Introduction:
There are certain situations when direct breastfeeding is unavailable for infants. In cases such as premature birth, some congenital abnormality like tongue-tie, some breastfeeding problems with mothers like sore nipples, low milk supply, or death of mother at the time of delivery.
Human breast milk fulfills nutritional needs and protects babies against infections. Despite many advances and research in formula milk, human milk remains the best nutritional supplement for the baby for the initial six months of their life.
According to WHO (World Health Organization), stored breast milk is the best alternative when direct breastfeeding becomes impossible. Breast pumps play a significant role in overcoming these unavoidable circumstances by helping the mother extract milk.
What Is a Breast Pump?
A breast pump is a device used by lactating mothers to extract milk from their breasts so that it can be used later. Various advancements have been made in the breast pumps to imitate the mother's breast. Breast pumps are manual, where milk extraction is done by manual pulling, or electric, where the entire process of extracting milk is automatic.
What Are the Parts of Breast Pumps?
All breast pumps are made up of a few essential components:
-
Breast Shield: A breast shield is a cone-shaped cup covering the nipples and areola (the darker area surrounding the nipple).
-
Pump: The pump may be attached to the breast shield or sometimes have a plastic tube to connect the pump to the breast shield. It creates a vacuum that helps to extract milk from the breast.
-
Milk Container: A milk container is a detachable container that fits below the breast shield. It collects and stores the breast milk when pumped. The container can be a reusable bottle or disposable bag.
What Are the Types of Breast Pumps?
A breast pump is a handheld device or a nursing bra, a breast pumping bra. Breast pumps extract milk from the breasts by applying and releasing suction around the nipple. The combination of each suction and release is called a cycle.Many types of research are being conducted to make breast pumps comfortable for both the mother and the baby. However, there are three basic types of breast pumps:
-
Manual Pumps: Once the breast shield is attached to the nipple and areola, a handle is squeezed to create suction. The suction and the release express the milk from the breast, which is then collected in an attached container. Some manual pumps consist of a small tube pumped in and out of a larger tube to create a vacuum. The milk is then extracted and collected in an attached container. The other manual pump type is popularly known as the bicycle horn pump. It consists of a hollow rubber ball attached to the breast shield. The disadvantage of this design is that it is difficult to clean and dry, contaminating the extracted breast milk.
-
Battery-Powered Pumps: A powered breast pump uses batteries to create suction to extract milk from the breasts. The pump has a control panel with a switch to control the suction.
-
Electric Pumps: Electric pumps have a cord plugged into an electrical outlet as a power source to create the suction for extracting breast milk. It is accompanied by a switch to control the degree of suction.
There are powered breast pumps with adjustable suction that closely mimic the nursing baby. It is enclosed with features of let-down reflex. Let-down is a natural reflex that incorporates the release of milk from the breast when the baby starts sucking nipples.
When Should Breast Milk Be Pumped?
Your situation based on your baby’s feeding time decides when you need to pump breast milk. Still, it is better to pump breast milk after you finish your baby’s first feed of the day in the morning, may it be at 2 AM or 6 AM. The reason is that your milk supply greatly increases from 1 AM to 5 AM. Your milk supply would be sufficient enough to pump and store and also to feed your baby before or after pumping. Though your breasts have enough milk supply you need not and would not necessarily feel full. So continue to pump without any worry.
What Are the Drawbacks Associated With Battery-Powered or Electric Pumps?
The breast pumps rely on a power source; hence, the mothers who are dependent on the powered breast pumps must be prepared for emergencies when extra batteries or electricity are unavailable. Under such circumstances, a mother can feed her baby by breastfeeding, or if breastfeeding is not an option, she needs to seek a backup method, like a manual breast pump.
What Are the Different Pumping Types?
There are mainly two different pumping types; single and double.
Conclusion:
The innovation of breast pumps serves as a very needful requirement for many mothers in all populations. Breast pumps are helpful for working mothers, premature infants, critically ill infants, or infants born with some abnormality that restricts their suckling ability. It is essential to follow all the pump guidelines that you choose to use for your baby. Proper cleaning and sanitization of the pumps are of utmost importance to avoid breast milk contamination. If you are using rechargeable breast pumps, make sure to keep them charged whenever not in use so that it will not run out of charge and create a hurry burry situation for the mother and the baby. Doctors recommend purchasing an electric breast feeding pumps for extracting breastmilk.
