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As advancements in technology continue to shape the landscape of parenting tech, one of the most pragmatic developments has been the transition from manual breast pumps to electric pumps. They really revolutionized the pumping experience for nursing mothers; gone are the days of cumbersome contraptions weighing as much as 40 pounds, requiring a nearby outlet and a secluded space.
Enter wearable pumps, a game-changer for modern moms on the move.
Wearable pumps boast all the functionality of their traditional counterparts while fitting snugly inside your bra. With the wireless convenience of battery-powered operation, these types of pumps offer discreet portability, allowing moms to pump wherever, whenever, on-the-go. Comfortable and easy to use, they’ve become a staple for multitasking moms everywhere.
This is everything you need to know about wearable breast pumps.
Not all wearable breast pumps are the same, look out for these features
A common complaint about some models of breast pumps is that they don’t have enough suction power to express most of the milk supply. Ideally, your wearable breast pump should have a maximum suction of 220 to 320 millimeters of mercury (measured as mmHG). Most pumps have separate speed and suction settings so that you can adjust them according to your preferences.
While wearable pumps can vary greatly in price, from under $100 to over $500, you can get a very good one around the $200 price point.
Lastly, it’s very important to take into account the ease of cleaning, in addition to the fit and comfort of the pump. It’s best to rely on independent research and reviews from users to decide on which wearable breast pump is best for you. Community-led reviews on products like wearable breast pumps are great at answering a lot of specific questions you might have.
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Wearable pumps allow you to pump anytime, anywhere, but consider your milk storage situation
One of the best things about wearable breast pumps is that they are completely hands-free which means that you can go about your day as usual. Wearable breast pumps are also very discreet, though some of them might emit faint sounds – this would only be noticeable if you are in a quiet, enclosed space. Working moms may appreciate that they can pump while driving to and from work to save time (then make sure you refrigerate it once you reach the destination). The rule of thumb for breast milk storage according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is no more than four hours at room temperature and no more than four days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze breast milk for long-term storage (it should last for up to 12 months); however, freezing can alter the taste of the milk which may be less familiar to your baby, and they may reject it. It’s best to try it out in advance before you create your frozen supply.
It’s a new experience, but for sanitary reasons you shouldn’t try out used wearable pumps
There is no doubt that wearable breast pumps are far more convenient than any other type of breast pump, but there is an initial learning curve. If you’ve never used one before, it can take a little bit of time to get used to the process. You can watch online videos about wearable breast pumps to get a better idea of how to use them correctly. If a friend or family member has a wearable pump, you might be tempted to try out their pump before you buy one. However, La Leche League International (LLI) advises against sharing or borrowing pumps, even if they’ve been cleaned, because milk can flow backwards into the pump mechanism and cause contamination. If you’re worried that you won’t be able to follow the instructions provided with your pump, you can call the manufacturer’s customer assistance and they may be able to help you through the initial stages.
Most wearable breast pumps have a mobile app that allows you to start and stop it, as well as control the intensity of the pump. Many apps provide information on how much milk you’ve pumped and how long you’ve pumped for. The app also stops the pump once the containers are full.
Image by Manuel Pacheco from Pixabay
