Manual breast pumps are the perfect breastfeeding accessories. They make expressing easy and hassle-free. You need a low-profile pump with a secure latch, but apart from that, there’s really not much else to focus on. Which one is the best manual breast pump? There are so many to choose from. Your choice will depend on a few things:
What type of electric pump are you interested in?
The best manual breast pumps come with some nifty extras. Some of these include bottle nipple remotes, adjustable cup level indicators, and leak detectors. The bottle nipple remotes are great if you want to express your milk in different ways, like with your hands-free. They’re also great if you want to keep track of your baby’s progress from a distance.
Manual ones aren’t always as discreet as their wearable counterparts. And if you use both a manual and an electric pump, it can get a little messy. It’s a good idea to look into getting a manual breast pump that has two speeds.
The most versatile manual breast pumps are dual-action. They are usually used by single users but can also be used by multiple users simultaneously. These breast pumps have two settings: low and high. While a manual pump can only be used by one user simultaneously, dual-action breast pumps can be used by multiple users simultaneously without refilling each one’s bottle. Because they can work as single machines, dual-action breast pumps tend to be more expensive than other models.
Another model that’s popular among moms is the double electric pump. Like manual breast pumps, it can be used by single users, multiple users simultaneously, and even by two users at the same time. It features two speeds: low and high. This double electric pump is a little bit pricier than other manual breast pumps, but it also offers many conveniences.
Factors to consider
When buying electric breast pumps, one thing to consider is whether to choose a pumping range or a pumping style. Pumping styles are basically levels of expressibility, which means that they can express both breasts at once. Pumps that provide two pumps are often referred to as double electric pumps. Some popular pumping styles include breast first pumping, gravity pumping, and breast express. All of these techniques can produce breast milk quicker and more easily.
Finally, there are the cost factors to consider. While manual breast pumps can be slightly expensive, it still depends on what brand you choose and how many you buy. On the other hand, double electric breast pumps are a little bit more expensive because they feature two-speed settings and can usually be found in sets of three. Regardless of which type of electric breast pump you choose, it’s always best to consult with your doctor before purchasing one.
The only real disadvantage of using a manual pump is time and frustration. It takes time to familiarise yourself with using it. Most women will agree that getting used to it is much more important than actually getting milk into the bottles.
As far as safety is concerned, both electric and manual breast pumps have some pros and cons. One advantage of electric breast pumps is that they can be used in private without a lactation consultant’s help. Many physicians recommend against using breast pumps by single users, especially for first-time users. A single user may not know how to sterilise the equipment properly, and a single user may not be aware of any dangers of mixing liquids with breast milk.
As a last piece of advice, choose only highly rated breast pumps to make sure you are using the best quality available in the market.
