Introduction
Some people have the impression that if the baby is completely breastfed, then the mother does not need any additional tools. But, no matter how great the desire to do everything “naturally” and “the old fashioned way,” it should be recognized that the conditions and lifestyle of the modern mother have changed. Most often, she has to spend her maternity leave in multitasking mode, as well as reduce the time before going to work. Breastfeeding mothers may be away without always being able to offer the breast to their baby. When there is a long gap between feedings, milk accumulates in the ducts and causes discomfort to the mother. In this case, a breast pump comes to the rescue - a modern tool that allows you to solve many problems and prevent problems with feeding. The best breast pump for you is the one that will meet your requirements for pumping frequency, physiological capabilities and feeding regimen. We will tell you how to understand the intricacies in this article.
Types of breast pumps
Home and clinical – breast pumps are divided into these two large classes. In other words, they can be professional or domestic.
Professional or clinical
Breast pumps are used in maternity hospitals to help women with lactation problems. Or for those who experience temporary stagnation of milk due to the fact that the baby is not nearby and the natural rhythm of feeding is disrupted. Such devices operate on mains power, are almost silent, and the vibration during pumping is virtually imperceptible. This breast pump imitates a sucking mechanism that is close to physiologically natural.
Household or home
devices are divided into 2 types:
- mechanical (manual)
- electrical (electronic).
Manual breast pump
- an easy-to-use device that operates either on the principle of a piston or has a pump mechanism. A pump breast pump is a nozzle that is applied to the breast (shaped like a funnel) and a rubber bulb with which the device is activated. It is necessary to frequently squeeze and unclench the bulb to ensure the flow of milk from the mammary gland. This type of breast pump is cheap, easy to disassemble and clean. But with frequent pumping, it can contribute to the formation of cracked nipples. Fatigue may occur during use.
There are breast pumps that look like a syringe. They consist of two cylinders. Internal - is applied to the nipple, and the outflow of milk occurs due to the movement of the external cylinder. Very easy to use and clean. But the hands get tired moving the cylinder, and this causes considerable discomfort. A piston breast pump also requires constant hand movement, but it is more powerful and more convenient. The breast attachment attaches to a reservoir (bottle or container) and has a lever that, when pressed, acts like a piston to help the silicone attachment stimulate the breast. Expresses milk quickly and painlessly. Using a piston system is much more convenient than expressing breast milk by hand. The process is virtually painless and rewarding. The mechanism, squeezing and unclenching the nozzle, provides breast massage. The woman herself can regulate the pace and intensity of the impact.
Electric breast pump
– helps to effortlessly express the required volume of milk in the shortest possible time. The principle of its operation is the same as that of a mechanical one - creating a vacuum around the nipple and affecting the areola and adjacent part of the breast. Only in this case, stimulation (compression and release) occurs not manually, but with the help of an electric motor powered by the network or using batteries. An electric breast pump can be equipped with one or two funnels. Accordingly, pumping is done either simultaneously or from each breast in turn.
The best manual breast pumps
Pigeon 16733
Price – 1349 rub.
Pigeon 16733
The top 5 manual devices for expressing milk are headed by the Pigeon 16733 piston device. The kit includes a silicone funnel, a 160 ml bottle with a lid, and a stand. According to reviews, it is easy to use, the funnel does not slip off the breast, and is suitable even for sensitive nipples.
Ardo Amaryll Start
Price – 1840 rub.
Ardo Amaryll Start
The Ardo Amaryll Start manual piston breast pump is second on the list of popular mechanical devices for expressing milk. The set includes a funnel, a 150 ml plastic bottle, and a stand for it.
The specially shaped silicone nozzle imitates the sucking movements of a baby, which makes the process as natural as possible and also allows you to express a large volume of milk.
Chicco Wellbeing 05740.10
Price – 2689 rub.
Chicco Wellbeing 05740.10
The contents of this model are the simplest: a 150 ml plastic bottle, a stand, a massage silicone funnel, which is suitable for sensitive nipples with cracks or other damage.
Philips AVENT Natural SCF330/22
Price – 1500 rub.
Philips AVENT Natural SCF330/22
This new product from a well-known manufacturer is a convenient and easy-to-use device for expressing milk in an individually customizable mode. Includes a silicone funnel with a massage effect, a 125 ml plastic bottle, a slow flow nipple (for newborns), a lid, and breast pads. This breast pump is good because it takes up little space and is very convenient to take with you.
Medela Harmony Basic
Price – 1130 rub.
Medela Harmony Basic
The top five is completed by a device from Medela with a piston milk pumping system. Its set includes a massage funnel, a 150 ml plastic bottle, a lid, and a stand for the bottle. Additionally, the kit includes a valve with a membrane and a spare membrane.
The breast pump works on a two-phase principle: first, milk is called in, and then direct pumping occurs. This allows you to express milk without damaging your breasts.
How to choose a breast pump and what to look for
When it becomes clear that manually expressing milk does not give the desired results (the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming), the question arises - which breast pump to choose. Some mothers, having compared manual expression and using a clinical breast pump, are seriously thinking about buying a professional device for home.
In this case, it’s worth thinking about: would you buy a professional coffee machine for your home (one that would take up half the room and require considerable investment in consumables) just because you were delighted with a cup of coffee in a restaurant? It is unlikely that such an acquisition will be justified. But if you are a coffee lover and are willing to pay for the taste of coffee with other resources, then no one will convince you. By the way, a clinical breast pump can be rented. This option will be much more economical for you.
Still, household breast pumps are more suitable for home use. But which breast pump is better - manual or electric, you will understand by answering some questions and comparing the facts.
How often do you plan to feed your baby expressed milk? If you rarely go away and prefer to store several containers frozen for “insurance,” then purchase a device that is effective for rare uses (manual piston).
If you intend to use a breast pump regularly (for some reason the baby does not latch on, you go to work and plan to be absent all day), then it is better to purchase a powerful electric device. In this case, the costs are completely justified. You can save time and put in less effort.
Which breast pump is best if you're constantly on the go? Most likely portable, battery-powered. It will make it most comfortable for you to move around and follow your baby’s feeding schedule.
The table will help you choose the best breast pump for you.
| Type of breast pump | Operating principle | Pumping intensity and number of cycles | Positive sides | Possible inconveniences |
| Manual | Expression occurs through the use of force | Intensity varies and changes depending on need | Compact, quiet operation, low cost | Considerable labor costs, one funnel; Open system; Does not provide sufficiently powerful suction and cycling; The volume of milk expressed is less than when using an electric accessory. |
| Electric (battery-powered) | Force-free pumping thanks to an electric motor powered by batteries | Intensity varies and changes depending on need | Compact, silent, not very high cost; May be double-funnel. | Batteries drain quickly; The system is open; The power is low, due to this the suction power is weak, the cycle may be disrupted; Works only from a stationary outlet or through a car adapter; Does not support the volume of expressed milk; |
| Household electric breast pump | Medium Power Electric Pump | The cycle varies (from 40 pulses per minute, pressure from 50 mmHg | The average size; Maintains the volume of expressed milk; May be double-funnel. | High price; The system is both open and closed; Works only from a fixed outlet. |
| Electric clinical breast pump | High Power Electric Pump | Cycle varies (up to 60 pulses per minute, pressure up to 220 mmHg | High efficiency; Imitates the baby's sucking rhythm; Maintains and increases the volume of expressed milk; Has two funnels; Quick pumping. | Large size and weight; Very high cost (most often rented); Works only from a fixed outlet; The system is closed. |
If you find it difficult to choose the type of manual breast pump or you have a question about which electric breast pump is better to buy (rent), do not buy this device before giving birth. Make a selection of models, make a list with characteristics. Find out at what price they can be purchased. And after the baby is born, make your final choice. The mohtercare website blog and the specialized “feeding” section will help you decide.
Below we will introduce you to the main brands of breast pump manufacturers to help you form a holistic view of this accessory.
Which is better: manual or electric?
Opinions always differ on the issue. Of course, the choice of one type or another depends solely on your personal preferences and anatomical features.
- Firstly, if you do not experience any particular problems with lactation, then choose a manual breast pump.
- Secondly, mechanical models have predominantly a piston mechanism for expressing milk. The procedure is delicate and suitable for sensitive breasts. But the price of piston mechanisms today is much higher than the price tag for pump breast pumps.
- Thirdly, mechanical devices are easier to use; there is no need to connect them to the network or constantly change batteries.
Electric breast pumps save your time and effort, so experts recommend choosing among electric models.
Major Breast Pump Brands
| Brand | Description | Equipment |
| Manual breast pumps | ||
| Medela Harmony (Swiss brand) | Two-phase device. The handle is adjustable. Easy to assemble and wash. | Breast pump, removable funnel, container and stand. |
| Philips Avent (UK brand) | Breast pump of very high quality. The massage head is in comfortable contact with the chest, easy to assemble. Expresses milk quickly and in the right volume. | Breast pump, milk storage container with a tight-fitting lid 3 pcs., nipple, breast pads 4 pcs. |
| Electric breast pumps | ||
| Medela Harmony (Swiss brand) | Model of a two-phase breast pump. Performance is above average and runs silently. The device is in the mid-price category. Can be used daily. | Breast pump, convenient stand for the container, lid with several functions. A bag for carrying the device. |
| Philips Avent comfort (UK brand) | When asking the question - which electric breast pump is better, the answer most often will be Avent Philips. Expresses quickly and in sufficient volume. Nice design, sufficient power, convenient nozzle. | Breast pump, milk storage container with a tight-fitting lid 3 pcs., nipple, breast pads 4 pcs. |
The best electric breast pumps
Philips Avent ISIS IQ "UNO"
Price – 7080 rub.
Philips Avent ISIS IQ "UNO"
The best breast pump among electric models is Philips Avent ISIS IQ “UNO”. It does not cause discomfort or pain and will help cope with lactostasis and large amounts of milk during the period of lactation. The efficiency of the device is increased due to the ability to adjust the intensity of milk expression. Mothers can customize the breast pump to suit themselves, taking into account the characteristics of their breasts and lactation.
The device operates both from the mains and from batteries. The package includes a silicone funnel, a plastic bottle with a lid, a stand, and a nipple. This breast pump can also be used manually, but the pumping efficiency will be slightly lower.
Medela Mini Electric
Price – 3140 rub.
Medela Mini Electric
This is a good premium device from a popular manufacturer. Quite powerful, it allows you to express not only “front” milk, but also “hind” milk.
It comes with only a 150 ml bottle, a cap and a stand for it. You will have to buy an additional pacifier and breast pads, which is not very convenient. The device operates both from the network and from rechargeable batteries.
Maman LS-AE1
Price – 2375 rub.
Maman LS-AE1
The best electric breast pump in its price segment and third in the ranking of the best according to customer reviews. Expression adjustment is available, the kit includes massage silicone funnels, a plastic bottle with a lid and a stand. Powered by network.
Pigeon Pro 16738
Price – 10809 rub.
Pigeon Pro 16738
Functional electric breast pump, powered by mains and batteries. The built-in display allows you to customize the pumping mode (28 modes in total), as well as save settings. It has a two-phase pumping system.
The kit includes everything you need: silicone funnels, a plastic bottle with a lid and stand, and a nipple for the bottle.
Canpol Babies EasyStart 12/201
Price – 3290 rub.
Canpol Babies EasyStart 12/201
A high-quality, inexpensive, no-frills electric breast pump. Powered by mains and batteries, standard equipment: funnel, bottle with lid and stand, pacifier. Has 6 pumping modes, no display.
Additional products for breast pumps
When using a breast pump, sometimes it becomes necessary to replace spare parts (if they are lost or damaged). You can also choose some accessories that are not included in the kit, but will make using the breast pump easier.
As a rule, manufacturers offer the opportunity to purchase separately:
- replaceable hand pumps;
- massage inserts (silicone pads for breast pump funnels);
- sets of spare parts (consumables).
The most common addition to breast pumps are bags and containers for freezing breast milk.
Containers are purchased according to the selected breast pump. This will allow you to immediately attach them to the device using adapters, without the need for transfusion.
You can purchase any packages. On the mohtercare website, a large range of milk storage products is presented.
