Electric Breast Pumps - Semi and Fully Automated

For some mothers, electric breast pumps provide a far more viable solution than their manual equivalent.

Ideally women who fall into this category include those that have endured a premature birth, have had twins or are returning to work - all situations where milk production has to be maintained and increased. An electric or battery powered pump provides a quick and easy way to get through such situations.

There are two main types of electric breast pumps, semi-automatic and automatic . The main difference between the two lies in the specifications of the individual motors. Semi-automatic models rely on the user to manually control the cycling of the pump to create a rhythm which resembles the feel of a nursing infant. In most cases this usually involves covering a small valve located on the breast funnel with a finger. Automatic pumps on the other hand are more independent. Cycling times are completely controlled by the model once the desired suction strength has been selected and the unit is switched on.

Manual pumps can be quite tiresome and can take up more time than you have available. With the electric equivalent the inbuilt motor does all the work, all you have to worry about is finding a nearby power outlet or having an extra set of batteries. Innovative new designs have also seen these pumps become more portable - a feature many working mums really appreciate. Another advantage that can be tied to the electric models is the "after- sale" maintenance that usually follows a purchase, as well as the fact that many units are covered by standard health insurance packages.

This increased efficiency, suction, and speed unfortunately comes at a price. Electric breast pumps are significantly more expensive than their manual counterparts but then one also has to remember they are made to be more durable. Another obvious disadvantage is the noise that the motor produces. Some mothers find it difficult to come to terms with this lack of discreetness, especially when at work or away for the weekend. Admittedly some manufactures do seem to have found ways of conquering this problem - Whisper Wear Pump.

Certain types of electric breast pumps can be rented, and these are known as hospital grade pumps. Their complex and bulky design usually limits them with regards to portability, but in every other aspect these units are superior to most electric pumps available for purchase. Read more on rental breast pumps.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Breast Pumps

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