The Pros and Cons of Using a Breast Pump: What Moms Should Know

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every 1 in 4 infants in the United States is breastfed at least up to the age of 6 months. Resultantly, babies express a reduced risk of asthma, ear infections, diabetes, obesity, and respiratory disorders, among others. Considering its importance, breast pumps have been introduced that not only ease the process for mothers but also reduce the need to use formula.

In this article, we will dive into what breast pumps are and what their pros and cons are. In addition, some of the well-known breast pump brands have also been linked for the reader’s convenience.

What are Breast Pumps?

Breast pumps are medical devices that are employed to either maintain or increase the milk supply of a lactating mother. In addition, these systems can also be used for plugging milk ducts and relieving engorged breasts (when breasts feel painful, hard, swollen, and heavy due to the build-up of milk or blood).

Moreover, a breast pump is also used for pulling out a flat or inverted nipple to allow the baby to latch. These breast pumps have been regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Types of Breast Pumps

In general, breast pumps can be classified into the following categories:

• Manual pump
• Battery-powered pump
• Electric pump

Components of a Breast Pump

A breast pump has a simple design that consists of three components. These include the following:

Breast Shield

The breast shield or flange is a cone-shaped cup that is put over the nipple and also covers the surrounding area. It fits perfectly and does not fall over until detached. When it comes to buying a breast pump, it is a good idea to choose a device that has the right flange size.

Ideally, the nipples should move freely in and out of the flange tunnel. If your flange size is not appropriate, you might feel pain around the nipples, which is a sign that you need to size up. You can consult the following chart to select a suitable breast shield size:

• 17 millimeters nipple fits a 21 millimeters flange
• 20 millimeters nipple fits a 24 millimeters flange
• 23 millimeters nipple fits a 27 millimeters flange
• 26 millimeters nipple fits a 30 millimeters flange
• 32 millimeters nipple fits a 36 millimeters flange

For more detailed information on breast pump selection, refer to this comprehensive guide: Breast Pumps for Moms: A Buyer’s Guide to Selecting the Best Option.

Milk Container

A milk container is like a feeder bottle that is used to collect the pumped milk. This is detachable and can be washed after use in case of a reusable option. Otherwise, disposable milk containers are also available. The milk container fits below the breast shield and stores milk for later use.

Pump

Finally, a pump has been attached to the assembly. It is used to create a vacuum that forces the milk out of the nipples. In some cases, the pump is directly attached to the breast shield, while some devices come with a tube that connects the shield with the pump.

Using Breast Pumps: Pros and Cons

Before using a breast pump, not only selecting the right product is important, but it is also essential to look into its pros and cons. Like all other medical tools, breast pumps, despite being advantageous for most, can still have some disadvantages as well. In this regard, the following section summarizes some of the pros and cons of breast pumps:

Pros

Time-Saving Devices

When mothers use a breast pump, they can have better control over the feeding timings of their babies. This is especially helpful for working mothers who are breastfeeding their babies, as they can pump milk at certain times and freeze it for later use.

Increased Milk Supply

By pumping regularly, milk supply increases. This is not only helpful to feed the baby, but you can also store extra milk for later use.

Shared Feeding Duties

Another advantage of using a breast pump is that mothers can have some time to catch up on their sleep during the night. Meanwhile, this pumped and stored milk can be fed to the baby. This way, the mother’s body can have the time to recover from childbirth while she rests.

Milk Donation

Another advantage of using a breast pump is that, once your baby has been fed, extra milk can be donated to babies who are in need of it.

Cons

Lesser Immune Benefits

Although feeding your baby with pumped and stored breast milk is way more beneficial as compared to giving them formula, there are still some issues associated with it. One such problem is the reduced immune benefits during the storage period, which are enjoyed by babies who are breastfed.

Added Expense

Using a breast pump is expensive, as you need to buy not only the pump but a few milk containers as well. In the case of disposable ones, these are needed multiple times a day. Moreover, you will also need milk storage bras, bottles as well as bags, and other breast pump equipment that increases the cost of the system.

Privacy Issues

Despite the fact that breast pumps are easy to use, these devices can make mothers uncomfortable when they are employed at workplaces or in other public areas. This is because breast pumps are quite prominent when being used in addition to being loud and, therefore, attract attention. For this reason, mothers prefer to use them in a private space, which is often hard to find.

Storage Problems

When it comes to using a breast pump to collect milk, it is also important to store it properly. At this stage, a problem arises while keeping track of the stored milk. In addition, frozen breast milk is also considered expired after 2 hours if left outside the freezer.

The CDC recommends storing breast milk at or below 40°F when kept in a refrigerator and storing it at 0°F when put in the freezer. Ideally, it should be consumed within 6 months.

Breast Pumps at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

Breast pumps are medical tools used by mothers to pump milk for their babies. By using these devices, milk can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 6 months. This way, babies can be fed with mother’s milk while mothers can have catch some sleep during the night or go to work during the day.

When it comes to learning about breast pumps, it is also essential to look into some of the products that many brands manufacture. Some of these well-known brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below, along with their features and purchase links:

Double Electric Breast Pump Zomee Z2 ZOMEE Z2 12/CS

Product Details

Double electric Zomee Z2 breast pumps are manufactured by Zev Supplies Corporation in China. These are BPA-free products that are wearable and easy to assemble. The parts of the device are a few that can be handled with ease. Once attached to each other, a leak-proof seal is established.

Moreover, these Double electric Zomee Z2 breast pumps are also capable of automatically alternating expression between breasts so that stimulation can be increased. As a result, the release of milk becomes quick and easy.

Furthermore, these Double electric Zomee Z2 breast pumps offer a hands-free design that works in 3 highly efficient pumping styles. As for their construction, the material used is food-grade plastic that is soft and free from phthalates.

Luna AAA0013 Double Electric Breast Pump Kit EACH

Product Details

Luna AAA0013 double electric breast pump kits are used for pumping milk from the breasts while keeping the process comfortable for the mothers. The product only weighs 2 pounds and is compact in size to allow portability.

Moreover, these Luna AAA0013 double electric breast pump kits also have backflow protection that keeps the motor as well as the tubing clean. This way, the risk of contamination is lowered.

Additionally, these Luna AAA0013 double electric breast pump kits are also quiet in their operation as they produce only a 43 decibel hum that keeps the baby comfortable. The device also stimulates let-down as it mimics the nursing pattern of your baby.

Drive Medical RTLBP1000 Pure Expressions Single Channel Electric Breast Pump

US$104.99

Product Details

Drive Medical RTLBP1000 Pure Expressions single-channel electric breast pumps work by mimicking the baby’s natural nursing rhythm as well as suckling pattern to pump milk from one breast at a time. The two-phase expression system includes both stimulation as well as expression modes that allow the pumping of more milk in lesser time.

Moreover, these Drive Medical RTLBP1000 Pure Expressions single-channel electric breast pumps can be operated with a 30-minute timer and come with 9 suction strengths to choose from. Its memory function also auto-saves the features selected during the last pumping session. The device is also easy to clean and handle due to its compact size.

In addition, these Drive Medical RTLBP1000 Pure Expressions single-channel electric breast pumps are constructed using soft silicone that comes with cushion inserts for enhanced comfort. The product is also free from toxic and allergic materials such as BPA and latex.

Drive Medical RTLBP2000 Pure Expressions Dual Channel Electric Breast Pump

US$162.49

Product Details

Drive Medical RTLBP2000 Pure Expressions dual-channel electric breast pumps carry a closed-loop, anti-backflow technology that guarantees no milk backup in the motor or in the tubing. The product is easy to clean and handle due to its smaller size.

Additionally, these Drive Medical RTLBP2000 Pure Expressions dual-channel electric breast pumps can also be set on certain features for a 30-minute duration. These features can be saved in the system due to the memory function affixed in the device.

Furthermore, these Drive Medical RTLBP2000 Pure Expressions dual-channel electric breast pumps also have an LCD display to show the programs and functions of the system. The single and double pumping options are also available. Being manufactured from BPA and latex-free materials, these breast pumps do not irritate the skin when used extensively.

As for their usage duration, these Drive Medical RTLBP2000 Pure Expressions dual-channel electric breast pumps come with a one-year limited consumer warranty as well.

*Note: The prices of these items mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.

The products mentioned in this article while learning about breast pumps, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of respiratory products.

Conclusion

Breast pumps are the devices that are widely used by mothers to pump milk and store it for later use. These come with a breast shield, a bottle used to collect and store milk, and a pump that creates a vacuum to facilitate suction.

When it comes to the pros and cons of breast pumps, keep in mind that these devices are a huge help for some mothers, especially for those who are at workplaces during the day. They can easily store the pumped milk for up to 6 months. Apart from this, breast pumps also help increase milk supply to fulfil the feeding needs of your baby.

Considering their importance, breast pumps should be kept in healthcare facilities as well as in home settings to use whenever necessary. For purchasing different types of breast pumps, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/php/about/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/php/guidelines-recommendations/faqs.html