How to Use an Electric Breast Pump & Best Recommendations
The need for a breast pump is not only for working mothers, but also for stay-at-home moms. This is because we often encounter situations where a mother's breasts are engorged, but the baby is not yet ready to nurse, whether because they are still full or have fallen asleep. Generally, there are 2 types of breast pumps available on the market to choose from, namely manual and electric types. When talking about comfort, an electric pump is certainly the right choice. Although it comes with a high price tag, it is worth what you will feel. Now, so that the breastfeeding process for your little one continues to run smoothly, you can learn about preparations before using a breast pump, how to use an electric breast pump, and tips for comfortable breast pumping right here!
Preparation before Using an Electric Breast Pump
The initial preparation you can do before using an electric pump is to choose a quality breast pump brand. Choosing a breast pump must truly be done selectively so that you will not regret it due to the high price. Well, the following points can be your considerations in choosing the right electric breast pump product.
- Pay attention to the charging of the electric pump. If you travel often, it is better to choose one that uses batteries, but if you spend more time at home, you can use a breast pump with electrical power.
- Pay attention to the flange size on the breast pump so that the expression process is more comfortable and the milk flow is more efficient.
- Choose an electric breast pump that has speed and suction levels that can be adjusted to your needs.
- Prioritize a breast pump that is practical, lightweight, and easy to clean.
- Pay attention to the material of the breast pump to maintain the quality and hygiene of the expressed breast milk.
- Choose an electric breast pump equipped with a lactation massage feature. This is important because it will support the smooth production of the mother's milk.
How to Use an Electric Breast Pump
Actually, there are no fixed rules regarding how to use an electric breast pump. However, basically, the use of an electric breast pump across all brands is almost the same and can be done with the following steps.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap first.
- Prepare the electric pump device, then assemble the breast pump components according to the usage instructions.
- Plug the electric pump into the nearest power source or use it directly while the battery is still available.
- Place the pump flange in the correct position so that the breast milk expression process runs smoothly.
- Press the “on” button and set the pump speed according to your comfort.
- If you are using a single pump model electric pump, repeat the expression process on the other side of the breast.
- Perform the breast pumping process in the right way until the amount of breast milk obtained is sufficient or the breasts are empty.
- Clean the breast pump device after finished use.
- Finish by washing your hands with soap.
Comfortable Tips when Pumping Breast Milk
Besides understanding how to use an electric breast pump, also understand how to create comfort while expressing breast milk. Now, so that the breast pumping process runs smoothly and comfortably, you can follow these tips.
1. Pump Breast Milk in a Quiet and Comfortable Place
Try to pump breast milk in a quiet place so that you can relax, whether it is in bed, on the sofa, or in the backyard. A relaxed condition will influence the production of breast milk to be smoother.
2. Maintain Mood and Avoid Stress
The breastfeeding process is indeed not easy and tiring. This condition might make you stressed or less enthusiastic. However, ensure to always maintain your mood and avoid stress so that breast milk production is not hindered.
You can listen to your favorite music, watch trending movies, read a book, or do other fun things to maintain your mood while pumping breast milk.
3. Massage Breasts Gently
A gentle massage on the breasts before pumping breast milk will make you more relaxed. In addition, it can also facilitate milk flow so that the milk expression process runs smoothly. Therefore, you should choose a breast pump product that is already equipped with a massage feature to support comfort when expressing milk.
4. Adjusting Pump Speed
You can set the breast pump speed from the lowest level to stimulate milk output from the breasts. After a few minutes, increase the speed to a normal level and gradually to a higher level according to your comfort.
5. Use a Double Pump Electric Breast Pump
To make the breast milk expression process run faster, you should use a breast pump equipped with double pump components. This way, at one time you can pump both breasts simultaneously, saving time. This is also important for working breastfeeding mothers to consider, so they can express breast milk quickly without disrupting work at the office.
Of the many breast pump brands on the market, we recommend that you choose the HEGEN PCTO™ DOUBLE ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP NEW. Why choose Hegen? The following are various advantages of the Hegen electric breast pump that can be a consideration.
The breast pump from Hegen consists of few components that are easy to clean and practical to assemble and disassemble. In fact, the electric pump can also be set as a manual pump while the battery is being charged.
The breast milk expression process with the breast pump from Hegen ensures milk remains hygienic. This is because you can express, store, and feed breast milk to your little one in one container all at once.
The breast pump from Hegen is very lightweight and can be taken anywhere, making it suitable for use when traveling or at the workplace.
The Hegen electric breast pump is also very advanced because it uses wireless charging innovation by utilizing a micro-USB charging port. The charging process becomes more practical and hassle-free, right!
The breast pump from Hegen offers silicone flanges consisting of 5 different sizes, so you can choose the size that fits your breasts perfectly.
Interestingly, the Hegen breast pump is also equipped with a massage feature that can help support smooth breast milk production.
In addition to the electric breast pump, Hegen also has other mother and baby products that support the smooth breastfeeding process and your little one's growth and development. Various products such as feeding bottles, drinking bottles, straw cups, breastmilk storage, teats/baby nipples, bottle and nipple cleaning brushes, and other supporting accessories. Click here to see all the products and start shopping!
Reference:
- Hellosehat. Breast Pump: Types and How to Use the Device Properly. https://hellosehat.com/parenting/bayi/menyusui/pompa-asi/
- Kinan. 7 Things to Consider When Choosing an Electric Breast Pump. https://www.haibunda.com/menyusui/20210324073102-54-200745/7-hal-yang-perlu-diperhatikan-saat-memilih-pompa-asi-elektrik
