Whether to return to work, overcome breastfeeding difficulties, or even simply to take a moment for yourself, a electric breast pump can become a valuable ally for any breastfeeding mother. There are a multitude of models on the market but there are two different types of electric breast pumps: wired and the portable. It is essential to choose a breast pump model that will perfectly meet your needs, so before investing, here is everything you need to know.
Hospital electric breast pump 🔌
Hospital electric breast pumps are devices wired. These are powerful breast pumps, particularly effective for double pumping (both breasts simultaneously).
When to use a hospital electric breast pump?
This type of device is very suitable for mothers wishing establish their lactation, such as mothers separated from their baby, with a premature baby…
The hospital breast pump is intended for intensive and prolonged use because its performance far exceeds the needs of a mother who would like to express milk occasionally.
How the wired electric breast pump works
Electric breast pumps work by reproducing the baby's sucking movement when breastfeeding. Their mechanism allows effective nipple stimulation to extract the breast milk and maintain adequate milk supply when the baby is not breastfeeding. Most hospital breast pumps operate on sector.
Maintenance and cleaning
Regular maintenance of the hospital electric breast pump is crucial to ensure its proper functioning and the safety of the expressed milk. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and the sterilization parts. Additionally, meticulous maintenance will ensure you have a hygienic environment for your breast milk.
Advantages of the hospital electric breast pump
Hospital electric breast pumps offer high efficiency allowing milk to be extracted quickly. You can adjust the suction force according to your needs. In addition, hospital breast pumps are available for rental in pharmacies where you can get one on specialized rental sites.
Disadvantages of corded breast pumps
Hospital electric breast pumps have some drawbacks that can limit moms' freedom and convenience. First of all, their lack of mobility is a crucial point, as these devices are often wired, requiring pipes and cables that restrict movement and require them to stay on site during the expression session.
In addition, their bulk and weight make them not very transportable, which can be restrictive for working mothers. For some mothers, the sound level emitted by these devices can also be disturbing, as can their complexity of use.
Furthermore, the fact of have to expose oneself removing clothing and the need to hold the collection bottles can make the experience less comfortable, limiting the freedom of movement of the hands.
The fact of having to isolate yourself to express milk or invest in a specific bra can therefore be perceived as additional constraints for mothers using hospital electric breast pumps.
These aspects must be taken into account when choosing the breast milk expression device to guarantee you comfort and practicality.
Electric breast pump portable 🙌
To provide a more practical and comfortable breastfeeding experience, there are now portable electric breast pumps. Their shape is adapted to that of the breast and they have a integrated tank to collect the milk.
Nomads and especially designed for transport, this type of device simply slips into the bra. No more constraints linked to wires and connections!
I want to express my milk hands-free
When to use a portable device?
Using a portable breast pump can be beneficial in many situations. Whether for a occasional use at home, in order to go about your daily activities while expressing milk, or during outings such as shopping or temporary absences of a few hours, a portable breast pump offers a solution practical and suitable.
In addition, the portable breast pump can be a valuable ally for mothers who practice breast milk.mixed breastfeeding or the breast pump. It is also particularly useful for facilitate milk pumping at work or on the go, thus allowing maintain lactation while ensuring efficient milk extraction to meet the baby's needs.
How to use a portable breast pump?
Portable electric breast pumps are designed to be used hands free and provide flexibility for working moms. They work with rechargeable batteries and allow use wireless and without connection.
I want to express my milk hands-free
To use a portable breast pump, first assemble all the parts according to the manufacturer's instructions. Next, place and adjust the breast pump on your breast, making sure the breast shield is centered on your nipple. Finally, turn on the breast pump and adjust the suction power to your comfort, then let the magic happen and get back on track with your activities during the draw!
Maintenance and cleaning of the portable electric breast pump
Maintenance of portable electric breast pumps is similar to that of hospital models. Dismantling the parts and regular cleaning will guarantee healthy use of the device, despite its portability.
However, some models of portable breast pumps may be more complex to maintain, requiring for example the use of a bottle brush to clean the milk collector. This is the case of bottle-shaped collectors For example. Drying such a container is also not optimal because drops of water can continually remain on the walls of the bottle. Preferably opt for a breast pump with easy cleaning and maintenance.
Advantages of the wireless breast pump
Hands-Free Portable Electric Breast Pumps Provide Breastmilk Expressing Experience more practical and comfortable for active moms. They have multiple advantages.
1. Freedom and flexibility of use 🙌
Portable breast pumps collect breast milk anywhere, whether at home, at work, in transport or even while traveling, thus offering greater flexibility in the organization of the day and daily tasks. You can simply continue your activities during your draw, you no longer need to stay still.
2. Discretion 🤫
Thanks to their compact size and their discreet design, portable breast pumps are generally more discreet than traditional models, allowing mothers to express their milk discreetly, even in public.
No cables, connections or containers sticking out, all the equipment fits in your bra! No need to isolate yourself anymore or hide to express milk.
3. Ease and comfort of use 🧼
Portable breast pumps are easy to handle and ensures optimal comfort thanks to soft silicone breast shields. The suction and intensity settings are intuitive.
Additionally, most cordless breast pumps are easy to clean and assemble, which saves time, while ensuring you have a clean and hygienic product for each use.
I want to express my milk hands-free
Disadvantages of portable breastfeeding devices
In addition to their advantages and their undeniable practicality, portable devices still have some disadvantages. For example, some models may have a slightly lower power than hospital models.
1. The price 🏷️
The main disadvantage of this technological advance lies in its high cost. Indeed, the price of certain models of portable and connected breast pumps can soar and reach more than €200, which makes them a significant investment, especially for mothers wishing to do breast pumping. double pumping who will, therefore, have to pay double the price!
Fortunately, there are other portable devices as well just as effective but not connected, which are much more affordable.
2. No rental or trial possible before purchase 🚚
Rental options for portable breast pumps are often limited, as pharmacies and companies generally focus on hospital and wireline models reimbursed by social security. However, manufacturers offer a one to two year warranty on breast pumps as well as in the majority of cases, a trial period of the product, which can last up to 30 days.
This return policy gives you the option of returning the product if it does not suit you. Indeed, using a portable breast pump sometimes requires adjustment time to find the right comfort and use. In conclusion, whether you opt for a hospital or portable electric breast pump, these modern devices make the breastfeeding experience easier and simpler for moms. Make the choice that meets your needs and above all, enjoy this precious time with your baby!
How to choose your electric breast pump?
If you are looking to purchase a portable electric breast pump, here are some points to keep in mind to guide you and help you find the one that is perfect for you!
1. Draw efficiency 💪
First, make sure the portable breast pump offers powerful enough suction as well as different stimulation modes and suction levels to adapt to your needs. This will make your drawing experience more enjoyable.
2. Comfort of use 🤗
Choose a model with comfortable breast shields. Their quality is a crucial element because it influences the efficiency of milk expression. Manufacturers usually offer guides for determining the correct breast shield size.
The best option is to have different sizes of breast shields delivered with your portable breast pump. This will allow you to find the one that best suits your breasts and, above all, to be able to change it and adapt it during breastfeeding if necessary.
Also check the dimensions and weight of the electric breast pump you wish to purchase. Especially if you want to use it on the go, some models are bulkier and heavier than others.
Also favor a good support, especially for moms with larger or smaller breasts. Some manufacturers offer strap extenders with their product to ensure optimal fit.
3. Ease of use ✅
Another advantage of electric breast pumps is that they are easy to use. They generally only have a few buttons on the motor housing to make mode and intensity settings. Some models are equipped with a screen and allow you to have visual indications of the draw time or the remaining battery charge.
Some connected portable breast pumps work with a application. The handling and getting started time can therefore be a little longer and you will necessarily need your smartphone to see the indications of the draw in progress.
If you are looking for a model intuitive and quick and easy to use, we recommend that you opt instead for an unconnected breast pump, which operates autonomously, without an application, like the portable electric breast pump Emy Pump.
4. Discretion 🔇
Portable breast pumps are generally quiet and have a sound level between 40 and 60 dB depending on the model and settings selected. To give you an idea, the noise level of a normal conversation is around 55 dB and the sound level found in a library is between 40 and 50 dB.
In addition, some models of portable breast pumps are aesthetically a bit less discreet than others. Particularly those who have a small clip-on base on the top of the tank. Very often, during use, this base protrudes from the bra and can create a “hump” visible over clothing.
Furthermore, this type of breast pump may also be less practical to use due to the small contact surface between the base and the reservoir, which increases the risk of unclipping during movements.
5. Maintaining the portable breast pump 🫧
Choose a breast pump with washable parts easily removable for easy and practical maintenance. The fewer parts the breast pump contains, the quicker the maintenance will be done! Preferably a breast pump where you don't have to assemble a small joint, that way you'll be sure not to lose it. It is also interesting to note that some manufacturers also offer Basic spare parts included in their basic kit.
Some portable breast pumps may be more demanding in terms of maintenance, such as those with bottle-shaped collectors that require the use of a bottle brush for proper thorough cleaning. Additionally, drying of these bottles may be less efficient, leaving behind stagnant water drops on the walls, which can promote the development of bacteria. Preferably opt for a breast pump offering a fully washable milk collector to ensure the simplest and most hygienic cleaning and maintenance possible.
6. Tank capacity 🥛
The capacity of the reservoirs of portable breast pumps can range from almost double depending on the model. It generally varies between 100 and 200 ml. The quantity of milk that you will express with each pump will vary and above all, it will depend on the storage capacity of your breasts.
So, if you don't store a lot of milk between two feedings, you may only pump 100 ml per pump, whereas you could pump double if you had a large storage capacity. In any case, keep in mind that the volume of milk expressed is not always constant and that it varies depending on the frequency and duration of your pumping sessions.
So it's better to opt for one fairly large collection capacity at least 150 ml so that it is enough for the majority of your prints. Also, remember to check that the device offers a means of easy and convenient pouring of milk so as not to lose a drop!
7. Autonomy 🔋
First, examine the operating time to find out how long the breast pump can be used on a single charge. You can plan on the number of sessions you can do with your breast pump without recharging it. This can be particularly useful if you plan to use it several times in a location where you won't be able to recharge it.
Next, find out how long it takes to fully recharge the battery, as a short charging time can be advantageous. Also be sure to check the battery capacity, because it directly determines the autonomy of the breast pump. Finally, look for models equipped battery indicators to alert you when the load is low, making it easier to plan your pumping sessions.
In any case, remember that there is no ideal breast pump. This very useful tool is best chosen according to your needs. Furthermore, they are not all equal. Models whose breast shields adapt to your body shape are more comfortable, as are those which have a suction system as close as possible to that of the baby. Beautiful milky adventure 🥛🫶
