A good infant feeding option for outside use is a breast pump. Whilst health experts support the feeding of babies with breast milk, the method can, in some cases, have limitations. That is why using a breast pump has key advantages.
Breast Pump Benefits
A breast pump is a device that helps a nursing mother extract and store breast milk so that an infant can “breastfeed” even if the mother is not available. Therefore, if you are a mother who works, you definitely will note the benefits of using the device. Even if you stay at home, you can use a breast pump. Feeding activities can be turned over the dad whilst you enjoy some time for yourself.
In addition, a breast pump is a good solution for a baby who has trouble latching or holding onto his or her mother’s breast. Pumping an additional supply of breast milk can also assist preemies who may need more care and therefore more milk. Now that you understand the benefits, you can better select a breast pump for your own use and requirements.
One important factor to keep in mind when making a selection amongst breast pumps is to make sure that the phalanges or shields for the nipples are sized correctly to avoid irritation. A good breast pumping device should replicate the suckling behaviour of an infant and be comfortable to use.
Using a Manual Pump
If you use a manual pump, you will need to squeeze the milk by either pulling a plunger or by using a suction pump. Normally, when a manual pump it employed, it takes about 40 minutes to pump milk from both breasts.
Using a Battery-Charged Device
Should you use a battery-charged pump, it takes about 15 minutes to express milk from both breasts. If you are in a special hurry, you may want to opt for a dual-type pump.
Storing Breast Milk
You can store milk one of varying ways. Just make sure that the milk is stored in milk storage bags, steel containers, or another baby-friendly container. Try to avoid glass containers as the cells in the milk tend to adhere to glass. As a result, they often do not make it to the baby.
After collection, you can maintain your breast milk at room temperature for around four hours. If you need to store the milk for a longer duration, store it in the refrigerator toward the back of the appliance. If you wish to store it long-term, place the milk in the freezer.
Whilst milk that has been refrigerated can be used up to five days after it has been stored, milk kept in the freezer will stay ready to use for as long as two weeks. A freezer compartment that features a separate door that is -17 degrees Celsius can hold milk for as long as three to six months. If you have an upright freezer that maintains a temperature of -20 degrees Celsius, you can preserve the milk up to a year.
However, be aware that the longer the milk is stored, the more its quality deteriorates. After you thaw frozen milk, it should be refrigerated for 24 hours.
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