Expert advice from the Limerick team
As a new mom, the amount of choice in the breast pump market can feel overwhelming. How can you find the best double electric pump, or the best portable breast pump for travel? Pumping for the first time might seem daunting, but there are ways to make the process stress-free. Limerick prides itself on providing reliable and accessible information for all pregnant women and new moms so they can make informed choices about their health.
Even if you plan to breastfeed exclusively, i.e., not to pump and bottle milk for your baby, it is still very helpful to invest in a breast pump, because inevitably, there are going to be times when you're away from your baby for more than a few hours at a time, like when you return to work, need to go to the store or to an appointment. You'll need to express milk with a pump to avoid breast engorgement. Pumping also enables moms to share feeding responsibilities with a fellow parent or caregiver.
How to Choose the Right breast Pump Electric Model For You
Types of breast pump
The three main types of breast pumps are electric breast pumps, battery operated breast pumps and manual breast pumps. These are then split into closed system pumps and open system pumps.
If you're looking for the most powerful breast pump on the market, you should consider an electric one. These plug into a wall and come in both double and single options. Double electric pumps work on both breasts simultaneously, while single electric pumps focus on one breast at a time. Although single electric pumps are less expensive, they are more time-consuming since you need to pump twice as long to pump both breasts.
Battery operated pumps are generally smaller and more portable than electric pumps, and so are useful for traveling. Like electric models, there are also single and double models. There are also wireless breast pumps, which allow you to pump hands free.
Manual breast pumps are hand operated. The user squeezes a lever to produce a suction effect on the breast, so milk is expressed. Manual pumps are light, portable and generally have a lower price point than electric pumps. However, they express far less milk than electric or battery operated pumps.
How to Choose the Right breast Pump Electric Model For You
Closed system vs. open system pumps
These terms refer to how the breast pump operates. A closed system pump, also referred to as a hospital-grade breast pump, is sealed off from the milk by a barrier. This feature makes the pump more hygienic, as milk is prevented from entering the machine. In open-system pumps, if milk gets into the machine, the tubes and small pieces are difficult to sterilize. Closed system pumps are more expensive than their open system counterparts, although they are much more hygienic.
Pumps with an open-system design do not have a barrier that separates the pump mechanism and the milk, which means that milk can flow into the tubes and small pieces of the pump. Though they are a less expensive option than closed-system pumps, it's important to bear in mind that they are also less hygienic.
How to Choose the Right breast Pump Electric Model For You
Identifying the right breast pump electric model for you - what to consider
New moms will want to find the breast pump that best meets their needs. The first step is to do your research, and speak to a lactation consultant or a healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Here are some things to consider when looking at breast pumps.
Identifying the right breast pump electric model for you - what to consider
Frequency
How frequently do you plan on pumping? If it's multiple times a week or more, an electric breast pump would be a better option. As a new mother, you may already be tired and busy, making manual pumping a tedious and time-consuming process. It's advisable to consider a double electric breast pump as it can express a larger amount of milk in a shorter duration while also safeguarding you from contracting infections. If you intend to exclusively pump without any breastfeeding, investing in a hospital-grade (double electric), pump is highly recommended.
Identifying the right breast pump electric model for you - what to consider
Noise
All breast pumps make some noise, but some models are quieter. If you're going to be pumping in the workplace or around other people, you might want to choose a quieter pump.
Identifying the right breast pump electric model for you - what to consider
Weight
A lighter pump might be more suitable if you're going to be traveling or commuting to work.
Identifying the right breast pump electric model for you - what to consider
Place
Think about where you'll be pumping and whether there'll be a plug. If not, for example, if you are on the road for work or you do a lot of traveling, consider a double electric pump with a battery pack or a lighter, battery-operated model. Some pumps can be worn underneath clothing and allow hands-free pumping.
Identifying the right breast pump electric model for you - what to consider
Insurance
Check which breast pumps are covered by your insurance plan. Since the Affordable Care Act, new moms are entitled to a new breast pump with each pregnancy, although the models included in insurance plans can differ. It may be worth investing in a more expensive, hospital-grade pump if this isn't part of your insurance package.
Identifying the right breast pump electric model for you - what to consider
Replacing parts
Now and then, individual parts of the pump (like tubing and valves) will need to be replaced. If you're going to be pumping multiple times a week, opt for a pump with readily available replacement parts.
Identifying the right breast pump electric model for you - what to consider
Durability
Remember that you'll use your pump for at least six months, possibly up to twelve. Pumping takes a lot of time and physical effort, sometimes more than new moms realize. Most babies feed every two to three hours for their first six months. So think about your lifestyle and when and where you're likely to be pumping, when choosing the best product for you. Remember to consult a medical expert if you have any worries about breastfeeding or using a breast pump.