The all-natural way may have some appeals, but if you are spending time away from your baby (such as going back to work), breast pumps are an absolute necessity. Breast pumping can be beneficial in a number of different scenarios:

• • When you want to ensure you have an adequate milk supply
• • When your aim is to relieve engorgement and prevent mastitis
• • When you want your partner or a caregiver to be able to feed the baby as well and enhance their bond
• • When you want to be free to do other things for a few hours without your baby missing a feeding
• • When you want to reap the benefits of on-the-go convenience.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months, and then breastfeeding while starting to introduce solid food for a least a year. Beyond that point, breastfeeding can continue for as long as mother and child choose.

Breast milk gives babies the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong. It is easier to digest than formula and helps build a strong bond between mother and child.

Besides the obvious reasons, such as bonding with your baby and saving time and money on formula, breastfeeding also can help burn some extra calories, requiring around 500 calories a day as an activity. It also reduces oxytocin, a hormone that helps move milk into the breast while also playing a role in reducing uterine bleeding and returning the uterus to its normal size more quickly after giving birth.

Breast pumps imitate a nursing baby’s suckling pattern. Most electric breast pumps are built to have multiple different suckling patterns, which you can experiment with to see what is most comfortable and efficient for you.

The average baby sucks between 50 and 90 times per minute, slowing down after milk starts flowing. Electric breast pumps imitate this cycle of suction and release, collecting it in a storage container. Another key part of breast pumps are called “flanges”, which are funnel-shaped plastic with a tube in the middle that are placed on the nipples and areolas to create a seal and create pressure when sucking.

It shouldn’t hurt if you are doing it right. While the first few seconds may be a bit uncomfortable, as your nipples are stretched your milk starts to flow, once you get used to it, it should be a breeze. If you do happen to experience pain or soreness, consider doing the following:

• • Reposition your nipple — make sure your nipple is in the middle of the flange.
• • Don’t over-pump — A breast will be empty of milk in about 15 or 30 minutes. When it is empty, stop pumping. If you are having trouble getting milk to flow, a warm compress or breast massage before pumping can help.
• • Change your flange size — A flange that is too big or too small can pinch the sides of your nipple and make the flow constrained.

There are a number of factors that come into play when determining how often you should pump. If you are going back to work right away, or might be away from your baby regularly for some other reason, pumping more will be necessary.

• If you intend to be home with your baby and available for breastfeeding all day, you may only need to pump with an electric breast pump every once in a while. However, early on pumping 8 to 10 times a day can help establish your milk supply more quickly.
• • Use breast pumps to encourage your breasts to produce more milk, boosting your supply.

• Motif Breast Pumps
• Lansinoh Breast Pumps
• Medela Breast Pumps
• Spectra Breast Pumps
• Elvie Breast Pumps
• Zomee Breast Pumps

The Breast Pump Store is a fourth-generation, family-owned medical supply store selling breast pumps at great prices, while also providing:

• • One-On-One Breast Pump & Breastfeeding Consultations
• • Ongoing Support & Education
• • Insurance Qualification Assistance
• • Free Shipping
• • Complete Customer Satisfaction

Getting your breast pumps through TheBreastPumpStore.com adds assurance that you are getting the best breast pump for your insurance or budget on top of proactive customer support. We can help you get qualified for free breast pumps through your insurance. Find out how!

Qualify Through Insurance

Need help narrowing down your breast pump options? The Breast Pump Store is here to help. We can help you narrow down your options and find out if you qualify through your insurance for breast pumps. If you want a free breast pump and breast pump accessories through Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, or another type of insurance, contact us now to find out how to get qualified!