Let's talk about pumping.
There is much debate in the mom forums over pump selection.
For many years the only moms who routinely had access to breast pumps were those with infants needing surgery or in the NICU. For many years there was not coverage for breast pumps for all moms, and pumps were expensive making them a luxury. So the new debate with the prevalence of pumps available for all is which pump is best.
I am going to ignore brands because for the most part all are similar and some moms do better with one than another. Let's address the types of pumps available.
Manual- includes the hand pumps and the Haaka type pumps
Electric- pplugged in and battery ppowered options
Wearables.
Manual are good for stimulating letdown, pulling out flat nipples, in an emergency, power failure or just maternal preference. They are efficient, most have more than one option for how quickly they pump (little known fact) they do the job. Down side they take time. and for those with hand issues are difficult to use. They are the old school everyone gets a pump option.
Electric these can be the version that require being plugged in all the time or a battery powered option that just needs recharging. Almost all have the ability to single or double pump. They tend to be more like the hospital grade strength now. And are very efficient at emptying. Whether you choose to use the battery powered option doesn't not really seem to affect your ability to empty unless you do not keep your pump charged. The best practice is to plug in for recharging when not in use.
Wearables. there are now may brands. examples include: Elvie, mom cozy, Imani, willow. there are even some budget brands out there. The appeal of the wearables is portability. If you are in a situation where you have to pump on the go. Or for example any time work while you pump in nursing, serving, child chasing situations is the rule. They require the use of a bra to hold them in place, some spill easier than others, Some have almost hospital grade suction capability, others not so much. They are amazing for the purpose.
Recommendations- if you need to pump at work you need something that is efficient, and quick. The best solution for quickly and completely emptying is a hospital grade pump. So I most often recommend a portable electric. Example Luna , Spectra battery most companies make one. Which company is a matter of personal preference or insurance coverage. I general if you are pumping at work or to empty in place of a feed if you double pump you will get the job done quicker and more efficiently. The double stimulation seems for many to increased output. I recommend double pumping.
If you are looking for something with ultimate portability go for a wearable. Some are pretty efficient, some not so much. In general I would recommend sticking with a name brand, check to see if insurance coverage is an option. I see this as a good secondary option unless you HAVE to have the portability
If you live in an area where there are weather related issues (winter storms, tropical storms, frequent power failures) I would also recommend also having a manual pump and or learning to hand express. None of the others will work if the battery is dead or there is no electricity.
Pumping is not something ALL moms need to do. For most is is a preference or option. If you can breastfeed exclusively it will help you to regulate your supply by letting your baby tell your body how much to make.
Pumping volume is not an indicator of your milk production. Babies are the best at removing milk from the breast. In general the "normal" volume to get when pumping after a feed is 1/2 to 2 ounces. For those who are advised to pump and feed, explore with the person who made this recommendation why they want this option. But that is a whole other post!
Comentários