Types of Electric Breast Pump

An electric breast pump is a machine that has been designed to extract milk from the breasts of a lactating woman. An electric breast pump works on the principle of sucking and massaging the breast at the same time when usage is initiated.

It can be used in cases where neither baby nor mother is able to suckle at the breast (due to any reason) and extract milk. Electric breast pumps can also be used in cases where a mother wishes to extract milk from her breasts while away from the child (e.g. if she has to go out for work).

There are different types of electric breast pump such as:

(1) Manual Breast Pump:-

It is a manually operated device with a plunger fitted to the top of the manual pump. It has two valves at its periphery which can be closed when required, and it consists of a cylindrical container having a lid and handle. It extracts milk by means of sucking and massaging both breasts simultaneously, and in contrast to hospital/industrial pumps, it can be used to extract milk from one breast at a time.

(2) Double Electric Breast Pump:-

It is an electric suction pump which has two separate cylinders fitted with rubber tubes and valves to receive the connector of the motor unit. It extracts milk by means of suction and through squeezing action (simultaneously or alternate). The operation and control of this type of pump are similar to that of single piston pump except for some technical adjustments in the valve system.

(3) Single Electric Breast Pump:-

This is also an electric aspirating/suction pump having a single cylinder with rubber tubing connections and a multi-valve system which operates on foot pedal control. The operation and control of this type of pump are almost similar to that of double piston pump except for some adjustments in the valve system.

(4) Double Electric Breast Pump:-

This is another newly developed electric suction/aspirating pump with twin cylinders fitted with a rubber tube connection at each end. These pumps operate under foot pedal control and have separate tubes or valves for both cylinders so that one can be used independently when necessary, e.g., in case of blocked tubing. The operation and control of this type of pump are same as those described earlier for single electric breast/hand/arm operated double piston pump except for some technical adjustments in the valve systems. This type of breast pump is popularly known all over India and popular among the working mom

Conclusion

In simple words, a breast pump is a machine or mechanical device that helps in breastfeeding. It is a good option for those women who are busy with their regular jobs and do not have time to feed their babies. Breast pumps can be used by the mother after she has given birth to her baby as well as by the surrogate mother if she wants to look after the newborn infant of another woman. In both cases, it is important that they use these devices properly so that there are no complications later on. The article talks about different kinds of best electric breast pumps available across the world and also describes how one must use them safely.