You may opt for breast pumps for several reasons. However, breast pumps can be intimidating for a new mom. Selecting and using a breast pump requires careful planning and practice. The ideal time to start using a breast pump is when your baby is 4-6 months old. Pumping too early can cause nipple confusion and the baby may refuse to feed.
Types Of Breast Pumps
There are mainly two types of breast pumps available in the market:
Manual Breast Pump
It is held manually with one hand while the other hand is used to pump the breast. A manual pump has a handle or lever that is operated manually. The milk gets collected in a container. A manual breast pump has a lesser number of parts and is easier to assemble and clean. It is good if you plan to pump occasionally.
Electric Breast Pump
An electric breast pump is more convenient. It mimics the feeding pattern of a newborn baby. In an electric pump, you do not need to press the milk. The motor does it for you. This way, you can collect more milk too. Choose an electric pump if you plan to use it frequently.
How To Use A Breast Pump
- Wash your hands
- Clean and sterilize the pump before using
- Stimulate your breasts
- Center the nipple in the conical part of the pump
- Lean forward
- Turn the pump on
- For manual pumps, start pressing your breast
- For electric pumps, adjust the pump to a low speed
- Keep pumping until there is no milk
- Take a break after 5 minutes even if there is no milk
- Rest for 1 minute and start pumping again
- Once the milk starts flowing, collect it
- Store the collected milk in the freezer
- Dismantle the breast pump
- Clean and sterilize the parts
- Air dry them
Initially, you may find it difficult to use a breast pump. However, with time you will get used to it. A breast pump is a very helpful tool for new moms, especially if you plan to join work soon.
