Looking for the best breast pump that will help you build a milk stash for your baby?
Are you a new mum or an expectant mother planning to breastfeed your baby? A breast pump can be a valuable tool to help you maintain your milk supply and provide breast milk even when you’re away from your little one. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right breast pump that suits your needs. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!
Benefits of Having a Breast PumpWhat does a breast pump do?
If you are planning to feed your baby breast milk for the long haul, a breast pump would be a worthy investment. Why?
Maintain Milk Supply: A breast pump allows mothers to express milk and maintain their milk supply even when they are away from their baby or unable to breastfeed directly.
Flexibility and Convenience: With a breast pump, mothers have the flexibility to pump milk at their convenience and store it for later use. This is especially beneficial for working mothers or those who need to be apart from their babies for any reason.
Feeding Support for Preterm or Special Needs Babies: For babies who cannot feed directly from the breast due to prematurity or special needs, a breast pump helps in providing breast milk, which is essential for their health and development.
Increased Milk Production: Regular use of a breast pump can stimulate the breasts to produce more milk, which is especially helpful for mothers who struggle with low milk supply.
Milk Storage: Breast pumps allow mothers to store expressed milk, providing a readily available supply for feedings and ensuring the baby receives breast milk even when the mother is not present.
Sharing Feeding Responsibilities: A breast pump enables other caregivers, such as partners or family members, to participate in feeding the baby with expressed breast milk, fostering bonding and support within the family.
Customisable Pumping Sessions: Mothers can tailor the length and frequency of pumping sessions based on their milk flow patterns, allowing for efficient milk expression and time-saving.
Enhanced Milk Quality: Double pumping with a breast pump can raise the level of prolactin, the milk-producing hormone, resulting in more milk production and milk with higher fat content.
Promotes Breast Health: Breast pumping can help prevent issues like engorgement, clogged ducts, and mastitis, ensuring the health and comfort of the mother.
Now that you know the pros of owning a breast pump, the next question would be: why do you need one?
Image Source: iStock
How to Find the Best Breast Pump for YouIf you are a stay-at-home mum and you plan to breastfeed your baby exclusively, then you might not have to buy a hospital-grade breast pump and just opt for a silicone milk catcher, or not buy any pump at all. But if you are a working mum whose goal is to build a milk stash so your baby can drink breast milk even when you’re away, then you definitely need one.
So how do you figure out what kind of breast pump is the best for you? Here are some questions you need to be asking:
1. What stage of milk production are you at? 2 . Is it for home or work? 3. Is weight going to be an issue? 4. Do you want a single or double breast pump? 5. Any other special issues with breastfeeding? (for example an inverted nipple etc) Things to Consider When Buying a Breast PumpStill a bit confused? That’s okay. Here are some essential factors to consider when buying a breast pump:
Purpose and Frequency of UseDetermine how often you plan to use the breast pump. If you’re returning to work and need to pump regularly, investing in a high-quality double electric pump might be a wise choice. For occasional use, a manual or single electric pump might suffice.
Ease of UseAs a new mum, you’ll want a breast pump that is user-friendly and easy to assemble. Look for pumps with clear instructions and intuitive controls to make your pumping experience hassle-free.
HygieneHygiene is crucial when expressing breast milk. Choose a pump with easily cleanable parts and consider a closed-system pump that prevents milk from entering the tubing or motor, reducing the risk of contamination.
EfficiencyConsider the pumping time and efficiency. A pump with adjustable suction levels and multiple expression modes can help you find the most comfortable and efficient pumping rhythm.
Ease in CleaningCleaning your pump regularly is essential to maintain its performance and ensure the safety of your baby. Look for pumps with fewer parts and dishwasher-safe components for easy cleaning.
DurabilityInvesting in a durable breast pump can save you money in the long run. Choose a reputable brand with a good track record for producing reliable pumps that last.
CostBreast pumps come in a range of prices, so set a budget that suits your needs. Keep in mind that a higher-quality pump might be a worthwhile investment if you plan to pump frequently.
How much is a breast pump in Singapore?
If you have done your research, you will notice that breast pumps in Singapore can cost anything from $30 for a hand pump to $600 and over for a hospital-grade pump. Before you get overwhelmed set an amount that you are comfortable with spending and don’t go over budget. More expensive does not always equate to better.
Considering these factors will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right pump for you and your baby. Remember, each mum’s pumping journey is unique, so find a pump that aligns with your lifestyle and breastfeeding goals.
Battle of the Breast PumpsStill undecided? Here are some more facts and comparisons between different pump types to help you figure out which is the best breast pump for you
Hospital-grade Breast PumpsHospital-grade breast pumps, as the name suggests are pumps that are used in the hospital. They are more powerful than personal use pumps and are better able to extract milk from a mother’s breasts with greater efficiency and speed.
If you have to stay in the hospital for longer than usual, have a preemie or your baby is in NICU, you may be required to use a hospital-grade pump. You can buy or hire a hospital-grade pump on a monthly basis from your hospital or online. Hospital-grade pumps are much more expensive than personal-use pumps.
Manual or Electric?Manual pumps are ideal if you express occasionally, for the odd night out or for short periods when you are away from your baby. They tend to be very light and compact, and so easy to carry around in your bag while out and about. And of course, you do not need to worry about an electricity supply or any sound – most manual pumps are silent to use.
Manual pumps are also substantially cheaper than electric pumps.
Only choose a manual breast pump if you have lots of time and energy to spare. They tend to be slow to express milk and can get tiring after a while. You may also find that it takes some time to master the best rhythm for you. If you have twins or multiples, choose a breast pump with more power.
Electric breast pumps are favoured by working mums and mums of twins/multiples because milk extraction is effortless and fast. Although it might cost a lot more than a manual breast pump, these units compensate with their add-ons and can run on electricity or batteries.
Single or Double?Within the consumer-grade electric breast pump category, there are single and double pumps. A double pump can pump both breasts at once, and these are often chosen by working mothers because it takes half the time of a single pump.
Many double breast pumps come with pumping bras, allowing for hands-free pumping, giving you more freedom during pumping sessions. So if you plan to pump regularly, a double breast pump can be more efficient and convenient.
As expected, double breast pumps are more expensive than the single breast pump. However, double breast pumps are typically larger and heavier than single pumps, which might be less convenient for travel. They also produce more noise during operation, potentially being less discreet in certain settings.
Silicone Breast Pumps or Milk CollectorsImage Source: iStock
Silicone breast pumps, such as the popular Haakaa breast pump, have gained widespread acclaim among breastfeeding mothers for their efficiency and ease of use. These pumps are designed to be a one-piece unit, acting as both a milk collector and a manual breast pump.
The process of using a silicone breast pump is remarkably simple and hands-free. Once attached to the breast, the pump applies gentle suction, drawing out milk effortlessly without requiring repeated squeezing or complicated settings.
Silicone breast pumps have become a game-changer for nursing mums, allowing them to conveniently collect extra milk during breastfeeding sessions, relieve engorgement, build a milk stash, and even address clogged ducts. T
Wearable Breast Pumps – Why They’re a Worthy InvestmentWearable breast pumps have emerged as a game-changer for modern-day mothers, offering convenience, comfort, and flexibility in their breastfeeding journey. These pumps are a worthy investment for several reasons.
Firstly, they provide a level of freedom and mobility that traditional breast pumps can’t match. You can now pump discreetly while on the move, at work, or engaging in daily activities, thanks to the cordless and wireless design of wearable pumps. This allows for multitasking and seamless integration of pumping into busy schedules.
Secondly, wearable breast pumps are often more comfortable to wear, featuring soft and cushioned materials that ensure a pleasant pumping experience. Many models offer customisable settings, allowing the user to adjust the intensity and rhythm of the pump to suit their preferences. With this added comfort, pumping sessions become less stressful and more enjoyable.
These pumps are also specifically designed to fit inside a regular nursing bra, providing hands-free pumping without the need for special bras or accessories. This means that you can maintain a sense of privacy while pumping and continue with your daily tasks without interruptions.
Should You Use or Buy Second-HandWhen considering whether to buy or use a second-hand breast pump, there are important factors to consider to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Buying a used breast pump can be an option to save money, especially if you’re uncertain about how much you’ll be using it.
However, it is crucial to prioritise safety. When opting for a used breast pump, it should be a closed-system breast pump, as this type of pump has a protective barrier between the milk and the pump motor and tubing, preventing any moisture from entering and creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mould.
Closed system breast pumps are designed to be safe for multiple users, making them a suitable choice for those looking to buy or use a used breast pump. On the other hand, open system breast pumps should be avoided, as they pose a risk of contamination and may harbour harmful bacteria or mould.
It is essential to replace certain parts, such as breast shields, valves, backflow protectors, breastmilk collection bottles, and bottle accessories with new ones to ensure the health and safety of the baby.
We hope all the information we’ve given will help you determine the best breast pump to use on your breastfeeding journey. You can also listen to the experiences of other mums, but remember, what works for one may not work for another, so trust your instincts. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so take your time and consider what matters most to you.
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