Breast Pumps

For nursing mothers who plan on going back to work or if your baby is sick or you have other occasional periods of time when the baby can’t latch on, there is another alternative. A breast pump can be used to support the natural process of breast feeding. It should stimulate your body to keep producing milk, as your baby would during a feeding. Using a breast pump will eliminate the need to fill in with formula.

Purpose of Breast Pumps

The purpose of a breast pump is to allow nursing mothers to keep up their milk supply even when their baby isn’t sucking as much. If your baby is unable to nurse for a feeding or more, a breast pump makes it possible to continue the breast feeding process and substitute the pumped bottles of breast milk for latching on for a feeding. This can be done for, as few as one or two feedings per week to nearly all of the baby’s scheduled feedings, still allowing the baby to receive all of the nutrients it needs at an optimal convenience.

By using a breast pump you can also prevent engorgement of the breasts, which can be very painful. Simply use your breast pump when the breasts are full to release the extra milk.

What to Look For When Buying a Breast Pump

The pump should be comfortable, effective and durable. The durability of the breast pump will depend on the strength of the motor and how often you use it. Several types of pumps are available with varying levels of pumping action. These include single, double and alternating. The price range varies along with the durability and pumping action. Mothers are discouraged from buying used pumps and should look for a high quality breast pump as an investment in your baby’s health.