Natural Nursery Blog

As it is breastfeeding week this customer review for the Medela Swing Electric Pump is a perfect review for us to share with you:

We bought this pump in the first week of our baby’s life after he was diagnosed with severe jaundice. Because of his condition we had to top up after breastfeeding with formula- something we hadn’t  intended to do! Once our sons condition had improved we were able to top up with expressed breast milk using this pump and I am now back to 100% breastfeeding. It was a complete life saver!
I would recommend this pump to anyone, its natural sucking rhythm and adjustable strength of suck is really gentle, even for a first time mum like me! I didn’t find it painful to use.

It’s easy to get started and can be battery powered or powered on mains electric. Most importantly it gave us the opportunity to feed our son in the way we wanted to against the odds.

Remeber as it is breastfeeding awareness week, we are offering 10% discount on all our breastfeeding related products. So go into the website and have a look www.naturalnursery.co.uk

Whether you have an electric breast pump or a manual breast pump, it is crucial to keep it absolutely clean and sterilise it regularly. If washed improperly, harmful bacteria could develop in the dried breast milk.

The breast pump should be washed thoroughly after each use and left to air dry. In some cases, a health professional may recommend that the breast pump also be sterilised after each use. It is best not to take any risk with pre-term babies or sick babies. In most cases, sterilising your breast pump once a day is sufficient.

Sterilising a breast pump is quick and easy, and you can find the method that suits you best.

• Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some parts should only be wiped clean while others should be washed and sterilised. Not all parts can be sterilised by all methods so make sure that the method you are about to use is suitable for your breast pump.
• Take apart all the components of the breast pump. Make sure that you are not missing any. The small valve in particular is easily lost. The components should not be left attached when sterilised.
• Using an electric steam steriliser: Once the parts of your breast pump are washed, place them in the steriliser. Add water. Plug. Wait. When the light goes off, your breast pump is ready.
• Using a microwave steriliser. The microwave steriliser is a container or a bag into which the parts can be placed, along with a specified amount of water, and then microwaved. Before using this method, read the instructions carefully, as some breast pumps are not suitable for microwave sterilising.
• You can also place the parts of your breast pump in the top drawer of the dishwasher. You need to check the dishwasher manufacturer’s manual to make sure that the hot water cycle will reach 140C.
• A breast pump can also be easily sterilised in a large pot of boiling water. It should be left to boil on high heat for ten minutes.

Whichever method you use, be extremely careful when removing the breast pump. It is likely to be extremely hot. You can let it cool down to room temperature before removing it from the steriliser or the boiling water. Let the parts air dry on a clean kitchen towel.

Reassemble your breast pump … et voilà! Your breast pump is ready to use for the next time you need it. It can be stored in its carry case, on a tray covered with a clean cloth, or in a large food container.

As a new mum, when you have decided to breastfeed your baby, you are very much aware of the benefits of breastfeeding for both yourself and your baby. However, there are many reasons why you may have to be away from your baby. Whether you are away for health, family or work reasons, or just because you would like an evening out, it doesn’t mean that your baby can not continue to benefit from your breast milk. That’s when a well-chosen manual or electric breast pump becomes very useful. Let us look at some of the pros and cons of each.

• Weight: A manual breast pump is often lighter and more compact than an electric breast pump. If weight and size are an issue, the Meleda mini electric is a good compromise between the two. It is electric and compact.
• Suction speed: An breast pump – and even more if it’s a double pump – expresses breast milk much quicker than a manual pump. This can make all the difference for working mums or mums trying to increase their milk supply. A manual pump can be reassuring if you are expressing breast milk for the first time, but it can be slow and this can prove to be frustrating. If time is an issue, an electric breast pump might be preferable even if you are not planning to express frequently.
• Comfort: Both types of pumps can be equally comfortable. With a manual pump, you control the suction and it can often be adjusted in an electric pump. Some pumps come with an extra breast cushion for even more comfort. Manual breast pumps can also be tiring on your hands.
• Noise: A manual pump is almost silent while an electric breast pump has a motor. This can be a concern for some breastfeeding mums. If you are planning to express at work, your employer is legally bound to provide you with sufficient privacy.
• Ease of use: manual pumps contain fewer components, which makes them easier to put together and take apart. The Medela and Lansinoh breastpumps are also fairly simple to assemble.

Manual or electric breast pump? Each breastfeeding mum has her favourite. Whatever your choice, take your time and relax.

The first noticeable thing about the Medela mini electric breast pump is that it is compact. It gives breastfeeding mums the convenience of an electric breast pump for the size of a manual pump. It measures about 10″ (25cm) high and weights around 1.5lb (700g) so it fits easily in a handbag or a changing bag.

The adjustable suction speed allows mums to express breast milk comfortably. Mums who are expressing breast milk for the first time or suffering from sore nipples find the slowest speed reassuring and comfortable. It is always a good idea to start expressing on the slowest setting and increase the speed a few minutes later.

The Medela mini electric breast pump expresses breast milk quickly so it is suitable for occasional or frequent use. It is so efficient that many breastfeeding mums use it to continue breastfeeding after they return to work. Another option for working mums is a double electric breast pump.

The Medela mini electric breast pump comes with a mains adapter and can also be used with batteries. Reusable batteries are more convenient and economical as they would recharge the next time the breast pump is plugged in. The drawback is that the motor is fairly noisy. Where this is a concern, the Medela Swing might be preferable.

The Medela mini electric breast pump is attached to a breast milk storage bottle. The breast milk can then be stored in the bottle or poured in a breast milk storage bag. The milk can be kept in the fridge or in the freezer until needed.

It is easy to take apart, clean and reassemble. It can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher. When out and about or travelling, the Medela Quick Clean Wipes can be useful. Parts that come in contact with breast milk should be sterilised. They can be sterilised in boiling water, in a steam steriliser, or cold water method. The small valve creates the vacuum necessary to express the breast milk but it is very small and easily lost. Ordering an extra set of valves with the pump is much easier.

The Medela mini electric is a clever little breast pump: sturdy, efficient and comfortable.

For many breastfeeding mothers, not having to buy any baby feeding equipment is a decisive factor in deciding to breastfeed their baby. Exclusive breastfeeding saves money, time and effort.

However there are many times when you may have to be away from your baby. You can continue to breastfeed by expressing breast milk with or without a breast pump and having someone feed your baby breast milk when you’re away. This will allow you to maintain your milk supply, breastfeed your baby as long as you wish and your baby will benefit from having milk exactly tailored to his needs and developmental stage.

Choosing the right breast pump is essential. The most important criteria will be how often you need to use your breast pump:

• When you’re planning to express only every now and then. Even if you’re not planning to be away from your baby, being able to express can help relieve engorged breasts. It can also be useful to feed your baby in long car journeys when baby needs a drink more often than you can stop. If you’re not planning to express more than a few times, then learning to express breast milk by hand is very handy. Contact you local breastfeeding support group.

• For infrequent uses, you might be more comfortable with a manual breast pump. A manual breast pump is easy to use and affordable. It is a good idea to keep one handy should you need to express.

• If you are planning to express more often, an electric breast pump is a wise investment. You will be able to express breast milk more comfortable and more efficiently. Breastfeeding mothers who wish to continue breastfeeding their baby when they return to work often choose a double electric breast pump like the Lansinoh breast pump or the Medela double electric breast pump. These pumps are designed to express both sides at one time. The Medela pump is nice and compact, a handy choice if you’re having to take your pump to work every day. The Lansinoh pump can also be used as a single pump.

Expressing breast milk can feel daunting at first. Choosing the right breast pump is essential for your comfort. You will be able to continue a successful breastfeeding relationship with your baby. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.