Choosing The Best Breast Pump

I didn’t get a breastpump when my first was born. I actually only got one after my fifth. In hindsight, I should have had one from the start. For one thing, engorgement can be painful for new moms and frustrating for the new baby. Engorged nipples are hard to latch onto and if the engorgement cannot be properly relieved, mastitis can even set in. Not only that, but many mothers struggle with an oversupply for the first few months. I did, and I certainly could have avoided a lot of frustration the first 4 times if I had a breastpump to take care of the fullness when Baby was already full and couldn’t take any more.

Not only that, but breastpumps are sometimes the only thing standing between a failed nursing relationship and a happy nursing couple. So, in my opinion, it is a form of insurance.

There are many things to consider when looking for a breastpump. How often are you planning to pump? Will you want to pump both sides at the same time? What is your budget like? Can you afford a double electric pump?

When I was looking for a pump, I ruled out a hand pump almost immediately, because there was no way I wanted to get a cramp in my hand. It takes persistence and strength to fully empty breasts with a hand pump, and it just wasn’t an option for me. I also narrowed down my search to a Medella brand pump because of the type of plastic they use, which is free of bisphenol-A.

Bisphenol-A is a hormone disruptor. Studies have linked low-dose BPA exposure with such effects as: permanent changes to genital tract; increase prostate weight; decline in testosterone; breast cells predisposed to cancer; prostate cells more sensitive to hormones and cancer; and hyperactivity.