefits of breastfeeding for both baby and mom. You’ve also no doubt realized that there many different pumps available, making it even harder to know which type to choose. To make the best selection, consider your pumping needs and lifestyle.

 

How Breast Pumps Can Help

 

Breast pumps come in handy in many different situations. The most common reason for using breast pumps is mother/baby separation. For instance, if your baby needs to stay behind in the hospital after you’ve been discharged, your doctor may encourage breast feeding requesting that you to pump throughout the day so that you can keep your baby supplied with immune boosting, nutrient-rich milk.

 

As your baby grows, breast pumps can help you continue nursing exclusively anytime you need to be away from your baby for an extended period of time.

 

Hospital-Grade Breast Pump Rentals

 

Before you leave the hospital, your doctor will probably supply a hospital-grade model to get you started. These electric breast pump rentals have a suctioning strength and rhythm that’s very similar to the way a baby suckles at the breast. They are designed for double pumping which allows you to express double the amount in half the time. These breast pump rentals are available for rent or to purchase depending on your nursing needs.

 

Finding the Right Pump

 

There are several different types of pumps available for purchase. They range in price, convenience and ease of handling.

 

 

Manual pumps rely on using your own strength to express single servings of milk. These pumps are ideal if you only need to express milk on rare occasions. They are also the least expensive option.

 

Most manual pumps are powered by hand, but you can also find pumps powered by leg and foot motion. Some can even pump both breasts at once.  The leg/foot manual pumps are a better choice if you’re prone to carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from repetitive hand motions.

 

Hand-held battery operated pumps are a step up from manual pumps in terms of being easier to use, but are still meant for occasional pumping.

 

Electric breast pumps are designed for long-term use. Hospital grade models fall into this category. These are professional breast pumps that make it possible to double pump. They are ideal for maintaining your milk supply, and building a storage supply in your freezer for those times when you will be separated from your baby for long periods of time. Many come with a carrying bag, storage containers, suction cups and other accessories. Electric pumps are more costly than other pumps.

 

Minimizing Health Risks

 

One universal fact about all breast pumps is that they are not meant to be shared. Disease organisms can be present in the breast milk of infected mothers, and blood contamination can occur as a result of cracked or bleeding nipples. You can’t rely on home sterilization methods so it’s best not to use second hand breast pumps. Hospital breast pumps are the exception because they operate on what is known as a “closed system,” meaning the milk doesn’t reach the motor.