Would You Prefer Manual Over Electric Breast Pump?
Deciding to breast feed is a great decision for you and your baby. It is a great bonding experience and also provides your baby with many great health benefits. However, you can’t be there with your baby all the time, and at some point there is a chance you’ll need a breast pump so that you can pump and store some milk for your baby to have even if you have to be away from him for a bit of time. There are two main types of breast pumps available – electric breast pumps and manual breast pumps. Both have pros and cons, so let’s take a look at which breast pump is going to end up working out the best for your needs.
Pros and Cons of Manual Breast Pumps
The cheaper option is going to be the manual breast pump, but of course it comes with both pros and cons. You’ll need to take a look at both the pros and cons to decide if this type of pump is going to work well for your situation. The great thing about these pumps is that they are cheap and some women really like the way that they work. However, the problem is that you have to do it all by hand, and this can make pumping slow and it can leave your hands tired and sore. If you only plan to pump from time to time, this can be a great option, since it does the job without spending a lot of money, but if you are going to pump on a regular basis, then it may not be the best option for your needs.
Pros and Cons of Electric Breast Pumps
The more expensive option is going to be the electric breast pumps, and just like the manual options, there are pros and cons to consider as well. One of the main pros is that you’ll find that the electric pumps are quite fast and can empty the breast in 15 minutes or so, especially if you go with a pump that pumps both breasts at once. Since they cut down on time, they can be a good choice if you are going to pump regularly. However, there are a few cons as well. One con is that they can be tough to set up and use. If you don’t get the suction level right, it can cause a whole lot of pain for you. They also are heavy, noisy, and difficult to move around, which means they probably can’t be transferred very well.
Making the Right Choice
When you are trying to decide whether a manual or electric pump is the right option, there are some important things to consider. You need to consider the lifestyle that you live and the money that you have to spend. Think about how fast you need to pump the milk, how often you need to pump, and how often you will need to take a breast pump with you. All of these things can help you figure out which breast pump will be the best option for your breastfeeding needs.