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Trying to figure out which breast pump is the best option for you? I will help you decide if a hospital-grade breast pump or a regular breast pump can help with your breastfeeding journey!
Have you been researching breast pumps and wondered if a hospital-grade breast pump is better than a regular breast pump? You may be feeling overwhelmed already due to information overload and wondering which way to turn.
From hospital-grade breast pump to regular breast pump, open-system to closed-system pumps, single electric to double electric breast pump! The options are endless!
The good news is, that there is no ‘ideal breastfeeding experience.’ How you breastfeed and bond with your baby may be determined by many factors besides the type of pump you choose.
For instance, your body might not cooperate, and you end up with a low milk supply. Choosing a hospital-grade pump might be the best option in such a case, in consultation with your healthcare provider or lactation consultant.
Having many options in the market, however, means that there is a match for every mum’s unique needs, your milk production levels notwithstanding!
Related blog posts: How To Prepare for Breastfeeding as a New Mom
Hospital Grade Breast Pump vs Regular Breast Pump?
Deciding between the hospital-grade pump vs the regular breast pump can be difficult when you do not have enough information. Read on to understand the major differences, and how to get a free personal use pump through your Insurance plan.
Hospital Grade Breast Pump
The term hospital grade pump means a closed multi-user system rented to new mothers or used in a hospital setting. “Hospital strength” does not have any consistent definition, and nor is it regulated by the FDA.
The difference between a ‘hospital grade’ and a ‘single user’ or ‘personal use breast pump’ is that a hospital grade breast pump is meant for use by multiple people, each person using their own accessory kit, while the single user is designed for use by only one person.
Unlike the single-user manual breast pump, the hospital-grade breast pump also called the ‘closed system breast pump, prevents the cross-contamination of milk or any other fluids, and hence can be used by multiple users.
Regular breast pump
The regular breast pump also referred to as an electric breast pump, is a common well-known personal use pump. These pumps can be just as strong as hospital-grade pumps, but the programming and the wavelength are different.
Most mothers use the standard double electric breast pump successfully throughout their breastfeeding journey. The Spectra S1 and Spectra S2 breast pumps are good examples of double electric breast pumps, loved by many new moms.
Closed System Pumps
Closed System Pumps have a barrier that separates the pump parts – which are the connector, the breast shield, the valve, and the bottle – from the tubing.
The barrier ensures that no moisture or milk gets to the motor from the pump, that is, pumped milk from the breast goes straight to a collection cup.
Many single-user double electric pumps have a closed system, where a silicone diaphragm known as a backflow protector, prevents the backflow of milk into the tubing. Medela pumps like the Medela Freestyle Flex, have a small in-built barrier into the connector.
Open system breast pumps do not have a barrier between the tubing and the pump parts, meaning that during pumping, breast milk can get into the motor through the tubing system.
It is therefore not hygienic for these pumps to be used by more than one person since the motor cannot be sterilized or cleaned.
Strength of Motor
The strength of the motor will determine the suction strength in a breast pump. Measured in mmHg, the suction strength in most of the single-user breast pumps ranges between 200mmHg and 300mmHg.
Hospital-grade pumps are faster and more efficient in pumping because of their powerful motors, however, not all mothers require hospital-grade breast pump strength.
Single-user breast pumps have less suction strength due to less-powerful motors, but most moms do quite well with the regular strength of a single-use personal pump.
Suction Levels
Many new moms wonder whether a higher suction level will mean they pump more milk. This is not necessarily true.
Pumping at a setting that is too high might inhibit milk production, since too much suction may squeeze your breast tissue together, therefore cutting off the flow of milk from the milk ducts.
An electric breast pump can either be a hospital-grade pump or a personal pump. The hospital-grade pumps have vacuum strength of roughly 300 mmHg and 350 mmHg, while the personal pumps range between 200 mmHg to 300 mmHg.
Although hospital-grade pumps are generally more powerful, personal pumps are also good for normal day-to-day pumping needs, and you do not have to worry about less milk production.
When using 0phospital-grade pumps, it is important to keep in mind that pumping shouldn’t be painful.
Therefore, rather than turning the suction to a very high setting, try to find that level that feels good, which will best mimic a baby’s natural suckling motions. This will ensure that your nipples are not hurt in the process.
Portability
Both the hospital-grade pumps and the personal pumps are meant to be easily portable pumps. However, hospital-grade pumps will generally be bigger and heavier than personal use pumps, which makes traveling with them a little more difficult.
Some of the personal breast pumps, like the Spectra S1 have rechargeable batteries, meaning a separate power source won’t be required, making them an ideal portable breast pump option.
Wearable breast pumps are also good for moms that want to pump but also do other tasks. These are pumps that have built-in rechargeable batteries without wire or tubing.
When Should I Use a Hospital Grade Breast Pump?
Generally, the personal-use standard electric breast pumps are sufficient for a new mother’s pumping needs.
Hospital-grade pumps are required in a few cases as mentioned below, and they are designed for daily pumping and frequent use.
Low Milk Supply
A mother who is breastfeeding but has a low milk supply can use this type of pump, as it will help to stimulate more milk production.
A hospital-grade pump can also be a good choice for an exclusively pumping mother who is not producing enough milk.
A low supply of milk is relative though, and if you are a new mom and you keep feeling like you do not have enough milk, visiting your lactation consultant could be a good idea, just to put your fears to rest.
Consistent Daily Pumping
The hospital-grade pumps are also good for a mother who needs extra milk, like a mother of twins, or a mother who wants to do exclusive pumping.
This is because the pump’s motor has ‘extra strength,’ designed for daily frequent use. The power of the motor can also make a significant difference in the amount of milk produced by a mother.
Premature Infants
Where the baby has complications and cannot breastfeed properly. E.g., when you have a premature baby, or the baby has some health conditions, it is better to go for the more powerful hospital-grade breast pump, to be assured of getting enough milk for your newborn.
Best Hospital Grade Breast Pumps
The cost of hospital-grade breast pumps is quite high and not very affordable for the average household to just purchase. Sure, you can find these pumps to buy online, but due to the price, it is often easier to rent these breast pumps. For instance, if you want to rent through Aeroflow, the only option available for now is the Medela Symphony. The Ameda Elite model also comes highly recommended.
The best hospital-grade breast pumps will have the basics of a power cord, digital controls, and a closed system. Some of the best options available include:
Medela Symphony
Medela has consistently made great, high-quality pumps, with the Medela Symphony coming in highly recommended by many lactation consultants as well as medical practitioners.
Some features that make the Medela Symphony stand out include:
– Helps initiate the mother’s milk supply and maintain it, as it is designed to mimic the baby’s natural nursing rhythms.
– Can be used for single or double pumping
– Has different suction levels, which allows you to choose what is most comfortable for you.
– It is a multi-user pump; hence you do not have to stress about buying your own unit. Renting is an option.
– It has a let-down button that helps in quick stimulation
– It uses a closed system and hence is very hygienic.
– It is very efficient as it is designed to achieve faster milk ejection, is comfortable to use, and is whisper quiet.
Ameda Elite
The Ameda Elite Breast Pump is also a popular hospital-grade breast pump option. It is microprocessor-controlled, and piston-driven, designed for multiple users.
The Ameda Elite initiates milk production since it provides efficient pumping. It can also increase milk production for a mother who has a low supply. Being a hospital-grade pump, it is ideal for mothers with preemies, sick infants, or mothers of twins.
It offers different combinations of cycle speed and suction, for the mother’s maximum comfort as well as expression.
How to Rent Hospital-Grade Breast Pump
It is important to first establish whether you are an ideal candidate for a hospital-grade breast pump.
If so, the hospital should rent a pump to you, which should come together with the pumping kit. These must be provided before your discharge, as it makes the process way easier.
Related blog posts: How To Painlessly Wean from the Breast Pump
How to Get A Free Personal Use Pump Through Insurance
Getting rental pumps has also been made easy through insurance, as breast pumps now come as a covered benefit under many medical insurance plans. Aeroflow is an ideal provider, with several commercial plans.
Aeroflow
During pregnancy, you can qualify for a hospital-grade breast pump at any time, and up to a year after your baby has been born.
Depending on the Insurance company you use, it is important to find out whether they partner with Aeroflow. Also, some insurance companies will dictate when Aeroflow can ship the breast pump to you.
To find out whether your insurance company partners with Aeroflow, you need to complete the “Qualify Through Insurance” form.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey for both mother and baby. It provides a chance for bonding and for the baby to get the food and nutrients they need from their mother.
It is advisable that mothers do exclusive breastfeeding for six months, but this may not always be the case for many different reasons.
Read here about my struggle and Why I Chose To Formula Feed My Second Child
Some moms will breastfeed exclusively, others will feed using both bottle and breast, while others will prefer to do exclusive pumping.
Hope this helps your journey through motherhood! Before you go grab this free nursery planner!
XOXO
Olivia
