Breastfeeding is an essential factor for the right kind of child’s development. Medical practitioners have been advising the breastfeed the child as long as possible. That is the exact reason why children who lack efficient breast milk suffer from a host of health ailments.
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But, what if you are a working woman and have to rush to the office every morning? Both motherhood and childcare have their importance of their own in your life. Many working mothers are disturbed and frustrated to find the right solution to manage both the duties. Breast Pumping is one of the best options that would help you achieve the task easily!
What is the Need of Breast Pumps for Everyday Use?
Isn’t it a valid question, why there is a need of breast pumps for everyday use? And we explained the most important reason already, we guess. Of course, as a doting mother – you would want to breastfeed your infant exclusively. But there are several issues that would keep you away from your child at its meal time.
Some of the reasons could be:
- You are a working mother.
- Breast pumps help the father of the baby or siblings bond well with the baby when they feed him through expressed milk.
- The baby may be sick or not in its ink of health and cannot suck milk in a natural way.
- If you are opting for lactating the adopted infant.
Some other conditions that may bring up the need for breast pumps include multiple childbirth, maintaining your milk supply, noble cause of donating the milk and health conditions like breast engorgement.
Though it may look unconventional for the traditional mothers, breast pumps have indeed been a boon several situations.
Factors to Consider When Buying Electric or Manual Breast Pumps in India
Breast pumps are a new concept. Finding the right kind of information on these pumps may not be that easy. They are the personal use items and you need to consider your personal comfortability when choosing the right one for your needs.
Here are the five points you can consider while buying a breast pump:
Opt for the smoother materials. BPA free grade material for hygienic functionality should make it the best option. Silicon cushions would be an added advantage.
Ease of use will ensure that you are using it at any time without trouble. You should be able to dismantle it easily for cleaning and proper up-keeping. The sterilizable option would help you keep your devices clean. Instructions for cleaning must be available in the sales package.
This can be one of the primary concerns while buying a breast pump for your needs. A breast pump is available in the following types based on their operation. The main categories include Manual and Electric/battery operated.
- Manual Pumps – These pumps tend to be the best options for moms who need to pump only once in a day or even less. They offer you the simplicity and ease of use.
- Electric Pumps – If you are a mom who pumps more than once in a day, these can be the best options for you. If you feel lack of energy while using a hand pump, electric pumps can be of great use. They are fast and come with fully automatic options with variable suction pressure and cycling times.
- Hospital Grade Electric Pumps – If you have problems with proper lactation or your baby is not capable of sucking in naturally, these can be one of the best options for you. They offer a rapid suck and release functionality. They also offer double collection kits letting you express milk from both breasts.
The comfort levels would induce a natural flow of milk. Choose the right size of breast shields. One needs to measure the diameter of the nipple base (not the areola) and get the flange which fits the best. Too small a shield may not be comfortable and a bigger shield will not allow to create vacuum. A shield that perfectly matches your nipple would provide maximum comfort.
Further it would be better to soft cushion pads to give warm comfortable feeling to the breast and gentle flow of milk.
A breast pump which is silent can give you privacy during the pumping process. A portable and silent pump should be a good choice.
Rather than the power, pay attention to the performance of the breast pump. Ideally, the pump that helps you express more milk in shortest possible time should be the one that best meets your needs.
You may not be able to bring up your let down reflex every time. There are concerns like office stress and other impediments. If your pump has multiple modes like the let-down reflex and expression mode, it may be the best you can opt for.
Top 5 Best Breast Pumps in India in 2018
With enough knowledge accumulated, let us now check out the best breast pumps in India that you can opt for:
Medela Harmony – Best Manual Breast Pump in India
The Medela Harmony Manual Breast pump stands proof to the best features from the Medela range of products. Like most other similar products from the manufacturer, you would find the two-phase extraction on this product, Simulation & Expression phase. The Simulation phase simulates the milk ejection and the Expression phase does slower pumping to express milk gently.
The product induces the natural breastfeeding while expressing your breast milk and thus would be helpful in providing the best let-down reflex. It is quite smaller in size and lightweight at 220 grams offers an easier cleaning procedure. The breast shields are available in varied sizes that would suit individual preferences.
A breast pump is a good option for a daily usage. The ability to switch between the multiple modes would make it quite comfortable enough.
Pros
- Excellent design provides a high degree of comfortability
- Low operational noise
- Can be best for stay at home mothers
Cons
- No replacement option can be a concern.
Q: Does it increase milk supply?
A: Yes, regular use should increase your milk supply.
Q: Can it be sterilized?
A: Yes, you can sterilize it without issues
Trumom PPSU Gold Advance – Best Electric Breast Pump in India
The Trumom PPSU Gold Advance Electric Breast Feeding Pump is one of the best in its category and offers a painless and truly comfortable leak-proof functionality. You have access to a host of accessories including breastfeeding packs, breast milk bags, and a spare valve.
The honeycomb styled breast pads will ensure a better suction functionality. The lightweight design will ensure that you would be able to carry it wherever you go with ease. It comes with a zero suction level that would be best suited when you are high on your let down reflex.
Trumom has multiple variants:
- Manual
- Electric Single Rechargeable ( single pump and works with Powerbanks too)
- Electric Double (2 pumps, one for each breast)
Pros
- Medical grade material quality – FDA approved
- Ease of use & portable
Cons
- Creating suction is a little difficult.
Q: What is the warranty available?
A: It has one year warranty.
Q: Can I sterilize it?
A: No, it is not made of a sterilizable material
Philips Avent – Best Manual Breast Pump in India for Everyday Use
The Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump is one of the most recommended breast pumps as it provides a comfortable milk expression experience. Compatible with the Philips Avent feeding bottle range, it does not need you to lean forward to extract milk.
It will help you trigger your let-down reflex as it comes with a soft massage cushion. In fact, you would be under a feeling that your baby is sucking at your breast. Ease of assembly and cleaning would be one of the excellent options that the breast pump would offer you.
The breast pump can be cleaned with dishwashers. The massage cushion will enhance the milk flow thanks to the velvety structure.
Pros
- Quite light weight and easy to carry ~ 1.1 Kg.
- Compatible with Philips range of products.
Cons
- Needs a little more physical effort to work with.
- A little noisier operation and thus can be a privacy concern.
FAQs Shortcode
Q: Does it come with a feeding bottle?
A: Yes, the sales package comes with a feeding bottle
Q: Can it be used to extract milk in sleeping position?
A: No, you need to be in the sitting position.
LuvLap – Best Breast Feeding Pump in India
LuvLap Manual Breast Feeding Pump is part of a wide range of baby products available from the company and one of the excellent options for your hygiene. The ergonomic design helps you achieve the best results for a one-handed extraction.
The breast pump comes with a comfortable massage functionality. The soft silicone massage cushion aids you in a comfortable grip and extraction. The breast pump is quite easy to use and clean.
What makes it one of the most hygienic products is it is 100% sterilizable. You also get an extra container for storage and feeding.
Pros
- Ease of portability with just 331 grams weight suits travelling.
- Cheaper in comparison with similar other products.
Cons
- Hand would pain if used regularly on everyday basis.
Q: Can it be used for low milk flow?
A: Yes, it works in those situations.
Q: Does it come with a nipple?
A: No, you won’t get a nipple as part of the package.
Pigeon – Affordable Manual Breast Pump in India
The Pigeon Manual Breast Pump comes from a Japanese brand and comes with the standard options for your breast pump needs. If you are looking for an affordable option for the breast pump requirements, it would be the best choice for your needs.
You have access to a free feeding bottle, nipple and a cleaning brush. If you are someone who has a latching issue, you can definitely opt for the Pigeon manual breast pump. The perfect sealing functionality ensures a silent and comfortable working.
The handle is designed ergonomically and works in an excellent manner. The breast pump is quite easy to clean and assemble.
Pros
- Lowest possible noise.
- Cheaper construction and a highly effective design.
Cons
- If you are opting for exclusive pumping, it may not be a great option.
Q – Is it sterilizable?
A – Yes, you can sterilize the product.
Q – Can I adjust the pressure of suction?
A – No, you will not be able to change the pressure.
Tips on Using the Breast Pumps Properly
How should you use breast pumps? Though it may appear to be a simple exercise, it would not be as easy as it would look like. In fact, using a breast pump is indeed an art you need to learn. Of course, as a new mother – you may not be able to master the technique of right away.
The tips below should help you learn the basics and then master it.
- Choose the correct size of the breast pump. The breast shield should fit your nipple properly.
- The let-down reflex pays a major role in milk expression. Massage your breasts before you begin expressing. If you are in pain, stop expressing the milk as it will hinder your let down reflex.
- Use a vacuum that is comfortable enough for you. Decrease the vacuum as soon as it becomes uncomfortable.
- The pumping should work at its best when you are relaxed. It would also be comfortable in a relaxed state of mind.
- Go with a routine for the expression of milk. Your body will learn to prepare itself for the extraction if it is done on schedule.
- Distractions can be quite uncomfortable. Opt for as much privacy as would be possible.
Apart from the tips above, you can consider expressing milk in front of your infant. Some mothers find it easy to express milk before them. You may also use the picture of your little one.
Concluding Thoughts on Best Breast Pump in India
Well, breast pumps are a new concept and may not be quite easy to find in the Indian context. We assume we have been able to let you understand the concept of breast pumps and the usability that they offer you.
A revolutionary concept in every respect, what would you think of breast pumps in general and the top five options we have outlined in this compilation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!