Expert expressing advice from the people who know best… other mums
Posted: 20 October 2011
Modern breast pumps are more comfortable and convenient than ever before. Whether you go for a hand pump or an electric one, mastering the art of expressing gives you the freedom to go back to work or just enjoy an evening out, knowing that your baby will still be fed with your breast milk. Introducing the bottle also involves dad with feeding and bonding. Plus, breast pumps can help stimulate milk supply and ease engorgement. But which one’s for you?
Electric or hand pump?
“I had an electric Philips Avent pump that was comfortable and quick to use but was quite noisy, so I had to express in a different room to my baby. This time around I’ve got a hand pump too, which is quieter but makes my hand sore after a while, so it’s a bit of a trade-off!”
Sharon Lynch, 25, from Chelmsford, mum to Hattie, 2
Are the extras included?
“Check what bits and bobs you get with the pump. Get value for money by looking for a bundle that includes storage bags for the milk and breast shields for extra comfort. Some packages even include insulated carriers to help with storage.”
Harriet Wilkes, 38, from Portsmouth, mum to Louis, 10 months
Does it fit your bottles?
“Check the pump and bottles are compatible with each other. We have lots of different bottles and most work with the pump, but one or two don’t, so it’s worth testing if you’re loyal to a particular brand.”
Alison Mills, 27, from Wokingham, mum to Ellie, 2, and James, 4 months
Heavy use?
“Ask yourself how often you think you’ll use it. If you’re expressing a lot, a hand pump can get tiring and uncomfortable. I started with one but it was slow and made my hand ache so I moved on to an electric Lansinoh double pump, which was much quicker.”
Fallon Holmes, 33, from London, mum to Holly, 1
Where will you use it?
“Will you do most of your expressing at home or work? If you need to do it discreetly, you may be better off with a smaller, quieter hand pump. I felt more confident taking my MAM pump to work than I would have with a big, noisier, electric version. If you’re expressing mostly at home you don’t have to worry about privacy.”
Sarah Tsang, 28, from Birmingham, mum to Sonia, 5 months
Easy to clean?
“To keep your milk germ-free, you’ll need to sterilise all the bottles, nozzles and bits it will touch. So factor in a steriliser when you’re budgeting, and check that the breast pump you want is compatible. Some go in the dishwasher, which is really handy and takes the faff out of cleaning.”
Rachel Smith, 30, from Chester, mum to Ollie, 3, and Adam, 1
Go for the easiest option
“Get one that’s easy to put together. Check on the pack how many parts it includes and ask for a demonstration if you’re not sure. Some pumps have fiddly bits that might put you off using them, so try and get the least complicated model you can find.”
Kiera McKellen, 31, mum to Katie, 3, and Melanie, 1
