A manual breast pump may be a few things you consider buying in your breastfeeding journey. But is it worth it?
If you’re breastfeeding, pumping milk is something that must have crossed your mind now and then. But if you’re a stay-at-home Mama, an electric breast pump may not be the right choice. Although it’s speedy and effective in expressing milk, electric breast pumps are undeniably more expensive (especially if they’re the double electric ones!).
However, it’s still essential for breastfeeding Mamas to empty the breasts to prevent clogged milk ducts. Even better, doing this also ensures you have a steady milk supply. So what’s the next best thing? A manual breast pump!
The Advantages of a Manual Breast Pump
Arriving in single and double designs, electric breast pumps are more popular now, but there are still a few good reasons to get a manual breast pump. Besides being more affordable—yes, some manual breast pumps you can get at half the price of an electric pump—here are the advantages of a manual breast pump:
- You don’t need electricity or a battery to operate it
- It doesn’t have a lot of parts
- It’s easy to clean
- It’s simple to use
- It’s affordable
Look at our chart below if you’re torn between an electric breast pump and a manual breast pump.
What To Look For In A Manual Breast Pump
If you’re ready to get a manual breast pump, consider the following. This way, you can be sure you get your money’s worth and don’t regret your purchase.
- Small and lightweight. If you value portability, then you’re better off choosing a manual breast pump that’s light and won’t weigh a lot when you stash it in your bag.
- Comes with a BPA-free bottle. A pump that already comes with a bottle will allow you to use it immediately. It will also be a huge plus if it comes with a teat, so it can also be used as a feeding bottle.
- Easy to use design. With the variety of designs available in the market, choose manual pumps with a handle. This way, it’s nearly effortless when you comfortably use it with either your left or right hand.
- Nipple and breast-friendly. Pumping can be painful if the pump you choose doesn’t fit well. Ensure the pump attaches to the breast well so pumping is as comfortable as possible.
In addition to these four tips on buying a manual breast pump, look into the brand. Choose a trusted brand that is uncompromising in safety as much as possible.
How To Use a Manual Breast Pump
Using a manual pump is nearly identical to using an electric breast pump. First, you must place the breast shield on your breast, ensuring the nipple is at the centre. Then, squeeze the handle to begin expressing milk.
But check out the steps below for a detailed step-by-step guide on expressing milk using a manual pump.
- Wash your hands and ensure all breast pump parts are correctly assembled.
- Find a comfortable spot to sit down. Think about your baby, play a piece of relaxing music or watch videos of your baby to help stimulate let down.
- Use one hand to hold the pump while the other supports the breast. Then, align the pump with your nipple.
- Start pumping. Sometimes it will take a few minutes before the milk starts to flow.
- You can adjust the pumping speed and strength to match your baby’s suckling. There’s no need to speed through the session, Mama.
- Change breasts every five minutes, ensuring each breast gets a total stimulation of about 15 minutes. If you’re worried that one breast produces more milk, don’t worry about it. It’s pretty normal.
- When you are done pumping, remove the pump from your breast and close the milk storage bottle. You can also transfer it to a separate bottle or milk bag.
- Afterwards, wash your hands and all equipment that you used.
Tips: While pumping one breast, you can attach a silicone breast pump on the other breast. This can catch any milk that might leak from the other breast.
Discover Quality Breast Pump at an Affordable Price
Get a 26% Discount on Mama’s Choice Manual Breast Pump | $26.50 $19.90
To answer our Mamas’ needs, meet Mama’s Choice Manual Breast Pump! Made of quality BPA-free materials, this breast pump is easy to clean. With an innovative design to minimise discomfort and pain during pumping, it sure helps Mamas enjoy a pumping experience that is easier, safer, and more comfortable.
This pump comes in two colours—lilac and cream. Compact and lightweight, we’ve ensured that Mamas can bring this manual pump wherever they go. Plus, it comes with a silicone nipple and milk bottle!
How To Use Mama’s Choice Manual Breast Pump
The first step to using this breast pump is to assemble it first, of course. No worries, Mama, because it’s easy to assemble with the visual guide below.
The funnel, bottle, and other components of our manual breast pump are plastic-free and of BPA-free quality. As such, you can sterilise and boil them at 150 °C for 5 minutes after washing them.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean all breast pump parts before using them:
- Disassemble the pump and use a food-grade quality cleanser
- Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the silicone parts to avoid damaging or scratching them
- Rinse and wash all components with hot water
Isn’t it easy to use and clean the Mama’s Choice Manual Breast Pump? You can learn more about using this pump with the manual that comes when you purchase our pump. On that note, you can also get the Mama’s Choice Intensive Nipple Cream to help you in your breastfeeding journey!
Get a 26% Discount on Mama’s Choice Manual Breast Pump | $26.50 $19.90
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5 Things To Consider When Buying A Breast Pump
Mama's Choice Team
A team of passionate writers, young mamas, and creative superheroes who help mamas face motherhood one educational article at a time!