If you are planning on exclusively breastfeeding your baby, it is likely that you will need a breast pump. The best manual breast pump can make a difference in the actual breastfeeding experience. In fact, it can help nursing mothers avoid a stressful breastfeeding experience and have a robust supply of breast milk.

Since this device can make or break your breastfeeding experience, it is worth thorough consideration. However, figuring out which manual breast pump is best for your need can be quite confusing, as there are several makes and models of a breast pump.

**Below, you'll find more detailed reviews, but you can also click links above to check current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.

Whether you are exclusively breastfeeding your baby or supplementing formula milk from time to time, it is highly likely that you can benefit from using a breast pump for one purpose or another.

The need to use a breast pump will depend on your lifestyle, milk supply, and your baby’s appetite. Whether you are working or staying full time at home will also matter.

Here are some of the reasons why most nursing mothers use a breast pump.

1. Excessive Breast Engorgement

Breast pumps can feel like lifesavers whenever the mother’s breast starts to become engorged with breast milk. Some women have more than enough milk supply that their baby is not able to relieve them of their milk load.

With the use of a pump, the volume of the breast milk in the breast is significantly reduced to the point that nursing mothers will find relief.

2. Extra Stimulation For Milk Production

Pumps can also play a major role when it comes to stimulating milk production when the mother has a low supply of breast milk. This is all part of the demand and supply loop.

If you pump 10 minutes after the baby latches, your breast will receive extra stimulation that can create a healthy milk supply over time.

3. Challenging Latching Time

There are times when nursing mothers find it difficult to latch their baby for breastfeeding. During such time, the baby will have difficulty sucking and feeding properly.

The reasons for such difficulty may include inverted nipples or a sick or developmentally delayed baby.

When you are faced with a challenging latching time with your child, you can use a breast pump and feed your baby expressed breast milk.

4. Working Mothers

Nursing mothers who are due to return to work need a breast pump so their babies can still feed on expressed breast milk even when they are at work.

Breast pumps may be used while they are at the office so they can have sufficient supply of breast milk that they can feed their baby. Breast milk is the most nutritious option for your child and you need the best manual breast pump and dedication to keep this going.

Before you go back to work, it is important to stock frozen breast milk. The number of bottles you need to store will depend on the mother’s milk production and her working hours.

If there is more than enough milk supply, then you can start at a later date. However, if supply is a challenge, it is best to start the storage process earlier.

5. Full-Time Mothers

Even full-time mothers can also benefit from using a breast pump. Some of the reasons for this include engorgement, low milk supply, and difficulty in latching.

Being a parent can be overwhelming, and breastfeeding requires additional hard work and dedication. Every mother needs and deserves some time away to unwind, run an errand, exercise, relax, and go on precious date night.

With expressed breast milk, other members of the family get to bond with the baby during feeding time while the mother takes the time to rest.

Factors To Consider In Choosing The Best Breast Pump

One of the main factors to consider in selecting a breast pump would be the type of breast pump. Since there are several brands as well as styles of breast pumps in the market, it can be hard to decide which pump is the best for you.

When it comes to the types of breast pumps, there are two main categories – manual and electric.

Manual Breast Pumps

Manual breast pumps are hand operated devices that pump one breast at a time. This type of breast pump is typically designed with a flange and a manual lever that creates suction to extract the milk from the breast.

Unlike electric breast pumps, they are more affordable, small, lightweight and portable. The best manual breast pump should be able to express a decent amount of milk, which is comparable to an electric breast pump. The process, however, is a little more time consuming and labor intensive.

Electric Breast Pumps

An electric pump is designed with a motor and is powered by electricity through a battery or an outlet. Most electric pumps have various options including a car adapter, AC adapter, battery pack or a rechargeable battery.

You can also find single and double versions of electric breast pumps. Single pumps pump one breast a time while double pumps pump both breasts simultaneously.

If you pump more than three times a week, a double breast pump is a great option. Working mothers can also benefit from this type of breast pump, as they are more efficient compared to the single pumps.

Other Important Features To Consider

Aside from the kind of breast pump, there are also other key features in a pump that you need to consider before making a purchase.

Conclusion

The clear winner of this review roundup is the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump. This pump can produce more breast milk in less time with its two-phase technology

Your baby can have the best nutrition you can give, as you now continuously pump expressed breast milk at home, while in the office or even while you are traveling. The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump is truly one of the best manual breast pumps on the market

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