Breast Pump Uses, Benefits For New Mothers

If you are a mother-to-be or a new mother, we are sure you must have heard of the miraculous benefits of breast milk. Studies suggest that breast milk provides the newborn with the right amount of nutrition required for their growth. Breastfeeding is a boon for both the mother and baby. However, there are times when the new mother is unable to feed her child directly and that’s when breast pumps come in handy.

We spoke to Dr. Deepika M Pahwa, Lactation consultant (IBCLC) and Women's Health Physiotherapist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurgaon, and asked her to share all about breast pumps.

What Is A Breast Pump And Its Uses?

Dr. Pahwa said, “Breast milk is ideal for the baby. Very nutritious, and very healthy for the newborn. As the baby grows, breast milk keeps on changing. There are times when the mother is unable to breastfeed her child. In this case, to give her child nutritional breast milk, she can use a breast pump.”

She further shared that a breast pump is a machine that helps in breast milk production or expression whenever required.

Benefits Of Breast Pumps

• When the baby is away from the mother, for instance, if the baby is preterm and is admitted to the NICU, mothers can use a breast pump to express milk and this can be further given to the baby.
• Mothers who have work commitments or are in pain can use a breast pump. In such cases, breast milk can be stored and then fed to the baby.
• Breast pumps can also be helpful in the case of twin babies and a low supply of breastmilk.
• In case of a flat nipple, nipple injuries, or if the mother wishes to take some rest, babies can be fed milk previously expressed using a breast pump.
• Some mothers also prefer going for exclusive breast pumping instead of direct breastfeeding, that's where breast pumps are convenient.

Which Breast Pump To Buy?

There are two types of breast pumps available in the market – manual and electric breast pumps. One can choose between the two depending on the usage. If the mother needs to express milk frequently or the baby takes a feed every two hours, an electric breast pump would be a good pick. On the other hand, if the mother doesn't need to express milk through the pump frequently then she can invest in a manual breast pump.

Storing Breast Milk Expressed Through A Breast Pump

Breast milk expressed through breast pumps should be kept at room temperature, 25 to 26 degree Celsius. At this temperature, breast milk is good to use for four hours. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and up to six months in the freezer.

However, these storage guidelines vary from place to place so consult your health expert for the same.

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How To Feed Expressed Milk To Baby?

There are different ways stored breast milk can be fed to the baby.

• Palladai
• Spoon and bowl
• Cup feeding

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Breast milk should never be heated. Don't heat or boil it like your regular milk. Breast milk, however, can be thawed and then given to the baby.

Our expert concluded that breastfeeding or pumping is never painful. If you are suffering from pain, it might be because you aren't doing it the right way.