Adjustability: Babies feed differently, and a good pump will allow you adjust the settings for comfort and to get the most milk possible. 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 can be great for occasional pumping or for use as a backup. Since droplets of milk can get into internal pump parts, using your own collection kit doesn't necessarily make them safe to use. Also, hand-me-down pumps may not be as effective because motors lose their strength and the seals deteriorate over time — problems that may lead to a loss of suction. Pumps designed for multiple users, like rental pumps and hospital pumps, are designed to prevent breast milk from getting inside the pump.
As long as you use one with your own collection kit, they're safe — but check the packaging or call the manufacturer. Clean pump parts after each use by washing them in a clean bowl with hot water and dish soap.
Scrub, then rinse parts with fresh water and allow them to air dry on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel. You may also be able to clean parts by putting them in the dishwasher in a closed-top basket. Check your pump's manual for specific instructions. Don't clean the tubing in an electric pump unless breast milk gets into it. You may see small water drops in the tubing after you pump. If that happens, just turn the pump back on for a few minutes to dry the tubes out.
If you see milk in the tubing, check the manual for cleaning instructions, and let it air dry before reattaching it to your breast pump. Insurance companies are required to cover a breast pump for each pregnancy, but coverage can vary widely depending on your insurer and plan.
Some cover hospital-grade pumps, others do not. Some pay only for a pump rental, others give you the pump outright. The covered pump may be manual or electric, and you may receive it before or after birth. Some insurers require additional steps, such as getting a prescription for your preferred pump from an ob-gyn, or specifying which vendor you must buy your pump through.
How will you know what coverage your plan offers? There are two ways to go: the first is to use a breast pump vendor that interfaces with your insurance on your behalf to help you reduce costs, such as Aeroflow.
Getting a pump through Aeroflow is a three-step process:. If you'd rather handle the process yourself, it starts with a phone call or email. Contact your insurance provider and tell them you want a breast pump, then get the answers to the following questions:. It's an exacting process, and some busy new moms-to-be may feel overwhelmed looking at that to-do list.
But since breast pumps have been covered more routinely by insurance, there has been a 10 percent uptick in breastfeeding duration amongst the eligible population.
So we're going to say that it's worth it! Join now to personalize. BabyCenter selects products based on the research of our editors and the wisdom of parents in the BabyCenter Community. Learn more about our review process here.
We may earn a commission from shopping links. What to look for in a breast pump Can I buy a used pump? How do I clean a breast pump? How can I get a free breast pump through insurance? Photo credit: Amazon. Add to baby registry:.
Buy at Amazon. Buy at Target. Buy at buybuyBaby. Heads up The company's warranty only applies to products purchased through Spectra directly. Parents say "This is the best pump ever. Heads up The Haakaa has an open top, so you can't use it to transport your milk unless you buy an upgraded model that includes a lid or stopper. Parents say "I love my Haakaa pump. Heads up The MaxFlow vibration system can feel shaky and sound loud, especially if you rest the pump on a hard surface while the pump is vibrating.
Buy at Walmart. Heads up You can only pump one breast at a time, so it takes longer to empty both breasts. Parents say "The Lansinoh pump works very well.
Heads up Some moms say the Willow is difficult to position properly and constantly flashes error messages. If you buy a breast pump online, be sure to purchase it from a reputable company.
Electric pumps typically cost more than manual models. Because there's a small risk of contamination, don't borrow or buy a used personal-use breast pump. You might also consider renting a hospital-grade electric breast pump from a hospital or medical supply store — especially if you're pumping milk while your baby is hospitalized or you've chosen to feed your baby expressed milk rather than breast-feed your baby.
If you rent a pump, you'll need to buy the equipment that attaches your breast to the pump pumping kit. If the breast pump is difficult to assemble, take apart or clean, it's bound to be frustrating — which might reduce your enthusiasm for pumping. Make sure you can remove any parts of the pump that come in contact with your skin or milk for cleaning after use. If you'll be toting the pump to work every day or traveling with the pump, look for a lightweight model.
Some breast pumps come in a carrying case with an insulated section for storing expressed milk. Also keep noise level in mind. Some electric models are quieter than others. If it's important to be discreet, make sure the pump's noise level is acceptable. What's comfortable for you might be uncomfortable for someone else.
If you opt for an electric pump, choose one that allows you to control the degree of suction and cycling speed. Breast shields are the cone-shaped cups that fit over your breasts and nipples. If you're concerned that the standard breast shield will be too small, check with individual manufacturers about other options.
Larger or replacement shields are often available. If you want to pump both breasts at once, make sure the pump is equipped with two breast shields. An electric pump needs to be plugged in. Take a look at the scenarios below and see which one applies to you.
Some mothers and their newborns have to be separated for medical treatment. As well as being the breast pump of choice for a great many hospitals and birthing units, Medela Symphony pumps can also be rented for home use.
So when you get home you can use the same pumping technology your body is already used to, and the same pumping accessories too. Find out how to rent a Symphony on our website. This will allow you to initiate and build your breast milk supply and feed your baby expressed milk. You might need to express for a few days or weeks while your baby and your body get the hang of breastfeeding.
Using a double breast pump will enable you to maximise the amount of expressed milk you can obtain in the least amount of time, and the milk will be higher in calories too.
Alternatively, check out the Medela Swing Maxi double electric breast pump. Choose between the Medela Harmony manual breast pump or Medela Swing single electric breast pump. A lightweight portable breast pump is ideal, and a double electric model, such as the Medela Swing Maxi or Medela Freestyle , will enable you to collect more milk in less time, making it perfect for quick pumping breaks. I used the Medela Swing Maxi — I even pumped on the tram on the way to work!
Hopefully you now feel a little more clued-up about what type of pump is right for you. How and when you use your breast pump can make a big difference to the quantity of milk you collect. Next, read our top breast pumping tips.
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