If you breastfeed your kid, you are undoubtedly aware of the situations in which a breast pump may be helpful. The US Food and Drug Administration regulates breast pumps as medical equipment. They can be used to draw out flat or inverted nipples so a nursing baby can latch on more quickly, relieve engorged breasts and clogged milk ducts, or maintain or enhance a woman’s milk production.
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What kinds of breast pumps are available?
A breast pump has a breast shield that covers the nipple, a pump that makes a vacuum to express milk, and a removable container to collect the milk. Pumps can be motorized or manual. Batteries can power pumps or a cable plugged into an electrical socket. Some pumps even include an adapter for usage in automobiles. While double pumps extract milk from both breasts simultaneously, single pumps extract milk from only one breast.
A. Breast shield: A cup with a conical shape that covers the nipple and its surroundings.
B. Milk container: Collects milk while pumped in a detachable container that goes beneath the breast shield.
C. Pump: Produces the vacuum necessary for milk expression. The pump may have plastic tubing connecting it to the breast shield or be linked to the breast shield itself.
Is it safe to rent or share a breast pump?
If pumps are not made to be used by more than one person, renting or sharing them can be dangerous. H. Paige Brown, an electrical engineer and device reviewer in the FDA’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Devices department, warns consumers about the risks of renting or sharing a breast pump that is not made for multiple users—even with family and friends. “Using contaminated breast pumps could result in an infection for you and your baby.”
Also, you should only rent or share a pump from a licensed provider (like a hospital, lactation consultant, or medical supply store) if more than one person can use it at a time. To prevent contamination, only do this if you have your accessory kit with you. The breast shield, tubing, and milk container are all part of the accessory kit. Brown says breast milk can never touch the features of a pump that more than one person uses. “The pump is the sole component of a multiple-user breast pump that you can safely share.”
What kind of breast pump should you buy?
When buying a pump, think about your requirements. For instance, a pump plugs into the wall can work perfectly if you use it at home. However, if you pump at work or away from home, you might want to think about a portable, battery-operated device.
How should you clean a breast pump?
Contamination can happen to your pump even if it is not cleaned correctly. Correct use and cleaning help protect you and your baby. The FDA(Food and Drug Administration) recommends cleaning and disinfecting between services. You should read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific information on how to keep your pump clean.
Cleaning steps
- After pumping, immediately rinse everything in cool water that comes into contact with breast milk;
- Separately clean each item with liquid dish soap and lots of warm water;
- Using hot water, thoroughly rinse each item for 10 to 15 seconds; and
- Placing the details on a clean paper towel or in a clean drying rack and allowing them to air dry.
Wiping the body of the pump with 70% to 90% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol or boiling the breast pump parts in water is usually also refined. “If the tubing looks moldy or cloudy, stop using it and replace it immediately.”
If you rent or buy a device that more than one person can use, ask the person giving you the pump to ensure that all parts, including the tubing inside, have been cleaned and sanitized according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What kind of container should we use to store expressed breast milk?
Before expressing or handling breast milk, wash your hands with soap and water. Then, keep the expressed milk in a clean, covered hard plastic or glass container without the chemical bisphenol A. (BPA). You can also use unique plastic bags made for collecting and storing milk. Never keep breast milk in plastic bags or disposable bottle liners for everyday home use.
How long does expressed breast milk last?
Depending on how you store it, expressed breast milk can be kept for a specific time.
Take into account these broad principles:
Room temperature- Furthermore, extracted breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to six hours. But if the room is warm, it’s best to use or properly store the breast milk within four hours.
Insulated cooler- Freshly extracted breast milk can be kept for up to a day.
Refrigerator- You can save freshly expressed breast milk in a clean environment for up to four days in the refrigerator’s back. The milk should be consumed or frozen, ideally, within three days.
Deep freezer- In the back of a deep freezer, freshly extracted breast milk can be stored for up to 12 months. However, six months is the best time to use frozen milk.
Remember that research indicates that the more time you spend storing breast milk—whether in the refrigerator or the freezer—the greater the loss of vitamin C in the milk. Additionally, it’s critical to remember that breast milk adapts to your baby’s demands. Breast milk made as a newborn will not meet all of the baby’s needs when he is a few months old. Also, storage guidelines might differ for sick or hospitalized infants.
What’s the best way to store expressed breast milk?
Use waterproof labels and ink to write the date you pumped the milk on each container. Add your baby’s name to the title if you store expressed milk at your baby’s childcare facility. Put the containers in the freezer or refrigerator’s rear, which is more relaxed. If you don’t have a fridge or freezer, you can temporarily store the milk in a cooler with ice packs. Your infant will need enough milk in each container for one feeding. Begin with 1 to 4 ounces (30 to 120 milliliters) and adjust as needed. Also, you might want to save smaller amounts, like 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters), in case something unexpected happens or feedings are delayed. Do not fill containers to the brim because breast milk swells as it freezes.
Here are the top 5 best breast pumps in India
Philips Avent Comfort Manual Breast pump, Natural Motion technology, combines suction and nipple stimulation, soft cushion adapts to all sizes, SCF430/01
About this item
- This is a Natural Motion technology-enabled manual pump that is lightweight and soft. Quickly initiates milk flow before or in between feedings.
- Each pump includes a feeding bottle.
- Natural Motion technology combines suction and nipple stimulation for quick milk flow.
- Soft silicone cushion adapts to fit both the size and shape of the nipple. Choose your rhythm, and follow your milk flow while expressing.
Luvlap Adore Electric Breast Pump with 2 Phase Pumping, Rechargeable Battery, 2pcs Breast pads free, Soft & Gentle, BPA Free
About this item
- To effectively and gently express breast milk. Includes a one-year warranty.
- 2 phase operation: Massage – Expression l 9 level intensity adjustment per mode
- Full Digital Touch Screen, LCD Display with Smart Memory- remembers last usage settings.
- Soft silicone massage cushion ensures comfort.
SYGA Manual Breast Pump with Feeding Nipple
About this item
- 100% Food Grade & Eco-Friendly Silicone; Non-Toxic, BPA FREE, Phthalates, PVC, and Lead-Free; Tested To Ensure Zero Chemical Leaching
- The mother, the child, and our environment are all generally safe. When paired with a nipple and storage gasket, the portable, soft, non-breakable, and non-colic item is more convenient for feeding and milk storage; No battery is necessary.
- This model doesn’t have a massage cushion.
Medela Harmony Flex Breast Pump, Manual Silicone Pump for Nursing & Breastfeeding, Single Pump, 150 ml
About this item
- Minimalistic and light: The Harmony fits snugly in hand and is ideal for traveling thanks to its lightweight and quickly disassembled parts
- Naturally clever: Thanks to its unique 2-phase expression handle, the baby’s sucking behavior can be imitated; for pleasant, effective pumping
- Exceptionally comfortable: The innovative oval PersonalFit Flex chest cap is completely rotatable and can be positioned individually
BabyGo Automatic Electric BPA-Free Double Breast Pump with Dual Mode (White)
About this item
- Safe and hygienic: A 100% BPA-free electric breast pump is constructed of PP material. The breast pump parts are silicone that can be eaten, which keeps mom and baby as safe as possible.
- Having a feeding bottle and a breast pump makes it versatile.
- Anti-Back Flow: Design also avoids the contamination caused by milk reflux
- Dual Mode: Stimulate and Express Mode
