Generality
The electric breast pump is a very useful tool for all women who - due to factors of various origins and nature - cannot use breastfeeding.
In order to guarantee correct milk extraction, without damaging the delicate breast tissue, the electric breast pump must be used in the appropriate manner. In fact, inappropriate use of this instrument could cause pain and / or damage to the breast.
In addition to using the electric breast pump in the correct way so as not to cause any damage to the breast, in order to safeguard the health of the child, it is essential to respect precise hygienic rules both before and after using the instrument.
What is that
What is the Electric Breast Pump?
The electric breast pump is an indispensable device for mothers who - for one reason or another - cannot breastfeed their baby.
In fact, breast milk is the best nutritional source for the infant, as it is rich in proteins, lipids, vitamins, mineral salts and sugars in the correct quantities, to which are added antibodies, defense cells, enzymes and growth factors of fundamental importance for the correct development and growth of the newborn.
In light of what has just been said, it is therefore clear the importance of breast milk which, when possible, should never be lacking for the child. However, as will be seen in the article, in some circumstances breastfeeding cannot be performed; therefore the use of the breast pump becomes essential.
How is the Electric Breast Pump made?
The electric breast pump is a tool consisting of:
- A cup or cup - sometimes also called a "sucker" - which must be placed on the breast. More precisely, the cup must perfectly surround the nipple, but without shaking it;
- A collection container inside which the milk is conveyed, connected to the cup above and to the electric pump;
- A sort of electric pump that, once activated, begins to extract the milk from the breast with a mechanism that attempts to reproduce the natural feed.
On the market, there are different models of electric breast pumps: battery-powered, or powered by electricity; small in size to make it easy to transport, or larger; equipped with a single collection system (cup and container), or two systems to allow milk to be drawn simultaneously from both breasts.
Generally, battery-powered models are small, portable and can be purchased in pharmacies or pharmacies. Semi-professional or professional electric breast pumps (such as those used in hospitals) are generally available only for hire and are larger.
The prices are variable, the smaller and portable electric breast pumps can cost around 30 to 100 euros, depending on the characteristics possessed and the manufacturer. The semi-professional or professional electric breast pumps, on the other hand, have a decidedly higher cost: from 120 up to 1, 000 euros.
Electric breast pump online
Online you can buy an Electric and Automatic Breast Pump with Massage and Memory Function. The device starts with the massage mode, which helps to stimulate the secretion of milk, and gradually passes to the pumping phase, whose adjustment levels (between 1 and 16) can be easily selected. With the memory function, the models are memorized, thus making the use of the breast pump more convenient. Thanks to the use of solid materials, engine noise is kept below 50dB, making it barely noisier than a whisper. The device is made of 100% medical grade BPA-free materials. The internal non-return valve protects the milk from infections and keeps it fresh. The battery (supplied in the shipping package together with a USB cable) is rechargeable and allows you to use the device with any charger, computer or powerbank, anywhere and at any time.
For sale on Amazon
Alternatively, a Single Electric Breast Pump is available for daily use. Easy to clean, it can be used with the bottle and the bags for the storage and microwave sterilization of breast milk, the latter sold separately by the same manufacturer. For maximum comfort, 5 different sizes of breast cups are available. The initial stimulation phase prepares the breast for extraction and then allows you to choose between different pumping levels. Comfortable, quiet and efficient, the appliance can be used either by connecting it to the electricity supply or by using the battery power supply, which allows it to be carried and used anywhere.
For sale online
When to use it
When it is necessary to use the electric breast pump
The use of the electric breast pump is useful / necessary in all those situations in which it is not possible to breastfeed the baby. The reasons that can hinder the breastfeeding phase are different, among these we remember:
- Premature birth : premature babies are sometimes not able to attach to the breast and suck milk properly and for the time necessary to satisfy their nutritional needs.
- Presence of pathologies and post-natal disorders due to which the child must be kept under observation or subjected to treatments that do not allow nutrition through breastfeeding.
- Need to get away from the child (as happens, for example, when the new mother is forced to return to work before the end of the breastfeeding period).
- Onset of disturbances in the mother, such as:
- Breast cuttings ;
- Breast engorgement ;
- Mastitis .
Finally, we recall that, in some cases, the use of the electric breast pump can be carried out to increase the production of breast milk when this is insufficient.
Did you know that ...
Women who produce high amounts of breast milk may use an electric breast pump in order to collect significant quantities and donate it to the so-called milk banks that supply the precious food to motherless babies or whose mother cannot provide their food.
Electric or manual breast pump?
The choice to use the electric breast pump rather than the manual breast pump generally depends on the reason why it is necessary to extract the milk and on the frequency with which this operation must be carried out.
Generally speaking, the manual breast pump is ideal when the operation must be done occasionally (for example, if you happen to have to leave the child for a few hours); while the electric breast pump is recommended when milk must be extracted for longer periods of time (as happens, for example, in the presence of breast disorders and post-natal diseases for which the baby cannot be breast-fed directly).
The electric breast pump, in fact, allows to extract greater quantities of milk more quickly and less tiring than the manual breast pump, a speed that increases further when the instrument is equipped with two systems for simultaneous extraction from both breasts. In addition to this, the electric breast pumps:
- They are designed to reproduce the suction-pause rhythm typical of natural breastfeeding in the most faithful manner possible;
- They stimulate milk secretion more;
- They have the advantage of being able to adjust the draft speed according to the needs of each woman. In this regard, we remind you that the latest generation electric breast pumps are able to carry out a stimulation phase characterized by a very fast suction that stimulates the release of milk, followed by the actual pumping phase, usually slower and more intense.
Please note
The above can be considered as a general rule which, however, does not necessarily have to be applied to each woman. In fact, each new mother can choose - independently or together with her doctor - which type of breast pump to use. Not surprisingly, some mothers prefer to use the electric breast pump even if they need to extract the milk occasionally; others, however, prefer to resort to the exclusive use of the manual breast pump.
How to use
How to Use the Electric Breast Pump in the Proper Way
Learning how to use the electric breast pump is very important in order to extract breast milk without damaging the breast.
In truth, the draft of the milk through this instrument is not an excessively complicated procedure, however, it requires a certain degree of practice and the adoption of some tricks. Therefore, the main phases of the correct use of the electric breast pump will be briefly described below.
- First of all, before proceeding with the use of the device, it is necessary to choose a cup that fits your breast size . The cup must adhere well to the breast and must surround the nipple, leaving however a certain space in order to prevent it from rubbing against it. In fact, the nipple must be free to move back and forth.
- Once you have found the right size cup, you need to sit in a comfortable position, possibly supporting your shoulders and back.
- Some women, before operating the electric breast pump, find benefit in massaging the breast in order to favor the reflex of ejection of the milk . If the electric breast pump is of the latest generation and offers the possibility of performing the stimulation phase, the preventive breast massage may not be necessary.
- Once the previous operations have been carried out, place the cup on the breast, holding it between the index and the thumb (or between the index and the middle finger), supporting the entire breast with the palm of the hand and the other fingers. To ensure the success of the operation, in fact, the breast pump must be in an upright position and not tilted.
- Operate the instrument by applying the so-called " maximum comfortable vacuum ", ie the highest vacuum that you can reach without feeling annoying or painful sensations. To do this, it is possible to gradually increase the vacuum until a slight discomfort is reached, then lowering it slightly until you find a condition in which you feel at ease.
- If necessary, the breast can be gently massaged even during the milk draw operation.
Please note
This is only a brief summary of the main phases of use of the electric breast pump, for any doubt or other information, it is always good to consult your doctor and / or hospital staff.
For how long is it necessary to continue the Milk Draw?
Generally, by using the electric breast pump, it is sufficient to carry out 10-15 minute sessions per breast, possibly alternating the draft between one breast and another (when the electric breast pump does not allow simultaneous extraction of milk from the two breasts) .
The frequency with which to use the electric breast pump, on the other hand, depends on why the instrument is used:
- If the milk has to be extracted because the newborn cannot physically breastfeed, in order to ensure correct and constant production, it would be good to use the electric breast pump at regular intervals, so as to simulate - as far as possible - the frequency of feeding . In such situations, in fact, the electric breast pump should be used at least six times a day if not more.
- If the milk has to be pulled to have a small supply to use when you are away from the child, the use of the electric breast pump can be done less frequently, even once a day - in the morning, or in the afternoon - depending on your own needs.
Remember that ...
The draft of the milk must not be painful and even less annoying, if the operation involves discomfort and / or pain, it is necessary to stop it immediately and ask the doctor for advice.
Hygiene and Cleaning
Hygienic Rules to be followed to Use and Clean the Electric Breast Pump
Clearly, in order to guarantee the safety of the child, it is essential to follow suitable hygiene rules. Before using the electric breast pump, in fact, it is necessary to properly sterilize and clean all the parts of the instrument that will come into contact with breast milk and breast. Sterilization can be carried out by boiling (placing the objects in question in boiling water for at least 20-30 minutes), or even better, using special sterilizers (for example, microwave sterilizers) sold in pharmacies, parapharmacy or other shops specialized. Cleaning, on the other hand, can be done with soap and water, or - when explicitly indicated by the manufacturer - even in the dishwasher, as long as the washing cycle is carried out at a temperature equal to or higher than 65 ° C.
Please note
Since there are different types of electric breast pumps available on the market, as far as sterilization, cleaning and maintenance are concerned, it is always advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging and / or the user manual of the instrument you own or have rented. . If you are in doubt, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information (if you rent from a pharmacy or drugstore).
In addition to the correct washing and sterilization of the parts of the electric breast pump that come into contact with the breast and / or the milk, it is necessary:
- Wash hands thoroughly before pulling operation;
- Maintain an accurate hygiene of the breast that must be cleaned after each draft and / or breastfeed;
- Wash daily to maintain an optimum degree of cleanliness ;
- After the draw, store the breast milk in a timely manner to ensure the integrity of the product, preventing any contamination or its degradation.
Naturally, in the case in which the newborn suffers from post-natal disorders or pathologies and / or if he was born prematurely, it is essential to follow all the indications provided by the hospital's healthcare staff.
Useful Tips
Useful Tips for Using the Electric Breast Pump
Sometimes, the prospect of having to use an electric breast pump can create some concern and / or agitation in the new mother, particularly when she is inexperienced. Therefore, here are some useful tips.
- First of all, you need to relax . Agitation, in fact, hinders and sometimes prevents the drawing of breast milk.
- To facilitate and stimulate the release of milk, it may be useful to perform a breast massage with warm water (for example, using the shower or bath jet), or to make compresses by wetting a towel with hot water, or again, completely immersing it the breast in warm-lukewarm water .
- To feel comfortable, the milk must be taken in a quiet and unhurried place . Similarly to agitation, in fact, even haste can inhibit the release of milk.
- To stimulate the flow of milk and facilitate its draft, it may be useful to use the electric breast pump at regular intervals and at certain times of the day. If this action becomes a routine, in fact, the body of the new mother is able to "prepare" herself for the request for milk, thus making it easier to extract it.
Learning to use the electric breast pump may not be simple and immediate for all mothers, but this is not impossible, in fact, it is necessary and sufficient to be patient and not be discouraged on the first attempt.
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