Pumps, Pumps and More Pumps

Have you noticed the number of electric pump choices available online and in stores? Let’s break down the terms used to clarify the differences in pumps.

Hospitals have industrial pumps that provide higher performance. These are termed hospital grade. Some have a life span of 10 years or more and are meant for multiple mothers to use. The suction on these pumps can be measured from 300 to 350 mmHg. Most mothers find these pumps superior at establishing their milk supply, especially if a mother has special circumstances with their baby or in a health history. Since these pumps are expensive, they are usually rented to mothers. However, some women purchase these pumps and hold on to them when they anticipate having more children later. Not all women need this type of pump to establish a good milk supply. Currently, the FDA does not have a certification process to specify which pumps are hospital-grade.

Hospital performance and hospital strength are marketing terms used by breast pump companies. These labels can describe personal pumps with a pressure of 200 to 300 mmHg. Women who don’t have special health circumstances may find this pressure range adequate for their milk supply. No matter which pumps a mother is considering, all pumps should possess a variety of adequate suction options, and also a choice of settings for cycles per minute. This is important for creating a pump session as close to the infant’s suck patterns as possible.

Many pumps have improved in quality over the years. Look for pumps with a closed system; this means that milk cannot back up into the motor. Another advancement with pumps in recent years is warranties; some companies offer up to a three-year limited warranty. A more recent alternative to traditional pumps is the wearable breast pump. Many mothers love the idea of pumping and not having a larger pump that requires plugging into an outlet. Some of the wearable pumps have one motor that can be shared for both breasts, and some include motors for each breast. In general, one-motor systems will not perform as well as two-motor systems. Two-motor systems will have a higher price point.

Another factor to keep in mind when comparing pumps is that wearables work best once a mother’s milk supply is established. Some mothers rent hospital-grade performance pumps for one month or more and later switch to a wearable type. If the wearable pump doesn’t give her the stimulation she needs throughout the day, she may also need a plug-in pump with a higher motor.

After reviewing these common differences, you may agree that professional assistance in choosing a breast pump might be helpful. While pregnant, or in the early postpartum period, consider contacting a lactation consultant who can help customize selections of breast pumps to meet your needs. Please feel free to contact me for further information and assistance. I would be delighted to help you find the right pump for your individual needs.

Mothering the Mother

Sue was excited expecting her first baby. However, she was also feeling overwhelmed with what she felt she needed to know. Taking care of a newborn was something neither she nor her husband John had much experience with. Also, when she looked online to baby sites or went to the baby stores, she felt she needed advice on what was really necessary to purchase.

One of the things she was intrigued by was the concept of postpartum doulas. After several interviews of postpartum doulas in the area, Sue and John chose me as the best fit for their needs. We met while they were expecting so that we could become more comfortable with one another,as well as get acquainted with their home setting. I was also available for questions about necessities for Sue’s postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and essentials for newborn care. Goals were established as to what their needs would be. During this process and after delivery, both Sue and John were invited to call me with questions they had related to baby and needs for Sue.

After delivery I was available for blocks of time for breastfeeding assistance as well as newborn education/postpartum care. With over 40 years as a registered nurse specializing in maternity care/pediatrics and a board-certified lactation consultant, I was able to offer Sue and John a variety of evidence-based information that was pertinent to their care.

Once breast feeding was well established and Sue was recovering well from delivery she reported that she now felt confident as a mother. Sue and John thanked me for my direction in helping them obtain confidence in this new phase of their life.