Manual or Electric Breast Pump?

Many mothers wonder whether they should use a manual or electric breast pump, and it is perfectly normal to think about it. In this post, we explain the two types of breast pump and which one is best for you. Read on!

Breastfeeding is the best option for both baby and mother. Not only because it stimulates milk production, but also because of the bond that is created between mother and baby through feeding.

However, many mothers cannot breastfeed their babies as normally as they would like because of the pain it causes, returning to work and other reasons. That is why breast pumps are the perfect ally. Why? Because they can help the baby continue to receive breast milk without it having to be replaced by formula.

Manual Breast Pump

Are you leaning more towards a manual or electric breast pump? Not sure which one best suits your needs?

Here are the advantages and drawbacks of using a manual one:

• Easy to carry thanks to its compact, lightweight size and simple assembly.
• It does not rely on electricity to work.
• They are quieter than electric breast pumps.
• It is suitable for first-time mothers, as the user remains in control and the suction is not as powerful.
• More affordable than electric breast pumps.
• Easy to clean.
• Slow suction and expression.
• To use it, you need to hold it and operate a manual lever.

Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump

Harmony is a lightweight breast pump with a discreet manual design that allows it to be used anytime, anywhere. It does not use batteries or electricity, which makes it incredibly quiet.

In addition, its technology provides natural suction that is very similar to a baby's.

Would you like to know more about this Medela Harmony manual breast pump? Click here.

Electric Breast Pump

In the case of electric breast pumps, they have a small motor that allows them to work without the need for manual lever movement.

As a result, expression is faster, more comfortable and more efficient. Electric breast pumps are the most recommended option if you want to do this regularly over a long period of time. Many women ask for them so they can build up a breast milk stash and may even make donations.

Types of electric breast pump

• Single electric breast pumps. They have only one cup, so milk is first expressed from one breast and then from the other.
• Double electric breast pumps. They have two cups to express milk from both breasts at the same time. They are more expensive and more complicated than single pumps.
• Hospital-grade electric breast pumps. They help mothers establish and maintain an adequate milk supply.

Using a hands-free pumping bra can also be very useful, as it holds the cups in place so you do not need to use your hands.

As for the advantages and drawbacks of electric breast pumps:

• More efficient, adjustable and faster suction.
• Less effort is needed to use them.
• More expensive than manual breast pumps.
• Noisier.
• They depend on electric power or batteries to be used.
• Not advisable for first-time mothers, as they are more powerful.

Medela Freestyle Double Electric Breast Pump

FreeStyle has adjustable vacuum settings and a screen that shows all the relevant information. The pump includes everything a mother needs to continue breastfeeding once she returns to work: the Double Pump, a CoolerBag, four bottles, a Calma and a bag to carry everything. In addition, it has a rechargeable battery that allows the mother to move around freely without having to stay near a plug socket.

FreeStyle expresses milk 38% faster compared with any traditional single-phase double electric pump. In fact, the first five minutes of expression with FreeStyle are equivalent to 16 minutes of breastfeeding.

With the comfort vacuum setting, the mother expresses 80% of the milk from both breasts in the first 7 minutes.

In addition, because FreeStyle allows double pumping, there is an 18% increase in the mother's milk production.

More information about the Medela FreeStyle Double Electric Breast Pump at this link.

Still unsure whether to use a manual or electric breast pump? Write to us and my colleague Cristina and I will advise you on which one best suits your needs and your baby's.