Let’s talk about breast pumps! Breast pumps are a great tool for moms, but they do come with some challenges. The most important thing to remember is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to pumping. You may need to try a few different types of breast pumps, as well as different brands and sizes of flanges until you find one that works best for you.
Edward Lasker, an engineer and chess expert, created a mechanical breast pump in 1927 to help save the lives of numerous preterm babies who were too weak or unwell to feed. Einar Egnell and Olle Larsson collaborated less than 30 years later to develop a more effective, comfortable mechanical pump.
Don’t Assume It’s Going to Hurt
There is a lot of fear around breast pumps, especially among women who are new to pumping or have had a bad experience with one in the past. But don’t let that fear stop you from using the pump! While some do report pain when using their pump, this may be due to a poorly fitted product or not knowing how to use it properly.
There are ways around both of those things. If what you’re experiencing is painful discomfort that lasts for more than a few minutes, talk with your healthcare provider. She can help in finding the right fit and learning how to use your pump most effectively. If possible, consider renting a hospital-grade rental pump before investing in an expensive one. You’ll get a better idea of what makes for good quality without having invested too much money into something that might not work well for you after all!
An infant sucks 50 to 90 times per minute at the start of a feeding, slowing down as let-down starts. Breast pumps mirror this via cycling, which involves the creation and release of suction. The majority of hospital-grade and at-home electric pumps operate at a pace of 40 to 60 cycles per minute – roughly one draw each second.
Do Use a Breast Pump If You Are Experiencing Nipple Pain
The breast pump can also be used to relieve pain or discomfort associated with the infant suckling.
When used after birth, the pump may reduce swelling and soft tissue trauma by expressing milk through compression. In addition, when a woman has sore nipples while breastfeeding, she can use a breast pump to express milk without placing pressure on her nipples.
If you are not breastfeeding, a breast pump is still an effective tool to use when you want to store your milk for later use or donate it for research purposes.
Don’t Neglect Nipple Pain If It Lasts More Than a Few Days
If you are suffering from nipple pain, it is important to seek help. Your doctor can determine if the problem is related to your breast pump and suggest a solution. If your nipple pain is severe or does not improve despite using a breast pump with air-release valves, see a lactation consultant or nurse practitioner who specializes in breastfeeding issues. These experts can help identify and treat the cause of your discomfort and get you back on track with pumping milk for your baby.
If you’re suffering from nipple pain, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common issues many women experience when they begin breastfeeding. The best breast supplements help with nipple pain by providing nutrients to the breast tissue and boosting its ability to heal itself. They can help to relieve your pain and make your breastfeeding experience more comfortable.
Do Try Different Brands
The first step to getting the right breast pump is trying different brands, until you find one that doesn’t hurt. If you find a brand that doesn’t hurt, stick with it. If you find a brand that hurts, try a different brand.
It’s tempting to just pick up the first breast pump you see in a store and call it a day because who has time to do all these trials? Make your life easier by spending more time researching and less time crying about how much your boobs hurt.
Do Try Different Flanges
If you’re having trouble with your pump, try changing the flange sizes. The flange is the part of the breast pump that sits on your nipple and creates suction. They come in different sizes to fit a variety of women’s nipples: small, average, or large. Smaller nipples can comfortably fit into smaller flanges, while larger nipples might need something bigger.
If you have any discomfort with using your breast pump due to a change in size or shape of your nipple that makes it difficult for you to use a standard-sized flange, consider trying out some different options until one works well for you.
Some people find that their breasts become sore while they’re pumping. This is especially common if they are experiencing soreness from breastfeeding as well as from pumping. If this happens despite changing flanges and trying techniques like massaging your breasts before pumping them, contact your healthcare provider.
Do Be Careful About Sharing a Breast Pump With Other Mothers
Whether you choose the motorized or manual, do-it-yourself form, breast pumps can be a lifeline for working women and/or those with poor milk supply. These mammary miracles also allow fathers to participate in the feeding process. They alleviate engorgement (the painful condition caused by overfull breasts) and even take out flat or inverted nipples.
If you’re sharing a breast pump with other mothers, be extra careful to clean it well. Breast pumps are not sterile and can carry bacteria or viruses that can cause infections and illness. You could also pass on thrush or mastitis if you’re not careful about how you use the pump.
If you are sharing a pump, make sure to clean it thoroughly with mild soap and water before each use. Rinse well under running water until there’s no trace of soap left on the pump parts. Then dry thoroughly before putting it back together again so that there’s no chance of mold growing in any damp spots between uses.
Don’t Assume That What Worked for Your Friend Will Work for You
Each mother is different, and what works for one may not work for another. If it still hurts after all the adjustments, see a doctor. The pain may be due to an injury to the breast or nipple. This can usually be remedied by taking steps to reduce pressure on these areas. If there are no signs of injury, but it still hurts, try some variations in positioning or technique. Often just doing a few things differently can make all the difference in comfort level!
Hopefully, this article has been helpful in your quest to find the right breast pump for your needs.
