Nature has a way of protecting and providing for our babies from their first moments of life. Mother's milk endows ideal nourishment for our tiniest treasures, through a delicate balance of protein, fat, and invaluable immunities. As babies bond with their mothers through the nursing experience, they receive antibacterial and antiviral agents, along with a custom-made regimen of nutrition. Breast pumps and baby breast pump accessories allow moms to collect and store their milk, so that babies will always have the best nutrition available to them.
Whether a new mother is returning to work or just wants to ensure an adequate supply of milk, breast pumps can be a lifesaver. Collecting and storing mother's milk means that others (such as dad, friends, family) can share in the precious feeding experience, and that a mother is free to leave the house without her baby. Pumping ensures that baby will have mother's milk even when mother is not there.
Manual Breast Pumps
Manual breast pumps are operated by hand, which lends a feeling of actual control and may feel more natural to some mothers. Manual pumps are less expensive and quieter than the electric models. Additionally, they are smaller and less cumbersome. Some moms may want to pump one side while nursing baby on the other. Manual pumps are less disruptive during nursing because they are small and quiet.
However, manual pumps are significantly slower than electric pumps. They can also be physically tiring, as you are the one doing the actual work (controlling the pump action). If you are not pumping effectively, you may get less milk, which could lead to decreased milk production.
Electric Breast Pumps
Electric pumps are faster and can be more efficient. Although they make more noise, both breasts can be pumped simultaneously. Pumping time is cut in half and quite often more milk is obtained. There are some specialty models that are smaller and much quieter than most electric pumps. Electric pumps can be especially helpful for parents of twins or multiples.
The top of the line electric pumps will cost more money, but they can actually be as powerful as the hospital-grade pumps. Additionally, they will probably come with the following breast pump accessories:
Carrying case
Ointment
Bottles
Clips
Bags
Battery packs
Car adaptors
Baby breast pump accessories help mothers with efficiency and comfort. Following is a list of the more popular nursing accessories:
Storage Bags: for storing and freezing pumped milk
Pumping Band: actually wraps around the chest and holds the collection bottle in place so that mom's hands are free to pump
Breast Shields: stimulate breasts and help to increase milk flow during pumping
Soft Shields: for inverted or sore nipples
Lanolin: recommended for soothing and healing sore nipples
Microwave Bags: used for cleaning pump parts through a microwave steaming process
Bra Pads: act as a shield to prevent milk spots
Anti-Bacterial Cleaning Products
Germicidal Spray
Silicone Barrier Hygiene Kits: hooks up to pumping kit to protect milk purity
Cooler Carrier: for preservation of milk during travels
Vehicle Lighter Adaptor: for on the go pumping
If you have decided to pump milk, try to introduce your baby to the bottle early. Generally, by 3 or 4 weeks, babies and moms have become comfortable with breastfeeding. This is a good time to introduce the bottle (with the pumped milk) so that baby doesn't reject it later on.
Most mothers find that once they get used to a pumping system, it is a comfortable and convenient way to provide ongoing and perfectly balanced nutrition for their babies. Baby breast pump accessories add to the ease and convenience of supplying baby with richly nutritious meals throughout those precious early months of growth.
