Notes when choosing a breast pump

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was consulted with Doctor Bui Duc Hoan - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vinmec Nha Trang International Hospital.

The convenience that a breast pump brings (especially when the mother has to return to work) makes it gradually become an indispensable tool for breastfeeding women. Do not rush to decide to buy a breast pump before giving birth, after the baby is born, it will help the mother make the right choice to buy a breast pump.

1. How often do you use a breast pump?

If the mother is not short of milk and leaves the baby only occasionally (or for short periods of time), a simple manual breast pump should be enough to meet the need. How to use is very easy, just press the breast pump (in the form of a cone) on the breast then press the pump lever by hand to pump the milk out.
If the mother is planning to return to work full time or needs to be away from the baby for a relative amount of time, or the mother decides to bottle feed the baby without breastfeeding, a An electric breast pump would be a more affordable choice.
It is best not to rush to decide to buy a breast pump before giving birth, because the fact that after the baby is born will help the mother make the right choice to buy a breast pump.

2. Does the mother need to pump milk as quickly as possible?

A typical single breast pump takes 10 to 15 minutes. If moms often pump at work, or don't have much time to pump, opt for an electric breast pump that can pump both breasts at once. This type of breast pump both helps to pump quickly and can suck at both sides of the breast at the same time, so it saves time.

3. How much money can the mother use to buy a breast pump?

Breast pumps are now very popular, many places sell this item with many different manufacturers, models, and types, so mothers can buy it anywhere, from medical equipment stores, specialized stores for mothers and babies, e-commerce platforms,...
And sometimes the price of breast pumps will be cheaper if there is a discount promotion program. Usually, the price of an electric breast pump will be higher than the price of a manual breast pump. Remember not to borrow someone else's breast pump or buy a used breast pump, because of the risk of infection and harm to the baby.
Each type of breast pump, each brand of machine will have a different price, and there will also be a certain price difference in different selling locations. Depending on the ability to pay as well as the purpose of use, the mother will consult and consider buying a breast pump.

4. Is the breast pump easy to disassemble and transport?

If the breast pump is difficult to disassemble and clean, it will cause frustration, discomfort and lead to unwillingness to use. Therefore, remember to choose a machine that can remove and install parts in a simple way, easy to clean (parts of the machine that come into contact with human skin and come into contact with pumped milk need to be cleaned. after each use to avoid infection).
If a mother needs to bring her breast pump to work or on a trip, consider a lightweight pump. Some breast pumps come with an insulated unit to store the expressed milk.
When choosing a breast pump, you should also pay attention to the noise level the machine causes when operating. Some electric breast pumps are quieter than others. Machine noise is an issue that should be seriously considered in some situations (for example, a mother using a machine at work).

5. Is the suction level of the machine adjustable?

Each individual has a different level of perception, for one person it may be pleasant but not for another. If choosing an electric breast pump, be sure to choose a model that allows you to vary the pumping intensity and rotational speed.

6. Is the breast pump suitable or not?

The breast pump (in the form of a cone) will apply to the mother's breast and nipple. If you are concerned that the pump head is too small, check to see if the part is made in a larger size and can be replaced.
Usually manufacturers will produce breast pumps with different sizes for mothers to have a suitable choice. If you want to pump both breasts at the same time, be sure to select both nozzles correctly and that they should both be connected to the pump unit at the same time.

7. What to do if there is a problem with the electric part of the breast pump?

If the machine does not work, try to check all of them one at a time. Electric breast pumps need to be plugged into a power source. If the power plug fails or the power supply fails, see if the machine can be operated on batteries. In case of emergencies, moms should consider keeping a hand pump with them.
If you are not sure which breast pump you should choose to buy, consult someone else, such as an Obstetrician, a pediatrician, or a relative, friend, acquaintance, ... who have experience using it. use the machine, to make the right choice, best suited for you.
It is not necessary to buy a device before giving birth, wait until the birth is finished if the milk is turned off or the mother goes back to work early and then buys the device.
When breast pain, it is necessary to drain the milk duct to avoid leading to a very dangerous breast abscess. Currently, Vinmec has a milk duct catheterization service. For safe and effective treatment of postpartum lactation, you can contact Vinmec International General Hospital for doctors to designate specific treatment for each case.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Article referenced source: mayoclinic.org