Today, virtually no one doubts the importance of breastfeeding. In order to maintain lactation and continue breastfeeding, even after going to work, special pumping devices, breast pumps, have been created. Consider the features of the devices, their advantages and disadvantages, terms of use, reviews, and also find out which breast pump is better - manual or electric.
In what cases can not do without a breast pump?
Now almost every expectant mother, heading to the maternity hospital, takes a breast pump with her. It is known that a lactational crisis, when the amount of milk decreases sharply at some point, can occur at any time. And first of all it will affect the baby. With such a situation, a decantation device will help to cope.
The main functions of breast pumps:
- stimulation of the mammary glands to reduce the risk of milk loss (to say in this case, which breast pump is better - manual or electric, according to reviews and photos it is impossible to unambiguously, since each nursing mother chooses what is convenient primarily for her);
- prevention of stagnant processes (the baby may feel bad on some day, and then the feeding regimen in a certain amount is violated);
- decanting painful places during stagnation (this can be with pathologies such as mastitis and lactostasis);
- for the supply of milk for the future (with a long journey, prolonged absence of a mother or taking medications when it is impossible to feed a baby).
But you should not constantly engage in pumping milk, as this increases the risk of developing mastitis.
Features of various types of breast pumps
Which breast pump is better - manual or electric? There are a lot of reviews on this issue, but in order to make a final decision, you should familiarize yourself with the design features of devices of various types. In terms of comfort and ease of pumping, the devices are the same.
In the reviews, it is noted that automatic (electrical appliances) allow you to adjust the speed, as well as the volume of milk. There are breast pumps in which the funnel first massages the mammary gland for the influx of milk, which, in turn, stimulates the production of more of it.
Among the advantages of electric models are noted:
- prevention of mastopathy;
- comfort and usability;
- the presence of several modes and rates of decantation;
- convenient equipment.
Manual or mechanical devices are activated by pressing a button. The volume of milk in this case depends on how much and how long the pressing will take place. But the biggest plus of manual breast pumps is that they are inexpensive compared to electric devices.
Criteria for choosing a breast pump
Still not sure which breast pump is better - manual or electric (pictured)? Then we suggest paying attention to important selection criteria.
What to look for when choosing a breast pump?
- If there are no problems with feeding, and the device is purchased "just in case", then it is better to give preference to the manual version.
- Do you travel a lot or spend time traveling with your baby in your arms? Your choice is a manual breast pump, because to use the electric option, there may simply not be a power outlet at hand.
- Have problems with the amount of milk? Then the electric version is useful (with it the process of decantation is of high quality and less time).
- If you opt for an electric breast pump, then choose a device with several pumping speeds.
- A bottle should go in the kit (a standard container is not always suitable for a particular device).
Which breast pump is better: manual or electric?
Mechanical and automatic devices have their advantages and disadvantages. Manual options with a pump or pear are inexpensive, but ineffective, as noted in the reviews. Piston or syringe in this case is better, but they are the most expensive among the mechanical options.
Advantages of manual breast pumps:
- No need batteries, rechargeable battery or socket for work;
- the device is easy to wash and sterilize;
- works without noise;
- the intensity of the work depends on the effort that is applied.
The last plus is also a minus, because constantly have to exert physical effort. Do not know which breast pump is better - manual or electric for twins, give preference to automation. In time, decantation occurs for a long time on a handheld device, and also with effort.
Electric options express milk much faster. They are suitable for heavy use, active or working mom. Among the minuses can be noted the high cost, certain noise during operation, as well as the inability to rinse and sterilize the device well.
Which breast pump is better to buy?
The most popular brand on the Russian market is Philips AVENT. Here is the widest range of devices, from manual to automatic. It is impossible to say unequivocally which Philips AVENT breast pump is better - manual or electric. Products are of high quality as well as affordable price. All devices come with nipples and a bottle for storing milk.
Also worth noting are the products of the Swiss brand Medela. In quality, it is not inferior to Avent, but the price of similar products is lower. The assortment of the company is also wide. The pluses include the fact that spare parts or additional accessories are easy to replace if necessary.
There are also not such well-known brands on the Russian market that are of high quality and worthy reputation. These include the products of Pigeon, Maman, Canpol Babies, Ardo. They need to be paid attention to those who want to choose a good and high-quality product, but are not ready to overpay for the brand.
There are also domestic manufacturers of Kurnosiki and World of Childhood breast pumps, but so far they produce only manual versions that are inferior in quality to their foreign counterparts, but that win in price.
The best manual breast pumps
After examining the reviews of which breast pump is better - manual or electric, you can make a list of devices of various types by popularity.
The best manual devices for expressing milk:
- AVENT Philips manual 330/20 (3 thousand rubles).
It is characterized by maximum comfort and convenience, does not deliver pain. Cleaning and disassembling the kit, which includes a 125 ml bottle, replaceable lids and spare parts, is easy and simple.
- Pigeon two-phase 16733 (3 thousand rubles).
This is a Japanese-made two-phase manual breast pump. It is easy to care for and use, all the details are of high quality, plus an anti-collic pacifier in the kit.
- Canpol Babies Basic (1.4 thousand rubles).
Inexpensive option with a cover for storage and transportation. It provides high-quality pumping, weighs a little and is affordable.
- Medela Harmony (1.7 thousand rubles).
It features Swiss high quality, an unusual design and a convenient pumping system.
Best electric breast pumps
In the market of electrical options, there are almost the same companies that were represented in the rating of manual ones. You do not know which Avent breast pump is better - manual or electric, we suggest comparing the characteristics in the rating of automatic devices.
The best automatic decanting devices:
- Medela Swing Maxi (9 thousand rubles).
It allows expressing immediately from two breasts, while not limiting the movement of the mother. It is easily attached to a belt or lace. Powered by mains or batteries, no noise during operation.
- Philips AVENT SCF332 / 01 (8 thousand rubles).
According to reviews, this is the most comfortable device. Thanks to the delicate stimulation mode, the influx of milk increases, it can be expressed both standing and sitting. It is controlled by just one button.
- Medela Mini (4.3 thousand rubles).
The most compact device that provides adjustment of the pumping force, but noise during operation.
- Maman LS-AE1 (3.2 thousand rubles.).
The most budgetary model in the range of automation. There are five modes of operation, it is light in weight, but there is no spare nipple, and standard bottles are not suitable for this model.
Conclusion
It is necessary to study reviews which breast pump is better - manual or electric. This will help to make a choice, but first of all it is necessary to be guided not by the opinion of users (quite diverse) and price, but by how comfortable it is for mom to express milk.