Breast pump: what it is and when to use it

We all know the importance of breast milk for the health and development of babies. The breast pump is a great ally to help and facilitate the daily life of mothers in the extraction of this food. Learn how it works, in which cases it is indicated and which are the best products on the market. Check the article!

What is a breast pump?

Obstetrician and gynecologist Dr Karina Tafner (CRM-SP 118066) explains that “the pump is a very useful tool that allows the mother to express and store breast milk. You should use it if you wish and when it makes sense to you. The right moment will depend a lot on each mother. Some start withdrawing soon after birth, others start when they return to professional activities, for example.”

“There are many reasons why a mother withdraws her breast milk, from relieving engorgement to increasing the supply. For mothers who want to feed their babies breast milk but are unable to due to ‘poor latch’ or low supply. Pumping also gives the opportunity to donate your extra milk to mothers who cannot breastfeed but want to give little ones the benefits of breast milk,” she adds.

Top 10 best breast pumps for you to choose yours

We have selected the most used and best rated brands according to the opinion of blogger moms who have tested the products. Check out:

1. Mercur Milk Pump – $

The Mercur pump brings a lot of practicality and comfort to collect breast milk. In addition, it assists in the development of the nipple through suction and can be used in the treatment of mastitis.

“The first time I used it, I broke out in a cold sweat afraid it would hurt, but it didn’t, I just felt the pressure of the vacuum. I pressed the pump a few times and the milk started to come out, it doesn’t take much practice to use the equipment. The milk came out easily, as there was plenty of it.” – Feels that there comes history

2. Manual Pump Lillo Mamy – $

This product is suitable for mothers who cannot feed their babies naturally, but who do not want to breastfeed. It’s easy to use and can also be turned into a bottle for easy baby feeding.

“I don’t think the pump is bad, I have friends who used it (but they didn’t work outside the home) and it turned out great, they had good milk production, a long time and I didn’t have any of that. I strained and strained and a maximum of 30 ml of milk came out.” – Feels that there comes history

3. G-tech Comfort Milk Pump Manual – $$

Developed with high quality materials, this model brings comfort and practicality when expressing milk. It has suction adjustment and silicone massage cover that easily adjusts to the breast.

“I’ve been using it for over 6 months and I recommend it. At first, the silicone gel cover ‘pinch’ a little. But I believe it was because my skin was sensitive.” – Testing baby stuff

4. Compact G-Tech Electric Firecracker – $$$

Ideal for working moms who want to stick to breast milk, the G-Tech pump runs on electricity or batteries (2xAA not included).

“A really cool thing about this pump is that it has a standard thread, so you can put it in any bottle. After the G-Tech firecracker was super-approved, it worked really well for me. I could not breastfeed and I feed my child only with the milk that I express.” – Party mania By Ateliê KeArt’s

5. Pandax breast pump – $$$

This electric firecracker has a modern design with a dual voltage system and USB cable, fully dismantled and simple to transport. It has a silicone petal cover that brings comfort and better accommodation to the skin.

“This is life, people! Take the milk, it’s a beauty, it doesn’t hurt at all, I loved it. I have no idea about other brands, if they express more milk or faster. It was a great, wonderful investment! ” – Tips from Sun

6. Phillips Avent hand pump – $$$$

The Phillips Avent hand pump has a petal-shaped massage pad that gently stimulates milk letdown. In addition, it is easy to sanitize, which facilitates the daily life of moms.

“It doesn’t hurt the breast, it imitates the baby’s suction, it’s fast and its silicone ‘areola’ is massaging. So, she was my companion friend for exactly 1 year, then he started taking other types of milk besides mine and I kept it. It is still in storage because I intend to use it for the next baby.” – Feels that there comes history

7. Multikids Electric Milk Pump – $$$$

Designed with seven suction strengths, soft silicone diaphragm and 210 ml cup that can be frozen and heated without material damage. The Multikids electric pump is suitable for modern mothers who want comfort and convenience.

“She doesn’t hurt, at least not with me. I liked it a lot, I used it to increase my milk production and it was very efficient. Now, I plan to use it when I get back from maternity leave to express the milk and leave it for the baby. I really liked it, I have nothing to complain about!” – Josi mothering

8. NatureBond hand pump – $$$$

This product is recommended by lactation nurses at the Health Presbyterian Hospital in Texas (USA). It is easy to use, lightweight, portable and ideal for carrying as it fits perfectly in many types of bags.

“Bernardo’s first three months were not easy, mainly because of my chest, and what helped me through this phase was this little beauty. It’s really worth it for mothers who have a lot of milk like me and for those who have little milk.” – Joana Chulam

9. Medela Swing Electric Pump – $$$$$

Medela’s breast pump suction is similar to baby’s natural suction, due to its unique 2-phase technology. Another advantage of this product is the possibility of purchasing the funnel that comes with it separately – including other sizes, to better adapt to each mother.

“It’s a very good investment, because if you’re having difficulties, don’t have a pump or don’t know how to express the milk manually, which is a possibility, it will help you maintain breastfeeding for longer. Especially for those who need to go back to work, stimulate and store milk, it’s a great investment!” – Ana Lu Masi

10. Lansinoh Electric Breast Pump – $$$$$

This is a double electric pump and has a closed system that prevents fungi and bacteria, in addition to having 3 extraction styles and 8 adjustable suction levels. The product offers practicality and comfort according to the needs of each mother.

“Very easy to wash, it separates into several pieces and you can wash it without any problem. Get more milk, I didn’t feel pain and I thought it was great. At first, I felt a lot of pressure, I reduced the intensity, I only stayed like that for a couple of days. Afterwards, I always used it at the highest intensity I had and, for me, it is very comfortable.” – Marina Apprentice Mother

Dr Karina explains that it is important to wash your hands well with soap and water, stay relaxed and create a good seal between the breast and the pump before starting to express the milk. In the case of electric pumps, she guides you to control the suction level and increase it when the milk starts to flow.

More information about breast pump

See below some videos of moms who share their experiences and tips on how to use firecrackers to make your routine easier. Watch!

How to express and store breast milk

Preventing breast engorgement (hard milk) is very important to avoid unpleasant symptoms, especially in the first few days of breastfeeding. Learn how to extract milk manually and check out tips on how to store and use it!

How to use the breast pump

In this video, you can see a demonstration of how to use the electric firecracker. The youtuber talks about the importance of breast milk and donating to milk banks. It’s worth watching!

Pumping milk with a syringe

For those who need to express the milk and, at the moment, do not have a pump (either manual or electric), the syringe can be an ally to solve this last minute problem. See how to do it!

The breast pump can help not only to feed your child, but also to stimulate the production of food for donation. Enjoy and find out if the use of the silicone nipple is recommended to assist in breastfeeding!