For mothers, giving birth is just the first step of the ordeal. The long recovery period after giving birth is the truly difficult time, as they need to take care of their own bodies and feed their babies.
Feeding their babies can be even more terrifying than torture for many new mothers. Although the happiness of watching their babies drink milk in their arms cannot be compared with anything in the world, breastfeeding can be a very difficult task for many mothers who struggle with milk production, inverted nipples, or need to go back to work.
Breastfeeding products such as breast pumps are auxiliary tools for breastfeeding, and their appearance can be considered as a lifesaver for breastfeeding mothers! Today, let's talk about how to choose a breast pump!
Who needs a breast pump?
Not all breastfeeding mothers need a breast pump as an auxiliary tool, but if you are in the following situations, a breast pump can help you alleviate the pain of breastfeeding.
Going back to work
If you are a mother who has to go back to work right after the maternity leave, then a breast pump or other breastfeeding products are essential. After all, it is almost impossible to manually express milk without the suction of a baby. At this time, a breast pump can help empty the breasts and store breast milk in advance, so that the baby can be properly fed.
Oversupply of breast milk
Having an oversupply of breast milk can bring both joy and trouble. Although the baby doesn't have to worry about hunger, for mothers, the inability to empty the breasts in a timely manner can be painful. In this case, a breast pump can come in handy! It can help mothers empty their breasts in a timely manner and keep the milk ducts clear.
Cracked or inverted nipples
Inverted nipples and cracked nipples are the most common problems encountered during breastfeeding. Not only is it difficult for the baby to suck milk, but it is also very painful for the mother to breastfeed.
Inverted nipples are mostly congenital, while cracked nipples occur when the baby bites the nipple during breastfeeding, causing the skin to break. If either of these situations occurs, the best way is to use a breast pump for assistance, which can greatly reduce the pain of breastfeeding for the mother.
However, the use of a breast pump or other breastfeeding products should also be appropriate. Over-reliance on a breast pump can have some adverse effects. Since using a breast pump applies pressure to the breasts, continuous use can cause local soft tissue damage and edema. Therefore, the use of a breast pump should be appropriate.
How to choose a breast pump?
There are all kinds of breast pumps on the market, with prices ranging from thousands to tens of yuan. How do you choose the one that suits you?
Manual vs Electric
Manual breast pumps and electric breast pumps each have their advantages and disadvantages. Manual breast pumps require manual operation, which can be tiring, but they don't require a power source and are more portable.
Electric breast pumps are easier to operate and can free up hands to a greater extent, but they are relatively heavy and noisy. Generally speaking, if the budget is sufficient, it is recommended to purchase an electric breast pump. Prolonged use of a manual breast pump can lead to tenosynovitis.
Single-sided vs Double-sided
The difference between a single-sided breast pump and a double-sided breast pump is self-explanatory! A single-sided breast pump can only express milk from one side at a time, which is more troublesome. On the other hand, a double-sided breast pump can work on both sides simultaneously, making it very convenient.
If you are a breastfeeding mother, it is recommended to buy a double-sided breast pump as this can save time for expressing milk. If it is only for use at home, a single-sided breast pump can suffice.
Size
The most important factor in choosing a breast pump or other breastfeeding products is the size of the breast pump shield. If the shield is too small, it can cause friction on the nipple. If the shield is too large, it can harm the areola. Therefore, before purchasing a breast pump, pay attention to the size of the shield!
Generally speaking, the nipple should move freely within the breast pump shield, and the areola should not be sucked in excessively, indicating that the size of the breast pump shield is relatively appropriate.
