Is it worth getting a breast pump before giving birth?
This question is often raised in various forums. The answers vary. Those mothers who have not experienced any difficulties with breastfeeding advise not to buy this "gadget". They write that they bought it themselves and regret it because they did not use it even once or only a few times, and then the hands free breast pump turned out to be useless.
There are also voices encouraging you to buy. According to some mums, the breast pump was their most important ally for their not-always-easy start and reliably accompanied them to the finish line on the difficult but wonderful and worthwhile milky way.
Many mothers may choose or need to express their milk. The technique of withdrawing breast milk is known as milking and requires learning.
It can be used for different purposes, such as initiating, maintaining, or increasing milk production, preventing or relieving breast engorgement, storing breast milk for a period of absence of the mother, or even donating milk to institutions.
How to express milk with hands free breast pump?
The expression of breast milk can be done by hand, with manual pumps, or with electric hands free breast pumps.
Regardless of the mode, the ideal is to look for a quiet environment and do a hygiene routine such as holding your hair and sanitizing the place of withdrawal and hands and wrists. It is not necessary to wash the nipple or areola before milking.
It is recommended to start the process by massaging the breast, with circular movements with the fingertips, along its entire length, including the areola.
As oxytocin, the hormone responsible for milk ejection can be inhibited by the stress of having to milk, it is possible to stimulate it through the senses. If your child is not nearby, smell a garment, think about him or see a picture, put on some background music, and avoid looking at the amount of milk being expressed so as not to generate anxiety.
How to do manual milking?
To do manual milking, place your thumb and the other fingers on hands free breast pump, forming a “C”, in the color change between the areola and the breast, if the areola is very large, you can think about a distance of approximately 2 centimeters from the nipple.
Fingers positioned in "C"
Squeeze the fingers first backward (towards the ribs) and then bring them together and pinch between the thumb and forefinger, as shown in the figures below.
We advise you to discard the first jets (or drops) of milk to avoid contamination if you are offering it to your baby.
It is important to change the fingers, going around the entire breast, repeating the maneuver. The time will depend on the purpose of milking, but on average, removing most of the milk or smoothing the breast can take 20 to 30 minutes.
Manual milking is the most common way of expressing milk, both because there is no cost, and because of the practicality of not needing a utensil to perform it.
How to milk with a hands free breast pump?
Mechanical milking, using manual or electric pumps, is a more expensive way, but many mothers find it less tiring. It can be more attractive because you can extract a larger amount of milk in a shorter time.
Hand pumps are less expensive, easy to find, and do not require electricity. However, they are not recommended for frequent use. The average time for milking each breast is 15 to 20 minutes.
For mothers who express frequently, the automatic electric pump is usually indicated. They are usually available in milk banks of maternity hospitals, in the case of premature births or newborns with difficulties breastfeeding due to some illness.
Why use hands free breast pump?
Hands free breast pump are more practical, pumping sessions are shorter and more productive, around 10-15 minutes on each breast or on both breasts simultaneously when using the double electric milking pump. The disadvantage is that they are more expensive utensils, however, currently, the rental service already exists in many regions.
It is always important to pay attention to hand and pump hygiene to avoid contamination and to follow the previous recommendations for preparation for any type of milking.
Pay attention to the pump nozzle. If it is narrow for that nipple, it can cause a lot of friction and possible nipple fissure. If it is too wide, it does not provide the vacuum necessary for emptying the breast.
We must be careful with the vacuum and suction levels of the hands free breast pump at the time of removal to avoid trauma and cracks in the breasts. Set it to a lower level, raising it if necessary. The mother should feel a firm, painless pull. Massage during milking is a facilitating technique.
How to store milk using hands free breast pump?
Regarding the storage of milk, the recommendation is that it be done in glass jars with plastic lids, but today, on the market, we already have specific utensils for this.
The mother should write down the date and time of the first collection on the already sterilized storage pots. It is possible to add milk expressed in the same bottle, always remembering that the oldest milk will have an expiration date.
It is common that in the first attempts at hands free breast pump, milk does not come out, but this does not mean that the woman has low production. Milking requires patience and training. Any questions seek professional help because, throughout the breastfeeding process, details make the difference.
Why an Electric breast milk pump?
Electric pumps are the preferred option if you are breastfeeding regularly, have a baby who needs special care or is returning to work. Also, they are extremely useful if you have a very limited time, as they are faster than manual ones.
Look for an electric breast pump that has separately adjustable suction and cycle levels as this allows you to choose settings that most closely resemble the way your baby feeds. It is also useful to have a hands free breast pump that has two phases: one to stimulate milk let-down and the second for efficient expression.
Nowadays some electric pumps are surprisingly light, so you should also consider this aspect. Some electric pumps can also be used with batteries and/or plugged into an electrical outlet, offering complete flexibility where and when you need to pump your milk. In addition, some pumps now offer bottle-to-bottle compatibility.
Hand Pump or Hands-free Breast Pump?
Hand pumps are ideal if you only express milk occasionally, at night, or for short periods when you are away from your baby. These hands free breast pump tend to be very light and compact, and very easy to keep in your wallet or purse when you are out and about.
And, of course, when you don't have to worry about access to electricity or any sound produced – most hand pumps are silent in use. Some moms find their arms and hands are relatively quick when using a hand pump, so choose one with an ergonomic handle.
Of course, you may find it takes too long to master the rhythm that works best for you – but with a little practice, everything will be fine.
Hands free breast pumps are easier to use when your breasts are full than when they are softer. Look for a manual breast pump with two phases – the let-down phase and the expression phase, to make each maneuver easier, faster, and more effective. In addition, some pumps now offer bottle-to-bottle compatibility.
Single or Double Electric Pump?
All mothers know how important time-saving strategies are and a double electric pump will allow you to express milk in about half the time as you can use it to express both breasts at the same time. A double pumping session can last as little as 10 minutes, compared to 20 to 30 minutes using a single hands free breast pump.
The double expression has also been found to stimulate prolactin levels and increase milk production more effectively than single pumping.
You can choose to wear a double pump bra, thus freeing your hands, and this allows you to use your mobile phone or computer at the same time, so you can stay in touch with your friends or even work.
A double breast pump is also the obvious option if you have twins, if breastfeeding is delayed after birth, or if you and your baby are regularly separated for long periods.
Why All-in-one hands free breast pump - M1?
All-in-one size is much more comfortable to wear, reducing weight and visibility significantly. Improved 3 modes and larger 9 intensities help to increase milk production, allowing you to start modestly and finish huge.
The closed system of the Momcozy M1 wearable breast pump entirely separates milk from the motor and pump parts.
9 Intensities in 3 Modes
Greater care should be given to mothers with 3 modes and 9 intensities; it is possible to more easily control the suction, determining the ideal force for each breast to produce less discomfort and greater satisfaction.
BPA-free and simply clean
The Momcozy hands-free breast pump attachments are constructed of soft food-grade silicone that is simple to clean and remove while yet keeping a tight seal for the best possible suction. Range of the maximum suction: 320 to 360 mmHg.
