Mother's milk is no less than the Holy Grail for a newborn. Nature's miracle, it is as if tailor-made for the baby. A newborn is completely dependent on its mother for feeding and needs to be served every 2 to 3 hours day and night.Breastfeeding requires a mother’s complete presence and time. A new mom may be overwhelmed with many responsibilities and may find it difficult to feed the baby time and again. There may be work responsibilities or even medical reasons that breastfeeding may seem next to impossible. But if you are a mom who desires only to breastfeed and cannot compromise with formula, a breast pump is your best bet. It can surely help you in the extraction, pumping, and storing of milk at your comfort and that can be used at any time and anywhere. Anyone can feed the baby, what you need to do is to express and store the milk for future use. This article will enlighten you on the types of breast pumps, the benefits of using breast pumps, a check list on how to choose a breast pump, and the best breast pumps for new moms. So, get your breast pump now!
If you are looking particularly for electric breast pump, don’t forget to check our top products for the best electric breast pump in India.
Benefits of Using Breast Pumps
Breastfeeding is challenging, both for the baby and the mother. It demands absolute commitment, dedication, and patience. Breast pumps serve extensive help, especially to the new moms. So, here we list down the benefits of using breast pumps:
- Prevents milk overflow, breast engorgement, and plugged ducts
- Indispensable when there are latching issues
- Regular pumping stimulates and increases the milk supply
- Must-have when there are multiple babies or a premature baby
- Mom wants to rest or relax then the family members can feed the baby
- Excess supply can be pumped and stored for later use
- Extremely useful when breastfeeding is painful or not possible at all
- Allows the mother to measure the quantity of milk being taken by the baby
- Beneficial when medical or personal reasons do not permit breastfeeding
- Saves time when in need to go somewhere
- Valuable when mom is stressed and unable to breastfeed but does not want to give the formula milk
To say the least, a breast pump is no more a luxury but an essential item for a new mom.
Different Types of Breast Pumps
The market is swamped with a variety of breast pumps for the convenience of new moms. But, before the final choice is made, it is imperative to understand the two types:
1. Manual
This type of breast pump allows the extraction of milk manually from one breast at a time by pumping the handle continuously. It is comparatively low-cost, quiet, and easily portable. It has no dependency on an electric socket and does not require any battery for its operation.
2. Electric
This type of breast pump allows the extraction of milk by one or two pumps that are powered by a motor. It requires a battery or connection to an electric socket for its operation. This pump is comparatively expensive, not so quiet, and maybe a bit difficult to carry than manual ones. But the biggest benefit is its ease of operation. It can pump more milk in less time and the speed can be changed just by the touch of a button. Electric breast pumps come in 2 variants of single and double pumps depending on if they can pump only a single breast or both breasts simultaneously.
Choosing the right type of breast pump completely depends upon the specific requirements, situation, and priorities of the mom. If you are a mom who needs to pump repeatedly, we would recommend the electric breast pump as it can make your task a lot easier. But yes, electric breast pumps are a bit costly than their manual counterparts. The manual pumps can easily serve the purpose of those moms who do not require frequent pumping. So, you can weigh down your priorities to make your decision.
How to Choose a Breast Pump?
The brand, quality, price, or type of breast pump that one should opt for depends upon one's necessities. This checklist of various factors will serve as a guide on how to choose a breast pump that is most appropriate for you:
- If the baby is exclusively on mother's milk and regular pumping is needed then it is better to opt for an electric breast pump so that there is no gap between demand and supply. If occasional pumping is needed then a manual pump will do the job perfectly
- If the baby is partially on mother's milk and partially on formula milk then a manual breast pump would be sufficient
- Correct nipple size, suction strength, ease of assembly, size of breast shield, and convenient sterilization should be considered while purchasing the breast pump
- For busy or working moms, a double electric pump is a good choice
- Traveling moms should opt for manual pumps as they are extremely portable, light-weight, and nearly noiseless
- If budget is not a constraint then an electric pump can be chosen
- If there are issues regarding electricity then choose a battery-operated or a manual pump
- For ease of operation and high pumping needs, an electric pump is good
Whatever be the requirements, investment in a quality breast pump is an extremely wise decision, especially for new moms.
The Best Breast Pumps for New Moms
Breast Pumps have become an essential instrument of freedom for new moms because they can leisurely feed their babies at their discretion. Here we have jotted down the 9 best breast pumps for new moms:
1. Chicco Natural Feeling Manual Breast Pump
Combination of 2 phase technology of stimulation and expression
Chicco Natural Feeling Manual Breast Pump
Buy From AmazonThis is an efficient manual breast pump that comes with an exclusive Chicco system which allows maximum comfort during milk extraction by not tiring the hands. Stimulation provides a soft and gentle massage to the mother's breasts to open the ducts and makes the expression of milk continuous and effortless. This pump is a delight for new moms as it provides a natural sucking motion to the baby.
Key Features
- BPA free
- Extra soft silicone cover and cup
- Convenient portability
- Sterilization is trouble-free
- Ergonomic handle for less tiredness
- Allows correct arm and hand posture
2. Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump
Unique, natural, and offers comfortable expressing position
Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump
Buy From AmazonThis manual breast pump is great for new moms as it features an easy manual operation. The pump is attached with a soft massage cushion enabling uninterrupted milk flow. This breast pump is easy to assemble and the milk can be conveniently stored in a versatile storage cup. This is compatible with other Philips Avent feeding products as well. Effortless portability enables it to be carried along while traveling making it one of the best breast pumps for new moms.
Key Features
- 0% latex
- BPA and BPS free
- Easy to clean
- Tested for assured safety
- Compact and light-weight
- Comfortable pumping position
3. Pigeon Manual Breast Pump Essential
One hand system with advanced sealing air-cushion
Pigeon Manual Breast Pump Essential
Buy From AmazonThis is a convenient manual breast pump for new moms who wish to fasten up their milk extraction time. It comes with slow and fast tempo pumping speeds. Storing the milk has been made trouble-free, by just replacing the pump body with a screw cap and sealing disk. Feeding is an altogether seamless process where the sealing disk needs to be replaced with the nipple and cap.
Key Features
- 2-year warranty
- BPA and BPS free
- Adjustable pumping
- Convenient portability
- Easy sterilization
- Unique silicone diaphragm
4. R for Rabbit First Feed Manual Breast Pump
Elegant design with 4 suction adjustment levels
R for Rabbit First Feed Manual Breast Pump
Buy From AmazonThis is a secure and comfortable manual breast pump for a new mom and can be opted for right from the initial breastfeeding days. It is light-weight, portable, soft, and unbreakable. This breast pump boasts of an ergonomic design that allows it to swiftly adjust from one suction level to another. It is made from safe materials and operating it is an effortless task.
Key Features
- BPA free
- Easy to assemble
- Silica gel piston
- Easy sterilization
- Prevents back-flow of milk
- Allows convenient sitting posture
- Comfortable silicone breast pad
5. Lansinoh Double Electric Breast Pump
High customization with 8 suction levels
Lansinoh Double Electric Breast Pump
Buy From AmazonThis is an efficient electric breast pump with 3 pumping styles that mirrors a baby's natural feeding pattern, thereby improving the enhancement of milk extraction. It comes with the Comfort Fit Flanges which are flexible rims that are soft against the new mom's sensitive skin. It provides a hygienic closed system which increases the prevention against milk back up into the tubing.
Key Features
- Secure fit and pumping
- BPA and BPS free
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Seamless integration
- Automatic memory function
- Easy sterilization
6. Diya Double/Single Electric Breast Pump
Mobile pumping made feasible with a pumping bra
Diya Double/Single Electric Breast Pump
Buy From AmazonThis is an efficient electric breast pump that helps in tackling the blocked ducts and improves the milk supply overtime. With the assistance of this pump, the new moms will comfortably be able to express their milk while on the go. Poncho-breast feeding cover is also available which acts as a feeding and pumping cover, so milk can conveniently be expressed, be it in kitchen garden, or while working. This feature makes it one of the best breast pumps for new moms.
Key Features
- Hygiene cover
- Breast shield provided
- Travel-friendly and portable
- Silicone massager and diaphragm
- Easy assembly in 30 seconds
- Used in several hospitals
- Powerful electric pump
7. Medela Swing Breast Pump
Mimics the baby's natural sucking rhythm with 2-phase expression technology
Medela Swing Breast Pump
Buy From AmazonThis is an extremely useful breast pump convenient for daily use. It helps the super busy moms in timely expressing and storing milk for future use.This is a small, portable, and easy to operate breast pump. With this feeding gear, the option to adjust the frequency of the vacuum levels is present. The batteries last for about 2-3 pumping sessions and are chargeable. Moms around the world love and trust this product that makes it one of the best breast pumps for new moms.
Key Features
- Easy sterilization
- Fully automatic
- Convenient assembly
- Battery option available
- Maximum mobility with belt-clip
- Comfortable and easy to handle
8. Trumom Advance Electric Breast Milk Feeding Pump
With 5 levels of auto simulation and massage mode
Trumom Advance Electric Breast Milk Feeding Pump
Buy From AmazonThis is a stylish electric breast pump with 9 suction levels providing utmost satisfaction to the expressing new mom. Its anti-backflow technology prevents the milk from flowing back into the tubing and pump. The rechargeable batteries can continuously work for 2 hours after being fully charged. The pump, nipple, bottle, and other parts are made of medical-grade materials and are safe and secure for the mom and the baby.
Key Features
- Digital display available
- Light-weight and portable
- Automatic gear change
- Vacuum seal system
- Zero milk leakage
- Advanced silicone breast pad
9. Spectra Baby USA S1 Plus Hospital Grade Double/Single Breast Pump
Ultra-quiet motor and auto-timer with display
Spectra Baby USA S1 Plus Hospital Grade Double/Single Breast Pump
Buy From AmazonThis is an award-winning premier rechargeable breast pump for new moms with a busy schedule. The Spectra backflow protector forms a complete physical barrier between the milk and the pump. It boasts of high suction strength and is a hospital-grade pump as it even helps to maintain the supply for premies. The pump comes with a fridge and freezer storage compatibility.
Key Features
- In-built battery
- Efficient suction
- Digital controls
- Flexible touch buttons
- Nightlight for anytime pumping
For a mom, feeding milk is an expression of love towards her baby and a breast pump ensures that the baby is fed every time it is hungry. A mother can choose to breastfeed as long as she wants and a breast pump proves to be an amazing tool for her feeding journey. It helps to express and store the mother's love even when she is not around the baby. We hope that this article on the best breast pumps for new moms will enable you to make your perfect choice. The benefits of using breast pumps are immense. What you only need to be careful about is how to choose a breast pump that serves all your needs and makes you and your baby happy!
About The Author
NewMumLife Team
NewMumLife is a parenting website for moms, dads and child care. We aim to offer a place to connect parents and parents-to-be for all types of parenting advice and suggestions to the questions they normally face. Our content is for the parents and by the parents where they share their personal experiences to benefit our parenting community.