How to properly use a manual breast pump. The purpose of the breast pump and the rules for its use. Rules from experienced moms

After the birth of a child, a woman faces a lot of questions. One of the most important is breastfeeding. And if natural feeding is absent for some reason, then pumping becomes the next issue on the agenda. And the latter is possible manually or with a breast pump. In this case, it is important to know how to properly express milk with it.

What is a breast pump

This device consists of 3 parts. One part is in the form of a funnel for applying to the chest, the other part is a container for collecting liquid, between them the third part is the very mechanism of suction from the first part and transfer of the extracted material to the second. This intermediary part can be mechanical (driven by hands or feet) and electrical (powered by mains or batteries).
Activated by rhythmic pressing of the hand on the pear or lever

The principle of operation of breast pumps is that a vacuum is created inside the system and the nipple is drawn into the funnel, which causes pressure on the mammary glands, which perceive this process as natural sucking by the baby. The breast begins to give out the accumulated milk and produce a new portion - all this flows into the bottle / cup / bag.


Single-phase work in single-tone mode; biphasic first stimulate the breast, and then begin absorption; clinical ones have even finer settings and additional accessories. Some models are designed for both breasts at once

The entire construction of the breast pump is currently made of polypropylene, and it is preferable that it be medical (this should be taken into account when choosing, paying attention to the corresponding packaging icons). A silicone overlay is usually put on the funnel-shaped part, which makes the pumping process painless, and also stimulates the area around the nipple, creating for the woman the feeling of natural feeding of the child. This is not only convenient, but also important for the psychological side of the issue, since the brain needs to be deceived so that it sends the right signals to the organ.

Video: how to choose a device

Purpose and benefits

A breast pump is a device with which a woman is able to get breast milk without involving a real child. This need arises for various reasons: insufficient / excessive lactation, mother's going to work, medical indications, and so on. Thus, this aggregate becomes a way to:

  • feeding the baby with its natural food without direct contact with the breast;
  • stimulation/induction of lactation;
  • to avoid cessation of lactation during temporary abstinence from breastfeeding;
  • relieve congested breasts and prevent congestion;
  • donations for non-native children.

Now on the market there are a lot of mixtures for age 0+, but all of them are still not absolutely complete in comparison with natural breast milk. Therefore, WHO and UNICEF recommend at least up to 6 months to feed the child exclusively with this product, and not with its substitutes. Often, in principle, a breast pump is not needed; manual pumping is enough.

The author of these lines also used breast pumps for lactation in the first month after birth. But it turned out that not everything is so simple - he attached it, and the milk flowed. Having tested several models, and supplementing all this with 50/50 manual manipulations, in the end I came to the conclusion that they were of little use to me. And then she completely abandoned the devices.

Video: 5 reasons why a breast pump is not suitable

Device types

The more primitive the equipment and the less well-known company that manufactures products, the lower the price and quality, respectively. “The miser pays twice”, as you know, therefore, here there is a risk of making a mistake by picking up an unsuccessful copy. The choice of this particular item is very individual for each woman, it is not a universal remedy. The main thing to understand is that a manual breast pump will require more time and labor than an electronic one, and the price of the first is less than the second. There are also services that rent breast pumps - in this case, there is an opportunity to experience for yourself different types without unnecessary financial losses.

The leading manufacturers of breast pumps today are the Dutch company Avent and the Swiss company Medela. The first is a division of Philips and specializes in various products for newborns, while the second positions its activities in the field of breastfeeding and medical devices. Both firms refer to 30 years of experience, continuous research and continuous improvement of their equipment.

What is good about these companies is a large assortment of both the product itself and spare parts, and various paraphernalia for it, high quality, wide distribution, availability of warranty service. The downside is the inflated price, which makes these breast pumps unaffordable for ordinary people to buy.

Video: Medela brand presentation

I really wanted this breast pump. When I was at school for moms, I looked after him. You could even see how it works. It's a level, of course. Speed ​​in milk collection, silent, two-phase pumping and very easy to wash and clean. For me, a working mom, what you need.

Ludmila

https://rozetka.com.ua/medela_swing_030_0042/p2111412/

Video: presentation of the brand Avent

I tried several cheap and not very cheap breast pumps, and even used manual ones (but a lot of time is wasted). Two competing brands really deserve attention: Medela Swing biphasic and Philips AVENT electronic. Unfortunately, I had to buy both. And not only them, in order to understand that it is impossible to save on a breast pump. I can say right away that both work great and perform their function well, which cannot be said about cheaper models. Among the two, I single out Philips, because the manufacturer initially thought out the process of easy assembly and disassembly of the breast pump, as well as ease of washing and sterilization. The manufacturer Medela has not finalized this function, it is very difficult to wash it, especially behind the valve (initially did not attach any importance to this, in connection with which she acquired dysbacteriosis for her child). This part with a valve cannot be sterilized (like the bottles of this manufacturer), which is not positive in use, because pathogenic microflora develops in the milk environment, which will first of all have a bad effect on the baby. Several times I was in a hurry and tore off the valve - I had to buy new ones. After the third appearance of dysbacteriosis in my child (delivered by doctors), I decided to buy a Philips AVENT electronic breast pump. For more than 2 months I have been saving time on washing and decanting this miracle. Quickly disassembled, washed and assembled back. Everything is simple. And I'm not afraid that I'll break something somewhere. By the way, Medela took 40 minutes of pumping, and AVENT 20 minutes, which is also important.

Catherine

https://rozetka.com.ua/philips_avent_scf332_01/p1203540/

A well-known Italian company that appears on the children's goods market and produces breast pumps, Chicco is more affordable, but slightly lower in quality, and the product range is limited to basic models.

Video: Chicco Manual Breast Pump

I bought this breast pump with caution, as there are very few reviews on the Internet about it. But still I relied on the brand and took it. Before that, I used Philips Avent (it was lent to me by a GV consultant), Сhicco is no worse - about the same level. Better than Avent is only the softness of the work - it does not cause discomfort at all and does not press on the chest. Quite easy to wash. Included convenient stand, milk storage lid and good anatomical nipple with low flow. The kid ate from it with pleasure.

Elena

https://rozetka.com.ua/chicco_natural_feeling_05740_00/p3646467/

After these giants, the less famous companies Nuk, Canpol and many others are presented on the market - they are not so popular because they are not very convenient. Among domestic manufacturers you will find Kurnosiki, Mir Detstva, which so far only produce mechanical versions.
expertcen.ru conducted research and determined the top 10 best breast pumps

Based on these characteristics and the needs/capabilities of your family, you can choose what is right for you and your child.

How to properly express breast milk with a breast pump

Before use, the breast pump should be sterilized (boil directly in water, pour boiling water over non-electric parts or use a special sterilizer), and mom should wash her hands with soap and water. Assemble all the parts into a single whole according to the instructions, checking whether everything is securely fixed. If you have an electrical appliance, be sure to plug it in or make sure the batteries are not dead. Next, you need to take a comfortable position and emotionally tune in to the procedure. A woman should not be tense or depressed - all this affects the insufficient production of milk.
It is important to keep the breast pump bottle in the correct position so as not to damage the device

Video: learning to use correctly

When the flow of milk is over or you have gained required amount according to the intake and age of your child, remove the bottle. Close it either with a lid or screw on the nipple included in the set. The expressed milk can be used to feed the baby immediately or left to be stored. At 20 degrees Celsius, it can remain usable for up to 6 hours. In the refrigerator or freezer shelf life is 6 months or more.

Help with lactation

Yes, it is definitely a good helper. But they need to be used competently, and not decant for any reason and unreasonably. If only a woman who has given birth does not have enough milk at first, then between applying the baby to the breast (every 3 hours), you should resort to massages and decanting with a manual or breast pump. If there is an excess of milk, then it is not worth decanting, except when a woman experiences pain due to the accumulated fluid. But it is important not to overdo it, because the more milk you express, the more it will be produced, and then the mother will fall into a vicious circle.

I had a caesarean section and took antibiotics for the first 3 days, and therefore I could not breastfeed the child, although the doctor predicted milk rivers for me due to the condition of my breasts. I had to use mixtures so that my daughter would not be hungry. And when I was allowed the first attachment to the breast, it turned out that there was no milk, the moment was lost. Thus, for some time the child sucked on an empty breast, and the rest of the time I established lactation. Sometimes it came out with the help of hands, but it was very tiring. Then saved the breast pump. A month and a half later, the GV was fully established.

It has been proven that children who grew up on breast milk have much fewer health problems, they have stronger immunity and a stable emotional state. Perhaps there is no stronger connection in the world than a mother and her newborn baby.

Despite such a rosy statement about the benefits of breast milk, there is a common opinion regarding the feeding process itself. For many women, it is given with great difficulty, because it is not so easy.

It is also necessary to take care of your own breasts, to worry about the normal production of milk. This helps a lot various means. One of the most popular is the breast pump. There is a lot of controversy about this device regarding its need.

There is simply no single opinion regarding pumping. Experts interpret this issue in different ways. Someone believes that this must be done, while someone, on the contrary, is sure of a waste of time. Not only that, you also add unnecessary problems to yourself.

Summarizing all the pros and cons, we can only say one thing. It is worth approaching the issue on an individual basis. It has been proven that thanks to pumping.

However, if the child already eats all the milk that is in the female body, while he is recovering and does not experience weight loss or health problems, then such a mother does not need to express.

The main criteria by which you can trace the need for pumping:

  1. Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.
    Mom, pumping, can safely leave home, go about her business. The baby will only be offered a bottle with a nipple at the right time, from which the desired breast milk will flow.
  2. Periodically it is necessary to probe the chest.
    In the event that dense and hard lumps have formed, it is necessary. This will be the prevention of lactostasis. At the same time, keep an eye on the presence of seals. It is much easier and better to break them at an early stage. Lactostasis itself can result in fever and the complete absence of breast milk.
  3. Not always the body can produce the right amount of breast milk.
    In this case, the breast pump will become a kind of stimulant drug that will help in the right amount produce liquid.

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The use of the hand-held device Avent

Using a simple pumping instruction, development can be excluded.

  1. Be sure to boil all its parts before using the device.
    To do this, carefully disassemble into several parts and place in a saucepan with hot water. Boil for a few minutes and turn off the heat.
  2. Wash your hands with soap and water before using your manual breast pump.
    At the same time, the same cannot be done with the chest. Soap has a negative effect on the nipples, contributing to the appearance of cracks.
  3. Gently take the nipple in your hand and place it in the center of the device.
    At the same time, everything must be done very carefully so that there are no injuries and health problems. Try not to pinch your nipple. You can't rush to work with a manual breast pump.
  4. Push the plunger or use some other kind of mechanical device.
    At the same time, lightly massage the chest with the other hand. You can't pressure her. Gentle massage required.
  5. There is no need to pump to an empty chest.
    Once you feel relieved, you can stop this work. The stuffed chest already begins to flow with the slightest movement, so you do not have to push the piston too hard.
  6. After you have expressed milk, you need to rinse the entire device.
    To do this, take it apart and rinse well using special products.

Not all milk can be drunk immediately by a child. You don't have to worry about this. Place the remaining liquid in a container. By the way, breast fluid can be frozen. At the same time, it is stored in the freezer for up to six months.

Using the breast pump with an electrical device

Be sure to carefully read the instructions before you start working with the device.

The special silicone nozzle on the breast pump should be thoroughly washed and disinfected. This can be done with ordinary boiled water. In fact, minimal difficulties in working with the device cannot even arise, since this tool is as convenient, accessible and understandable as possible.

Advantages mechanical way explicit:

  1. Comfortable silicone nozzle promotes more milk production.
  2. Mom does not have fatigue, because a bottle can fill up in a matter of minutes, and at this time a woman will have to press only one button, while continuing to rest.
  3. Initially set special pressure and the rate of pumping - subsequently, the device will remember the entire range of actions and will repeat them every time.
  4. Philips AVENT manual breast pump assembly

    To make the pumping process as quick and simple as possible, a young mother should bend forward slightly. What will allow where faster milk flow through channels.

    As a rule, on average, each breast is pumped to complete emptying for 15 minutes, but this should only be done in case of poor milk production.

    If a woman needs to stimulate breastfeeding and increase the available fluid several times, then she must express herself as much as possible. At the same time, both breasts are pumped at once.

    If there are difficulties with the process itself, then you need to think about what you are doing wrong. By the way, in this case, you can outwit the body a little. The pumping process is aided by the production of oxytocin in the body. It can be artificially supported by taking a warm bath or drinking hot tea with milk.

    Outcome

    Do not despair in any case if the first time you did not succeed. Each organism is individual, perhaps you have not guessed the features for yourself. Often you just need to sit comfortably or look at the child.

    At this time, prolactin is produced, which, in turn, affects the quality and quantity of breast milk.

breast pump is a device that allows you to mechanize the manual pumping of breast milk. There are manual, electric and electronic. More about the device, the principle of operation, types and choice.

The best food for a newborn is breast milk. But in life there are situations when it is not possible to breastfeed a baby. Our grandmothers expressed milk by hand - it was long, tiring and ineffective.

Modern women have vacuum breast pumps. What it is? What are they, and how to choose them? How to choose and use this fashionable device? Isn't it better to express milk with your hands instead of a breast pump? Questions are not idle. After all, the health and well-being of the baby and the young mother depend on the answers to them.

The principle of operation of the device is simple: the funnel is applied to the breast so that the nipple is in the center. When you press the pump, lever or button, the device starts to work. A vacuum or vacuum is created in the areola area, which contributes to the release of milk. The liquid enters a special container.

There are different ways to create this effect. Depending on the principle of operation, the following types of breast pumps are distinguished.

Do I need a breast pump when breastfeeding: how to use

Is a breast pump necessary when breastfeeding? Girls are looking for answers on the forums, learn from experienced mothers. As a result, doubts only increase. Some write that there is no benefit from a breast pump. Others argue that the device is indispensable and advise how to choose it. If we analyze all the pros and cons, then this is what a breast pump is for in the life of a woman who has just given birth:

  • If the mother is going to leave the child for a long time with relatives or a nanny, then a vacuum breast pump will come in handy. The reason is going to work, a business trip, a visit to a clinic or a trip to a beauty salon. The baby will be full, and the woman will be able to control the flow of milk, taking the device with her.
  • A mechanical breast pump is used to stimulate lactation when there is a lack of milk. It's simple: the more the baby suckles, the more milk is produced. The device is also used to induce lactation in women with foster children.
  • An apparatus is needed for engorgement of the mammary glands, when they hurt and overflow. Many use it immediately after childbirth, when the baby can not cope with the first hot flashes.
  • A breast pump in the maternity hospital will come in handy, but do not rush to buy. When the device is needed, the doctor will tell. After the establishment of lactation, most women stop using it.
  • The breast pump helps with lactostasis, and hyperlactation. Use it in this case only on the recommendation of a doctor.
    If the baby cannot breastfeed for health reasons, he is fed with expressed milk.
  • It is worth buying this useful device in case of illness of the mother. This is due to the woman taking medications that are contraindicated in children. Thus, the mother will be able to maintain lactation and, having recovered, will continue breastfeeding.

It is difficult to predict whether you will need a breast pump. Experienced mothers are advised to choose it in advance, and purchase it as needed.

Mechanical breast pump: the simplest models

A mechanical breast pump is powered by hands, sometimes legs. It costs cheap. The process of pumping is laborious, therefore manual version not suitable for permanent use, but useful in emergencies. There are two types of manual breast pumps.

Pump-action breast pump (regular - with a pear)

This is the simplest kind. A vacuum is created when the pump is pressed. The process is laborious, the hand gets tired, milk is expressed for a long time. It is the cheapest and least effective. With improper and frequent use, milk stagnation and breast injury are possible. The compact dimensions allow you to take the device on the road.

According to numerous reviews, one of the most convenient manual breast pumps with a pear is Chicco - it is ideal for occasional pumping. Suitable for mothers who do not suffer from a lack of milk.

An ordinary manual breast pump "World of Childhood" can be attached to any bottle, but its components cannot be sterilized.

Piston breast pump (syringe or vacuum)

It works like a syringe. When the inner piston is pulled out, the pressure necessary for the milk to come out is created. For greater effectiveness, it is recommended to pre-massage.

One of the best is the Philips AVENT Piston Breast Pump. The set includes various accessories. Pleasant to the touch silicone anatomical nozzle is shaped like a baby's mouth. Using such a simple breast pump is convenient not only at home, but also on the road.

The Tommee Tippee Closer to nature is designed with just three elements and is easy to assemble. The soft wide nozzle is suitable for a breast of any size. Included is a plastic container in which parts of the device are sterilized. Tommee is convenient to take on the road.

A manual breast pump has several advantages:

  • ease of operation;
  • no noise;
  • low price;
  • the device easily fits into a purse, which is convenient for frequent movements with the baby.

Among the disadvantages of simple manual breast pumps, low efficiency and pumping speed are noted. Some women never manage to master this simple apparatus. When used incorrectly or for a long time, for example, a breast pump with a pear and chest pain.

Automatic breast pump: types, pros and cons

An alternative to a manual breast pump is an electric breast pump. The vacuum for the flow of milk is created using a motor that can be attached to the funnel itself or be separate from it. In the latter case, the vacuum passes through special tubes.

The work is divided into two stages: stimulation and pumping. The biphasic breast pump was developed based on observations of infants. It is noticed that the child first stimulates the breast with gentle sucking movements, and then slowly and strongly begins to suck it. The device works on the same principle.

The electronic breast pump operates from a network or a battery. There are two groups.

Electric breast pump with analogue control

An electronic breast pump with analog control is easier to operate. It works in the same rhythm and has adjustments for the strength of the vacuum created.
The two-phase breast pump from Medela has proven itself well.

The motor is located near the funnel. Modern design, convenience, interesting equipment. It is both electrical and mechanical at the same time. Can be hung around the neck, fastened to a pocket or fixed to a table. Suitable for frequent use.

AVENT products are popular with women. The device starts working when you press the button, there are three pumping modes. The package includes a pacifier.

In the breast pumps of the German company Nuk, the electric motor is also located next to the funnel.

As a result, they are compact and mobile. The rhythm of work is changed using the wheel, which in some cases is not very convenient. The low price attracts many women. Especially since Nuk copes with its task perfectly well.

Digital breast pump

The digitally controlled two-phase breast pump adjusts to the rhythm of a woman's milk flow. He remembers and then reproduces it. On the display, you can observe the parameters of the device. The backlight allows you to do this in the dark.

Model for two breasts

Medela has developed a breast pump to express milk from both breasts at the same time.

This whole system. The process is under constant control of the device, and pumping is done in a matter of minutes. Suitable for mothers of twins. The gift comes with a cooler bag for storing milk.

Disadvantages of automatic models

There are also disadvantages of electric breast pumps:

  • The presence of a hum from the engine can interfere with the sleep of the child (some are silent).
  • Due to the electronic mechanism, even a conventional breast pump cannot be 100% sterilized.
  • The device is linked to electrical supply which is not always convenient.
  • Its high price deters many consumers.

Is a breast pump safe for a breastfeeding mother?

There is no harm! In our country, the path to civilization very often lies through "what people say." When three grandmothers are sitting near the entrance: “Imagine, she’s even too lazy to express her hands! Her husband bought her this infernal machine that smacks her electrically. She's a natural stepmother."

Today, the whole world is struggling to ensure that motherhood is happiness, pleasure. The breast pump facilitates the process of extracting milk, makes life easier. Mom has more time for herself, for her husband, for rest, sleep.

A modern high-quality breast pump is a wonderful invention of civilization that cannot be neglected.

Choosing a breast pump

How to choose the right breast pump? WITH the best option a gynecologist and a pediatrician, as well as a sales assistant will help. Answer these questions:

  • How often do you plan to use the breast pump? Manual is suitable for occasional pumping. Electronic is useful for everyday procedures. Simple pear - for stimulation in the first days after childbirth. The main thing is to understand why you need a breast pump.
  • What is the design? So, a breast pump for small breasts should be equipped with special nozzles. It is better to choose petal attachments that adapt to the shape of the breast. As a result, pumping becomes easy, painless.
  • Is the material from which the device is made safe? It can be silicone, latex, plastic. For hygienic purposes, the device will have to be sterilized. So, plastic cannot always be subjected to heat treatment, and parts from it break easily. safe material for children's products is polypropylene. The body of the device is made from it, and the nozzles are made of plastic silicone.

What is included in the package? Bottle holders, nipples, breast pads make life easier for mom. Breast pump for big breast includes multiple overlays. It is enough for a woman to choose the most convenient for herself.

You can buy a nozzle for devices from such companies as Avent, Medela, Chiko. Massagers and additional nozzles increase efficiency. A bag for the device, containers, bottles, a cooler bag will be appreciated by mothers who lead an active lifestyle. In some cases, freezer bags are useful.

Two-phase is more efficient than other models. Its advantages are obvious: mother does not need to make any efforts, it is enough to relax and start the process; Suitable for expressing large amounts of milk and everyday use.

Which is better: breast pump or manual pumping? Nobody will answer this question. Everything is individual, you need to try. Assess your financial capabilities. Analyze different types. Think about why you personally need a breast pump. Check out the offers of the main manufacturers: Philips AVENT, Medela, Dr. Brown's, Chicco, Ameda, Grovet, Lansinoh, Nuby. Read testimonials from experienced moms. Breastfeeding can be established even in difficult life circumstances. May motherhood bring you only joy!

Video on the topic "How to choose a breast pump":

  • this should be done in a room alone so that no one interferes. The room must be warm.

    Think about your baby. So milk will leave faster;

  • if the breast is dense to the touch, it is better to massage yourself before the pumping procedure;
  • it is necessary to express every 3 hours during the day and try at least once at night;
  • it happens that milk leaves badly from one breast, so switch to the second breast, and then to the first. And you will see that the milk has become better to depart;
  • for cracks it is worth using vegetable oil or lubricate the nipples with Dexpanthenol cream.

  • electronic;
  • manual: piston, pump, pear, syringe.

On modern market There are many electronic breast pumps available.

The most common is the Avent breast pump. For the price, this product is quite expensive - about 3000 rubles. Also, the kit may include special containers for storing milk.

They are the best to start with.

  1. Piston breast pump. Easy to use. There is a special piston, thanks to which milk is expressed. The disadvantage is that mom's hand gets tired quickly.
  2. Pump breast pump. Has accessories - pump, nozzle, bottle. Its big drawback is the lack of the possibility of sterilization.
  3. Pear. A special rubber bulb and nozzle make it easy to use. Can be sterilized.
  4. Syringe, or vacuum, breast pump. By structure, these are two cylinders located one inside the other. One cylinder is superimposed on the breast, and the second is made in translational movements, due to which a vacuum is created and milk begins to flow from the breast.

How to express breast milk with a manual breast pump?

  1. It is best to start pumping with a manual breast pump. So you will feel the strength and pressure that is comfortable for you.
  2. Before using a manual breast pump, boil for a couple of minutes.
  3. Wash your hands with soap. It is not necessary to wash the breasts with soap, as soap dries the skin and increases the likelihood of a cracked nipple.
  4. The nipple should be placed in the middle of the breast pump nozzle. Lock your chest with your right hand.

    The nipple should not be pinched, there should not be a sharp pain.

  5. If the pump has a piston, gently push it down. At first, droplets will appear, gradually the milk will begin to flow out in trickles.

    Do not press on the chest, bruises may remain. With gentle movements, you can massage the mammary gland to facilitate the discharge of milk. It is also helpful to take a warm shower before pumping. The pear breast pump works on the same principle, only there is a rubber pear instead of a piston.

  6. Pumping with a breast pump should be carried out until you feel relief in your chest. Complete emptying is not worth doing, and you won’t be able to, anyway, some milk will remain in the chest. In general, with mechanical pumping, one procedure takes about 10 minutes.

    During one pumping procedure, two breasts should be emptied at once in turn.

  7. After this manipulation, the breast pump must be disassembled and washed with soap and water under running water. Then dry on a towel without wiping. You don't need to boil.

Breast milk can be stored in the freezer in special containers for up to six months.

How to use a breast pump with such a mechanism? To get started, read the instructions.

As already mentioned, the most convenient A modern breast pump from Avent.

Pros:

  • does not contribute to the mother's fatigue, gently treats the nipple;
  • memory. Remembers pressure and pumping mode;
  • ease of use, sterilization;
  • there are modes in which first there is a quick decantation, then a slow and deeper one.

This breast pump is either powered by an outlet or a battery.

Don't worry if you don't succeed right away. It takes some getting used to.

Anastasia, 28 years old:“After the birth of my daughter, I had to resort to pumping. I used a manual breast pump. At first it was painful and unpleasant, but after a few days I got used to it. Nothing wrong with that".

Why skimp at all?

In normal lactation, the child should consume breast milk as much as he needs. And at the same time, you don’t need to express yourself. But if you feel that your breasts are tight or sore, then there is a slight stagnation of milk. Then it is necessary to express in small portions until relief.

Also, the pumping procedure should be carried out when separated from the baby, the mother’s illness, taking medicines contraindicated in lactation.

Your pediatrician or lactation specialist can also help you choose the right breast pump. Of course, a manual breast pump is not so easy to use, but it is better to start pumping with it.

On the market for products for newborns, you can find a variety of devices that make it easier for a woman to pump. Manual breast pumps with a pear are very popular. This device is suitable for both a woman who is trying to establish a lactation process, and a mother who does not always have the opportunity to attach a baby to her breast, and she does not want to stop breastfeeding. Many women wonder how to properly use a manual pear breast pump so that the pumping procedure is quick and painless.

Design

Manual breast pump with pear is one of the most simple fixtures for expressing breast milk. It consists of several parts.

  • Breast attachment.
  • Valve. Located inside the breast pump, it helps to control the pressure that is created during pumping.
  • Pear. When a woman expresses breast milk, she must squeeze the bulb, thus creating a vacuum. Thanks to this, milk will be released from the mammary glands and flow into the pumping container.
  • Container for expressing milk (may be missing).

Women often resort to manual breast pumps with a pear, as they are characterized by a number of advantages:

  • they are simple in design and quickly assembled;
  • they are easy to use without special knowledge and skills;
  • no power supply required to start working with them;
  • they don't make noise (as happens with electric models) - this is very important when the mother carries out the process of pumping, being next to the child;
  • all parts can be easily washed and sterilized;
  • You can choose the pace and rhythm of pumping that is comfortable for you.

Preparatory stage

Getting to the stage of expressing milk with a manual breast pump with a pear, it is very important to prepare everything in advance so that the process goes quickly, and, most importantly, painlessly.

  • Before expressing milk, read the instructions in detail, which must necessarily come with the breast pump. Often, such instructions describe in detail and in pictures how to properly use one or another variation of this device.
  • All components must be washed, it is better not to use ordinary detergents in this case, since they contain aggressive chemicals that can enter a fragile children's body and cause harm to it. It is recommended to apply baby soap or baby detergent for washing the elements of the breast pump.
  • It is also recommended to sterilize the parts. The sterilization procedure must be carried out without fail if it is planned to give expressed milk to the baby. You can sterilize the device both in a steam bath and using special devices- sterilizers.

After sterilization, you do not need to wipe the parts of the breast pump, leave them for a few minutes to dry naturally.

  • You also need to prepare a container into which milk will be expressed (often it comes with a pear breast pump) and is a bottle. If you put a nipple on this bottle, then it can be used to feed your baby.
  • Pay attention to the material from which the container is made, it is very important that there is no harmful component of bisphenol. You can also use glass bottles.
  • A woman needs to thoroughly wash her hands with soap and rinse her chest to get rid of sweat and dirt. Ideally, it's better to use warm water, it stimulates the flow of milk to the mammary glands.
  • It is necessary to carry out a light massage of the breast. To do this, you need to slowly pull the nipple and press the areola with your fingers. Such actions stimulate the production of the hormone oxytocin, which is responsible for the production of breast milk.

Many breastfeeding experts recommend drinking a cup of warm tea 30 minutes before pumping. This drink also activates the flow of milk and will help facilitate the process of pumping.

Expression procedure

When preparatory stage completed, you can proceed directly to the pumping process using a pear breast pump. The procedure is quite simple, but at first you will need to adapt to it, over time everything will become much easier.

  • A woman needs to get comfortable, taking a comfortable position. For example, sit on a chair with a back or a sofa. For convenience, a pillow can be placed under the back. It is necessary to install a manual breast pump with a pear so that the nipple is located exactly in the middle of the funnel. The edges of the funnel should fit snugly against the chest.
  • Attaching the bulb hand pump incorrectly can cause discomfort to the mother. In addition, an incorrectly attached device can leave some of the milk in the mammary glands, thus provoking stagnation.
  • Next, you need to rhythmically squeeze the pear, starting the pumping process. You don't have to press hard on the pump. The applied force can be increased when the pumping process comes to an end.

Be prepared for the fact that at first the milk will stand out quite a bit, in the form of droplets, but gradually the “pressure” will increase, forming a stream, and the pumping procedure will go much easier.

  • In the process of expressing, you can make a short pause, during which you can also massage your breasts additionally. The breast pump does not need to be removed at this time. When a woman has expressed milk from one breast, it is necessary to proceed this process with a second breast.
  • The whole pumping procedure is quite fast, on average it will take no more than 15 minutes.
  • Please note that if 5 minutes have passed since the start of pumping, and milk has not appeared, you must stop this procedure.
  • When the pumping process has come to an end, and the milk has been completely removed from the mammary glands, it is necessary to carefully disconnect the pear breast pump, close the milk container with a lid and put it in the refrigerator. The chest should be wiped with a damp towel, and all parts of this device should be thoroughly washed and dried.
  • When putting breast milk in the refrigerator, remember that it can be stored there for no more than 2 days. It is better not to leave it on the refrigerator door, but to place the container in the middle on the shelf. Milk can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • During pumping, a woman should not experience pain. If they appear, you need to take a break and give the mammary gland a little rest. At this time, you can start pumping from the second breast. Causes of pain can also be an error in the assembly of the device. If the device was assembled and attached correctly, and the pain during pumping persisted, you should consult a doctor for advice.

See the following video for an overview of the Chicco breast pump.