The Complete Guide to Breastfeeding Pumps: Types, Uses, and Benefits

Breastfeeding pumps, such as manual and electric models, are essential tools for nursing mothers to express and store breast milk. Manual pumps like the Amkay Breast Pump and Pigeon Manual Breast Pump offer a simple, hands-on option for mothers who need to pump occasionally or on the go. They are portable, easy to use, and require no power source, making them ideal for travel or light pumping. On the other hand, electric pumps like the Pigeon Portable Breast Pump provide a faster and more efficient way to express milk, especially for mothers who need to pump frequently or maintain a regular milk supply. These pumps mimic a baby's natural sucking pattern and can be used for double pumping, saving time and boosting milk production. Both types of pumps help mothers collect milk for storage, ensuring that their babies can continue to receive breast milk even when they're not physically present.

Breastfeeding Pump Uses and Applications

Expressing Milk for Storage

The main purpose of breastfeeding pumps is to express milk for storage, allowing mothers to create a milk stash for later breastfeeding pump use. This can be particularly helpful for mothers who need to be away from their baby for work or other commitments. Expressed milk can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, ensuring the baby can continue to receive breast milk even when the mother is not available to nurse directly.

Relieving Engorgement

If a mother’s breasts become engorged, pumping can help relieve pressure and discomfort by expressing excess milk. This can prevent clogged ducts or mastitis, which can result from prolonged milk buildup. Regular pumping can also help manage milk supply, especially when breasts feel overly full, reducing the risk of leaks and discomfort.

Increasing Milk Supply

For mothers who have a low milk supply, pumping can be a key strategy to stimulate milk production. The more frequently the breasts are emptied, the more milk the body produces in response. Some mothers prefer breastfeeding pump use after breastfeeding to fully empty the breasts, which signals the body to produce more milk. This is a technique where mothers pump more frequently (e.g., every 10-15 minutes for an hour) to mimic a baby’s cluster feeding pattern, which can help boost supply.

Providing Milk for Preterm or Sick Babies

For mothers of preterm or hospitalized babies, breastfeeding pumps provide a means of delivering breast milk when the baby is unable to nurse directly from the breast. Pumping ensures that the baby still receives the nutritional benefits of breast milk, even if they are too weak or under medical care to feed directly. For babies with feeding difficulties due to illness or oral issues, pumping offers an alternative way to feed them breast milk until they are able to nurse.

Exclusive Pumping (EPing)

Some mothers choose to exclusively pump (EP) for various reasons, such as medical conditions, latch issues, or personal preference. In this case, the pump becomes their primary tool for feeding their baby with breast milk.

Convenience for Working Mothers

Electric or manual breast pump uses make it possible for mothers to continue providing breast milk for their babies even when they return to work. By expressing milk during work hours and storing it for later, mothers can ensure their baby continues to receive the benefits of breast milk while they’re away. Pumps also offer flexibility in feeding schedules. Mothers can pump and store milk at different times of day, providing options for caregivers to bottle-feed the baby when the mother is unavailable.

Ensuring Breast Milk Availability for Multiple Caregivers

When mothers are not around, pumping allows other caregivers (fathers, grandparents, or daycare providers) to feed the baby breast milk without direct breastfeeding. This can be especially important in the early months when breast milk is the preferred or only food source. Pumps make it possible to store milk in bottles, allowing the baby to be fed by others in a way that mimics the natural nursing experience as closely as possible.

Feeding Multiple Babies

Multiples (Twins, Triplets, etc.): For mothers nursing multiples, pumping can help ensure that each baby receives the appropriate amount of breast milk. Double pumping allows a mother to express milk from both breasts at once, making the process more efficient and ensuring enough milk for multiple babies.

Helping with Transition from Breast to Bottle

If a mother plans to introduce a bottle at some point, using a pump to express milk can help with the transition. By expressing milk for bottle-feeding, the baby can get used to taking milk from a bottle, which is especially important if the mother will return to work or be away for extended periods. Pumping and offering breast milk in a bottle allows the baby to adjust to feeding without interrupting breastfeeding habits.

Comfort During Nighttime or Extended Feedings

For mothers who need more flexibility or for those who find it difficult to breastfeed in the middle of the night, pumping can provide a convenient way to ensure the baby has enough milk. Mothers can pump during the day and store milk for nighttime feedings. If a mother is away for longer periods, such as during travel or business trips, pumping ensures the baby continues to get breast milk even in the mother’s absence.

Types of Breastfeeding Pumps

Manual Breast Pumps

Manual breast pumps are operated by hand, requiring the user to squeeze or pump a handle to express milk. These pumps are compact, lightweight, and don’t require electricity or batteries, making them ideal for mothers who need a portable option for occasional breastfeeding pump use. They are cost-effective and convenient for short-term pumping, travel, or for moms who don’t plan to pump frequently. However, they require more time and physical effort compared to electric pumps, which makes them less suitable for regular or high-volume pumping needs.

Single-Electric Breast Pumps

Single-electric breast pumps are powered by electricity (or batteries) and express milk from one breast at a time. They offer greater efficiency than manual pumps, as they are easier to operate and require less physical effort. These pumps are a good choice for mothers who need to pump on a daily basis but don’t need to pump both breasts simultaneously. They are ideal for those with moderate pumping needs, such as working mothers or those who pump a few times a day. While they are more affordable and portable than double-electric or hospital-grade pumps, they are less efficient as they only work on one breast at a time.

Double-Electric Breast Pumps

Double-electric breast pumps are designed to pump both breasts simultaneously, offering faster and more efficient milk expression. These pumps are powered by electricity and usually come with adjustable suction settings for maximum comfort and efficiency. Double-electric pumps are the preferred choice for mothers who need to pump frequently, such as working moms, exclusive pumpers, or those with a high milk supply. They significantly reduce the time spent pumping by allowing both breasts to be emptied at once, which can help maintain a good milk supply and improve overall milk production.

Hospital-Grade Breast Pumps

Hospital-grade breast pumps are powerful, high-performance machines designed for frequent breastfeeding pump use and often available for rental in hospitals or lactation centers. These pumps are ideal for mothers who need to express large amounts of milk or those with medical needs, such as mothers of premature babies or those with low milk supply. Hospital-grade pumps are known for their strong suction power, which helps with milk stimulation and can help establish or maintain milk production in challenging situations. They are designed for long-term use and can be shared by multiple users, making them suitable for mothers who need to pump frequently over an extended period. These pumps offer the highest level of efficiency, making them the top choice for exclusive or high-volume pumping.

Preparing to Use a Breast Pump

1. Find a private, warm, and comfortable space to pump.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water before handling pumping equipment.
3. Have clean, sterilized pumping supplies ready to use.
4. Apply a warm, moist cloth to each breast before pumping to stimulate milk flow.
5. Lean forward and gently shake your breasts, then massage them to encourage milk expression.
6. Moisten the pump flange/shield before placing it on your breast for a better seal.
7. Use the correct breast flange size that fits comfortably around your nipple for proper milk drainage.
8. Follow the instructions provided with your pump, and avoid turning the suction too high.
9. Pumping should always be comfortable; if not, consult a lactation consultant for advice on flange size or technique.
10. Listen to relaxing music or view a photo/video of your baby during pumping to enhance milk flow.
11. Use gentle massage during pumping and consider hand expression after pumping to maximize milk production.
12. Pump for 15-20 minutes per breast, or 15-20 minutes total if double pumping, until milk stops flowing.
13. Pump as often as your baby would normally nurse to maintain milk supply; longer gaps between sessions can reduce production.

When and How Often to Pump

Storing Expressed Breast Milk

Wash hands with soap and water before expressing or handling breast milk. Store milk in clean, BPA-free glass or hard plastic containers, or special milk storage bags. Avoid using disposable bottle liners or general-use plastic bags for storage.

Best Practices for Storing Expressed Milk:

1. Label containers with the date and baby's name (if at daycare) using waterproof labels and ink.
2. Store milk in the back of the refrigerator or freezer, where the temperature is coolest.
3. Store milk in portions for single feedings (e.g., 2-4 oz), or smaller amounts (1-2 oz) for flexibility.
4. Do not overfill containers, as milk expands when frozen.

Adding Freshly Expressed Milk:

1. Cool freshly expressed milk in the fridge or cooler before adding it to previously stored milk.
2. Do not add warm milk to frozen milk to avoid thawing it.

Storage Duration:

1. Room temperature: Up to 6 hours (best within 4 hours, especially in warm conditions).
2. Insulated cooler: Up to 1 day with ice packs.
3. Refrigerator: Up to 4 days (optimal within 3 days).
4. Freezer: Up to 12 months (optimal within 6 months).

Notes:

1. Vitamin C loss increases the longer milk is stored.
2. Milk composition changes as your baby grows; newborn milk is different from milk produced for older babies.
3. Storage guidelines may differ for preterm, sick, or hospitalized infants.

Cleaning and Maintaining the Breast Pump

Manual Cleaning:

1. Use a wash basin and soapy water specifically for infant feeding items; avoid washing pump parts directly in the sink to prevent contamination from germs in drains.
2. Scrub items following the manufacturer's cleaning guidelines. Use a clean brush designated only for cleaning infant feeding equipment.
3. Rinse items by either holding them under running water or submerging them in fresh water from a separate, clean basin.
4. Dry items thoroughly by letting them air-dry on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel in a dust-free area. Avoid rubbing or patting with a towel to prevent transferring germs.

Cleaning in a Dishwasher (if recommended by the manufacturer):

1. Wash the disassembled pump parts in the dishwasher, placing small items in a closed-top basket or mesh laundry bag to avoid clogging the filter.
2. Run a hot water cycle with a heated drying or sanitizing setting to effectively kill germs.
3. Remove and air-dry cleaned items completely on a clean towel or paper towel before storing. Always wash your hands before handling clean items. Avoid using dish towels to rub or pat dry, as this may transfer germs back to the pump parts.

Choosing the Right Breast Pump

Choosing the best breast pump depends on your individual needs, preferences, and lifestyle, as there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. To help you make the right decision, consider these key factors, and talk to a lactation consultant for personalized guidance:

1. Frequency of Pumping: If you’ll be pumping frequently (more than a few times a week), a powered pump (especially a double pump) is efficient and saves time.
2. Portability: If you need to pump on the go or multitask, a portable, powered pump could be ideal.
3. Milk Supply: If you’re looking to increase milk supply, a pump with stronger suction may be more beneficial.
4. Time Constraints: A powered pump works faster and may be the best choice if you’re limited on time for each session.
5. Budget: Manual pumps are more affordable and can be a great budget-friendly option for occasional pumping or as a backup.
6. Health Insurance: Check which pumps are covered by your insurance for additional savings.

A manual pump offers benefits like better control over suction speed, affordability, and portability, making it ideal for occasional use or as a backup. It's also great for times when you don’t have access to electricity or need a compact option for travel.

Benefits of Using a Breast Pump

1. Breast pumps allow faster milk expression with double pumping (both breasts at once), saving time for busy moms.
2. Automatic suction settings and adjustable speeds make breastfeeding pump electric simple to operate, even for first-time users.
3. Breast pumps are ideal for busy schedules, offering quick, effective milk expression to store milk while away from the baby.
4. Regular use of breastfeeding pump electric can help stimulate milk production for mothers with low supply by mimicking frequent breastfeeding.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Low Milk Output:

1. Try to pump 8-12 times per day to boost supply, especially in the early weeks.
2. Pump for 15-20 minutes per session, even after milk flow slows, to fully drain the breasts.
3. Ensure you're drinking plenty of water and eating enough to support milk production.
4. Gentle massage before or during pumping can help with milk flow.
5. Create a calm, stress-free environment. Try listening to calming music or looking at a photo of your baby.

Discomfort or Pain While Pumping:

1. Ensure the suction isn't too high, as this can cause discomfort. Gradually increase suction if needed.
2. Apply a bit of breast milk or water to the flange for a better seal and reduced friction.
3. An ill-fitting flange can cause discomfort. Make sure it’s the right size for your nipple to prevent pinching or rubbing.

Incorrect Flange Size:

1. Your nipple should fit comfortably in the flange, with no rubbing or pinching. If you're unsure, consult a lactation consultant for help choosing the right size.
2. Most pumps offer various flange sizes. If you experience discomfort or ineffective milk expression, trying a different size might help.
3. Position the flange around your nipple so it’s centered and your nipple doesn’t rub against the sides.

Traveling with a Breast Pump

Portable and Battery-Operated Pumps

Choose a small, portable breast pump that fits easily in your luggage. Look for a lightweight, travel-friendly model. Check out for pumps with rechargeable batteries or that can be powered by a car adapter, making it easy to pump anywhere, even in transit. Consider a double electric pump for quicker, more efficient pumping sessions, saving you time during travel.

Pumping While Traveling

Choose Private, Comfortable Spaces: Plan ahead for private places to pump, such as nursing rooms at airports or your hotel room. Many airports and public areas now offer designated spaces for nursing mothers. Pack everything you need, including your pump, flanges, bottles, and a small cooler bag with ice packs for milk storage.

Storing Milk on the Go

Use a small insulated cooler bag with ice packs to keep breast milk chilled during travel. Breast milk can be safely stored in an insulated bag for up to 24 hours, depending on the temperature. Pre-sterilized milk storage bags are ideal for travel as they take up less space and are easy to label. Always label milk with the date and time of expression. If you need to store milk overnight, use a refrigerator (hotel fridge or workplace) or freezer as soon as possible.

Cleaning While Traveling

Pack a small brush, soap, and a clean towel or disposable wipes for cleaning your pump parts between sessions. If you're unable to clean the pump immediately, rinse the parts with water and clean them as soon as possible.