 Most people don't know much about breast pumps before having a baby. Having wires attached to your boobs as they suction off milk into little bottles is just not something you really think of, much like the prospect of tracking poo colour in an app or buying a syringe to suck out someone else's snot. So figuring out which one to buy can be confusing. Although after a few weeks you can easily pump away while watching TV at 3am, the first few times are guaranteed to make you think about cows. They can be intimidating, with the potential risks of using them wrongly rather unpleasant and ranging from chapped nipples to mastitis – when your breast becomes swollen, hot and painful. But they can also be brilliant. Whether you're exclusively pumping, combo feeding with formula, or need a stash for someone else to give baby a bottle, they are a crucial piece of kit for many mums. Two of the biggest brands on the market are Elvie and Medela, each with several models available, so we had a look to see which of their electric pumps is best for what. In a nutshell, both offer a good and often similar experience – but if you want something subtle and high-tech, then is quiet and easy. If you want something more heavy duty for exclusive pumping, Medela is ideal. What's best for what? Building supply Medela Symphony High-tech pumping Hands free at home Medela Freestyle Pumping on the go Elvie Stride/ Medela Symphony This was my introduction to the world of breast pumping when it was wheeled to me in hospital. The industrial-looking contraption was around the size of a 1990s boom box and, hanging from a waist high metal bar with two large bottles connected to it by plastic tubes. It was very effective, with a special programme designed to initiate supply in the first days. It built and maintained my supply despite the fact I couldn't breastfeed at all for the first six weeks. The 'flanges'){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Most people don’t know much about breast pumps before having a baby.
Having wires attached to your boobs as they suction off milk into little bottles is just not something you really think of, much like the prospect of tracking poo colour in an app or buying a syringe to suck out someone else’s snot.
So figuring out which one to buy can be confusing. Although after a few weeks you can easily pump away while watching TV at 3am, the first few times are guaranteed to make you think about cows.
They can be intimidating, with the potential risks of using them wrongly rather unpleasant and ranging from chapped nipples to mastitis – when your breast becomes swollen, hot and painful.