Breast pumps help lactating women extract milk from their breasts and store it for future use. A manual breast pump helps mothers provide their babies with precious breast milk loaded with antibodies to boost their immunity even when they are not around. This device functions on hand movements and is pretty efficient in extracting breast milk. In this post, we present you with the types, different parts, points to consider before buying, and tips on using a manual breast pump.
What Is A Breast Pump?
Breast pumps are devices designed to extract (express) breast milk from a mother’s breasts and supplement or replace breastfeeding via bottle or alternative feeding method. Some pumps even mimic the suckling action of a baby.
Why Do You Need A Breast Pump?
As a new mother, you might need a breast pump for several reasons. A few of them are: There are different types of breast pumps.
What Are The Types Of Breast Pumps?
There are three basic types of breast pumps:
1. Manual breast pumps:
Manual breast pumps usually have a lever or handle, which needs to be operated manually in order to express the breast milk. The milk is then collected in a container. These pumps are usually small and handy and can be great to use on the go. Some of the disadvantages are being unable to express both breasts at the same time and the chance that your hands may hurt from constant manual effort required to work the pump.
2. Battery-powered breast pumps:
A battery powered pump uses batteries to power a small motor that creates suction to express the breast milk. The powered pump can also control the degree of suction, hence varying the amount of milk collected. Depending on the model, battery-powered pumps may provide less suction than an electric pump with a power cord. Learning hands-on pumping can help express more milk.
3. Electric breast pumps:
An electric pump is similar to a battery powered pump except that it has a cord that plugs into an electrical outlet. Breast pumps can also be classified based on the pumping type:
Single pumping:
Single pumping type devices can be used to express milk from only one breast at a time. Manual and most of the battery-powered pumps are single pumping types.
Double pumping:
Double pumping type devices are designed to express milk from both breasts simultaneously. These consist of two breast shields (also called flanges) with tubing connecting to the container. Most electric breast pumps are double pumping-type devices. Though all types of breast pumps might suit, we will be focusing on manual breast pumps in this post.
What Are The Parts Of A Manual Breast Pump?
Any basic manual breast pump consists of the following parts:
What Should You Look For When Buying A Manual Breast Pump?
You can rely on this checklist while buying a manual breast pump.
1. Usage of the pump
How many times you will be using the pump
If you want to use the pump in addition to breastfeeding or substitute direct breastfeeding
How much milk you can pump in one session
2. Duration of each pumping session
If you do not have time constraints, then using a manual pump may be a good option for you.
If you plan to use the pump at work or do not have much time, look for a double electric or battery pump that extracts milk from both breasts, simultaneously.
3. The instructions on the manual pump
You need to understand the instructions to assemble, use, and clean the device. Review the instruction manuals of various pumps online or at the store to check their user-friendliness.
4. Place of use
Buy a smaller one if you intend to use it at your workplace. You can also consider exploring hands-free battery powered breast pumps that can be used while working or driving.
5. Portability
If you intend to carry the breast pump while traveling, look for ones that are portable, do not take up a lot of space, and are easy to assemble and handle. Manual and battery pumps are easier to carry than the electric ones.
6. Breast shields of the pump
Make sure the breast shields match your breast size. Check the manufacturer’s website for the breast shield sizes and pick the one that fits you. It is important to know, pumping should not hurt. Many times, when pumping hurts, it’s because the shield/flange is too large. Only the nipple should be pulled into the funnel of the shield, not the areola.
7. The suction of the pumps
The amount of suction of the breast pump should be just right for your milk supply. Excessive suction can leave you with sore and painful breasts after each pumping session and less suction will end up in engorged breasts even after a session. Begin at the lowest setting and increase based on your comfort level.
8. Design of the pump
You will want to look for a manual pump that is easy to hold and handle. Pumps with bulky designs can be difficult to use and transport.
How To Use A Manual Breast Pump?
Here is how you can use a manual breast pump. You may also follow the instructions given on the product label. Note: Every manual breast pump is accompanied by a detailed instruction manual on how to use the pump. Follow the manual because detailed instructions change from pump to pump.
General Tips On Using A Manual Breast Pump
Follow these tips when you are using a manual breast pump. Next, let’s see the various breast pumps available in the market. Disclaimer: MomJunction may earn a commission when products are purchased through affiliate links given in the article. However, this partnership does not influence the editorial content featured in our list.
References:
title: “Why And How To Use A Manual Breast Pump” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-12” author: “Leslie West”
Breast pumps help lactating women extract milk from their breasts and store it for future use. A manual breast pump helps mothers provide their babies with precious breast milk loaded with antibodies to boost their immunity even when they are not around. This device functions on hand movements and is pretty efficient in extracting breast milk. In this post, we present you with the types, different parts, points to consider before buying, and tips on using a manual breast pump.
What Is A Breast Pump?
Breast pumps are devices designed to extract (express) breast milk from a mother’s breasts and supplement or replace breastfeeding via bottle or alternative feeding method. Some pumps even mimic the suckling action of a baby.
Why Do You Need A Breast Pump?
As a new mother, you might need a breast pump for several reasons. A few of them are: There are different types of breast pumps.
What Are The Types Of Breast Pumps?
There are three basic types of breast pumps:
1. Manual breast pumps:
Manual breast pumps usually have a lever or handle, which needs to be operated manually in order to express the breast milk. The milk is then collected in a container. These pumps are usually small and handy and can be great to use on the go. Some of the disadvantages are being unable to express both breasts at the same time and the chance that your hands may hurt from constant manual effort required to work the pump.
2. Battery-powered breast pumps:
A battery powered pump uses batteries to power a small motor that creates suction to express the breast milk. The powered pump can also control the degree of suction, hence varying the amount of milk collected. Depending on the model, battery-powered pumps may provide less suction than an electric pump with a power cord. Learning hands-on pumping can help express more milk.
3. Electric breast pumps:
An electric pump is similar to a battery powered pump except that it has a cord that plugs into an electrical outlet. Breast pumps can also be classified based on the pumping type:
Single pumping:
Single pumping type devices can be used to express milk from only one breast at a time. Manual and most of the battery-powered pumps are single pumping types.
Double pumping:
Double pumping type devices are designed to express milk from both breasts simultaneously. These consist of two breast shields (also called flanges) with tubing connecting to the container. Most electric breast pumps are double pumping-type devices. Though all types of breast pumps might suit, we will be focusing on manual breast pumps in this post.
What Are The Parts Of A Manual Breast Pump?
Any basic manual breast pump consists of the following parts:
What Should You Look For When Buying A Manual Breast Pump?
You can rely on this checklist while buying a manual breast pump.
1. Usage of the pump
How many times you will be using the pump
If you want to use the pump in addition to breastfeeding or substitute direct breastfeeding
How much milk you can pump in one session
2. Duration of each pumping session
If you do not have time constraints, then using a manual pump may be a good option for you.
If you plan to use the pump at work or do not have much time, look for a double electric or battery pump that extracts milk from both breasts, simultaneously.
3. The instructions on the manual pump
You need to understand the instructions to assemble, use, and clean the device. Review the instruction manuals of various pumps online or at the store to check their user-friendliness.
4. Place of use
Buy a smaller one if you intend to use it at your workplace. You can also consider exploring hands-free battery powered breast pumps that can be used while working or driving.
5. Portability
If you intend to carry the breast pump while traveling, look for ones that are portable, do not take up a lot of space, and are easy to assemble and handle. Manual and battery pumps are easier to carry than the electric ones.
6. Breast shields of the pump
Make sure the breast shields match your breast size. Check the manufacturer’s website for the breast shield sizes and pick the one that fits you. It is important to know, pumping should not hurt. Many times, when pumping hurts, it’s because the shield/flange is too large. Only the nipple should be pulled into the funnel of the shield, not the areola.
7. The suction of the pumps
The amount of suction of the breast pump should be just right for your milk supply. Excessive suction can leave you with sore and painful breasts after each pumping session and less suction will end up in engorged breasts even after a session. Begin at the lowest setting and increase based on your comfort level.
8. Design of the pump
You will want to look for a manual pump that is easy to hold and handle. Pumps with bulky designs can be difficult to use and transport.
How To Use A Manual Breast Pump?
Here is how you can use a manual breast pump. You may also follow the instructions given on the product label. Note: Every manual breast pump is accompanied by a detailed instruction manual on how to use the pump. Follow the manual because detailed instructions change from pump to pump.
General Tips On Using A Manual Breast Pump
Follow these tips when you are using a manual breast pump. Next, let’s see the various breast pumps available in the market. Disclaimer: MomJunction may earn a commission when products are purchased through affiliate links given in the article. However, this partnership does not influence the editorial content featured in our list.
