| For breastfeeding mothers, it can be difficult to | | | | different setting on each side. Medela also makes |
| choose the manual or electric breast pump that | | | | an additional breast shield for greater comfort. |
| will suit their needs the best. What are the | | | | * Noise: Compared to a virtually silent manual |
| advantages of an electric breast pump? Is the | | | | pump, the motor of an electric pump can seem |
| price difference worth it? Is it easy to use? Is it | | | | noisy, but the advantage of speed far outweighs |
| easy to clean and sterilise? Can it be used on | | | | this inconvenience. Some electric pumps are |
| batteries or does it need to be plugged in the | | | | quieter than others. If this may be a concern, |
| mains? Let's look at a few factors to take into | | | | your retailer will be able to advise. |
| consideration: | | | | * Portability: Unless you have a hospital-grade |
| * Size: There isn't one size of electric breast | | | | pump, you can use your electric breast pump |
| pump, but a wide range from the ultra-compact | | | | either with batteries (preferably rechargeable) or |
| Meleda mini electric to the Lansinoh Infinity. The | | | | on the mains. This is convenient if you need to |
| first is nearly as small as a manual pump while the | | | | express at work or if you travel with or without |
| second one will require a separate carry case. | | | | your baby. |
| * Speed: An electric pump expresses breast milk | | | | * Ease of use: Having an electric breast pump |
| much faster than a manual pump. This will be | | | | that is easy to use makes life much easier. It |
| essential if you express breast milk regularly; for | | | | needs to be cleaned thoroughly after each use |
| example, at work. | | | | and sterilised once a day (after each use in some |
| * Single/double: A double electric breast pump | | | | cases, so check with your health professional). |
| allows you to express on both sides at the same | | | | * Price: Buying a good-quality electric breast pump |
| time. This is not only saving time, it also stimulates | | | | is a good investment for a breastfeeding mother. |
| lactation, which can help mothers breastfeed | | | | It saves time and aggravation, and saves you |
| longer if they wish to. A double electric pump can | | | | buying a second one because the first one |
| also be used on a single side. | | | | doesn't work properly. It adapts conveniently to |
| * Comfort: An electric breast pump will not | | | | the changing needs of you and your baby. |
| require you to press the handle rhythmically by | | | | Expressing breast milk can feel daunting for a |
| hand, which can cause painful muscle cramps. An | | | | new breastfeeding mother. Choosing a |
| electric pump is just as gentle on the breast as a | | | | good-quality and easy-to-use electric breast pump |
| manual pump. You can adjust the suction speed | | | | makes the experience easier and more |
| to whichever setting feels the most comfortable. | | | | comfortable. |
| The Lansinoh Infinity electric evens allows a | | | | |