Breast pumps: types and how to use the right tools

Breastfeeding the baby directly from the breast is the preferred method for many mothers. However, there are times when the mother cannot breastfeed directly. The use of direct hands or a breastmilk pump such as electric or manual can greatly help simplify the process of expressing breastmilk. So, how do you use the correct breast pump to make it smooth and not get sick?

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Why have to pump milk from the breast?

Pumping your baby's milk in the right way can help provide the benefits of breast milk to your baby when you are not able to breastfeed right away.

Usually, breastfeeding mothers use a breast pump under certain conditions.

Take for example if the baby was born prematurely, when the mother is working, there are problems with the mother breastfeeding, or so that milk does not accumulate in the breast to prevent swelling.

Apart from premature babies, newborns who have certain health problems may also find it difficult to feed directly from the breast (direct breastfeeding).

This condition inevitably makes you have to use a milk pump so that your baby can still get breast milk, especially during the first 6 months or exclusive breastfeeding.

According to the Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI), the reasons for the need to use a breast milk pump are as follows:

• Breast milk must be removed because the breast is already swollen, but the baby does not want to breastfeed.
• Stimulates milk production in the breast.
• The baby cannot suckle directly from the breast.
• The nipple is chafed when the baby is fed directly.

On the other hand, pumping breast milk in the right way can also help provide milk production even when you are not around your little one.

What are the types of breast pumps?

As the name implies, a breastmilk pump or pump is a special tool that is useful for expressing milk out of the breast.

Expressions are also known by the name breast pump. There are two types of breast pumps that you can choose according to your needs, namely:

Manual breast pump

Manual breast pumpor a manual breast pump is a type of pump that works manually or by hand.

Slightly different from expressing breastmilk directly by hand, manual expressing involves using a tool.

So, you don't need to bother expressing your own breast milk by hand because there is already help from a device

Electric breast pump

Electric breast pumpor an electric breast pump is a type of pump that works with the help of electricity or batteries.

There are types of electricity that must always be plugged into the nearest mains during use, but there are also those that use batteries.

An electric pump that uses a battery usually needs to be charged every time it is used.

Electric breast pumps tend to be less time consuming and faster than manual pumps.

For breastfeeding mothers who don't have much time but want to pump breast milk, you can choose to use an electric pump.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each breast pump?

Source: Nuvita Baby

Both electric and manual breast milk expresses come with a variety of advantages that will make it easier for you to use them.

Although on the one hand it is actually quite helpful, the types of electric and manual breastfeeding also have their drawbacks.

The following is a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of using an electric breast pump and a manual breast pump that you can take into consideration:

Electric breast pump

Various advantages and disadvantages of an electric breast pump, namely:

The advantages of an electric breast pump

The use of an electric pump is usually considered very beneficial because it has a much faster pumping time than a manual pump.

The speed of the electric pump can also be adjusted according to your wishes and comfort.

Because it uses electric power, this electric pump tool works automatically so it can help save your energy.

That way, you don't need to be tired during the process of pumping breast milk.

From all these explanations, here is a summary of the advantages of an electric breast pump:

• The time used to pump breast milk is faster.
• Equipped with certain setting features that make it more comfortable to use.
• Has many models that can be tailored to your tastes and needs. Take for example a model that has two pumps to pump both your breasts at one time or one pump only.
• It takes less effort to use so it doesn't tire you out no matter how long you use this type of pump.

Lack of an electric breast pump

Behind the various advantages, it turns out that the electric breast pump also has drawbacks that could be your further consideration.

• The price is more expensive compared to manual pumps.
• It is more difficult to clean.
• Raises a noise when used.
• It is more difficult to carry around.

Indeed, the various advantages offered by this electric pump must have the consequence of the price which is also more expensive than the manual pump.

However, if you want to produce faster and more milk in one pump, an electric breast pump can be considered as the right choice.

Manual breast pump

Various advantages and disadvantages of a manual breast pump, namely:

The advantages of a manual breast pump

Here are the advantages of a manual breast pump for breastfeeding:

• Can adjust the pump suction power manually because it is moved by the mother's own hands.
• Comes in a compact and small size.
• Does not require electricity in its use.
• Fewer tool components.
• The price is more affordable than an electric breastmilk.

Lack of a manual breast pump

The following are shortcomings of a manual breast pump for breastfeeding:

• Pumping speed is a bit slow.
• Makes mother's hands tired quickly.
• It's hard to find the same pumping rhythm because it relies on your mother's strength.

If you don't pump breast milk too often, using a pump this one might be the right choice for you.

However, you should use it more often until it gets used to it on its own.

When you are choosing a manual breast pump it is best to try it first until you find a pump handle that is comfortable for you.

This is because the process of pumping breast milk that is too long risks making you tired.

How to pump breast milk right?

You can pump or express milk by massaging the breasts with your hands or using a pump.

How to use hand massage

How to pump breast milk through hand massage can be done by pressing the mammary glands on the back of the nipple and not by squeezing your nipple.

The process of removing all the milk in both breasts can be long or fast depending on the amount of milk that is in your breasts.

It is better if you empty one breast first before you move on to expressing milk on the other breast.

How to pump breast milk with hand massage

The Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) recommends the following ways when pumping breast milk by hand:

1. Prepare a clean container to collect breast milk. You can use a container with a wide mouth like a bowl to make it easier.
2. Before starting to apply the breastmilk pumping method, it is best to wash your hands with soap and warm water and then gently massage the breasts.
3. Find the most relaxing place and position to sit. Sitting with the body in a breastfeeding position, leaning forward slightly while holding the container to collect the milk.
4. Massage the breast gently from the base towards the nipple to stimulate the production of the hormone oxytocin (let down reflex).
5. Stimulate the nipples using your thumb and index finger at the same time. You can also use a warm compress or take a warm bath to help the milk pass more easily.
6. Hold your breast just behind the areola (the black area of ​​the breast) using your thumb on top and index finger on the bottom.
7. Press your finger towards the back of your chest then squeeze your breast between your thumb and index finger. Then push it toward the nipple as if it were like a baby is sucking.
8. Avoid squeezing your nipples directly as this will cause you pain and the milk won't come out.
9. Release the pressure, then repeat. Try not to shift your finger position.
10. If the drops tend to be slow, run your fingers around your breasts and try a different part of your breast.
11. Repeat this hand pumping method until your breasts become flaccid and feel empty.

Maybe at first only a drop of two drops of breast milk comes out, but if you continue to do it can make milk production in the breast more.

How to use a breast pump (breast pump)

If you prefer to use the expresser which is easier for you, simply place the sucker on your breast.

The expresser will press on your breasts and store the milk in the bottle that is attached. For clarity, here's a guide on how to use a manual and electric breast pump.

How to use a manual breast pump

The steps for using a manual breast pump are as follows:

1. Prepare a manual pump tool, then install each tool according to its place.
2. Insert the pump in the correct position with the nipple and breast until it is comfortable.
3. Position one hand to hold the pump and the other hand to support the breast.
4. Move the pump lever slowly with a count like the baby sucks while breastfeeding.
5. Repeat hand movements while pumping until the amount of milk is felt or the breast is empty.
6. Wash hands and all utensils thoroughly after use.

How to use an electric breast pump

The steps for using electric pumping are as follows:

1. Prepare an electric pump, then install each tool according to its place.
2. Put the breastplate in the right position and it won't bother or hurt. If the protector doesn't fit properly, you can press it gently so that it doesn't come off easily later.
3. Plug the electric pump into the nearest power source or use it immediately while the battery is still available.
4. Turn on the "on" button and set the pump intensity to your liking.
5. If you are using an electric pump that has only one pump, repeat the previous steps on both sides of the breast.
6. Perform the process of pumping breast milk in the right way until the amount of milk obtained is sufficient or the breasts are empty.
7. Wash hands and all utensils thoroughly after use.

If you use a pump to express milk, don't forget to always keep it clean. It is recommended that you wash with hot water and soap before and after using the pump to keep the pump sterile.

This method of pumping breast milk does not only apply at home, mothers can also apply the technique of using this pump while on vacation (traveling) and at the office.

Starting from the preparation before pumping breast milk, the pumping process, to cleaning the pump after use has the same rules as when you are at home.

Mothers only need to bring manual and electric pumps and a place to store milk while they are not outside the house.

So, regardless of the mother being at home, on vacation, at the office, or anywhere else, you can still apply the method of pumping breast milk.

What should be prepared before pumping breast milk?

There are several important things that you need to prepare well before pumping breast milk, either by directly using your hands or by means of a pump.

Launching from the American Pregnancy Association, here are some preparations before pumping breast milk:

1. Make it a habit to always wash your hands with soap and running water before pumping breast milk.
2. Make sure all components used to pump breast milk are clean and sterile.
3. If you are using your hands directly, make sure your hands and the container for breast milk are clean. If you use a manual or electric breast pump, make sure all the components of the appliance are sterile.
4. Find a quiet, comfortable room or place to pump breast milk. After this, you are ready to pump breast milk in the way previously described.

After pumping is complete, you should apply the correct way to store breast milk to maintain its quality.

Don't forget to pay attention to the schedule for breastfeeding your baby every day.

How to pump breast milk so that it comes out more?

There are several ways you can encourage let-down reflex (Milk comes out smoothly), so that more milk comes out when you pump. Here's how:

1. Try to be calm

Find a quiet, comfortable, and warm place to express breastmilk. If you are in the office, find a special room for breastfeeding so that the process of pumping milk is smoother.

While expressing milk, take slow, deep breaths.

In order to get a calm atmosphere, you can use a method that suits you. Take for example, you can listen to music.

You can also give your breasts warmth before expressing milk.

As an illustration, you can take a warm bath or compress the breast with warm water before starting to express breast milk.

2. Massage the breasts gently

Touching and massaging the breasts can trigger the process let-down reflex. This is so that later the breast milk can come out smoothly.

3. Ask for support from those closest to you

Many mothers find it very helpful when people around them support them in breastfeeding their babies. You can ask for encouragement from your husband, parents, in-laws, or even friends.

This support makes mothers enthusiastic and confident to be able to provide breast milk to their children.

In addition, when you experience any breastfeeding complaints and challenges, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Doctors can help find out the cause, treatment, and even provide drugs that are safe for breastfeeding mothers.