Becoming a mother brings one of the biggest happiness to a woman’s life. Taking care of her baby, breastfeeding and watching the baby grow can be extremely fulfilling for any mother. But breastfeeding may not always be workable for all mothers. Hence, wonderful breast pumps were invented. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about breast pumps.
WHAT IS A BREAST PUMP?
A breast pump is a hand-held device that is used to express milk from a lactating woman’s breasts. With the help of a breast pump, you can store breast milk in a bottle that is attached and save it for later. Breast pumps are usually of two types, Manual and Electric. Most of the manual breast pumps have piston pumps to extract the milk manually by pulling the handles of the breast pump, while in electric ones, the whole process is done automatically.
These things should be kept in mind before you start pumping:
- Place a smooth, damp cloth on your breasts before pumping for about 5 minutes.
- Give your breasts a little massage.
- Rub your nipples gently.
- Find a comfortable position stay relaxed.
- If you are feeling anxious, think about your baby or smell one of your baby’s clothes.
BENEFITS OF USING A BREAST PUMP
1. LATCHING PROBLEMS
Breastfeeding is an enriching activity for both the mother and the baby, but it is also a learning process for both of them. For several mother-child duos, breastfeeding doesn’t come naturally because of the latching problems which may be caused if the baby has a cleft lip, has suckling problems or is tongue-tied among others. A breast pump can be extremely beneficial for problems like these as the mother doesn’t have to depend only on breastfeeding her little one.
2. NIPPLE PROBLEMS
Latching can also be a problem in case of issues with the mother’s nipples. To get sufficient nutrition, the baby needs enough to breastfeed. Breastfeeding could be a hard process in case of problems like infections in the nipple area, breast engorgement, flat or inverted nipples. However, with the assistance of a breast pump, milk can be expressed at any time and anywhere no matter what the shape or condition the nipples are in.
3. MANY BABIES
Many women give birth to more than one child at a time like – twins, or triplets or even more. Some women become mothers for the second time, within fewer than two years. For times like these, a mother may not have the time or energy to constantly feed her babies. So with the help of a breast pump, she can store her breast milk for later and feed her babies one at a time without feeling exhausted.
4. BREASTFEEDING IN PUBLIC
Although breastfeeding is the best way to feed a baby, some mothers feel uncomfortable and awkward breastfeed in public spaces, especially because of people staring. With milk stored in a bottle by using a breast pump, a mother does not have to worry about feeding her hungry or crying baby anywhere in public places.
5. OTHERS BOND WITH THE BABY
While feeding a baby with breast milk through a bottle, the mother doesn’t have to be around the baby. This could be done by other family members and they can develop a bond with the baby. The more a person spends time with the baby in their initial days, the more the baby is likely to be familiar with that person.
6. FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Postpartum depression is a normal phenomenon, although many women do not talk about it because they are afraid of being judged or shamed. Soon after childbirth when a new mother experiences depression, she undergoes emotional disconnection with the baby. In situations like these, the new mother has does not have the will to even breastfeed her baby. So, by using a breast pump she can make sure that her baby is still being fed well.
7. MAKES IT CONVENIENT FOR THE MOTHER TO GO OUT
Whether the mother rejoins her work or goes to buy groceries or other stuff or even travels with the baby, breast pumps come in exceptionally handy. Breast milk can also be stored in the refrigerator for few hours and used only when required. It gives time and opportunity to the mother to relax.
