Finding the Best Breast Pump for You

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Healthy Pregnancy: Click here for tips, advice, choosing the best breast pump, and everything you need to know to have the healthiest pregnancy.


For any breastfeeding mother with a nursing baby and you want to return to work or to have any social life without the baby, having the best breast pump to express breast milk is essential. In order for you moms get back to their life outside of being a mom in the first years of their child’s life, they’ll want to be able to pump. Having a breast pump also allows fathers to share in feeding the baby. You might look at electric breast pumps first because these are the fastest and most efficient. You might also consider getting a double breast pump so that you can do both breasts at the same time. This also saves time. However if price is an issue, a manual breast pump can get the job done at a lower cost. Some of the top brands include Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump, Medela Breast Pump, Avent Breast Pump, Playtex and Philips. As you look at reviews and think about which is the best breast pump for you, consider your lifestyle and needs.

Best Breast Pumps by Category

First lets just give you want you were looking for. Here are the best breast pumps in the major categories:

Best Breast Pump Overall

Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with Backpack
Best Breast Pump

Best Breast Pump: Manual

Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
Best Manual Breast Pump

Best Breast Pump Under $200

Medela Swing Breast Pump
Best Breast Pump Under $200

Best Breast Pump Accessory

Simple Wishes Hands Free Breast Pump Bra
Best Breast Pump Accessory

There are several “must have” characteristics that you should look for when shopping for the best breast pump. This guide can help you to determine those characteristics to help you to determine those characteristics to help you decide which is the best breast pump for you.

Keeping your hands free – Look for a design which does not require that you hold on to the cups while pumping. Any experienced mother will tell you that this feature is essential so that you can be free to use your hands.

Quiet operation- If you are pumping late at night or in the office you want a breast pump that is very quiet so that you can pump discretely.
Best Breast Pump
Compact and portable – You’ll want a smaller and compact breast pump so that you can take it with you to the office or out when you travel. Any time you are away from the baby you’ll want to have the pump with you if for nothing else than to relieve the pressure that builds up if you can’t get back to the baby in time enough.

Pump both sides at the same time - Some lower end breast pumps only allow you to pump one side at a time. It is really helpful when your pumping goes as quickly as possible so its great to pump both sides at once.

Power – One other major complaint from mothers is that pumping takes forever so it is also really worth your investment to get a breast pump that pumps fast. Pumping breastmilk can be very uncomfortable and time consuming so it is in your interest to get one that gets the job done as quickly as possible.

Remember you also want to make sure that the storage bottles that you use ar BPA free.

Other Nice to Have Features

Electronic Memory – learns your pumping style
Suction Pressure Control – for customized comfort
Rechargeable Battery and AC Adapter
Gel Cups – Help with let down of milk

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Benefits of Breast Feeding – Why You Need the Best Breast Pump

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Healthy Pregnancy: Click here for tips, advice, choosing the best breast pump, and everything you need to know to have the healthiest pregnancy.
If you are doing research to find the best breast pump for you, you probably know all of the wonderful benefits of breast feeding. However, we think we might be able to elaborate on what you already know, and add by telling you a few things you may not know.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of your baby’s life so that your baby can reap all of the benefits of breast feeding.

  • Bonding with your baby – Feeling the warmth, love and comfort of being so close to your baby and knowing that you are giving the gift of life is a wonderful bonding experience
  • Perfect nutrition and healthy benefits for your baby – As a mother you can make the healthiest food for your baby with nutrients that help to strengthen his or her immune system and providing antibodies that can help protect infants from many illnesses
  • Healthy benefits for baby – Breast feeding can help to keep your baby from developing allergies. Many babies who drink formula, cow’s milk or soy tend to develop many allergic reactions. Some studies have shown that immune factors such a secretory IgA (found in breast milk) help to reduce the development of these allergies by providing a layer of protection to the baby’s intestinal tract.
  • May boost your child’s intelligence – Some researchers have found a positive connection between cognitive development and breastfeeding. In a study following children from birth to six years found that IQ scores and intelligence tests were higher in children who were breastfed for a prolonged period.
    Best Breast Pump
  • Can reduce your stress and risk of postpartum depression – Nursing triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin which promotes nurturing and relaxation. This results in the mother feeling more relaxed and calm while breastfeeding. You also feel closer to your baby and happier with oxytocin in your system. This lower’s mom’s blood pressure, and makes for a happy home!
  • Gets your uterus back into shape – Breastfeeding act’s as nature’s way of helping your body heal and get back into shape after you have given birth. Another benefit of the oxytocin is that it causes your uterus to contract. This helps to prevent postpartum bleeding, and also pulls your uterus back into shape after the stress of carrying the baby and giving birth.
  • Cost Savings – It is no secret how expensive baby formula is. Being able to provide this sustenance to your child free of cost is an invaluable bonus to breast feeding.

Make sure that you feed yourself well with the proper nutrition, drink plenty of water, get lots of folate, vitamin C and calcium, and your milk will be rich in nutrients for your baby.

To reap the all of these benefits it is important that your buy the best breast pump that you can afford. Without a doubt, a quality breast pump will help you to keep your milk coming in longer, will provide breast milk for your baby when you are on the go and will give you the peace of mind in knowing that you are doing the best things for your baby.


What is the best way to store breastmilk?

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Healthy Pregnancy: Click here for tips, advice, choosing the best breast pump, and everything you need to know to have the healthiest pregnancy.
It is recommended that you chill your breast milk for an hour or more before putting it in the freezer, but don’t allow it to stay in the fridge for too long. Refrigeration slows down the enzyme activity in the milk but it does not stop it completely. The milk will also separate into a fat layer and a milk layer as it gets cold. So the earlier you put the milk in the freezer, the better. It is better quality milk when it is frozen sooner. If the breast milk sits in the refrigerator for too long bacteria (1 or 2 days) might start to grow. Freezing the milk slows down the growth of bacteria, but it does not kill bacteria completely.

Glass bottles are preferred, but if you are using plastic nursing bottles, they are probably safe.

Click here to find the best breast pump to suit your pumping needs!


Can breast milk be frozen or stored in plastic bottles?

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Healthy Pregnancy: Click here for tips, advice, choosing the best breast pump, and everything you need to know to have the healthiest pregnancy.

Your main concern with storing your milk is that it does not get contaminated at any point between when it is pumped and when the baby drinks it. Beyond this, if you are using plastic nursing bottles, it is probably safe plastic.

Glass or special plastic that is specifically made to collect milk are preferred. It is not a good idea to use baggies since they do not stand upright in the freezer and when they are thawed it is very difficult to pour the milk into the bottle. This increases the risk of contamination.

Click here to find the best breast pump to suit your pumping needs!


How long does breastmilk stay good after it is frozen then thawed?

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Healthy Pregnancy: Click here for tips, advice, choosing the best breast pump, and everything you need to know to have the healthiest pregnancy.

24 hours is the limit after you have frozen and thawed the milk. After it is thawed, you shouldn’t leave it at room temperature any longer than it takes to feed the baby. Freshly pumped milk stored in a clean covered container will last for 6 to 8 hours outside of the fridge. So if you don’t have access to a fridge at work, for example, you can still put the milk into the freezer when you get home and will be fine. Milk will last in the freezer for a number of days. Just be sure that it is only thawed once. You can’t thaw it then freeze it again.

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Can I ‘re-use’ pumped breastmilk?

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Whether or not you can reuse pumped breast milk depends on how long the milk has been sitting around. Once the baby takes the bottle, you have to be careful of the saliva that has gotten into the bottle. This will create bacteria and saliva enzymes contaminate the milk. Don’t give the bottle back to the baby if it has been sitting for more than a half hour.

Breast Milk Storage Bags help to keep your milk fresh longer

If you have thawed the milk and it was never used, you should not refreeze it.

If the milk was thawed then warmed up but not used, it is okay to reheat the milk one time. The more you reheat the milk you decrease the valuable properties of the milk.

If you find that the baby is not finishing bottles, try making the bottles smaller.

Click here to find the best breast pump to suit your pumping needs!


Medela Freestyle Breast Pump – Best Breast Pump in $300 Range

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Healthy Pregnancy: Click here for tips, advice, choosing the best breast pump, and everything you need to know to have the healthiest pregnancy.

Review of Medela Freestyle Breast Pump

by Sarah Stafford

Overall Rating:
Medela Freestyle Breast Pump

Click here to see the Medela Freestyle Breast Pump.

The Medela Freestyle Breast Pump is the best breast pump you can get in its price range. It is best known for ease of use and incredible portability. It allows you to pump while keeping your hands free for other activities using 2 expression cups so that you can pump both breasts at the same time. It is easy to use, fast and very efficient offering mobility, freedom and flexibility. The Medela Freestyle Breast Pump is also very light and small so it is ideal for breastfeeding mothers on the go.

Key Details

  • Hands free operation
  • Two phase expression pumping for maximum milk extraction
  • Exceptional comfort

Comes With

  • 4-5oz. storage containers and lids
  • Tote bag
  • Rechargeable battery
  • 1 year warranty on the motor
  • 90 day warranty on other parts

Click here to see more information on Medela Freestyle Breast Pump features.

Two Phase Pumping
The pumping pattern used in the Medela Freestyle Breast Pump closely mimics a baby’s natural sucking rhythm. This means that the pump starts out with a rapid sucking to get the milk flowing then it slows down simulating the baby’s slower deeping sucking. This ensures that the maximum amount of milk is expressed efficiently yet gently.

Rechargable Battery
The rechargeable battery is good for up to 3 hours of pumping time before it requires a recharge. This makes ist easy to pump in places where it may be difficult to locate a suitable electrical outlet.

Digital LCD Screen
The Medela Freestyle Breast Pump has a clear and easy to read digital LCD screen which makes it easy to operate at night in the dark or in low light situations.

Memory
It also has a memory feature so you can save the pumping pattern that works best for you to return to during future pumping sessions.

Easy to Use
The valves and tubes are extremely easy to use and assemble.
Great Accessories
The Medela Freestyle Breast Pump comes with 4 – 5oz storage containers with lids for hygienic and safe milk storage in a cooler, the fridge, or even in the freezer. Make sure that you carefully read the instructions regarding proper cleaning and storage.
It also comes with a very cute tote bag, but it is so small and light that you can carry it in practically any bag. This is great because you are not forced to have your breast pump dictate your fashion statement.

Other Benefits
Compared to other breast pumps, the Medela Freestyle Breast Pump is faster and much more light weight making it well worth the investment – especially if you plan to breastfeed for the first 2 years of your child’s life, or if you plan to have more babies down the road.
Tip: Think about reuse/reselling when you buy your breast pump and factor that in to how much you are willing to pay when you buy it. Purchase the replacement parts kit when you buy your breast pump so that you can sell it or give it away with NEW PARTS after you are done using it. This will help you avoid concerns about having another person use such a personal item. If you can supply the new parts, you would likely be able to sell the pump at a premium price later on. However, you should buy the replacement parts at the same time as when you buy the pump in case the specific pump you own is discontinued or goes out of stock.
Some reviewers complain that the “hands free” aspect of this, and all supposed hands free pumps, doesn’t quite work as well as it should. It is recommended that you also get the Easy Expressions Bustier to ensure a true hands free experience with any pump that you get.
All in all the Medela Freestyle Breast Pump is said to be one of the best breast pumps you can get to meet your pumping needs. The lightweight and small size makes it extremely convenient while the speed and ease of pumping make it an invaluable tool to have available to you. Invest in a the best breast pump you can get and make that one less thing you have to worry about as you are learning to manage with your new baby.

Click here to see the Medela Freestyle Breast Pump.


Answers to Pumping Questions

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Healthy Pregnancy: Click here for tips, advice, choosing the best breast pump, and everything you need to know to have the healthiest pregnancy.

Now that you have done all of your research and have found the best breast pump for your needs, you probably have a lot of other questions such as:


Can I reheat defrosted breastmilk?

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Healthy Pregnancy: Click here for tips, advice, choosing the best breast pump, and everything you need to know to have the healthiest pregnancy.

Breast Milk Storage Bags help to keep your milk fresh longer

Whether or not you can reheat defrosted breast milk depends on how long the milk has been sitting around. Once the baby takes the bottle, you have to be careful of the saliva that has gotten into the bottle. This will create bacteria and saliva enzymes contaminate the milk. Don’t give the bottle back to the baby if it has been sitting for more than a half hour.

If you have thawed the milk and it was never used, you should not refreeze it.

If the milk was thawed then warmed up but not used, it is okay to reheat the milk one time. The more you reheat the milk you decrease the valuable properties of the milk.

If you find that the baby is not finishing bottles, try making the bottles smaller.

Click here to find the best breast pump to suit your pumping needs!


What to Consider Before You Purchase a New Breast Pump

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Healthy Pregnancy: Click here for tips, advice, choosing the best breast pump, and everything you need to know to have the healthiest pregnancy.

If you’re a mother ready to go back to the job, or a stay at home mother wanting to leave the baby occasionally, you might possibly need a breast pump. Before you make the decision to buy or rent, take a look at what kinds of breast pumps are available to buy and think about which breast pump is your best choice.

Do You Truly Need a Breast Pump?
Not all breastfeeding mommies need a breast pump! My sister nursed her kids for many many months without a breast pump. If you will not need to pump breast milk on a regular basis and you have a viable supply of milk, you may want to learn how to hand-express milk.

Where and How Will You Be Using a Breast Pump?
If you are ready to return to work and pumping breast milk every day, or you only pump, you will probably need a better quality breast pump than mommies who only pumps breast milk on one side while nursing on the other. Will you have time to pump each breast at a time, or do you think you need a double breast pump? Also think about whether you’ll have access to a power source when you are pumping. If it is possible that you won’t, you might want a battery or manual breast pump. If you travel often, your breast pump should be portable and light.

Manual Pumps
A manual breast pump is a inexpensive, portable choice for moms who pump up to once daily. Manual breast pumps can be exhausting to use, though, and may not be be effectual enough for those who pump several times per day. Manual breast pumps are dependable, though, because there are fewer parts to break.

Battery-Powered Pumps
Battery-powered breast pumps are a viable option, however they’re not as popular as electric and manual breast pumps, and are not advised by doctors or lactation consultants. Battery pumps fail to replicate a baby’s natural sucking pattern and are less powerful overall. A ineffective pump can cause a drop in milk supply if used daily for expressing milk. Battery breast pumps also require battery replacements often.

Electronic Breast Pumps
Electronic breast pumps are the best choice for mommies returning to work full time. If you need to pump several times in a day you will absolutely want an electric pump.
Electronic breast pumps frequently suction your milk from both sides at one time and most imitate a baby’s sucking pattern closely, which helps retain milk supply. The only downside to electric pumps is cost. Plan to spend $200-$300 to get a quality electronic breast pump. However, the added convenience can be well worth the investment.

To Rent or To Buy?
Renting a breast pump is a nice option for working moms who want to try out pumping before committing to a purchase. Powerful, hospital-grade rented pumps are also a great choice for new moms who are pumping to establish a milk supply, such as mommies of NICU babies. Renting a breast pump may cost $30-$60 per month, but they may help mommies who cannot pay $200 or more in one purchase to buy a breast pump.
Click here to find more information on finding the best breast pump for your needs.