Must read: 5 facts about breast pumps all new mums must know

Before you make your purchase, take a look at some of the basic facts about breast pumps.

5 facts about breast pumps all new mums must know

All new mums know pumping breastmilk can be as difficult as breastfeeding for the first time.

But if you are looking to get back to work, or suffer from engorged breasts or are trying to wean your baby off the breast, a breast pump is your best bet. And while many know that it is a mechanical device that helps pump the liquid gold, most Indian mums are skeptical to use it.

So we spoke to Dr Ragini Agrawal, clinical director, W- Pratiksha Fertility & IVF center, Delhi, to bust some myths about breast pumps and understand five basic things all new mums need to know about breast pumps.

Why would you need to pump their breastmilk?

Women use breast pumps for many reasons. Many women use breast pumps to continue breastfeeding after they return to work. They use the pump to express breast milk, which is later bottle fed to their child by a caregiver.

Dr Agrawal explains, "A breast pump may also be used to stimulate lactation for women with a low milk supply or those who have not just given birth. It may be used to relieve engorgement, a painful condition whereby the breasts are overfull, possibly preventing a proper latch by the infant. Breast pumps may be used to facilitate weaning by women whose babies have died or suddenly refuse to nurse."

A mother may also choose to pump exclusively if her baby does not latch properly, is hospitalized after birth, or cannot nurse for physical reasons (such as cleft palate). When infants are unable to suckle, mothers can pump if they wish their babies to be fed with the mothers' own milk.

When should you ideally start using a breast pump? And how to store it?

Dr Agrawal explains, ”If your baby is premature or has special needs that don’t allow you to nurse her from birth, start pumping as soon as you can. If you have multiples, talk to your pediatrician or lactation consultant about pumping to build up your breast-milk supply.”

Otherwise, she says it is recommended to avoide nipple confusion by waiting until after the first two or three weeks.

As for its storage, pumped breast milk can be stored at room temperature (less than 25°C or 77°F) for 6 to 8 hours. “Expressed breast milk left at room temperature for more than 6 to 8 hours should be thrown out. Refrigerate it in ≤ 4°C or 40°F for 5 days or place it in a freezer of a 2 door refrigerator-18°C or 0°F for 3-6 months,” advises Dr Agrawal.

What types of breast pumps are available in the market?

Breast pumps may be manual devices powered by hand movements or electrical devices powered by electricity or batteries.

Dr Agrawal explains, "Manual breast pumps are operated by squeezing or pulling a handle in a repetitive fashion, allowing the user to directly control the pressure and frequency of milk expression."

Other type of breast pump is electrical breast pump which is again of, hospital grade and personal use pumps. Hospital grade pumps are larger and intended for multiple users. Personal use pumps are smaller and generally intended for one user.

Are electronic breast pumps better?

That can be identified by looking at the pros and cons of manual breast pumps.

Manual pumps are small and inexpensive allowing the user to directly control the pressure and frequency of milk expression.

However, its biggest con is that it requires a significant effort and can be tiring because the user provides all the power. They also allow for only one breast to be pumped at a time. These pumps may not provide sufficient stimulation and emptying of the breast.

How to choose the most suitable breast pump?

"A simple manual breast pump may be the best option if you only want to express milk for one feed a day or for an occasional break. If you're returning to work full time or you're planning to be away from your baby for more than a few hours a day, an electric pump is a better option," shares Dr Agrawal.

Also read: 5 Common breast pumping mistakes that are affecting your milk supply