When you become pregnant, there are a lot of different decisions you and your partner have to make. Where will I give birth? What doctor should I go with? Should I find out the baby’s gender? What names do I like? Should I breastfeed or bottle-feed my baby? If you’ve landed on this website, you’re probably looking at the advantages of bottle feeding and have decided to go in that direction. So, the next step is trying to figure out which type of breast pump is right for you. You may be wondering, “Is it better to get an electric or manual breast pump?” Not to worry. Here at The Breastfeeding Shop, we get that this is an important decision for you to make. Every mom has their own needs that have to be met. We’re here to help you find just the right breast pump for you.
Will You be Breast Pumping Every Day?
It’s very different for moms who are going to pump every day and those who are only going to be pumping every so often. You may not be planning for this to be part of your daily routine once your baby is born. It never hurts to have a breast pump on hand in case you need it — especially since we will work for you to get a free breast pump through your insurance provider. You never know — you could be out running a quick errand. You get stuck in traffic, and you’re late for feeding time. If you already have some extra breast milk in the refrigerator, the sitter can easily feed the baby for you.
For mothers who are returning to the workforce, they may be pumping multiple times a day. If you’re trying to squeeze pumping sessions into an already busy workday, you may opt for a powerful electric breast pump. It can really save you some time.
What Type of Budget do You Have?
There’s already a lot on your baby checklist — clothing, diapers, a crib, a stroller, toys, baby shampoo, and much more. Costs start to add up quickly. And this is only the very beginning of an 18-year-long journey. So, of course you’re going to consider the cost of a breast pump. Manual pumps tend to be more affordable But ever since the Affordable Care Act was passed, most insurance providers have been offering a breast pump per each birth event. You’d have to check with your insurance to see exactly what kinds and models of breast pumps you can get. If you’re having trouble dealing with your insurance, or you just don’t have the time for it — feel free to reach out to us for help. Here at The Breastfeeding Shop, we have years of experience working with insurance companies. So, we can make this process a lot easier for you.
How Important is Breast pump Portability?
If you’re thinking, “Is it better to get a manual or electric breast pump?” you should consider the factor of portability. Are you looking for a light breast pump that you can put in a bag and easily carry around? Manual pumps tend to be smaller, lighter, and easier to clean. Plus, you don’t have to worry about charging a battery or staying close to an outlet or adaptor whenever you need to pump milk.
Are Electric Breast Pumps Better?
As the name suggests, manual breast pumps have to be done manually. Electric breast pumps can provide an easier experience involving a job that’s already draining your body. Plus, you can even get a hands-free breast pump that allows you to multitask while you’re expressing milk.
Depending on which electric breast pump you get, there may be different settings and suction levels. This can help you find a natural rhythm, allowing you to express more milk. If your baby is having a difficult time latching on, it may be easier and less painful for you to pump regularly with an electric pump. Also, if you’re having multiple babies, an electric pump may be best for you. You might also want to look into a pump that offers double pumping, saving you some time. Some of our favorite electric breast pumps include:
- Spectra S1
- Spectra S2
- Motif Luna
- Elvie Breast Pump
- BabyBuddha
- Medela Pump In Style
- Freemie Independence
Choosing a Breast Pump that Works for You
Now that you’ve made your choice between an electric or manual breast pump, you have to figure out which model can meet your needs. There are other things for you to think about, like deciding between an open or closed system. You should sit down with your family and figure out exactly who will be feeding the baby when. They say that it takes a village. Getting a top-quality breast pump can help take some stress off mom and share it with the rest of the village.
Nowadays, there are a lot of different breast pumps to choose from. With a baby on the way, you might not have enough free time to research every breast pump model there is. If you find yourself asking, “Is it better to get an electric or manual breast pump?” reach out to us. Maybe you’re having trouble picking a pump or deciding on a breast pump type. That’s okay because you can always contact us at The Breastfeeding Shop. Our team will gladly go over our breast pumps in more detail.
