Breast pump types

When we look at the rationale behind the breast pump in general, we see that it sucks the breast milk without damaging the breast tissues, it imitates natural sucking function of the baby and generally suction power can be adjusted. Pumps are categorized into three: manual, electric and double.

Manual (hand operated) breast pumps

They are ideal for short term pumping. They are rather smaller, lighter and easy to carry around; furthermore they work quietly and they are economic. But we have to say that they are not the best solution for women who need to pump continuously. Manual pumps also come in three different types; syringe, pistol grip and the ones that operate like a bicycle horn... When using syringe pumps, you need to use both hands and pumping requires arm power.  You suck the milk by pressing the pistol grip type pump and this requires hand strength. The suction power is set due to how much power you apply to the pump.

In the manual ones, the brand is not that important. They are almost the same. They are short-term lifesavers!

Philips AVENT Manual Breast Pump is the very first breast pump designed to stimulate breast milk flow by imitating the suction action of a baby. This is the most gentle, fast, natural method of milking. It is clinically proven that this manual breast pump is as efficient as hospital class electrical pumps and pump is classified as an easy and comfortable to use.

Electrical and battery operated breast pumps 

These are more practical than the manual ones. They’re light and easy to carry. Batteries last for around 1-4 hours and when batteries are low, suction power decreases. So you should always keep a spare battery with you. In some breast pumps that run with battery, there is an adapter to operate it with electrical power. These types of pumps mostly have a support pad to shield the breast, feeding bottle and a base to keep them upright. Electric/battery Medela breast pump is highly recommended as it empties the breast very well. With this breast pump, you may pump as much breast milk as you could pump with a hospital type breast pump.

By the first moment babies start sucking their mother's breast, they suck with low pressure to stimulate oxytocin reflex. In the 3-4 minutes after milk secretion starts, they start sucking with high suction power. Thanks to the pressure adjustment feature, you may use the breast pump at low pressure for 3-4 minutes, start off the milk secretion and then increase the pressure and empty your breast in 12-15 minutes just like your baby would.

Furthermore Philips Avent brand pump is very convenient as it is ergonomic and fits our feeding bottle and storage containers. Philips AVENT Single and Dual Electronic Breast Pumps upgrade the clinically proven design of our manual breast pumps to another level. Thanks to its electronic memory, it helps you to pump your breast milk in a fast, natural and effortless way. (Yes, we know how you crave for effortless solutions at this period of your life!) It records the speed of pumping, rhythm and suction level in its memory and automatically applies them. It is very good at emptying the breast. We only heard one or two complaints about not emptying the breast entirely. Phillips AVENT is not your only choice of course… Many brands have electrical and battery pumps. But let’s not make any recommendations, as we haven’t experienced any of them.