OperaMom Articles - Finding a Breastpump

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Finding a Breastpump

Unless you plan to make trips home or have your baby brought to rehearsals or performances at feeding times, one of the most important tools a working operamom will need is a good breast pump. Some mothers prefer to express milk by hand, but breast pumps generally provide more pumping power, making pumping milk faster and easier. Even some non-working nursing mothers may wish to purchase a pump in case of an emergency or a temporary separation from the baby.

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a pump. A singing mom needs a pump that's easy to transport, use and clean. Breast pumps are available in manual, battery and electrically-operated models. All pumps function in the same basic manner: a funnel covers the nipple, and the pump uses suction to extract the milk into a bottle or another container from which the milk can then be transferred to a bottle. Good pumps simulate the baby's sucking actions to stimulate the let-down reflex so that mom will continue to produce enough milk for her baby.

For an operamom that is currently staying at home, a breastpump may not be necessary at all, especially if she learns to hand-express her milk. Hand-expression can be very easy and effective once this new skill is learned. Women who need to use a pump every now and then usually want a pump that is effective, but also relatively inexpensive. Mothers who will be in production or rehearsals usually are looking for a breastpump that is quick (able to double-pump) and efficient. They commonly need to express their milk during breaks and lunch, and they don't want to spend all their free time pumping. Cost may not be as much of a factor to them as convenience.

After pumping, you can store the bottles in a refrigerator, cooler, or even at room temperature for 10 hours and take them home for your sitter to feed to the baby the next day. But remember, however you choose to store your milk, NEVER add or mix freshly pumped breastmilk with previously refrigerated or frozen milk.

Manual pumps may be an option, depending on the mother's needs. They can be helpful for expressing an occasional bottle of breastmilk, and come in a number of different models. One of the first types of breast pumps ever available was a glass or plastic funnel attached to a rubber bulb, looking much like a bicycle horn. Although it's still available and the cheapest pump around, it is not recommended because the suction cannot be regulated and can often be too harsh for tender breasts; these pumps are also difficult to sterilize properly and don't work as well as other pumps.

Other manual pumps include cylinder pumps, a handle-squeeze pump, and a variety of other designs. Cylinder pumps are lightweight and can be effective for some women. They fit easily into a purse and nearly all models are dishwasher-safe. Some handle-squeeze pumps enable the mother to pump with just one hand, so the baby can feed from one breast while the mother expresses milk from the other.

Another interesting person-powered pumping option is a mouth suction pump. In this pumping scenario, the mother's mouth provides the suction that drains the milk from her breast to the bottle. It is small enough to fit into mom's purse and in some ways adds ease to the pumping process, since mom can pump while lying down.

Battery-operated pumps use a small motor that creates suction. They are lightweight, and modest in both size and price. With regular use, you need to change the batteries quite frequently. This increases the cost considerably. They are also intended for mothers who have a well-established let-down reflex and milk supply. Like the handle squeeze pump, this pump can be operated using only one hand.

For regular pumping, an efficient electric pump will provide the best results. Electric pumps come in two basic models, semi-automatic and full-size automatic. The small, semi-automatic pumps are portable and affordable. An electric motor powers the pump, but moms still have to regulate the suction. Operamoms who plan to pump for a few months or more may find that this moderately priced pump is a good investment.

Full-size automatic electric pumps do virtually everything, and are generally the most effective pump, because they provide alternate suction and release that simulates the feeding patterns of a nursing baby. Automatic pumps are an obvious choice for mothers who are pumping milk for a sick or premature baby, because they stimulate a good milk supply and can keep the mother lactating until the baby can begin to nurse from the mother's breast. They are efficient and comfortable, and most offer a double pumping option. These pumps are available on a rental basis through hospitals, pharmacies and pump rental stations, and are generally cheaper per month than formula.

The premium electric breast pumps are typically the only pumps available for rental. Other pumps are sold at hospitals, through organizations such as La Leche League International, at drug stores, online, and at maternity and baby stores.

While the variety of pumps may seem confusing, many of the pumps mentioned are good options, depending on your lifestyle, schedule demands and personal preferences. Talk to your lactation consultant about what type of pump is best for you, your baby, your schedule and your workplace. And talk to other operamoms - sometimes they have the best advice!

Do you have a breastfeeding story to relate? Would you like to share your experiences with other operamoms? Click here to submit your comments!

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