New moms can easily get confused between manual vs electric breast pump. Having a difficult time while deciding which breast pump will be ideal for your feeding journey is a common situation. While both, manual and electric breast pumps, are great options, some might prefer one over the other. This article will help you decide which type of pump will be ideal for you.
What Are Manual Breast Pumps
Before choosing either manual or electric breast pump, let us learn more about each of the option. Manual breast pumps operate without electricity and are hand operated. But, is a manual breast pump better than an electric? Well, one thing to consider is that manual pumps can only be used for one breast at a time. Since these pumps are less costly than electric pumps, and are normally compact and lightweight, most of the moms prefer manual pumps over electric ones.
How Manual Breast Pumps Work
Manual breast pumps work by generating a vacuum seal around the breast with the help of a funnel-shaped shield. When you squeeze and release the handle, the pump generates suction, transferring milk from the breast into the container. By manually managing the pumping, you can draw breast milk as per your preferred pressure and pace. Once the milk is expressed, the pump can be disassembled to clean.
Advantages of Manual Breast Pumps
- Portability and convenience: Manual breast pumps offer unparalleled portability and convenience, allowing for easy transport and discreet use anywhere, anytime.
- Cost-effectiveness: These breast pumps are cost effective as compared to electric pumps due to their simple design.
- Control over suction strength and speed: As mentionedearlier, you can draw breast milk as per your preferred pressure and pace.
Limitations of Manual Breast Pumps
- Requires physical effort: Manual pumps require physical efforts and are not hands-free. You need both hands to effectively operate the pump.
- Slower pumping process: They are time-consuming as they can only remove and collect breast milk from one breast at a time.
- Not suitable for frequent or long-term use: Since using manual pumps is a time-consuming and slow process, it is not suitable for frequent use.
What Are Electric Breast Pumps
Electric pumps, as the name suggests, are operated via a battery or power outlet. They allow for double or single breast expressing and is suitable for moms who need to express exclusively or daily.
How Electric Breast Pumps Work
Is an electric breast pump better than manual? When it comes to operation, they provide better user experience. These pumps operate using an electric motor to generate suction for milk expression. You need to place the breast shield over the breast. Next, the motor creates vacuum pressure that mimics a baby's sucking action. This suction leads to milk flow, drawing into a container.
Advantages of Electric Breast Pumps
- Efficiency and speed: You can easily and quickly understand different modes and speed for expressing the necessary amount in a shorter time.
- Adjustable settings for comfort: With the correct electric pump, you get the best breastfeeding experience and comfort.
- Hands-free pumping options: Unlike manual pump, electric pumps do not need any manual intervention.
Limitations of Electric Breast Pumps
- Higher initial cost: Electric breast pumps are more expensive than manual breast pumps.
- Dependence on power source: Since they depend on battery or power source, they are not ideal for carrying out with such dependency.
- Less convenient: Most of the electric pumps are heavier in size and dependent on a plug socket. This makes it difficult for you to carry out anywhere.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Manual and Electric Breast Pumps
Is a manual breast pump better than electric? Deciding hinges on several key factors tailored to your lifestyle and needs.
Frequency and duration of pumping sessions
In this electric pump vs manual breast pump comparison, considering the frequency of use is very essential. If you do not plan to pump daily, then manual pump is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, for working moms or who need to pump daily, electric breast pump is a big time-saver as compared to manual ones.
Lifestyle and mobility preferences
Electric pumps are not as portable as manual pumps, which are generally smaller, lighter, and easier to clean. Also, they are dependent on a power supply in order to operate. However, if you need an electric pump due to your need of daily pumping, there are some electric pumps that are portable enough to carry on the go.
Budget considerations
Price factor plays an important role in the electric v manual breast pump battle. Electric breast pumps are much more expensive as compared to manual ones. While there are affordable and good options out there, some cost-effective pumps tend to break easily.
Recommendations from healthcare professionals or lactation consultants
If you feel that you are not able to decide for your self or are facing issues like sore and tender breasts and nipples, taking recommendation from your healthcare for selecting the pump can also help.
Conclusion
To sum up and decide the best between manual vs electric breast pump is a tough call. Manual pumps are best for those who do not pump often and need something portable and reliable. Electric pumps are best for those who need to pump a lot or for moms who pump at work. Regardless of all this, selecting the breast pump as per your comfort and needs is necessary.
FAQs
Which is better manual pump or electric pump?
The choice between a manual and electric breast pump depends on lifestyle, individual needs, and preferences. Electric pumps are faster and require less effort, making them ideal for regular use. Manual pumps, however, offer more control and are quieter, lighter, and more affordable, suitable for occasional use or when portability is essential.
Do you get more with a manual pump?
Some moms claim that they get more milk by using a manual breast pump in comparison with an electric pump. Manual pumps offer more control over suction and speed, thereby contributing in more milk production.
Is manual breast pump enough?
Whether a manual breast pump is enough relies on individual needs and circumstances. For some moms, a manual breast pump can be totally sufficient for their pumping need. On the other hands, working moms will agree to disagree.
