What should you know about closed system breast pumps? How to choose the best one for you? What are the differences between open system pumps and closed system pumps? And the most important part: 4 the best closed system breast pumps of our choice
Breast Pumps
Only young mothers will know how uncomfortable and strange, and yet, how helpful these products can be. For others who are not familiar with the main function of a breast pump: A breast pump helps a nursing mother to pump and store breast milk in order to allow the baby to enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding even when the mother is away from her child. This helps working mothers ensure that their babies get their due share of breastfeeding despite the distance. Yes, like we have said, very helpful and great for your baby! Also, continuous pumping can save a new mother from the clutches of engorgement and the heaviness of breasts. So this is a great option for mothers, too.
How to choose the best breast pump for you? Tips for the right usage.
Choosing a breast pump depends on your own needs and frequency of usage. If your plan is only to use it occasionally, a manual pump will be the best possible choice for you. But if you plan to go back to work and your baby is less than six months old, an electronic breast pump is a better option since it will be more convenient for both you and your baby. It is very important that you pick the breast pump that has variable speed and suction. This features will allow you to regulate the same depending on your comfort and baby’s suckling style.
Another Important Thing To Mention
When choosing a breast pump be sure to pick the phalanges or shields of the right fit for the nipples and position them correctly to avoid any discomfort or irritation.
A good breast pump mimics the suckling action of the baby and doesn’t cause any pain.
So, when you`re using an electric breast pump, simply put on the breast phalanges over the nipple and start the machine. This way the milk will get collected to the container attached to the pump, in about 15 minutes. If you are in a hurry, try using a fully automatic dual pump will be of great help. In case you are using a manual pump, you will have to squeeze milk with a suction pump or by pulling a plunger. This will require more time (about 45 minutes) and also, more effort.
Important Advice
You should start with the lowest level of suction and then increase the speed gradually. You will need some time to get used to the pump and the process, so make sure to relax and go easily, step by step. Of course: you must never forget to sterilize all parts of the pump, before and after every use.
What are the differences between open system pumps and closed system pumps?
Closed System Pumps
If you are using a closed system pump to express milk, the barrier in between the collection kit and the pump tubing will keep an outside air from being exposed to your breast milk. By keeping outside air out of the collection bottle, you are able to preserve the purity your breast milk for your baby. The barrier also ensures that milk particles do not enter the pump tubing or the pump motor. This eliminates the need to wash the pump tubing, as well as the possibility of mold growing in the tubing.
Open System Pumps
An open system breast pumps do not contain a barrier between the milk collection kit and the pump mechanism, so this way the milk is exposed to the outside air. This will allow any impurities that may be found in the air such as smoke, dust, bacteria, pollution, and viruses to contaminate the breast milk. There is also a possibility that milk particles can be sucked into the pump’s tubing, as well as parts of the pump that are unable to clean. Because of this contamination possibility the breast pump’s tubing may require cleaning and sterilizing after each use.
Here are four of the best closed system breast pumps.
Bellababy Pocket Breast Pump, Closed System Portable
Bellababy breast pumps are the only closed-system electric breast pumps available which allow double pumping without suction power reduction. This results in higher pumping efficiency and an exclusive left and right independent controls provide comfort for mothers in milk expression.
You can choose between left, right or dual operation with independent control, and you can also select different vacuum levels independently (it can go up to 240 mmHg).
Bellababy breast pump is made of material which is FDA approved, and all of the parts are BPA free. This pump includes silicone cushions perfect for gentle massage and comfortable pumping. It has a LED display screen shows the pumping level and mode and times.
Pros: LED display is very useful, light weighted, great suction, comfortable.
Cons: Not so durable, you get only 2 bottles in the package.
Check out the Bellababy Pocket Breast Pump, Closed System Portable here!
Evenflo has been dedicated to providing moms with a comfortable, positive breastfeeding experience through the creation and support of breastfeeding products. Evenflo strives to enable every mom to breastfeed longer and provide healthy, natural nourishment for their babies. This is Evenflo’s first closed system pump perfect for busy moms.
It includes advanced control technology which provides 32 setting combinations of speed and suction.
You are capable to control speed and suction individually, and this will give you the most customized experience, and also it will help you maximize your breast milk production. Since this is a closed system pump, no air will get into your milk, so you can be sure it will be completely hygienic, bacteria and dust free.
Integrated bottle holders make your whole experience. A timeless black shoulder bag, insulated cooler bag with ice packs, and additional milk storage bottles are also included. The design of the pump is great and innovated, it provides a shorter nipple tunnel and higher bottle-to-flange angle that allows for a more relaxed position when pumping.
Pros: Very comfortable, great features, good price.
Cons: A bit slow, suction could be improved.
Check out the Evenflo Feeding Occasional Use Closed System Advanced Single Electric One-Handed Breast Pump here.
Lansinoh Double Electric Breast Pump
The Lansinoh double electric breast pump has 3 pumping styles and 8 adjustable suction levels, which allows you to select the setting that works best for you. The hygienic closed-system design reduces the number of parts cleaned and prevents bacteria and mold growth. The material is completely BPA and BPS free.
It is very compact and easy to use since it has the quiet motor.
Another great feature of this pump is LCD screen with timer that will help you to keep track of time.
Pros: Very comfortable, easy to clean, excellent price.
Cons: Bad suction, annoying sound, not so durable.
Check out the Lansinoh Double Electric Breast Pump here.
Evenflo Feeding Deluxe Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump
Another great breast pump from the Evenflo with innovative and practical design and advanced control technology providing 32 setting combinations of speed and suction. This will give you an optimal control of the process. It comes in 3 assorted flange sizes for different sizes.
Being a closed system breast pump, it is completely hygienic, and the cleaning is very easy.
You can use it plugged in or with batteries. The pump includes a black shoulder bag, insulated cooler bag with ice packs, and additional milk storage bottles.
Pros: High quality, durable, very comfortable, worth the price.
Cons: Too many pieces.
Check out the Evenflo Feeding Deluxe Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump here.
Hopefully this answers some of your questions like – what is a closed system breast pump and what are my options!? We’re confident you’ll be happy with any of the above!
