Return to: Choosing a Breast Pump

Why You Need a Breast Pump

by Susie Hamilton
Breast Pumps Direct
Product Expert

There are many reasons why a breastfeeding mother may need a breast pump. A breast pump allows a nursing mother to easily express and store breast milk to feed her baby for times when they will be apart. Mothers that plan to return to work rely on their breast pumps to express milk for their babies’ daytime feedings. A stay at home mom may want to use a pump to prepare a feeding for an occasional night out away from her baby. Other mothers may choose to use a pump to express milk to give the father an opportunity to feed his child as well.

In some instances, such as when a baby is premature or too sick to breastfeed, using a breast pump to express milk may be the only way for the baby to receive his or her mother’s milk. A breastfeeding mother can use an electric breast pump to help increase her low milk supply. With frequent double pumping, she is able to increase and maintain an ample supply of milk for her new infant. An electric breast pump can also be used in this manner to induce lactation to breastfeed an adopted baby.

Mothers can also use a breast pump to express milk and freeze it for emergency use. Using the Ameda Store 'N Pour Breast Milk Storage Bags or the Sensible Lines Breast Milk Freezer Trays are great for storing milk for only a short period of time. Being way from your baby longer than anticipated could be considered as an emergency that needs stored breast milk as well as coming down with a cold or the flu.

Engorgement of the breasts can also be relieved by using a breast pump. Pumping a little milk will soften the nipple area and make it easier for the baby to latch on. They can also be used to help draw out flat or inverted nipples to make nursing easier.

How often you choose to pump milk for your baby will determine what type of breast pump will best suit your needs. Frequent or daily pumping generally requires a single or double electric pump. If you will only pump occasionally, a manual or handheld electric pump will most likely meet your needs sufficiently.

If you have decided that buying a breast pump, is the right option for you then take a look at our article What to Look For in a Pump to decide which type of pump will work best for you. The Breast Pump Comparison Chart and Breast Pump Reviews are also helpful when choosing a breast pump.

 

Return to: Choosing a Breast Pump