Breast Pumps & Nursing Bras

Even though you simply require your breasts and your baby for breastfeeding, there are a few accessories and products available in the market that can make the same process of breastfeeding way easier for you and your baby.

1. Breast Pumps:

Even if you are satisfied to hand-express breastmilk while breastfeeding your baby, you can try going for breast pumps which are found to be extremely helpful by many women. The major advantage of these pumps is that they are very time-effective. So in case you go for a job and need to express fast while at work, then you can use the electric pump which will significantly reduce the pumping time. Electric pumps are fast, quiet, and reliable.

Breast pumps are infamous among few because there are chances that their motors get burned out because of overusing. So if you are planning to use one breast pump each day, then it is advisable to make a one-time investment in a superior-quality pump that involves no risks or worries when overused. However, if you plan to express only couple of times in a week, then a hand pump can also do equally well.

Certain breast pumps are now available in ‘out and about’ packets that contain ice packs and storage containers, too.

Electric Breast Pumps:

Apart from purchasing an electric breast pump, you also have the option of renting it for a limited time, for instance, if you simply want to increase your supply or if your baby has taken birth earlier.

Some electric breast pumps are to be used manually, while some have double attachments that aid in using both the breasts simultaneously for expressing.

Pros:
- Electric breast pumps are more efficient and quicker than the hand pumps.

Cons:

- Some women find these harder on their nipples than the hand pumps.
- In case you are not satisfied or comfortable using an electric pump, then it can be quite a waste of money, since it is costlier than a hand pump.
- Can be troublesome to sterilize or clean it.
- Can seem to be noisy at times.

Hand Breast Pumps:

Hand pumps are hand-held and easy to use. These are ideal for you if your breastmilk anyway flows quickly or if you are not planning to express very frequently.

Pros:

- Simple and cheap to use.
- Easy to sterilize and clean.
- Extremely portable.

Cons:

- Can be strenuous for your hands sometimes.
- Some women feel that these are not as helpful as their electric counterparts.

Tips:

- Buy the breast pump a couple of weeks before it is actually needed for practicing.
- Check with your friends if they have a breast pump and borrow it from them for practicing with it before setting out to buy one.

2. Nursing Bras:

A perfect nursing bra is adjustable, comfortable, easy to wear and remove for feeding, and gives good support. It is advisable to get a well-fitting bra after you have reached the ninth month of pregnancy. A very tight bra can give problems such as contributing to the blocking of the milk ducts. You also need to check for the straps of the bra and ensure that they are broad enough to hold your breasts properly without getting dug in and that you don’t feel anything chafing against your breasts. Bras in fabric having high cotton content will ensure that you feel comfortable even if your breasts are filled and hot.

Also, see to it that the bra can be easily opened single-handedly; this is because your other hand will be engaged in holding the baby while getting ready for feeding it. Two types of nursing bras are available:

- Zip Cup: In this, both the bra cups have a fastening zip running under them.
- Drop Cup: This one has a popper or a catch that can be easily opened using one hand.

You would require the nursing bra for breastfeeding for at least the initial six months. Your breasts would be fuller and heavier in the starting few weeks and the nursing sleep bra may prove to be of great help to you during this time.

Most breastfeeding specialists recommend avoiding the underwired bras during pregnancy as well as breastfeeding. This is because there are high chances that the bra wire hampers the natural changes taking place inside the breasts.

Breast Pumps & Nursing Bras

Even though you simply require your breasts and your baby for breastfeeding,...