You’re getting ready to enter a whole new world of motherhood, and all the decisions that go along with it can be enough to make your head spin.
If you’re like most first time moms, you’ve probably never had a reason to research breast pumps before, and all the different options may be a bit overwhelming. We’ve summarized the different types of pumps and their pros and cons to help you find which breast pump is right for you.
Some breast pumps are best for moms who plan to be with their babies around the clock and don’t expect to do much bottle-feeding. Others are ideal for moms who know that they’ll be returning to work after their babies are born and are committed to continue breastfeeding. Whatever your circumstances may be, there’s a breast pump that can make it easier and more convenient for you to collect breastmilk for your baby.
Here’s what you should know about each type of pump:
Wearable breast pumps
Wearable breast pumps are a game-changer for pumping mamas. Finally, you have the freedom to express breastmilk for your little one while going about your life. But not all wearable pumps are alike. Here’s what you want to look for:
- A wearable pump that’s completely hands-free: Some wearable pumps still have tubes and a separate pump hub that needs to be clipped to you. Look for one like the new Lansinoh Wearable Breast Pump – discreet, portable pumping cups and no cords, tubes, or wires means you’re free to move about your day while pumping. And we know multitasking is everything!
- Lightweight & compact: Our wearable breast pump is small enough to fit inside your regular bra or nursing bra—no special pumping bra required. It’s lighter than most other wearable pumps and easy to carry around, too, making pumping on the go a breeze.
- Hospital strength suction: One place where you don’t want to sacrifice? On strength. Lansinoh’s Wearable Pump has customizable settings and up to 280mmHg of hospital-strength suction powered by a long-lasting, rechargeable battery, so you can maximize each and every pumping session.
- More milk, less fuss: The Lansinoh Wearable Pump has the highest-capacity 8 oz cups, click-tight seals, and easy pour spout to collect every hard-earned drop! You should know we’re all about making pumping easier, so our hands-free wearable breast pump is designed for easy cleaning and assembly.
Double electric breast pumps
A double electric breast pump is one of the most versatile and common types of pump available. This type of pump is compact yet powerful, allowing you to collect milk from one or both breasts comfortably and efficiently. It’s portable, too so you could use it at home, at work, or when you’re traveling.
If you expect to pump regularly throughout the day, a double electric breast pump would be the best fit for you. Using it when you’re away from your baby will help you maintain your milk supply, and you may be able to get one for free through your health insurance company.
There are a lot of choices out there. So what should you look for in a double electric pump?
- Adjustability: Babies feed differently, and a good pump will allow you adjust the settings for comfort and to get the most milk possible.
- Comfort: Let’s be honest – pumping probably won’t ever become your favorite part of the day but finding a pump that’s comfortable can make a huge difference. Lansinoh’s ComfortFit® flanges have soft, flexible rims designed to gently hug your curves.
- Lastly, think about how you’ll use your pump. If you’ll be pumping in close quarters with your co-workers, you may want to find a pump that’s quiet. If you plan to pump frequently, you might want to find a pump with a connected app to automatically track your sessions.
Manual breast pumps
Manual pumps work a little differently than double electric pumps. While the suction power of a manual pump is similar to a double electric pump, instead of being powered by electricity or batteries, you squeeze the handle to create suction. Manual pumps are adjustable, as well. To change the suction level, just squeeze more or less on the handle. Some manual pumps, like the Lansinoh Manual Pump, even allow you to adjust between let-down mode and expression mode. It’s also completely silent.
A manual pump is a little less efficient than a double electric pump, though, because it’s designed to pump only one breast at a time. It can be great for occasional pumping or for use as a backup. It’s also great for use on the go. It’s the perfect size to stash in your bag or glove compartment, so you always have a pump on hand. You never know when you might run a little behind schedule, and breastmilk waits for no one!
Breastmilk collector or silicone breast pump
A newer type of pump is a bulb-shaped pump made of silicone. Sometimes called a silicone breast pump or a breastmilk collector, it’s a great tool to easily collect extra breastmilk and build up a stash for when you’re away from your baby.
When breastfeeding, most moms release milk from both breasts, even if their babies are only feeding at one breast at a time. When this happens, a breastmilk collector, or low-suction silicone breast pump, can help you save every drop for your little one.
It’s true, there’s a lot to learn when it comes to motherhood but choosing the right breast pump can make your pumping experience much easier.
Learn more about which pump is right for you in this video with Tania Joseph, RN, IBCLC:
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