The Truth about breast pumps
The truth about breast pumps…
I know this is a burning question amongst Mom's and Mama's to be... and before I go any further if you have a friend that is currently expecting you may want to share this blog post with them.
Using the single pump medela swing
But not all pumps are made equally. This one was an oldie but a goodie for a single pump.
So here's the thing NOT all pumps are made equally.
I wish I could say by this one, it's the best. But there is no right pump for everyone.
But here are few things to consider if you are expecting and looking in to buying a pump:
- What do you need it for? The occasional pump? Once a day? Once a week?
- Planning to exclusively pump?
- Need one on the go? Portability
- Need one to replace feeds frequently?
- Have you had low supply in the past?
- Are you relactating?
As you narrow down your reasons why you want a pump, you'll wean out a few options.
I recently posted a reel about a breast pump I absolutely despise, the Medela Freestyle Flex.
It was all the rage coming out of the gates and we were excited and optimistic about it's value.
- It's portable
- It's light
- It's convenient
- It was said to have the next level technology to help remove milk
But what they don't talk about is how this technology has failed. It's led Mom's to have to increase the vacuum to either the max setting or almost there in order to remove milk.
It is NOT good for if you are looking to increase supply. It just doesn't have the force.
But if you have this pump at home and are thinking damn now what do I do with it? Have no fear... at it's highest suction-or closest to it is ok to remove occasional milk on the go when your breastmilk is well established.
You will need to use hands on pumping & hand expression at the end of each session in order to protect your supply.
So here in Alberta, why I like Medela is that if a Mom suddenly needs to pump to increase supply she can adapt easily to the hospital grade symphony that most pharmacies and public health offices carry.
With that said, some of the new products changed their adapters and such so that you can't adapt easily.
Now that I don't see this versatility, they aren't on the top of my list. Shame on them.
I have heard a ton of great reviews on the Spectra pumps in the States. And the only way I have found to access them is to switch your Amazon to the American site and order there.
Yes it's a pain! But I hear it is well worth it.
The suction is like no other, it just takes a little reading to figure out as there are more settings that you can change.
OK OK OK! All this pump talk and I have no idea how to pump...
No worries, I share more in the next post.
Need help pumping?
Want help to figure out what pump is best for you & your needs?