Breast Pumps Explained

Any breastfeeding mother knows that the time demands made on her are not always easy to deal with. Working around newborns every two hour feeding schedule can be difficult. You may want to return to work, give someone else a chance to share this special bonding time with baby, get a full nights sleep, or maybe even just have a night out. Those things would not be possible for a breast feeding mother who didn't have a good breast pump, so she could continue feeding even when she is not there.

A mother's milk supply can be never ending, as long as she continues to breast feed, her body will continue to produce milk. However, even just a short break from breast feeding can greatly reduce the amount of milk her body produces. With the aid of a breast pump she can take a break from breastfeeding. If she wants to take a small vacation without the baby, she will need a pump to ensure her body continues to produce all the milk that the baby needs.

There are three basic types of breast pumps:

-Battery operated pumps

-Hand operated pumps

-Electric pumps

Hand operated pumps are one of the most common and affordable pumps available to nursing mothers. They work just like they sound: The mother places the cup around her breast, with her nipple in the very center, and proceeds to squeeze the control with her hand. The cup forms suction around her nipple in an attempt to stimulate the milk into dropping. After a few pumps, the hand operated pump begins to express milk from the breast. As with all pumps, there are ups and downs to using them. These pumps may be great for travel because they are usually very small and can be used anywhere. However, they are not as easy to use or as comfortable as an electric pump.

Battery operated pumps are more effective on mothers who have an established supply of milk. They are generally only for use on one breast at a time, like the hand operated pump, and only for once or twice a day at most. These types of pumps are helpful because they don't require any work to create suction or express milk. They are also still rather small, and easy to bring with you wherever you go.

Electric pumps, while more efficient then hand or battery operated pumps, are often more expensive. They are usually designed for both breasts at once and use several times a day. Some mothers like to use their electric pump every time baby needs to eat, so they can track how often and how much baby is eating. I believe they are more comfortable then hand or battery operated. However, they are also usually large and bulky, making them not as easy to travel with. These types of pumps may be covered by your insurance provider. If they are not, you have the ability to rent them for as long as you need them.

As you can see, breast pumps are a very useful tool to any breastfeeding mother. They provide flexibility, allowing you to travel, sleep, relax, work, or even just let someone else feed baby. They help establish a steady supply of milk, while decreasing the chances of sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples. They are available in many different shapes and sizes. All you have to do is choose the pump that is right for you. At a glance, hand operated for occasional travel usage, battery for easier usage more often, and electric for long term pumping. Good luck, and happy pumping!