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Breast pump - types and principle of operation

Breast pump - types and principle of operation.

A breast pump is an indispensable item for almost every new mother. It is necessary for a young mother starting from the maternity hospital and ending with the time when the baby is weaned from the breast.

Avent electric breast pump

Breast pump is used:

• when there is an abundance of breast milk;
• if you do not have enough strength to suckle your own milk;
• when the mother continues to lead an active lifestyle, leaving the baby with a nanny or grandmother;
• in the prevention of congestion;
• for mastitis.

How the machine works

The principle is the same for all machines. A vacuum is created near the halo and under force the milk begins to flow out of the mammary glands. Breast pumps are divided into manual (mechanical) and electric.

They are also divided according to the mode of action into:

1. Pump - a model consisting of a pump (pear) and a nozzle on the chest. Milk is expressed every time the pump is pressed. They come with a milk bottle. Washes easily. Economical. Takes up little space. Energy-consuming, cracks appear with frequent use.

2. Syringe - simple two-cylinder model. One cylinder is applied to the chest, and the second moves up / down. A vacuum is created when the piston moves. Easy maintenance and operation, compact. With frequent use, cracks appear.

3. Piston - consists of a silicone cap that is applied to the chest and is controlled by a lever on the device. Has a bottle included. Easy care, compact, does not harm lactation, almost silent. Convenient use. Energy-consuming, parts wear out quickly.

avent manual breast pump

Electric breast pumps are divided into the following types:

1. Electric devices - the pad is applied to the chest, the vacuum is created by pressing the button on the device. Milk is pumped out quickly and painlessly. Works from a network. Maximum pumping result, easy to use, effortless operation, fast pumping. High price.

2. Mechanical devices - to use this breast pump, you need to put the nozzle on the breast and press the pump or the lever.

Electronic breast pumps - have many programs and various modes. Launches with the push of a button.

electric breast pump medela

Features of breast pumps

1. Materials and shape of the nozzle. They are divided into silicone (pleasant to the body and hygienic) and plastic.

2. Nutrition. They are divided into working from the network, on the battery.

3. Functionality:

• pumping force adjustment;
• massager;
• pumping from two breasts at the same time;
• biphasic pumping.

manual breast pump medela

Complete set of breast pumps

The complete set is varied. The kits come with a variety of combinations: a feeding bottle, a pumping handle, a massage nozzle, additional milk storage containers, nozzles of different sizes, sterilization containers, freezer bags, storage bags, lactation pads.

Peculiarities of using breast pumps

• read the instructions before use;
• before and after pumping, wash the device well and boil the milk container;
• choose a comfortable position for pumping;
• in case of pain, it is worth stopping pumping and massaging the mammary gland.

Precautions

• do not use in the shower or bath;
• do not immerse the electrical appliance in water or other liquid;
• do not use the appliance if the cord and plug are damaged;
• do not leave the device unattended;
• do not allow children to play with the device.

Troubleshooting

1. No vacuum. The membrane may be torn, if a vacuum appears when the valve is pressed, it is necessary to replace the part. Possible motor failure. The motor should be cleaned and checked for correct assembly.

2. Milk is not expressed. Check the assembly is correct and try again.

3. Pain when pumping. Reduce the power of the device; for a mechanical device, do not press the handle completely.

4. Milk comes out of the lining. It is necessary to check whether the pad fits snugly to the nipple, wipe the pad and the skin dry. Check the lining for cracks, if there is, then replace the lining.

The most popular models of modern breast pumps include Philips Avent (Avent) and Medela (Medea). You can buy a breast pump in the appropriate store.

03/16/2018

How to use a breast pump | Tips for using your breast pump

It may take some time and patience to learn how to use a breast pump, but the results are well worth the effort. Find tips from Medela experts to help you learn how to pump with a breast pump.

Share this information

Dr Nania Schärer-Hernández, Head of Global Medical Affairs and Education, Medela:
Nania is a mother of two and the world's leading expert on lactation and breast milk composition. At Medela, she leads a team of specialists who prepare educational materials based on the latest research. The group develops guidelines for physicians and educates mothers around the world about the amazing benefits of breast milk.

As with any new business, it may take you some time to get used to using a breast pump. It's important to be patient and not get frustrated if you can't express enough milk right away. After all, a breast pump simply cannot give you the same tender feelings as a baby. However, over time, your body will get used to and learn how to trigger the flow of milk when using a breast pump, and the amount of milk you can express will increase.

1. No need to rush to start pumping

For the first four weeks, you and your baby will work together to start and build milk production. If the baby is healthy and breastfeeding is normal, you will not need to express any additional milk. Pumping, however, can be very helpful if you need to be away from your baby for a while (see tip below). Otherwise, just enjoy spending time with your baby and be sure that even if you plan to pump regularly in the future, there is absolutely no need to "train" your body by pumping milk in the first few weeks.

2. When your baby cannot breastfeed

If your baby is unable to feed directly from the breast, for example because he was born prematurely or has special needs, or you are going to be separated for some reason, start double pumping as soon as possible. before.

Research has shown that starting pumping within the first few hours after birth (when a healthy baby usually breastfeeds for the first time) helps women produce more milk in the first days and weeks ^{1. 2} and gives the child the maximum chance in the future to feed exclusively on mother's milk.

If your baby is expected to be born prematurely, need intensive care, or otherwise find it difficult to breastfeed, prepare ahead of time. Read up on pumping, stock up on equipment, and seek support from a lactation consultant or specialist.

Your maternity hospital most likely has a clinical double breast pump*, so ask them to show you how to use it. It is very important to express milk at a time when, under normal circumstances, you would breastfeed your baby. In this way, your breasts will receive a signal to continue producing milk. Try to start with 8 to 10 pumps per day ³ , and after the “arrival” of milk, continue to express with the same frequency.

3. Correct time

The first pumping must last at least 15 minutes.
Don't worry if you don't get much milk the first time. Regular use of a breast pump should stimulate your breasts and soon they will begin to produce more milk.

Some mothers are able to express the most milk an hour after feeding, while others prefer to express milk immediately after every second feeding. Try doing this at different times to see what works best for you. Once you have determined the optimal time, stick to this routine,
so that your body gets used to using a breast pump and tunes in to additional milk production. You may want to extend the intervals between pumping so that you can collect more milk later. But if you wait until your breasts are full, you won't be able to completely empty your breasts in one pump ^3.4 , so you need to express frequently and regularly.

4. Maintain hygiene

Always wash your hands before and after pumping, rinse all parts of the pump that come into contact with your baby's milk and mouth, and thoroughly sanitize them at least once a day. All parts of the breast pump must be completely dry before being stored in a clean bag or container until next use.

5.

Prepare everything you need before pumping so you don't interrupt the process. You may want to drink or eat, you may need a phone or TV remote control, bottles or storage bags to collect your expressed milk, and a diaper in case something spills.

The specially designed pumping top allows you to express without using your hands, making it easier for you to set up your pump and do other things while you pump.

6. Get comfortable

The best position for pumping is the one you feel comfortable in
. To release the hormone oxytocin, which stimulates the flow of milk, it is very important to relax. Any discomfort or distractions can interfere with this process ⁵ , so choose a comfortable and quiet place to pump, and position yourself so that there is support under your back and shoulders.

If you are not wearing a pumping bustier top, hold the breast pump funnel between your thumb and forefinger and use your other fingers and palm to support your breasts. Carefully apply the funnel to the breast, do not apply too much pressure, as this can lead to compression of the breast tissue and make it difficult for milk to flow.

Some women find deep breathing, soothing music, visualization of pleasant images, or relaxing back and shoulder massages from their partner helpful.

7. Start a rush of milk

Most Medela* electronic and battery-operated breast pumps feature 2-Phase Expression technology, which mimics a baby's natural sucking rhythm (when quick and light sucking movements are followed by slower and more intense ones) to help trigger the rush milk. Breast massage before and during pumping ⁶ Warming the breasts ⁷ with a warm compress (such as a flannel) before pumping also promotes milk flow and increases the amount received.

Researchers have found that skin-to-skin contact with a baby before and during pumping can also increase milk production ⁸ . This is due to the fact that the warmth and touch of the baby triggers the production of oxytocin in your body ⁹ . Some moms even find that pumping is best when
Feed the baby on one breast and express from the other at the same time, as this creates additional stimulation.

If your baby is not with you, try looking at a picture or video of the baby while you pump, or smelling his clothes ¹⁰ . Any opportunity to connect with the baby during the pumping process also helps to increase the level of oxytocin and, accordingly, a better milk flow.

8. Take advantage of the rush

Many mothers don't feel the rush, so keep an eye on it while pumping. When milk trickles into the bottle or bag, this means that the rush has begun ¹¹ .

If you are using a 2-Phase Expression technology breast pump, it will have a stimulation mode and a pumping mode. Normally, stimulation mode lasts about two minutes, but as soon as you notice trickles of milk, as described above, you will need to switch to pumping mode. The first flush usually produces about 36% of the total milk volume, so it must be used to collect more milk ¹² .

9. Find the most comfortable level

During the pumping phase, set the vacuum to the highest comfort level, the highest level setting on the breast pump that allows pumping to be comfortable. Studies have shown that it can collect almost the same amount of milk as if you were breastfeeding your baby ^13.14 .

To find the right level for you, increase the vacuum gradually until you feel slightly uncomfortable and then lower it by one notch.

10. Determine how long to pump

When your milk supply is established (after about 4-6 weeks), it will be easier for you to determine how many minutes to pump. This will save time. For some women, pumping takes longer, which is related to the number of hot flashes - it is they who determine how often and for how long milk is produced ^4.15 . Surprisingly, each mother has her own unique “mode” of milk flow, while it remains the same during pumping and breastfeeding ¹⁶ .

How do you define your own mode? Pick a time when you usually express the most milk and watch your pumping, noticing when the milk starts to trickle out of the nipple or when the milk starts to drain into the container.

Women who only have flushes at the start of pumping will be able to express most of their milk within 8 to 10 minutes, and increasing the duration of pumping will not affect how much milk they get. In contrast, women who experience multiple flushes or who have hot flashes later on may take 15 minutes or more to completely empty their breasts ¹⁵ .

11. Choose double pumping

If you plan to express milk regularly, it makes sense to purchase a double breast pump. Double pumping increases the level of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production ¹⁷ . Surprisingly, studies have shown that women who practice double pumping experience an extra boost of milk with each pumping session. This means that they express almost 1/5 more milk and this milk has a higher fat content compared to consecutive pumping from each breast ¹⁸ . In addition to saving time, this creates a tangible benefit: You can get an extra bottle of milk in just a few sessions.

12. Don't be uncomfortable

Expressing breast milk doesn't have to be painful. If you experience discomfort when pumping, or if your nipples or breasts are blistered or chafed, try changing the pump mode.

Also check the size of the funnel (the bell-shaped part of the breast pump that fits against the breast). The funnel tunnel should fit snugly against the nipple, but leave enough room for the nipple to move freely back and forth without friction. During pumping, the tunnel should not rub against the skin or draw in too much of the areola (the dark area around the nipple) or breast skin around it. A funnel that does not fit well on the breast can result in reduced milk output, which is why Medela manufactures different sizes of breast shields. 9 premature babies FASEB Journal. 2017; 31(1 Supplement): 650–19 (Journal FASEB. 2017; 31 (Appendix 1): 650–19).

Parker L. et al. (Parker L. et al.) Effect of early breastmilk expression on milk volume and timing of lactogenesis stage II amongmothers of very low birth weight infants: very low birth weight babies:) a pilot study Prime D. K. et al. (Prime DK et al.) Dynamics of milk removal during simultaneous breast expression in women . Breastf Med. (Breastfeeding Medicine) 2012; 7(2): 100–6.

Ueda T. et al. (Ueda T. et al.) Influence of psychological stress on suckling-induced pulsatile oxytocin release . Obstet Gynecol. (Obstetrics and Gynecology) 1994 Aug; 84(2): 259–62.

Jones E. et al. (Jones E. et al.) A randomized controlled trial to compare methods of milk expression after preterm delivery . Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. (Arch. Children's Diseases Embryo. and Neonatol. Edition) 2001; 85(2): F91–5.

Yiğit F. et al. (Yigit F. et al.) Does warming the breasts affect the amount of breastmilk production? (Does breast heat affect milk production?) Breastfeed Med. (Breastfeeding Medicine) 2012; 7(6): 487–8.

Acuña-Muga J. et al. (Akuna-Muga J. et al.) Volume of milk obtained in relation to location and circumstances of expression in mothers of very low birth weight infants very low birth weight) . J Hum Lact. (Journal of the International Association of Lactation Consultants) 2014; 30(1): 41–6.

Wittner D. et al. (Wittner D. et al.) Increase in Oxytocin From Skin-to-Skin Contact Enhances Development of Parent-Infant Relationship . Biol Res Nurs. (Biological Research for Care) 2018; 20(1): 54–62.

Keith D.R. et al. (Kate D.R. et al.) The Effect of music-based listening interventions on the volume, fat content, and caloric content of breast milk–Produced by mothers of premature and critically ill infants music on the volume, fat content and calorie content of breast milk of mothers of prematurely born and critically ill babies) .

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