Elite Electric, Lact-E & SMB Breastpump
Breastfeeding mothers, these days, tend to include breastpumps as a defacto component of their post-natal kit. Normally, however, it is not a pre-requisite. In situations where the baby is born prematurely, or has some sickness condition, pumping may have to compulsorily be resorted to. Also, when the mother has to return to work soon after returning from the hospital, a breastpump is the only option available. A breastpump is also a boon when the mother has to be away from the child for a longish period of time.
Usually, mothers in such circumstances, especially those who find it difficult to establish milk supply using breast pumps, need to be provided with the best equipment that could be available. Ameda Egnell's breastpumping range are most suitable in such circumstances. Their price makes them more attractive to be acquired on rental basis, however.
The Ameda Egnell Elite Breastpump provides a range of settings geared towards improving the comfort level of the mother. These settings begin with zero suction levels, something that other pumps of comparable quality lack. In a minute, suction-and-release cycles of between 30 and 60 can be achieved. Such a broad range is, again, not found in other models; and is almost guaranteed to speed up the letting down process of lactating mothers. All this is achieved through microprocessors hidden beneath the beautiful exterior, and makes expression of milk a pleasurable experience. There are three different versions of the Elite model - the standard Elite Breast Pump, which includes a 12 V adapter that can be connected to a vehicle's outlet; the Elite with built-in rechargeable battery; and finally, one that comes with a carrying bag. This last version also includes an insulated cooling compartment with two freezer packs for storing expressed breast milk. Weighing between 6 and 7 pounds, the Elite Electric breastpump is the lightest of the models popularly available on rent.
The Ameda Egnell Lact-E Electric Breastpump prides itself in working quietly and unobtrusively. Weighing almost 11 pounds, the pump is driven by a plastic piston, which operates at a peak value of 1.25 hertz (that translates to almost 48 cycles in a minute). This pump maintains suction intensity throughout the pumping session, and very closely mimics the suckling action of the infant. Another advantage of the Lact-E is its double-pumping facility. The mother can, at will, either pump from one or both the breasts simultaneously. It has been found that simultaneous pumping from both the breasts leads to increased volume of expressed milk - perhaps the body reacts to the double stimulation very enthusiastically!
The Ameda Egnell SMB pump weighs a hefty 22 pounds. This pump is a most common sight at hospitals. When launched, the SMB was the first automatic breastpump in the world. After 50 years, the SMB continues to be as popular with mothers as it was then. The best feature of this device is its ruggedness and reliability, which makes it the first choice for institutional users such as hospitals even today.