How to choose a breast pump?
How to choose a breast pump?
Blog Article
You’ll want to choose a breast pump that works best for your needs. If you are exclusively pumping or will be away from your baby eight or more hours a day, double electric breast pumps are a worthwhile investment. If you’re only planning to pump occasionally, a manual or single pump may be all you need. Consider the make and model of the breast pump, too. Some are heavier or bulkier to carry around than others. Some electric pumps require an electric outlet while others require batteries.
If you live in the United States and have health insurance, your insurance policy should cover the cost of a breast pump. Check your policy to learn more about what they will cover. Your insurance may cover a sterilized rental unit or the cost of a new breast pump you’ll keep. It may also cover a manual or electric pump, which you can pick up before or after giving birth, depending on your policy.
The frequency of pumping is different for everyone, depending on your needs and your baby’s, but here are some general guidelines depending on your pumping goals. If you’re pumping while away from the baby to maintain supply, pump or hand express every three to five hours. You may need to pump closer to every three hours if you’re using a single or manual pump and may be able to extend the time between pumping sessions closer to five hours apart when using a double pump.
If you’re pumping to increase milk production, breastfeed or pump at least 8 to 10 times in 24 hours. You can add an extra pump session in the morning or evening while increasing your supply, and can also pump immediately following a nursing session to fully empty your breasts. If you’re exclusively pumping, try double pumping to get more milk and decrease the time spent on each session. If you’re trying to build up a milk stash to prepare for returning to work or so that other caregivers can help feed the baby, start pumping at least two weeks before you know you’re going to be away from your baby or before you return to work.
Some women produce enough milk to fill several bottles in one pumping session while others require two to three pumping sessions to fill one bottle. Try to not focus on the amount of milk you are pumping, as that can lead to unnecessary stress. And if you’re pumping in preparation for returning to work, focus on just getting enough milk for 1 to 2 days of bottles, not months or weeks.