Breastfeeding: Manual breast pumps
The lowdown on manual breast pumps
What to look for
Manual pumps do tend to be more reasonably-priced than electric, and are a good way to find out whether expressing is right for you, without investing in an expensive electric model.
Look for one that’s small, easy to store and compact enough to transport easily when you’re out and about.
A comfortable handle is a must, as you’ll be repeatedly using the same pumping motion during manual expression and your hand might get pretty sore otherwise.
You want the pump to be easy to clean too, so a model made up of as few parts as possible is ideal. Make sure all the pieces can fit in your steriliser, too.
Look for a padded cup, preferably made from silicone that feels comfortable against your breast.
We love that the MAM 2in1 Breast Pumps provide maximum comfort and freedom for mums by giving them choice in different ways of expressing.
Need to know
It’s worth noting that manual pumps can be quite tiring to use and it can take some time to pump the required amount of milk. They are best used for occasional use – if you think you’ll be pumping daily you might want to think about an electric model.
They can also be used to ease pressure, i.e. if your breasts get full. This can be very painful. Use the pump to express enough milk so you feel comfortable again.
Checklist
- Manual pumps are much cheaper than electric models.
- They are better for occasional use or to ease congestion.
- Look for a comfortable handle and a silicone cup