| I was very stubborn when I first started pumping | | | | expel the same amount of milk as an electric |
| breast milk for my newborn. I had received | | | | does. In short, you have to work harder, for a |
| suggestions from various friends and family | | | | longer period of time. |
| members that buying an electric pump was just a | | | | Also, comfort comes into play here. It is |
| waste of money. They said that a manual would | | | | frustrating to be in constant pain while pumping. |
| do just as well, (some said even better), and | | | | Manual pumps, in general, pay much less attention |
| costs a fraction of what an electric would. The | | | | to a woman's comfort while pumping. Most of the |
| problem was, all the people I was getting advice | | | | top electric pumps have gel breast cups or soft |
| from had not pumped themselves for years and | | | | plastic ones. Manual breast cups are hard and |
| were unaware of the major advances and | | | | leave marks on the skin during and after pumping. |
| improvements that have been made by electric | | | | Lastly, manuals have gotten more expensive. |
| pump manufacturers. If I had it to do over again, | | | | They are still less than electrics but in some |
| I would not buy a manual breast pump. | | | | cases, not a whole lot less. Unfortunately, even |
| The main reason is they just don't work nearly as | | | | the more expensive manuals are not worth the |
| well as electrics. Electric breast pumps, good ones | | | | price they cost and will not come close to |
| anyway, simulate the way a baby suckles at the | | | | performing as well, or lasting as long as a quality |
| breast and makes the flow of milk come naturally. | | | | electric pump. If you do buy a manual breast |
| A manual pump relies solely on your hand power | | | | pump, it should be for occasional use only. Every |
| and no natural flow takes place. It is tiring, and | | | | day use should be done with a quality electric |
| takes on average about four times as long to | | | | pump. Also... |