What is a Breast Pump?
A breast pump is a mechanical device that lactating women use to extract milk from their breasts. They may be manual devices powered by hand or foot movements or automatic devices powered by electricity.
Best Breast Pumps In Kenya
Manual Breast Pumps
Manual pumps are pumps operated by hand, they are easy to carry around, affordable, simple to use, and mostly used for occasional pumping. Below are simple steps to help you when it comes to using a manual pump.
- Familiarize yourself with the model of the pump by reading the user manual.
- Good hygiene is mandatory, clean your hands and ensure all parts of the pump are clean then find a quiet private place where you can pump while relaxed.
- Center the breast shield over your nipple and try as much as possible to think about your baby so as to stimulate milk flow.
- Start pumping and once the milk starts to flow adjust the rate to make it inconsistent similar to a baby’s sucking pattern.
- Alternate the breasts giving each breast ample time. Note that it’s very normal for one breast to produce more milk than the other.
- Remove the breast shield when you are done, unscrew the bottle, and cover it with a cap.
- Refrigerate the milk right away or you can choose to store it at room temperature for up to four to six hours.
- Clean the pump with all its accessories and let it air dry.
Electric Breast Pumps
They express milk more quickly as compared to manual pumps, are less time-consuming, require less effort when pumping and some offer the double pumping function i.e allowing you to pump from both breasts. Electric pumps are however noisy, a bit heavy and expensive. There are several features to look out for before purchasing one:
- Ensure the model is easy to carry, clean, and assemble.
- Double Pumping Function which will help cut pumping time by half and also boost milk production as you’ll be emptying both breasts at once.
- A pump with a high cycling time i.e. the number of times it sucks per minute.
- An adjustable vacuum that allows you to express comfortably.
- Pumping sessions – If you’ll be pumping more frequently then a double electric breast pump will do as it saves more time while if you’ll be pumping less frequently then a single electric breast pump will do.
There are several brands of breast pumps available worldwide. Whichever you choose depends on your needs, pocket, and functionality. Some of the most popular brands include Lansinoh, Medela, Avent and Beurer, Intelligent, and others.
Which feeding pump is best for breastfeeding?
The top-recommended breast pumps are the Spectra S1 Plus Hospital Strength Breast Pump and the Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow Breast Pump.
What is the best pump to increase milk supply?
Best hospital-grade breast pump: Medela Symphony Breast Pump
The Medela Symphony is a hospital-grade electric pump that offers double or single-pumping options. This pump may help initiate, build, and maintain milk supply. Hospitals use this model to help people experiencing low milk supply.