As a new mum, when you have decided to nurse your baby , you are very much aware of the benefits of breastfeeding for both yourself and your baby. However, there are many reasons why you may have to be away from your baby. Whether you are away for health, work or family reasons, or just because you would like a day out, it doesn’t mean that your baby can not continue to enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding . That’s when a well-chosen manual or electric breast pump turns out to be very useful. Let us look at some of the advantages and inconvenients of each.
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Size: A manual breast pump is in most cases lighter and smaller than an electric breast pump. If size and weight are a problem , the Meleda mini electric is a good compromise between the two. It is electric and compact.
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Suction speed: An electric breast pump – and even more if it’s a double pump – expresses breast milk much faster than a manual pump. This can make all the difference for working mums or mums trying to increase their lactation . A manual pump can be reassuring if you are expressing breast milk for the first time, but it can be slow and this can prove to be annoying . If time is an concern, an electric breast pump might be preferable even if you are not planning to express regularly .
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Comfort: Both types of pumps can be equally comfortable. With a hand pump, you control the suction and it can often be adjusted in an electric pump. Some pumps come with an extra breast cushion for even more comfort. Manual breast pumps can also be tiring on your hands.
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Noise: A manual pump is almost silent while an electric breast pump has a motor. This can be a concern for some breastfeeding mums. If you are planning to express at work, your employer is legally bound to provide you with sufficient privacy.
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Ease of use: manual pumps contain fewer parts , which makes them easier to put together and take apart. The Medela and Lansinoh breastpumps are also fairly simple to assemble .
Manual or electric breast pump? Each nursing mum has her favourite. Whatever your choice, take your time and relax.