Breastfeeding is a long and difficult process for every mother. There are times when mothers are forced to not be able to breastfeed directly and use a good breast pump so that they can still provide breast milk to their babies. These situations and reasons are both short term and long term. For example, when the mother separates from the baby because she has to work, the baby has not been able to breastfeed properly, either born prematurely or has certain health problems, and other reasons.

A high-quality breast pump can always be a 'weapon' for mothers to overcome these problems and make the life of new mothers easier. Furthermore, pumping breast milk can also prevent mastitis or inflammation of the breast tissue. This mechanical device is quite popular in the market because of its benefits to facilitate the life of breastfeeding mothers. 

In fact, choosing a breast pump cannot be decided by considering only a few aspects, such as price and aesthetic design. The other things below are no less important for you to pay attention to.

 How to Choose a Best Breast Pump? 

1. Choose a breast pump made of high quality silicone. Silicone is the best option because this material has a soft surface on the skin, so it won't hurt your breasts when used. Silicone is also known to be durable and naturally resistant to fungi and micro-organisms when stored. However, you need to remember to choose the best quality silicone that is BPA free, non-toxic and safe for the health of mother and baby. Generally, the best silicone materials have been FDA certified and are widely used for innovative products such as feeding sets, kitchen utensils and custom silicone molds.

2. The best breast pump must always be clean and hygienic when it is used. So, prioritize selecting a breast pump that is easy to clean and sterilize. Each breast pump has a different sterilization method, you can use a microwave, boil it, and so on. This is also one of the reasons why you should choose a product made from silicone, because it can withstand extreme temperatures.

3. When buying, consider the capacity of the breast milk storage bottle. The size of the bottle varies depending on each manufacturer. Breast milk storage bottles are usually the same size as baby bottles, which are 120 ml to 160 ml. However, there are some products that have a capacity of less than 100 ml.

4. Choose the type of breast pump according to your needs and comfort. There are several types of breast pumps, each with different uses and advantages. Below are the 3 best types of breast pumps that you can choose from.

Manual Breast Pump

Manual breast pumps have a handle or pump with adjustable pressure, so you have to pump the device manually with your hands when using it. You can choose a manual breast pump if the quantity of breast milk is not too much and the frequency of expressing breast milk is only occasionally, at least once or twice a week. The manual breast pump has an ergonomic design, is compact in size and light in weight. The price offered is also affordable for its great benefits.

Electric Breast Pump

If you have more pumping frequencies, this breast pump will be more comfortable to use than a manual breast pump. Electric breast pumps work with the help of electricity or batteries. The device is very easy to use and won't tire your hands because you don't have to pump it manually. You may have to dig a little deeper into your pocket, but an electric breast pump can run much faster than a manual pump so it will save you time.

Silicone Breast Pump

You probably think that a silicone breast pump is only for collecting milk from the other breast while you're breastfeeding or pumping. In fact, this device can provide more benefits, and you can even use it as a primary pump.

The silicone breast pump works by utilizing your Let Down Reflex while breastfeeding, so it not only catches leaking milk, but it also sucks like an electric or manual pump. The method? Just attach the device to the breast until no air enters, and let it work on its own. Currently, silicone breast pumps are quite popular because their designs tend to be more compact, practical and easy to carry everywhere.

When shopping for the best breast pump, you should not forget another product that you will definitely need too, breast milk storage bags.

Breast milk storage bags are used to store breast milk that has been expressed. Instead of bottles, breast milk storage bags are preferred because they are easier to store and don't take up much space.

Just like a breast pump, choosing a breast milk bag should not be arbitrary. Disposable plastic milk storage bags may seem practical, but they are not necessarily safe for your baby and the environment. As the best alternative, you can choose a sustainable breast milk storage bag made from FDA standard silicone which has been proven safe and non-toxic. You can wash and reuse it, many times. The quality of your breast milk will be maintained well because silicone rubber is an anti-bacterial polymer, odorless and stable at various temperatures.

Well, hopefully the information above can help you pick the best breast pump. 

It doesn't matter which type of breast pump you choose, but make sure that it suits your needs and comfort. And don't forget to always go to a breast pump with high quality materials that are not only durable but also safe for health.