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Which breast pump is better: Avent or Medela. Rules for the use of manual breast pumps. "Canpol Babies" manual

Breastfeeding is a responsible process, but sometimes difficulties arise in it. In such cases, a breast pump will help out. Reviews about these devices are quite multidirectional, so we will try to find out what is special about them.

Features of choice

Pumping is a process that is worth learning so that milk does not stagnate in the breast, and the baby is fed at the same time. A breast pump can become a woman's main assistant to maintain lactation. To choose the right model, you need to take into account its capabilities, technical characteristics and reviews of mothers who have already used it. Today, many pro-breastfeeding counselors are talking about feeding your baby on demand and not pumping.

But many mothers face feeding problems due to incorrect or inability to properly give it to a child. As a result, lactostasis is possible, and even worse - mastitis. To avoid this, it is still worth having a breast pump at home just in case. Reviews suggest that with skillful handling, you can feed your baby with expressed breast milk for a long time.

When and why?

It is necessary to express in several cases:

  1. In the period after childbirth, when the transformation of colostrum into milk occurs. In the first time after childbirth, milk accumulates more than the baby needs, so it is necessary to express it.
  2. If you want to keep lactation for a long time. By expressing milk regularly, you can increase the duration of feeding your baby and feed him even where it is not possible to breastfeed.
  3. With lactostasis. If there is a blockage of the mammary gland, this will lead to stagnation of milk. This, in turn, will cause the development of mastitis. In such cases, you should definitely buy a breast pump, reviews of which among mothers are mostly good.

Types and features of work

Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of breast pumps. They have the same principle of operation: a special nozzle is placed on the nipple along with the areola. The mechanical or electrical part contributes to the creation of a vacuum, as a result of which breast milk is released. Models from different manufacturers differ in technical characteristics, and many mothers are faced with the problem of how to buy a breast pump, which one is better. Reviews of mechanical or electronic options differ primarily in the price category: the former are cheaper, the latter are more expensive.

Mechanical models: choosing the best

A manual breast pump (or mechanical) is a simple device that allows you to conveniently express milk. In maternity hospitals, such models are not used, but it is quite possible to buy it at home. Mechanical devices are presented in several variations:

  1. Piston breast pump is easy to use, quiet operation. The complete set assumes the presence of a bottle for pumping, and the silicone nozzle imitates the natural process of feeding. Such feedback received good thanks to the mechanism for adjusting the force of decantation, which makes it possible for mothers to set the optimal intensity of exposure. Devices differ in simplicity of sterilization, and its elements are reliable. The most popular models among buyers include devices of the brands Avent, Chicco, Medela.
  2. The syringe device consists of two cylinders located one inside the other. The inner cylinder is required to be placed on the nipple, and the outer cylinder must be moved back and forth. Such movements create a vacuum due to which milk comes out of the breast. Almost all modern breast pumps of this type are equipped with a pressure regulator - this allows you to select a specific pumping mode. The most famous manufacturers of such devices are Chicco and Nuk.
  3. The pump-action mechanical breast pump received good reviews due to its convenience and ease of use. By design, it is a nozzle on the chest and a pumping element, there is a bottle in the package. they prefer devices of such brands as Kurnosiki, Canpol, Tommee tippee, World of Childhood, AventIsis.
  4. Pear breast pumps are just as easy to use. The design consists of a chest attachment in the form of a plastic horn and a rubber pear. A special valve regulates the release of pressure. Among such models, the products of the Chicco and Canpol brands attract attention.

Conclusions about mechanical models

Any mother knows that a breast pump will help to drain the breast. Which is better? Reviews say that manual models are a great choice if you want to save money. They are easy to care for, the pumping process itself is simple, and you can use such devices anywhere without being tied to the mains. On the other hand, such breast pumps are not very effective pumping, can lead to cracking, and besides, you need to adapt to them.

Breast pump: which is better?

Reviews of mechanical or electronic devices received different and in large quantities. The electric ones are perfect for everyday use. Modern models are available both on batteries and accumulators, and from the network.

And pumping happens automatically: the electric motor heats up the vacuum. The reviews note that despite the high performance and ease of use, they are very noisy during operation. Battery-powered models are more versatile, since you can express even on a walk. On the other hand, they are not very efficient.

Equipment

The electric breast pump gets a lot of feedback. When choosing such a model, pay attention to its configuration. Each device is complemented by a special bottle, and most models are equipped with a pumping intensity regulator, a control unit with a display that shows the features of the pumping process. In addition, some models are able to express from both breasts at the same time, which is very convenient and efficient. Popular devices include Nuk, Medela, Tommee Tippee.

Overview of popular models: manual

A modern mom may face certain problems when choosing a breast pump. Which is better? Reviews "Avent" or "Medela" are distinguished in the first place, since it is these manufacturers who offer a large range of devices. Let's start with an overview of Avent brand products:

  • Philips Avent. This model is presented in three series, each of which has its own characteristics. So, Comfort is complemented by trial sets of night and day inserts for a bra. The device is lightweight and compact.
  • Natural additionally has a travel container for nipples, equipped with a mechanism that remembers the pumping mode.
  • ISIS is complemented by cup adapters and also has containers in which milk can be stored. The cost of all models varies from 3200 rubles. up to 3800 rub.

The Avent manual breast pump received good reviews due to the equipment, however, mothers note that it takes time to get used to it.

Now consider the Medela Harmony manual breast pump. He is the only one in the world that works on a two-phase pumping system and manually. The uniqueness of this device is that it imitates the natural process of sucking a baby, so pumping is fast and comfortable.

Young mothers often buy breast pumps - devices that help express breast milk (see also:). Why should a breastfeeding mother buy a breast pump?

  • During periods of reduced lactation - the so-called lactation crises - the breast pump will help stimulate the production of breast milk, because the lack of mother's milk is reflected primarily in the child.
  • There are days when the baby sucked poorly or little for a number of reasons, then prophylactic pumping should be carried out using a breast pump so that the milk does not stagnate.
  • If there are seals from stagnation, then the device will help to drain these places and bring the chest into a “working” state.

When choosing a breast pump, a mother carefully chooses the functions and capabilities of each type, the rules for use and care. Choosing the right device will make life easier for a young mother.

The need to express milk can arise even for the mother who constantly breastfeeds the baby and does not plan to leave him

When is a breast pump necessary?

  • If the baby does not suckle milk well due to physiological reasons - this is the most common problem in premature babies.
  • The child refuses to breastfeed.
  • A faithful assistant for mastitis and lactostasis, it will reliably and carefully spread sore spots.
  • Express milk in reserve if you need to go somewhere.
  • Help keep the baby's diet if the mother is not around (at school, work, sick).

Types of breast pumps

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All breast pumps for expressing milk are divided into two main types: mechanical and manual. Manual (mechanical) devices are further divided into two groups:

  • pump-action, equipped with a pear;
  • piston - the most popular and natural.

Prices for breast milk pumps vary greatly and will depend on a number of features:

  • operating mode options;
  • adjustment of the speed and intensity of pumping;
  • additional accessories (bottles, pads, bags and spare parts).

Ratings of modern models

The experience of mothers all over the world helped to compile a full-fledged rating of breast pumps. If we talk about the manufacturer Philips AVENT, then he is rightfully considered the leader among manual and electric models. The Swiss brand Medela is the market leader in electrical appliances. A little less convenience is offered by breast pumps from Chicco, Nuk, Canpol. Domestic manufacturers Mir Detstva and Kurnosiki offer lower prices, but also lower quality compared to foreign brands. Make a wish list and, based on this, make your choice of which breast pump is better:

  1. AVENT Philips handheld device is the best and most convenient;
  2. the Medela Freestyle electronic model is the most productive;
  3. the stylish model Medela Harmony is considered very delicate;
  4. the budget version of the Medela Swing Maxi is considered the most powerful of its price range;
  5. compact and mobile version - Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature;
  6. the Philips AVENT SCF332/01 breast pump is the most convenient;
  7. high-quality pump device with a bottle - Chicco 600;
  8. the smallest option would be the Medela Mini Electric 3700;
  9. the most budget model is Nuk E-motion 3200.

Manual AVENT Philips can be called the bestseller without exaggeration - it is chosen for pumping milk by hundreds of thousands of mothers around the world

Top Hand Models

  • AVENT Philips 330/20 is a mechanical model that is extremely easy to use and comes with a complete set of spare parts. The cost is 3000 rubles.
  • Medela Harmony - there is a choice of speed and intensity of pumping. The cost is 2100 rubles.
  • Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature is a mobile breast pump. The cost is 2300 rubles.
  • Chicco Fast Flow is a great option for sustainable lactation. The cost is 500 rubles.
  • "World of Childhood" is a budget model not for regular use. The cost is 1100 rubles.

Medela Harmony is very easy to use - it allows the mother to choose the intensity of pumping herself

Popular electric models

Advantages of electric and manual models

  • In the absence of serious problems with lactation, it is recommended to take the manual version of the device.
  • Mechanical models with a piston mechanism express milk more delicately, but they are more expensive than pump-action breast pumps.
  • Mechanical options are easier to use, don't need to charge or change batteries, and are virtually silent.
  • An electric pump saves time, which is why we recommend using it when you need to express milk every day (we recommend reading:).
  • In case of violation of lactation and for daily use, it is better to take the electric version of the device.
  • The use of electric breast pumps is more labor intensive in terms of sterilization, but at the same time they save a lot of time and effort. Other disadvantages include the noise produced and the high price.
  • When choosing an overlay, give preference to an anatomically shaped silicone overlay, do not use the plastic option.
  • When considering pumping systems, look for 2-phase models, as well as kits that come with a bottle and nipples.
  • The safest material for equipment is BPA-free polypropylene.

Terms of use and care

For expressing milk with electric breast pump you need to attach the device with an overlay to the areola so that the nipple is strictly in the center of the funnel. Next, you just need to turn on the breast pump according to the instructions.

Mechanical Models work on the same principle, only for work you need to squeeze the pear (in the version with a pump) or press the lever (in piston devices). If possible, before using the device, set the required pressure intensity, guided by the instructions. To prepare your breasts for expressing with a breast pump, you can first do a little massage with your hands and express a little by hand, a warm compress will also come in handy. If pumping hurts, try alternating breasts.

At the end of the work, the chest should be wiped with a damp towel, and all removable parts should be thoroughly washed, sterilized and left to dry. You can sterilize in different ways: in a special device (we recommend reading:), in a double boiler or over a boiling pot. Disinfection should be carried out for at least 5 minutes.

After drying, all parts should be removed in a special container or box so that dust does not sit on them. Before the first use, a deeper sterilization should be carried out - about 40 minutes. All plastic parts are recommended to be treated with boiling water, but before starting work, read the instructions for the breast pump.

  • Pros and cons of the Medela model
    • In the maternity hospital she was saved with the help of Medela. Electric and powerful, it helped to normalize and stabilize lactation, milk began to arrive every day.
    • I tried Medela in an electric version, and it helped me to establish lactation and remove all the discomfort in my chest. This option suited me also because it is important to me how much time it takes for the whole pumping process.
    • I opted for the Medela Mini electric model, as I had an unpleasant painful experience using manual counterparts. I am pleased that it is easy to disassemble and wash, and I am also pleased with the lower cost compared to Avent.
    • There was an opportunity to try out two popular models of breast pumps at once: Medela and AVENT Philips. Both are electronic, but Medela seemed to me more convenient and more affordable.
    • Lactostasis has always been treated only with the help of Medela Swing (see also:).
    • I've had the opportunity to try a huge variety of appliances since I've breastfed all my babies and I have three of them. The electric version of the Medela Mini and the mechanical version of AVENT Philips were the favorites.
  • For and against the AVENT model
    • I rarely use a breast pump, so I settled on the manual version of AVENT. This is a good, but not really cheap option.
    • The best breast pump for me is AVENT Philips. I used it for a very long time, since I used my own milk for all complementary foods. It turns out that not a very cheap model fully paid for itself.
    • For a long time I chose which type of unit would suit me and settled on the mechanical version of Avent, since with its help you can independently vary the intensity of pumping, and it also does not make noise at all.

A video explaining how to use a breast pump will help inexperienced moms get used to this new breastfeeding assistant.

A couple of decades ago, pediatricians insisted that young mothers must pump after each feeding. Currently, WHO has issued recommendations for successful breastfeeding, where it outlined its position on pumping: properly organized breastfeeding does not require additional pumping of milk. Since milk is produced only as much as the baby eats, pumping can lead to excess milk production and further lactostasis. And yet, in some cases, such as the illness of a nursing woman or weaning from a child, pumping is indispensable. Since many women believe that pumping with their hands is a painful and uncomfortable procedure, breast pump manufacturers have come to their aid.

When is a breast pump really needed?
The mother is separated from the child. If the baby or mother is admitted to a hospital where it is impossible for them to stay together, if a woman needs to go to work or continue her studies, then breastfeeding can be maintained with the help of a breast pump. It is necessary to express every 3 hours and immediately transfer milk to the child, and if this is not possible, then milk supplies can be stored in the refrigerator (up to 12 hours) or in the freezer (up to six months). If the mother knows in advance that she will be absent from the child, then breast milk can be stored by expressing after feedings and freezing the milk.
The baby was born premature, he is weak and cannot suckle effectively at the breast. A premature baby is placed in a special incubator. Since breast milk is especially important for such a baby, it is necessary for the mother of a premature baby to express and transfer milk.
The child has defects in the structure of the facial skeleton. In this case, he has difficulty sucking and swallowing milk. When the baby has had a facial skeleton correction, he can begin to suckle at the breast, and until that moment he is fed through a tube or from a spoon with expressed breast milk.
A woman needs to take medications that are incompatible with breastfeeding. In this case, it is necessary to temporarily wean the child from the breast and, after completion of treatment, continue breastfeeding. A breast pump will help maintain lactation, for this you need to express your breasts 4-6 times a day. At the same time, the child is fed with a mixture from a spoon or cup, since feeding from a bottle with a nipple can subsequently lead to refusal of the breast.
A woman develops lactostasis or mastitis. This usually occurs due to improper attachment of the child to the breast, in which the blockage of the duct of the mammary gland occurs and a seal forms. When breast tissue becomes infected, mastitis develops, which requires antibiotic treatment or surgery. To avoid stagnation of milk, it is necessary to express the breast with a breast pump until the seal disappears completely. If the breast has been operated on, then the baby is fed with healthy breasts, maintaining lactation in the diseased breast with the help of a breast pump.

Types of breast pumps

Breast pumps today are represented on the market by electric and mechanical models.
Electric breast pump It can be powered by a mains or battery, milk is expressed into a bottle, some models allow you to express both breasts at once, which saves time. This breast pump is suitable for frequent and regular pumping. The disadvantage of electric breast pumps is their high cost and noise characteristics - an electric breast pump cannot be used next to a sleeping baby.
Mechanical breast pumps There are three types: piston, pump and breast pump with a pear.
Piston breast pump allows you to express milk into a bottle, is silent and efficient in operation. Thanks to the silicone nozzle, the breast is massaged, while the natural process of breast sucking is imitated by the child and the excretory reflex is stimulated. The piston breast pump can be easily disassembled into parts, the parts are convenient to wash and sterilize. Such a breast pump is suitable for frequent pumping, however, with prolonged use, a woman’s hands may get tired. Another disadvantage of piston breast pumps is the fragility of the parts.
pump action breast pump consists of a pear and a plastic horn, milk is expressed by creating a vacuum when squeezing the pear. A pump-action breast pump is significantly less expensive than other types of breast pumps, but can only be used to express a small amount of milk. The disadvantages of a pump breast pump include the lack of a container for milk, low efficiency, the inability to sterilize parts, as well as the lack of imitation of baby suckling, which can lead to cracked nipples.
Pear breast pump It works on the same principle as the pump. However, unlike him, the breast pump with a pear is equipped with a bottle into which milk is expressed. In addition, the pear breast pump has a valve that allows you to adjust the pressure release. This type of breast pump is only useful for rare cases of pumping. Such a breast pump is cheap, and its disadvantages include low efficiency and a high probability of cracking the nipples, since a breast pump with a pear does not imitate the natural process of breast sucking by a child.

Popular models of breast pumps

Recognized manufacturer's model Philips- piston breast pump Avent, the efficiency of which is not inferior to the efficiency of electric breast pumps. Thanks to the silicone diaphragm and the petal massager, the breast is gently massaged, which improves milk flow. A woman can easily control the intensity of the pumping process by pressing the handle of the breast pump with different strengths. Milk can be expressed into a bottle or into special sterile milk storage containers. The advantage of a breast pump Philips Avent is easy to use, all parts can be sterilized. The kit includes spare silicone parts, which increases the life of the breast pump. Electronic breast pump Philips Avent combines the advantages of a manual breast pump Philips Avent and an electronic memory that remembers the rhythm of hand pumping. By pressing the button on the handle, the breast pump is switched from manual pumping mode to electronically controlled pumping mode and vice versa.

The most common manufacturer's model Medela is a piston breast pump Medela Harmony, which is based on the technology of two-phase pumping: a fast rhythm stimulates milk production, a slow rhythm allows you to express milk gently. Medela Harmony It comes with an additional massaging silicone funnel, which contributes to a more efficient release of milk.


Remarkable electric breast pump Lactaline ( manufacturer Ameda), allowing you to express milk from two mammary glands at once. The breastpump works both from a network, and from batteries that expands possibilities of its use.
Popular model manufacturer Nuk is an electric breast pump E-MOTION with a two-phase pumping system. The funnel of the breast pump is suitable for any breast size, the pumping intensity can be easily changed using the flow rate regulator. E-MOTION Operates both on mains and batteries.

Known Manufacturer Model Chicco is a piston breast pump Chicco One Ha nd, which has an angled funnel for a more comfortable pumping position. The intensity of pumping is regulated by a special valve.

Company "The world of childhood" releases a pump-action breast pump with a pear. This model has a low cost, the kit may include a bottle to collect milk.

Helpful Hints

To choose the right model, decide for what purposes and how often you will use it, how much time you plan to spend pumping milk.
Read the instructions for your breast pump before using it.
Wash and sterilize the breast pump parts before first use.
Wash your hands with soap and water before pumping.
Put a warm compress on your chest, massage your breasts - this contributes to the production of oxytocin, due to which milk moves more efficiently through the ducts and is expressed faster.
Place the funnel of the breast pump on the breast so that the nipple is in the center of the breast.
Adjust the pressure generated by the breast pump so that there is no pain.
Change the breast you are pumping several times, this will allow you to collect more milk.
Wash and air dry all parts of the breast pump after use.

Video. electric breast pump

The choice of a breast pump is based on the principle - “there is no better, there is one that is right for you”, and this is most often found out only by experience. However, before acquiring this device, which is undoubtedly useful for a young mother, it should be noted that:

  • all breast pumps are divided into mechanical (manual) and electric (powered by power sources);
  • the design and assembly principle of different breast pumps can vary significantly;
  • the quality of materials (plastic, latex, silicone) can also be different;
  • the number of operating modes varies from 1 to 4, in some models there is a smooth adjustment of the flow rate;
  • the kit may or may not include additional accessories: bottles, nipples, breast pads and pads, bottle holders, containers and bags for collecting milk, a storage bag, spare parts, etc.

Manual or electric breast pump: which one is better?

Both types have advantages and disadvantages.

Manual breast pumps with a pump or a pear - for the most part cheap, but inefficient devices. Another thing is piston (syringe). They are convenient, efficient and gentle, but also the most expensive among manual ones.

Advantages of manual breast pumps:

  • no power source required (mains, accumulator, batteries);
  • the device can be completely washed and sterilized;
  • silent operation;
  • the intensity of work is regulated by physical effort, which in some cases has a more gentle effect than automatic action.

There is only one minus for manual models - this is slow work that requires physical effort. Therefore, such devices are recommended for those who express milk from time to time, but not constantly.

Unlike them, electric breast pumps provide quick collection of milk without manual intervention. They are good for constant intensive use and for working mothers. However, not everyone will like the monotonous hum of the device during operation, the inability to completely sterilize and the rather high price.

Sometimes, as a subspecies of electrical models, they distinguish electronic breast pumps. In one case, this is just a trick of the manufacturer, who refers to the word "electronic" all electric breast pumps. In another case, we mean the most technologically advanced and high-performance devices with microprocessor control and a display. These are "professionals", having a high cost and often used in maternity hospitals. Buying such a home is expensive, but renting it is a great idea.

Which brand of breast pump is better to buy?

The undisputed leader in popularity is the brand Philips Avent, which produces both manual piston and electric breast pumps. The range is designed to meet the widest needs: there are models with adjustable pumping, autonomous operation, with bottles and teats, a milk storage system, etc.

In no way inferior to Philips AVENT as a product of the Swiss brand Medela, while the price for similar models from Medela is lower, and the range is wider. In addition, almost any spare parts and additional accessories can be bought for Swiss breast pumps. By choosing one of these brands (Avent or Medela), you most likely will not go wrong and get a productive and durable device.

Brands follow the leaders pigeon, Maman, Canpol Babies, Ardo, whose breast pumps are not so well known, but are of good quality and worthy reputation. It is worth paying attention to those who plan to save a little and not overpay for a high-profile brand. Domestic manufacturers (" Kurnosiki», « The world of childhood”) while there is nothing special to boast of: they were able to “master” the release of only simple mechanical models. Their quality is not perfect, but the price is the lowest on the market.