Manual Breast Pump: Pros, Cons, Price | Promom.in
First-time mothers are therefore in a position to make a choice regarding which kind of breast pump to use in order to express and store breastmilk when a mother gets back to work or if they happen to be away from their baby. The three categories of pumps are electric, battery, and manual or hand operated mechanisms. In this post, let's review a manual breast pump machine and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of using the manual pump.
How Manual Pumps Work
Manual breast pump operates on a basic mechanical principle of producing vacuum when the handle is pulled and pushed forward and releasing the vacuum to encourage milk release and pumping. They do not have to be connected to batteries or electricity sockets. Usually, these types of pumps have a handle which pushes a small piston in a collection horn/shield which is placed over the nipple. The back and forth motion produces rhythmic pressure, which is similar to what is applied when the baby is sucking. This process of milking requires some time to find the right pace/pressure at which to milk it most effectively.
The majority of the moms find it convenient since manual pumps are comparatively small, lightweight and can be transported easily. They are easily transportable and could easily be carried in a purse or diaper bag for pumping on the go. Many of the kinds are very affordable, particularly when compared to the multi-user electric pumps used in large facilities. Reusable manual pumps can also be found, and there are disposable types as well that can only be used once.
Cost Effective
They are ranked as affordable depending on whether you bought an original manual breast pump from a company which has established a brand image in the baby products market or you opted for a cheaper version. They also have less expensive models at the higher end but are still cheaper than electric pumps. The relative low cost of these products allow them to reach more mothers out there.
Small and Portable
On the issue of convenience, it is quite easy to transport manual pumps due to their small size and light weight. It is still possible that the whole manual pump is smaller than just the electric motor of the electric pump. This way, you can always have it in your bag or car, and use it to pump if needed. This will make it possible to express milk anytime, anywhere and thus avoid having to carry a relatively heavier electric pump and accessories anywhere you may be at some time when you are not with your baby to feed him or her.
Quiet
As there is no motor, which is the case with most manual pumps, they work pretty quietly. When you hear a sucking sound, it is only a soft sound of the pump mimicking the action of a suckling baby at your breast. This discreet working lets you evacuate in more places conveniently without causing any inconveniences to other people.
Promotes Let-Down Reflex
This seems to be a common feeling among many moms who think that they can better control flow and stimulate let downs with a manual pump when they control the pressure and speed themselves. It also ensures that breasts are emptied as much as possible in cases where pumping sessions are a bit cramped. It is here that the prospect of the ability to manually operate the entire process may seem more favorable for some women physiologically.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Time Consuming
Manual pumping of milk is time-consuming and requires a lot of effort from the mom unlike using the electric one that pumps the milk on its own. When pumping with the manual pump, some women find that they are unable to pump both breasts at once, and this increases the time that is needed to complete pumping sessions. Thus, even if the manual choices could be easier, you actually lose on the speed and the efficiency of the process.
Fatiguing
As a result of the physical strain required in performing the hand expression during the duration of a session, the hand is very tiring to some moms. Some of the motions that are needed may cause tiredness of hands, arms, and shoulders more so if done several occasions a day. Hence, fitness level, stamina, any other form of limitation in physical ability should also be taken into consideration.
Difficulty Storing Milk
The majority of manual pumps only let you express straight into little collecting flasks, carriers, or containers that can hold milk up to 2-8 ounces. Small volume packagers are convenient for short term storage between feeds but not suitable for freezing and storing in the fridge. After that, it will be necessary to carefully pour the milk in greater freezer bags or other containers. That is why spills occur easily during the transfer process, especially when the manual type of pump is used.
Not for Exclusive Pumping
The time that it takes plus the exhaustion that comes with using a manual pump makes them a poor option as your sole means of milk expression if exclusively pumping instead of direct breastfeeding. An efficient electric pump is ideal especially for moms who intend to pump their breast several times a day for months and even more. However, if the pumping is required to be an additional practice or if the pumping needs are occasional then a manual pump can be useful.
Lower Milk Yields
Because of the restrictions on power and speed of pumping, some moms cannot achieve the same success in terms of the amount of milk produced with manual pumps as with electrical pumps, which have let-down settings. Therefore there may be instances where supplying larger quantities or exclusive pumping may be desirable and a manual may not sustain all the required provisions over the duration.
Conclusion
The good news when it comes to choosing the best breast pump is that there exists several good quality products for every price point. From a double electric pump with built-in pre-programmed programs, to a small, light-weight manual pump for sickness, you can find one for a reasonable price. Here at the best online store for breastfeeding machine, we have different styles and brands of top rated brands - like Promom.in!