Breastfeeding is important for mother-baby bonding, and it is a wonderful way to set your baby up for a healthy future. Breast milk supplies the baby with proper nutrition and can help protect against diseases. In fact, it has been shown that a high IQ is linked to breastfeeding.
While it is of course ideal to breastfeed your baby in person and experience this one-on-one bonding time, there are various reasons that breastfeeding mothers will need to invest in a reliable, efficient breast pump as well. This will come in handy if you need to be away from your baby for an extended period of time. Even if your baby is nearby, there may be times when you will need to save milk for later.
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Whether you are a new or seasoned parent, you can always benefit from a breast pump. Here, we have created a brief guide for all breast pump devices in 2019. We cover the best brands and models to check out, practical tips, and breastfeeding travel solutions.
Brands and Models
When looking at the best rated breast pumps in 2019, the Medela and Spectra brands came out on top. Each brand has its own unique perks.
Many appreciate that the Medela comes with an easy-to-organize carrying bag, making it highly efficient for moms on the go.
While most Medela models require
batteries, most Spectra models do not. Medela is known for being the
quicker and more efficient of the two, but the Spectra is quieter and
also more lightweight.
One of the latest models on the market
is the Willow, which is a wearable breast pump. This hands-free style
offers an innovative option for mothers on the go. Wearable pumps
work particularly well with a strapless bra. So before the baby
comes, make sure to stock up your top drawer if you go with a
hands-free option.
Practical Tips
A breast pump
can be a serious financial investment, but the easiest way to save
money on a breast pump is to research which models your insurance
company covers. Nearly all insurance companies will have some form of
breast pump coverage. Taking the time to research your coverage
options could result in substantial savings.
For those heading back to the office,
make sure that the building has a designated room for mothers. If the
office has several nursing mothers, you’ll have to set up a
schedule. Either a paper calendar or a shared calendar via email
could go a long way in organizing use of the room.
Travel
Solutions
The key to breastfeeding on the go? A roomy
carrying bag.
Choose a bag that is spacious enough for you to easily take the pump in and out quickly. A purse might not always be the way to go. When you need to pull out your pump, you might send other objects flying into the aisle. You don’t want to lose any valuables during this process.
Find an option
with enough space to securely remove your pump. It should also have
ample pockets for storing extra bottles and other accessories. Some
models will even have insulated compartments.
Traveling smart
is not just about your bag—it is also about your pumping location.
Do your research beforehand to ensure that you know where you can go
if you need to pump. For example, it is common for airports to have
designated locations for nursing mothers. Check the map
beforehand!
Breast Pumps Are Worth It!
Making
wise choices relating to breastfeeding can set you up for an
efficient, money-saving, stress-free experience. By setting yourself
up with the right equipment and the right plan of action, you can
provide a rewarding experience for you and your baby.
