How to Choose Best Breast Pump for Your Size & Aim; Choosing a breast pump can be a bit overwhelming because you don’t know what to expect before or after birth. There are so many different types and brands available that it’s hard to know where to start! Choosing a hospital-grade breast pump? Wearable electric breast pump? Hand-operated manual breast pump?
Why should you use a breast pump?
While expressing milk isn’t a necessary part of the breastfeeding journey for all mothers, there are many reasons why people need or want to use a breast pump. These may include:
- Medical problems that cause the baby to be unable to feed from the breast (such as a cleft palate).
- A baby who cannot latch or suckle.
- A disease that exists in the mother.
- Mother’s absence (such as returning to work).
- Low milk production: In these cases, a breast pump can help stimulate milk production.
It is common for parents to experience difficulties in the first few months of breastfeeding. In these cases, traditional breastfeeding may not be an option, so pumping may be necessary.
Remember: Breast pumping is an individual experience. Expressing all your milk may be a necessity for the health of you and your baby, or it may be a suitable alternative to breastfeeding.
Breast Pump Types
Best Breast Pump for Your Size ; Every breast pump is designed differently, and different pumps can meet various pumping needs. For example, if you only need to express milk occasionally, a simple manual breast pump may be all you need. If you are exclusively expressing milk, you may need to opt for a hospital-grade electric breast pump. Different types of breast pumps include:
Manual Breast Pumps
A manual breast pump, such as the Elvie Curve, is operated by hand and usually uses a lever or handle to create suction and encourage milk flow. Manual breast pumps are generally smaller and more portable than electric breast pumps but may be less efficient and require more physical effort to use. Unlike a traditional manual breast pump, the Elvie Curve fits inside your bra, allowing you to effortlessly collect milk on the go.
Electric Breast Pumps
An electric breast pump, such as the Elvie Pump, is powered by a motor and uses suction to stimulate milk flow. Electric breast pumps can be more efficient and comfortable to use than manual pumps, but they can be more expensive and less portable. Electric breast pumps can be single or double (a double electric breast pump can pump from both breasts at the same time) and can be battery-powered or plug-in.
Hospital Grade Breast Pumps
The hospital-grade breast pump is designed for frequent, heavy-duty use and is often used in hospitals and lactation centers. Hospital-grade double electric pumps, such as the Elvie Stride, have powerful motors and are considered ideal for women who want to establish or maintain a breast milk supply through dedicated pumping. These pumps are also a good option for people who have problems with their milk supply.
Moreover, if you feel like you want to double up your pumping game, the Elvie Stride Single can easily be converted to the Elvie Stride Double by purchasing additional Elvie Stride Accessories.
Wearable Breast Pumps
Wearable breast pumps are designed to be worn under clothing, allowing the user to discreetly express breast milk while on the go. Both the Elvie Pump (slim all-in-one bra electric breast pump) and the Elvie Curve (contoured manual breast pump) allow you to collect milk inside the bra so you don’t need to hold the pump to your breast.
Hands-Free Breast Pumps
Hands-free breast pumps allow the user to express breast milk without manually holding the breast pump in place. They may be equipped with a hands-free pumping bra or a hands-free kit that can be used with a standard breast pump. Elvie Pump is a popular hands-free wireless option that can be worn under clothing and controlled via an integrated app.
Single and Double Breast Pumps
A single electric breast pump (as the name suggests) allows you to pump from one breast at a time; This is not a problem if you only pump occasionally. On the other hand, a double breast pump (which pumps milk from both breasts at the same time) generally provides more milk and is better for regular pumping. A double electric breast pump may be more suitable for people who have problems with their milk supply or need to express milk while returning to work.
