Which Medela Breastpump is Right for YOU?
Should You Use a Pre-Owned Pump?
PUMP HYGIENE
Many moms ask if they can safely sell, purchase, or use a previously owned breastpump. A personal use pump such as Medela's Pump In Style breastpump is a personal care item. It is not advisable to share a personal use pump with other moms, because there is evidence that bacteria and certain viruses may be transmittable through breastmilk. Medela's personal use pumps have an internal diaphragm that cannot be removed, replaced, or fully sterilized. Therefore, there is a risk of cross-contamination if a mom uses a previously owned pump, even when using a new set of breastshields, containers and tubing.
It is perfectly safe for multiple moms to use hospital-grade or rental pump such as Medela's Symphony breastpump. these pumps are specifically designed for multiple users. They have special barriers and filters to prohibit milk from entering the pump motor, which prevent cross-contamination. In addition, each mom uses her own personal set of breastshields, containers and tubing, to ensure the safe use of these pumps.
PUMP DURABILITY
Another consideration when deciding to borrow or even lend a previously owned electric pump is the pump's motor life. A high quality electric double pump might last through the breastfeeding of your second child, or even several children. However, like computers or other electronic products, an electric breastpump has a limited lifetime. Medela guarantees its pump motors with a one year warranty. If you use an electric pump that has been used for more than one year, there is no guarantee that it will generate as much speed and vacuum as it did earlier in its life. By using your own pump, you can compare the pump's performance with each child. However, if you borrow a pump, you cannot gauge its performance to ensure it is operating at full capacity.
WHEN SHOULD YOU BUY OR RENT A PUMP?
Most lactation professionals encourage moms to wait until after the baby is born to get a breastpump. However, you should start gathering information about pumps in your third trimester, so you'll know which one to rent or purchase to best meet your needs when you're ready to start pumping. If you're planning to return to work and want to build a freezer supply of breast milk, you should plan to start pumping once your milk is established and your baby is nursing well (at about 4 to 6 weeks).
Did you know?
A breastfeed lasts an average of 16 minutes.
Almost three-quarters of moms produce more milk with their right breast (no correlation to being right- or left- handed!).
Babies will take more milk from the first breast offered.
The average time it takes for a mom's milk to let-down, or start flowing, during a breastfeeding is 56 seconds (but this can vary widely - so don't get stressed if you take longer).
About a third of moms can't sense let-down. Watch for your milk to flow faster to see it happen.
Babies breastfeed until they're full, not until they "empty" your breast. On average, babies remove 67% of the milk you have available - this amount can vary widely among moms.
Whether breastfeeding or pumping, the amount of milk removed and its fat content are similar.
Babies instinctively know how to get your milk quickly and efficiently: they start breastfeeding with a faster suck for stimulation until you let-down. Then when your milk is flowing, they switch to a slower, deeper suck and eat until they're full.
It's common for babies to have resting periods during breastfeeding - sometimes they "take breaks" in between sucks.
Your baby controls your breastmilk flow with an instinctive action that includes sucking, swallowing and breathing - your milk flows during the actual sucking part, when your baby moves his tongue a certain way (We know! We've seen it on an ultrasound!).
Your milk sprays out of many holes, not just one.
82% of breastfeeding moms use a breastpump!
73% of breastfeeding/breastpumping moms get help from a lactation consultant!
Years ago, breastpumps resembled turkey basters. We've come a long way.
No matter you size, you'll make enough milk for your baby - A cups, rejoice!
When you child is grown, you'll fondly remember the warm, unique bond you share while breastfeeding - guaranteed.