Becoming a mother for the first time can be one of the most memorable experiences in a woman’s life. First-time mothers may have little experience taking care of babies.
Your family goes on a trip, but your sister forgot to bring some necessary equipment such as a breast pump. Luckily, you’re breastfeeding, so you may bring along one.
Can you share manual breast pumps? Sadly, it’s not a good idea to let other moms use one pump. When sharing this device with other moms, it means you are sharing viruses and bacteria with others.
There are other reasons why you shouldn’t let others use your personal pump. If you want to learn more, click on this article! Let’s read on!
What Are Manual Breast Pumps?
Overview
These devices are kept in position on the chest using one hand while the milk is manually extracted with the rest.
They include a motorized lever or handle for expressing your milk. They come with a container to collect the extracted milk.
They are straightforward to operate and handy for mothers who need to extract milk regularly.
They don’t run on electricity or batteries, are compact and portable, and can be taken with you wherever you go. It’s also reasonably priced in comparison to those powered by electricity.
Components
They’re typically composed of silicone or lead-free and non-toxic materials to help new mothers have a healthy breastfeeding pumping session.
It mainly includes three parts:
- A shield: It is cone-shaped. During the process, you need to place it over your areolas or nipple to extract your milk.
- A pump: This part aids in the extraction of milk from the nipple by creating a vacuum. It is either firmly connected to the nipple shield or via silicone tubing.
- A container: The bottle is usually attached to a cone-shaped shield. This container collects the milk.
Types
There are two sorts of manual pumps: suction and handle pumps.
Suction pumps:
- They don’t look like breast pumps. Instead, they are the same as miniature vases.
- To utilize this device, you will need to make some effort!
- Place the open end of the pump against your breast and position it properly to create suction.
- After that, press its base to extract the milk.
Handle pumps:
- Although they resemble electric pumps, they do not use power or batteries to extract milk.
- To operate a handle pump, place one hand over the areola or nipple of one breast and manually control the lever.
- The milk will get collected into the shield-attached bottle.
You may need more effort to use this device.
Can You Share Manual Breast Pumps?
The short answer is no! It’s not a good idea to share your personal pump with other moms. A breast pump has a danger of transmitting viruses and germs.
Many moms believe that when they get replacement parts, they might use the pump of others without risk.
The problem, however, is not with the tube. It’s the motor of the machine that’s contaminated.
Most devices feature open systems, allowing milk to discharge into the motor drive. The motor acts as a vacuum to generate suction, drawing airflow and milk droplets into the machine.
The diaphragm can’t be withdrawn even when thorough cleaning and disinfection, which is an issue.
As a result, each time you suck and produce milk supply, another mother’s milk particle may be flown into yours.
You never know whether or if that mother may be infected with herpes, hepatitis, or possibly HIV.
Omega manual device
How To Use These Machines?
If you’ve decided that a manual pump is best for you, you’ll want to properly understand how to use it.
Make sure all device elements are hygienic and sanitized before using it.
After that, wash your hands and follow these tips:
- Read the guidance booklet thoroughly to become acquainted with the equipment’s components.
- Massage your chest gently since this may assist release milk-producing hormones.
- Position the shield over your breast with the flange on your nipple.
- Start pumping by rhythmically pressing the lever. The milk might require some time to begin to flow.
- Complete the process by hand, squeezing the milk once extracted and gathered in the container.
- Apply the same method to the rest.
- Take the shield out and replace the container cap once you’ve finished pumping.
- Refrigerate the baby food.
- Disassemble the device and clean and remember to sterilize all components with soap and warm water.
- Allow them to dry once they’ve been cleaned.
Clean and sanitize after each use
If you want to learn about how an electric breast pump works, you can watch this video:
How To Choose This Equipment Properly?
Before purchasing this device, keep the following considerations in mind:
Usage
It is critical to consider the pump’s intended use while deciding whether or not to purchase a manual pump.
Where To Use
Consider purchasing a small pump if you intend to use it at the workplace. A compact device is helpful to use anywhere.
If you’re going on a trip with your newborn, portable equipment that fits in your suitcase is a good choice.
Suction
Examine the suction if you don’t want your breasts to become sore or swollen.
The suction should be suitable for your milk production, not too much or too little.
Time Spent Pumping
If you have a lot of time, it’s best to buy a manual pump. You can extract your milk and preserve it to feed your baby later.
Medela manual machine
FAQs
Can I Reuse A Manual Pump?
The answer is yes. If your pump includes a detachable shield and tubing, you can sanitize it and reuse it.
Can I Use My Breast Pump For My Second Child?
Using the same pump for your next baby is not ideal because of hygiene and sterilization problems.
Also, old pumps provide less suction, which may cause your breast to be painful and less milk production.
How Long Should You Pump With A Manual Pump?
If you’re utilizing this equipment, you’ll need approximately 15-20 minutes for each breast to generate a sufficient supply of milk, even though this process may take much longer.
Time for extracting milk
The Bottom Line
This article has solved your question: Can you share manual breast pumps?
In conclusion, sharing your personal pump with others is not an ideal decision as it can cause bacterial infection and potential disease via an open motor system.
Hopefully, this post will be helpful for you. Thanks for reading!
