7 Things about Breast Pumps that You didn't Know

Breastfeeding is the best choice for you and your baby. You are able to provide your child with the most health benefits when you make the choice to breastfeed. Not only that, you are doing yourself a favor by getting rid of that extra baby fat with breastfeeding. Other benefits include a stronger immune system for your child, giving him or her the life long ability to be able to fight off infections and resist sicknesses much better, and you are also strengthening your bond in a way that nothing else can compare. Your benefits are practically endless as well. They range developing the ability to fight cancers better to having a better resistance to sicknesses as you get older. With all of this talk about breastfeeding, one of the last things that a mom considers is the use of a breast pump.

Breast pumps work great for moms because they sometimes cannot always be present with their child when they need milk. Some mothers have to return to work right away after their children are born, making the use of a breast pump a perfect choice for still being able to benefit the mother and child. With a breast pump, your child's feedings do not have to stop. You can continue to breastfeed your child regularly. There are several things you need to know about them, and every mom should own at least one.

1. They come in manual, electric, or battery operated. Most moms state that they would rather use the manual kind of breast pump over the electric or battery operated because of the natural feeling that it provides. It has been often believed that manual breast pumps are more comfortable.

2. With a manual pump, you can only pump one breast at a time. With an electric pump, you have the option of purchasing one with two pumps to pump milk out of each breast at the same time.

3. Manual pumps are much more affordable. You do not have to worry about paying too much when you purchase a manual pump, and some hospitals will even give them away once the mother's child is born.

4. Since electric pumps tend to get pricey, you have the choice of renting them. Some moms really do like the electric pumps because of the double breast option, although price is a big reason why more moms are not purchasing them.

5. Manual pumps are not made only for the hands to pump. They also make manual breast pumps that can be used by pumping with the leg muscles. This can be wonderful for women with carpal tunnel syndrome.

6. Breast pumps can become a possible breeding ground for viruses such as HIV, AIDS, and CMV if shared by others and not properly cleaned and sterilized. Special attention to cross-contamination is needed when using a breast pump that is from someone else.

7. Electric and battery operated pumps will pump your breast milk for you. This will help to reduce muscle fatigue that is frequently associated with the use of manual breast pumps.

The most important part is that you make the decision to get a breast pump for you and your child. You will be glad that you did. There are going to be nights when you just do not feel like getting up and breastfeeding your child. A breast pump can take some of the stress away by being able to pump your milk out in advance, save it inside of a bottle, and store it away for later use. Or if you are a mom who just does not like to breastfeed, but still wants your child to have all of the benefits, then a breast pump can also help with that. What counts the most is that you choose the right one for you, and know the facts about them.