Being a mother is one of the biggest joys of a woman’s life. Taking care of her little baby, breastfeeding him and watching him grow can be extremely satisfying for any mother. But breastfeeding may not always be feasible for all mothers. Hence, the wonderful invention of breast pumps. Here’s everything you need to know about breast pumps.

What Is A Breast Pump?

A breast pump is a hand-held device that is used for extracting milk from a lactating woman’s breasts. By using a breast pump, you can save breast milk in an attached bottle and store it for later. There are two types of breast pumps, (a) Manual and (b) Electric. Most manual breast pumps include piston pumps in which milk is extracted manually by pulling the handles of the breast pump, while in electric ones, the whole process is automated.

To buy a manual breast pump, click here.

Before you start pumping, keep these things in mind:

• Place a soft, moist cloth on your breasts for 5 minutes before pumping.
• Massage your breasts.
• Gently rub your nipples.
• Stay relaxed and find a comfortable position.
• If you are nervous, think about your baby or smell one of your baby’s clothes.

How Can Women And Babies Benefit From Breast Pumps?

#1. Latching Problems

Breastfeeding is an enriching process for both the mother and the baby, but it is also a learning process for both of them. For many mother-child duos, breastfeeding doesn’t come naturally due to latching problems. Latching problems may be caused if the baby has a cleft lip, has suckling problems or is tongue-tied among others. A breast pump can be extremely helpful for problems like these as the mother doesn’t have to depend on just breastfeeding her little one.

#2. Nipple Problems

Latching can also be a problem if there are issues with the mother’s nipples. If a baby doesn’t breastfeed enough, he will not get enough nutrition. Problems like infections in the nipple area, breast engorgement, flat or inverted nipples can make breastfeeding a hard process. However, with the help of the breast pump, milk can be extracted at any time no matter what the shape or state of nipples may be.

#3. Many Babies

Some women give birth to twins, or triplets or even more babies at once. Some become mothers for the second time, within a span of less than two years. For times like these, a mother may not find the time or energy to constantly feed her babies. By using a breast pump, she can store her breast milk for later and feed her babies one at a time without feeling exhausted.

#4. Breastfeeding In Public

Although breastfeeding is the best way to feed a baby, some mothers feel ashamed and feel awkward to breastfeed in public spaces, especially because some people stare. With milk stored in a bottle by using a breast pump, a mother never has to worry about feeding her hungry or crying baby when in a public place.

#5. Others Bond With The Baby

Feeding a baby breast milk through a bottle doesn’t require the mother to be around. This way other family members can feed the baby and develop a bond with him. The more a person spends time with the baby in his early days, the more the baby is likely to be close to that person.

#6. For Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a common phenomenon, although many women choose to not talk about it for fear of being judged or shamed. When a new mother goes through postpartum depression, she feels quite emotionally disconnected to the baby. At moments like these, the new mother has no will to breastfeed her baby as well. So, she can make use of a breast pump and make sure that her baby is still being well-fed.

#7. Makes It Easy For The Mother To Go Out

Whether it is to rejoin work, to go to buy groceries or even travel with the baby, breast pumps come in extremely handy. Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for hours and used only when the need arises. It also makes time for the mother to relax.

How To Store Pumped Breast Milk

Here are a few tips on how you can store pumped breast milk :

• Breast milk is usually edible upto 4 hours after being pumped. Make sure the milk is at room temperature (upto 25° C).
• If you are not going to use the milk right away, it is safe to be frozen for 4 days.
• If you are not going to put it in the freezer, you can place in a cooler with frozen ice packs for 24 hours. After which, it has to be frozen.
• Purchase storage bags that are specifically designed to freeze breast milk.
• You can also use BPA-free plastic bottles.
• Do not use plastic bags to store breast milk.

How To Use Frozen Breast Milk

• Take the frozen bag or bottle of breast milk and leave it in the fridge overnight to thaw.
• If you want to warm the breast milk, make sure the bag or the container is tightly closed and place it in a warm bowl of water.
• Do not heat the bag or the bottle in a microwave.
• Test the temperature of the milk on your wrist before feeding it to the baby.
• Use the breast milk within 24 hours of being thawed in the refrigerator.
• Do not refreeze the milk after it has been thawed.

If you want to learn how to use a breast pump, you can take a look at these instructional videos

For Manual Breast Pump

For Electric Breast Pump