Knowing how to pick the best breast pump can be quite daunting. Learn how to choose the best breast pump for you here!
Once you return home from the hospital and have started to establish your milk supply it’s a great idea to start thinking about building your milk bank or milk reserve. This will allow other people to help you and feed baby when you can’t or if you are going back to work and are going to have a care worker. Whichever it might be you will need an effective pump to help you with this. So with such an array of breast pumps, and the health care act actually providing one for you, it can be hard to choose one. Here are 6 tips to choosing your ultimate pump:
1- Always Buy New
Though it might be tempting to save some money with a preowned pump, this isn’t always the smart or sanitary choice. Many breast pumps are considered “open systems,” which means that bodily fluids can backflow into them and cause contamination. Other pumps are considered a “closed system,” which means that the milk never touches the working parts of the pump. However, the motor might not be as effective or last as long as it would with a new pump, which could lead to decreased supply or the need to purchase a new one down the line. Save yourself the hassle and buy new – it will likely be covered under warrantee, too, which means you’re protected if something happens!
2- Consider How Often You’ll Use it
If you’re only going to be away from the baby occasionally, a simple hand pump might be sufficient for your needs. These are very effective but aren’t great for more than occasional use since you have to manually pump one side at a time.
3- Think About the Length of Your Pump Sessions
A typical pump session can last 10-20 minutes. If you have the luxury of more time, a hand pump might work for your needs. However, if you’re crunched for time, a high quality double electric pump will typically yield the same amount as a hand pump, but in much less time.
4- Your Budget
Pumps range drastically in price from under $50 to over $300. What are your specific pumping needs? If this is a pump you’ll be using daily, it’s best to splurge as much as you can for a good quality pump. Renting a hospital grade pump is another great option for moms that prefer monthly payments but are
in need of a higher quality pump. Call your insurance provider to learn your benefits regarding hospital rentals.
5- Consider Your Commute
If you’re traveling to work on a crowded bus or train, you might want to look for a pump that’s good for smaller spaces. Having to lug a pump, parts, and a cooler can be cumbersome in addition to a purse or briefcase.
6- Make Sure the Accessories Meet Your Needs
Do you have abnormally small or large breasts? If so, many pumps out there don’t have versatile flange size options. The flange size can really impact comfort and supply, so you want to make sure it’s correct.
When it comes to specific pumps, many moms rave about the Medela Pump In Style Advanced, Spectra S1 and S2, and the Medela Harmony Handpump. However, there are many different kinds of pumps out there that will meet your specific needs. Take the above factors into consideration when choosing one that works best for you. It’s also beneficial to be invest in other accessories such as a breastfeeding cover for more discrete pumping if you desire, a cooler with ice packs for transporting milk, a portable battery in case electricity fails, and a hands free bra so you’re able to make calls or work on the computer during your pumping sessions.
Now that you’ve thought about which pump you will choose, what about the logistics of pumping? How do you keep up your milk supply, and how much milk are you expected to pump in a single session? In general, it’s best to aim to pump as often as the baby eats. This ranges from every 2-4 hours on average. The average workday looks different for every mom depending on her profession, so each mom’s pumping schedule will vary.
Many moms often stress over how much milk they should be producing for their babies.
First, remember that your baby is much more effective than the pump. The amount you yield at each pumping session is not indicative of how much your baby is getting. The best way to know that your little one is getting enough is to go by weight gain in tandem with the amount of wet and dirty diapers per day. If you’re concerned about this, please reach out to your pediatrician or an IBCLC. Know, too, that your body needs to be trained to respond to the pump. Make a plan with a lactation consultant regarding when to introduce the pump – though you want your body to respond well to it, you also want to be careful about creating an oversupply.
There are many factors that affect how much milk you will yield in a pumping session, such as your baby’s age, how often you’re breastfeeding, the type of pump you’re using, and your breast’s natural storage capacity. According to breastfeedingusa.org,
“on average, an exclusively breastfeeding mother can expect to pump about half a feeding if she is pumping between regular feedings and a full feeding if she is pumping for a missed feeding.”
After your baby reaches 3 or 4 months of age, this would be 3-4 ounces combined from both breasts.
What happens if you aren’t getting this much? Before you panic, it’s time to troubleshoot:
Check your pump. Is the motor working properly? Are you using the correct sized flanges? Do your pump membranes need to be changed? Just like you would maintain any machine, a pump must also be well cared for. You want to make sure that all components are in working order and are correctly sized for your breast size.
Tweak your pumping schedule. Are you only pumping 10 minutes? Try increasing this to 15-20 minutes, and press the letdown button a second time, if your pump has this feature. Massage your breasts during your pump session and browse videos and pictures of your baby. Are you pumping every four hours? Try every three and see if there’s a change.
Safely increase your milk supply. Stay hydrated with water or sports drinks, making sure to avoid excess sugar. Coconut water is a great natural way to stay well hydrated. Speak with a trusted IBCLC or pediatrician about safe supplements and vitamins that can help increase your supply, such as Fenugreek. Many moms also swear by Brewer’s Yeast, which they incorporate into lactation cookie recipes.
Thinking about pumping can be overwhelming, so remember to take it one step at a time. Always call your insurance company first to see if you qualify for a free pump, and never hesitate to reach out to an IBCLC for support. Many hospitals and birth centers also offer free breastfeeding support groups, many of which are centered on pumping and returning to work.
How was your pumping experience, some say it’s a love it or hate it relationship, but it’s one we all depend on, what there a particular style of pumping that worked best for you?
Happy feeding!
