What are breast pumps and how to use them?

In our time, young mothers can not constantly devote themselves to a newborn baby. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to devote time to something else. At this moment, such an irreplaceable thing as a breast pump comes to the aid of young mommies.

In our time, a breast pump for many mothers has become No. 1 assistant, since most young mothers, even on maternity leave, do work, if not work, then either with their health or continue their education. Therefore, such a thing as a breast pump is simply necessary for them. To date, all modern types of breastpumps are quite unpretentious to use, they are easy to handle and care for.

A breast pump is needed for such cases when it is necessary to decant all the milk from the mother’s breast. But the drenching of the mammary glands does not need to be done all the time, first you need to find out exactly in what situations you need to express the milk.

This device is indispensable in the following cases:

• at the very beginning of the process, when the mother is just beginning to breastfeed, when the colostrum is just beginning to turn into milk, for the first time the milk comes several times more than the newborn needs, for this reason it is necessary to express the extra milk so that there is no such unpleasant disease like mastitis;
• prolongation of lactation and the emergence of the opportunity to feed the baby with milk, even where it is impossible to do it at all;
• if the baby is born premature and can not suck the milk out of the breast;
• if the baby does not want and refuses to attach to the breast;
• to preserve lactation, if you have to live for some time separately from the baby (for example, the mother is separately in the hospital);
• it is possible to express the milk for storage, especially if there is a need for any further trip;
• if lactostasis has appeared, that is, milk stagnation in the breast, then the purchase of a breast pump is simply obligatory to prevent this disease.

On the modern market there are a huge number of different types of breast pumps, among which there are both very expensive models and quite budgetary options. All these models are divided into two large groups - they are mechanical (manual) and powered from the network.

This type of breast pump is divided into several subspecies in terms of functionality and operating principle.

• Vacuum. Such a device may be once popular, but not now. This device has more negative reviews than positive ones. If there is a desire to try in the manual breast pump, it is undesirable to start with a vacuum. It is heavy to use, since the flask intended for collecting milk is very small and inconvenient. This device is ineffective and very inconvenient to use. If there is a need to decant milk using such a device, this will require certain skills and skills. From the first time just nothing will work. The only advantage of this device is that it is cheap, more advantages per se cannot be noted. A vacuum breast pump is a relic, but it also takes place.

• Pump action Such breast pumps are currently used, but in those cases where you do not need to decant every day, but very, very rarely. The big drawback of this device is that when using it, the hands get very tired, and if you use such a device for expressing milk too often, then cracks appear on the chest that cause very painful sensations.

• Plain. In addition to expensive models of breast pumps, there are also simpler and, as a result, less expensive models of this device. The simplest breast pump can be called a device with a rubber bulb, which consists of only two parts - it is a plastic breast pad and a pear bag made of rubber. Such a device is considered extremely inconvenient, it has a very small bowl in order to collect milk, which creates even greater inconvenience. Frequent use of such a device provokes cracks in the nipples, which cause severe pain. And also it should be noted that when using such an apparatus, the hands get tired very quickly, often even numb.

Manual breast pump is most often chosen by those who do not need to express milk every day. If you use this device incorrectly, then it can very quickly get out of working condition. Manual breast pumps are currently one of the most common among mothers. In order not to experience pain every time you express milk, and the process of pumping does not become a new test, you should adhere to the following rules:

• Before the very first application it is necessary to thoroughly wash all the details of the breast pump, they must be sterilized and dried, only after this procedure the device can be used;
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before each use of your breast pump.
• it is necessary every time before decanting to wash both breasts in warm water;

• Before starting the process of expressing milk, you can make warm compresses on your chest, which is done so that you do not need to make special efforts when expressing milk;
• always, at the manual breast pump, the funnel to the breast must be attached in such a way that the nipple is right in the middle; if possible, it is necessary to adjust the pressure of the device, which will reduce pain;
• so that it is easier to express the milk with a hand-held device, you can do a hand massage on the chest before the procedure, thereby kneading it and prepare it for manual pumping;

• Before starting the procedure, it is necessary to prepare dishes for collecting expressed milk or a baby bottle, so that you can immediately begin feeding your baby;
• when everything is ready, you need to sit in a comfortable position, preferably leaning on a pad or on the back of a chair and begin the process of pumping;
• do not be afraid if the milk first comes only in drops, this is considered the norm, after a certain amount of time it will start to go faster and turn into a trickle;

• if when pumping with a manual breast pump there are painful sensations, you should pause the process, massage your breasts and only after that continue pumping; if the pain does not stop and repeat systematically, you need to deal with the cause, most likely, the instrument funnel is installed incorrectly;
• it is necessary to strain the breast gradually, alternating the work of one breast then the other;
• after the pumping process is over, you need to wipe the breast with a damp cloth, wash all devices, sterilize, dry and remove.

Such breast pumps do not differ in their working principle; they can be divided according to their functionality.

• Plain. It works from the mains. It is possible to express only one mammary gland. Some models are powered by power, while others are optional by batteries.

• Clinical. Such a breast pump is quite comfortable and easy to use, does not require special training in order to be able to use it. On such breastpumps, there is the possibility of one-time decanting of the two mammary glands, this type of apparatus is very effective and reliable, which is important in the modern world. Thanks to the optional accessories, it is possible to use it as a hand-held device.

If, nevertheless, the choice fell on an electric device, they first need to learn how to use it so that it becomes the main helper of the mother, and not her headache. And also it is necessary to adhere to several simple rules and recommendations so that the process of decanting with an electric breast pump becomes unhealthy and does not cause any unpleasant sensations.

• The electric breast pump, like the manual one, works according to the following principle: it creates vacuum space around the nipple and due to this it can suck all the liquid from the breast. But unlike the manual one, when using the device working from the mains, there is no need to do it yourself, the device will do everything necessary on its own.
• The electric breast pump has a special motor, with the help of which the device performs its function. As with any other device that works on the network, such a breast pump needs to be monitored and looked after, do not allow it to overheat in order to avoid breakdowns.
• It is imperative that before you start using an electrical device, you must carefully read the user's manual for it, find out exactly how it should work and how to handle it. Only after it has been clarified exactly how the device works is it allowed to begin using it.
• Do not forget that it also needs to be sterilized. Before first use, be sure to wash and dry the device.

The choice of a breast pump for moms is a very important issue, since it can be useful immediately after giving birth, still in the hospital. If he is not at hand, the young mother can be very tight. Therefore, the choice of a breast pump is to do in advance, and not to postpone it indefinitely. When it comes time to choose this device, at the very beginning you need to try to answer the question what it is for.

If in the near future there are no plans for going to work, going to school and, in principle, you want to feed your baby in a natural way, then you should not be wise and you can buy the simplest mechanical, that is, manual breast pump.

Next, you need to decide on the type of nozzle that should be at the breast pump. They are also today a huge amount, for every taste and color, so you need to think carefully and understand what is suitable in a particular case. The main criterion, based on which the nozzle is chosen, is the mother's skin. If the skin is sensitive, it is best to purchase a silicone tip. The nozzle with different grooves is suitable for those who have a breast seal.

The choice of model, regardless of whether it is a manual or electric breast pump, depends only on the funds that the family is ready to spend on this purchase. But it is worth noting that among the budget options there are very good devices that are able to work without interruption and breakdowns for a sufficient amount of time.

If there is no need to use a breast pump every day, then you can purchase a budget version of a manual breast pump. But the manual apparatus for expressing milk must be chosen with all responsibility. It is worth listening to the following selection rules:

• it must be remembered that certain types of breastpumps may contribute to the development of milk stagnation;
• care must be taken that the breast pad is made of silicone or is anatomical; it is undesirable that the pad was plastic;
• It is recommended that the petal-shaped grooves should be applied to the breast pads, which will make the pumping process less painful;
• It is very convenient if there is a bottle with a nipple together with a breast pump, which are suitable in size, which will make the feeding process more convenient; it will be possible to start feeding right away and not waste time transfusing the expressed milk from one bottle to another;
• It is very good if the device has two phases for operation, and not just one.

If you need a breast pump periodically, you should pay attention to the electric models, the use of which will eliminate the need to express the accumulated milk yourself. When choosing an electrical option, you should follow these main rules for choosing this device, such as:

• to save time, your choice should be made in favor of those devices that have the function of pumping milk from both breasts at a time;
• in electrical devices, it is also necessary to give preference to those devices that have two phases of work, for example, in the first phase, breast massage and preparation for the pumping process are performed, and in the second phase, the pumping itself proceeds directly;
• not bad that there were several modes of decanting, which will provide greater convenience;
• you need to consider the conditions under which pumping will be done - if this is done at home, you can buy a device that works only from the network, but if you plan to often express your air at home, then it is better to give preference to models that work both from the network and from batteries, because they are more mobile and convenient;
• It is also important to consider the material from which to make the breast pump - it is necessary to give preference to polypropylene models, it is undesirable that the composition contains “Bisphenol”;
• It should be taken into account and give preference to those models that have a silicone pad with sculpted grooves;
• it is necessary to decide in advance on the size of the lining, which is due to the fact that in some models there are always several lining sizes included, and for others they need to be purchased separately.

At home, you can easily monitor the state of the device, in rare cases, you can even make minor repairs, for example, replace the valve on the device. Nevertheless, in order not to take the device out of working condition, you need to follow the following simple rules:

• Do not use this appliance in the bathroom or in the shower;
• do not dip the electric breast pump into water or into any other liquid;
• if suddenly the device is still in the water, it is strictly forbidden to touch it, first of all it should be pulled out of the socket;
• if any part of the device is damaged, it should not be used;
• such a device must be stored from other thermal devices;
• never leave the device unattended as it is forbidden to give it to children as a toy.

There are a number of rules for the care and use of mechanical devices. It is very easy to use an electrical model, since it is only necessary to properly attach it to your chest and turn it on, it will do the rest itself, without any help.With hand-held devices, the situation is a little different, since in this case it will be necessary to make some effort, in some cases a very large amount of effort in order to decant the milk in full.

After decanting, the device must be washed, dried and cleaned either in a box or in a special container so that dust does not sit on it, and before the next use it was not necessary to wash it again. And also we must not forget about the sterilizer and carry out such a procedure as sterilization of devices before use.

There are many models of breastpumps on the market. The question arises which of these varieties breast pumps are considered the best. You should consider ranking the best mechanical devices.

Manual model Avent Philips is considered the best for use by nursing mothers. The set includes a bottle for feeding 125 milliliters, as well as a nipple, bottle cap and some spare modules. The nozzle of the breast pump is quite easy to use. In the process of pumping a woman does not get any unpleasant feelings, which is very important, especially for new mothers. This device has the following advantages:

• quite unpretentious to use;
• there is a nozzle for breast massage;
• very convenient to use outside the home, for example, when traveling.

As such deficiencies can not be noted. The average price for such a device in our country is about 3000-3400 rubles.

This model is Swiss. Its main value lies in the fact that it can operate in two phases, and it is also possible to control the speed when pumping, which is quite convenient to use. Each mother can tailor this device to individual wishes and needs. This model has the following advantages:

• if necessary, it is possible to adjust the speed of milk expression;
• works completely without noise;
• You can disassemble and assemble it without any problems.

The disadvantage of this device is that the pad has a non-anatomical shape, which gives a not very pleasant feeling when using. The average price in our country is about 2500 rubles.

This model can be called one of the most mobile and light. This breast pump is assembled from only three parts, thanks to which it is not difficult to assemble it and does not take much time. It is also worth noting that the device has a specialized funnel for the comfort of a young mother. This device has such advantages as:

• There is a container for storing expressed milk;
• There is a specialized container for sterilizing and carrying the device.

The disadvantage of the breast pump is that it has too small a container for collecting milk. The average cost in the country is about 3200 rubles.

This unit is a pump action. Such a device is suitable for those who have too much milk. The bottle and nipple for feeding, which are also included in the kit, help to start feeding immediately. The advantages of this unit include the following:

• The kit includes a bottle to feed the baby, and a nipple;
• This device is a budget option.

The disadvantage of this breast pump is that it is not able to stimulate additional milk production. The average cost in our country is about 1000 rubles. This breast pump is one of the available options among hand-held devices.

This breast pump is great for those cases when it needs to be applied only from time to time. This breast pump is a budget option, but with repeated use it is likely that it will break quickly. The advantages of this device are the following:

• it is possible to connect with any bottle for feeding, which has a standard neck;
• The kit includes two bottles that can serve as both a storage container and can be used to feed a baby;
• low cost

The disadvantage of this device can be noted that it is not quite convenient for systematic use, and the silicone insert for the funnel is not included in the kit. The average cost of this device is about 1500 rubles.

Consideration should also be given to the rating of electric breastpumps, which operate from the mains or from batteries.

This breast pump can be considered the most productive among all devices of this type. Its main advantage lies in the fact that it can be used to produce a process of decanting from both mammary glands together. The remaining advantages of this device include the following:

• the ability to work from the network and from the batteries;
• fairly silent;
• it is possible to fix the device on the belt;
• has several levels for pumping.

The only drawback of such a device is its price, many average residents of the country are not always able to afford this device. The average cost in the country is about 9000 rubles.

This device has three pumping speeds, its main advantage is that the woman does not need to bend forward during the pumping process. And also this model has the following advantages:

• there is a nozzle for massage;
• there is a bottle and nipple for feeding;
• very soft pumping milk, almost imperceptible.

The disadvantages include the fact that the device is quite noisy, as well as its high cost. The average price in the country is about 8,000 rubles.

Medela Mini Electric is a very small device, for this reason it can easily be carried in a bag to use if necessary. This device has the following advantages:

• has the ability to work both from the mains and from the batteries;
• small size;
• you can adjust the level of vacuum;
• relatively inexpensive price.

Of the minuses, it is possible to highlight the fact that it makes a noise that may not always be pleasant. The average cost in the country is about 4,500 rubles.

This unit works very quickly, it is possible to literally pump a large amount of milk in just a few minutes. The advantages of this device are the following:

• there is a function of decanting from both mammary glands simultaneously;
• There are two phases of decanting;
• there is a display that is highlighted;
• there is a set of accessories that is intended for transportation and storage;
• the device remembers the parameters that were set earlier.

Of the minuses can only be noted that this breast pump is very expensive. Its average cost in the country is about 16,000 rubles.

This breast pump can be a good option for those who do not want to spend a lot of money, as it is a budget. It has such advantages as:

• has two phases of work;
• has a convenient shift lever;
• there is a nozzle for light massage (a nozzle from silicone);
• There is the possibility of regulating the intensity of pumping.

Among the shortcomings, it is possible to single out the fact that the shift lever slightly hinders the operation. The average cost in the country is about 5,000 rubles.

In spite of everything, every mother will not be able to determine which particular breast pump is right for her until she tries it on herself. That is why you do not need to start with expensive models, it is better to try budget options.

Reviews about different models of breastpumps in the network are radically different from each other.The same breast pump may seem to one user to be just an ideal option, but for another, it will simply be the worst option of how to spend money, and still others will beg not to take this model, since it is harmful to health in general.

The main thing to consider is your feelings. Today, there are many companies that even rent devices such as breastpumps, which is very convenient, because you can try the device in, test it and make a conclusion for yourself, you need such a device or you should try to look for some other better one.

Young mummies should heed the advice of specialists, to use the breast pump easier and easier.

• The use of any breast pump requires certain skills. From the first time everything is just perfect. The first time it may happen that the milk simply will not be decanted, but do not need to despair, the next time the experience of the first use will direct the forces in the right direction.
• To express milk it’s worth choosing a time when you don’t need to hurry anywhere, you can calmly figure it out. It is worth remembering that if the baby is nearby, the milk will be drained much faster. If there is no child nearby, you can even look at his photo.
• Just before decanting you should cover your chest for at least one minute with a warm rag or blanket that will stimulate the best milk production.
• It is necessary from time to time to change the position of the breast pump in relation to the breast, which will be better to stimulate the breast and, as a result, the milk will go faster and painlessly.
• It is necessary to strain the milk with any breast pump in a calm atmosphere, which helps to relax and make the process less painful. It is also recommended to decant the breast when the child sucks another. So, the pumping process goes faster. Or you need to express milk immediately after feeding, which eliminates the likelihood of mastitis.

Each breast pump has both advantages and disadvantages, so each mom should independently make a choice depending on personal preferences and feelings. But it is necessary to say only one thing that is better than natural breastfeeding has not yet been invented.

Doctor Komarovsky will tell you how to choose a breast pump in the next video.