How to choose a Breastpump
One of the benefits of modern technology is that for every situation, a host of alternatives have become available. When there is a diverse range of devices available, each with its own strong features, choosing a device that would really be the best fit for one's situation, becomes a difficult task! So it is with breastpumps.
There are a wide range of breastpumps available, each suitable for specific situations that mothers find themselves in. A lot of research has gone into making breastpumps as effective as possible, and there are many manufacturers with a rich catalog of breastpump products and accessories.
The principle behind this rich variety is essentially the same. Suction requires power; this power could be manual, or it could come from a battery, or a regular electric supply. The amount of suction determines the stimulation that the breasts will receive. This suction has to be optimal; higher suction can cause injury to the tender breast tissues, while lower suction will not be able to express milk that is engorged in the breasts. The cycle of suction - to - release - to - relax - to - suction requires controlling. In battery- operated and electricity-driven pumps this cycle is controlled automatically; while in manual pumps, the cycle is controlled by the mother herself. Finally, the frequency of cycles; that is, the number of such cycles per minute that the pump works; is a determinant of its quality.
Which amongst these various breastpumps should one choose, would depend on such factors, as the age of the child, the number of pumping sessions that one plans to do every day, whether one intends to travel along with the breastpump, and so on. All the breastpumps available in the market have some or the other strong point that fits in with your typical situation, and also have some or the other weak point that does not.
Manual breastpumps have to be operated by hand. There is either a trigger, or a cylinder or a pedal pump, that regulates the cycle. These pumps are quite ideal when there are no electric outlets in the vicinity. Available at low costs, the pumps are useful when the expression has to be carried out only occasionally, perhaps a planned outing for a mom who stays at home most of the times. The speed at which milk is expressed from such pumps is slower than the other varieties, and a time of about half-an- hour may be budgeted for each breast.
If the child's condition is such that nursing at the breast is not possible at all, then a high quality pump is called for. Such a pump might ideally be a dual pump that pumps both the breasts simultaneously, and is electrically-operated. There are a few models that come with the convenience of setting the cycle levels, too, and the mother can adjust it to the comfort level that best suits her. These pumps are more expensive, but are worth the investment.
For the budget-conscious, a less expensive alternative might be single-breast pumps, that express from one breast at a time; again, they come with electric-supply and battery attachments. These are equally effective; only now it takes double the time to complete one session of pumping. Which amongst the two should be chosen - single or dual - will depend on the cost, the time available with the mom for this work, and the frequency of expressing everyday. The higher the frequency, the more time will be required, and the more a dual pump becomes attractive.
The light-weightedness and portability of the breastpump is another factor to consider. If the device is to be carried to the workplace everyday, the more compact it is, the better. The accessories that come along with each device also need to be looked into. Some accessories might be indispensable for you; while others might be of no use to the mom at all.
Breastpump is a worthwhile investment. When one compares feeding one's child with breastpump- expressed milk against industrial-formula milk, the former wins hands-down, anytime. The joy of nourishing your baby with your own milk can be realized with a breastpump - only, first learn how to choose.