Benefits of a Manual or Hand (not electric) Breast Pump
Apr 16, 2024
Have you heard about using a manual breast pump, such as the Harmony Medela?
Have you been hearing about manual pumps? Another midwife recently posted about using hers and it reminded me of why I love manual pumps so much. I also saw this incredible picture of Kourtney Kardashian using a Harmony Medela. Maybe my favorite breast pump will no go viral!
I used the same Medela Harmony MANUAL pump for 4 years between my two kids. (I did need to replace the valve membrane twice). There is a bit of a cult following around this pump! I needed to pump forever because I was often away from my babies for long periods of time as a midwife and did not want to get mastitis. I would use my alternate hand to help express the milk into the pump, making my pumping sessions quick and easy. In the early months when my milk was abundant, I would use a Haakaa on the alternate side to catch the milk. For me, the manual pump was:
๐ฟmore efficient (faster than a double electric for me every time)
๐ฟ very convenient to throw in my bag
๐ฟ accessible to use anywhere (I used it on the plane under my sweatshirt)
๐ฟ quiet
๐ฟ easy to wash
๐ฟ a helpful tool for engorgement or clogged ducts
It is not for everyone though! My sister was an exclusive pumper with her first baby (for ONE YEAR! Aren’t you in awe?!) And I think she would have gone crazy using a manual pump and had a fantastic, hands free set up. Another factor to consider is if you have large breasts, the double electric might be more efficient. But it still could be worthwhile to experiment! Many hospitals have free manual pumps in their pump packs. Just ask for one! Some companies also send one along with their electric pumps.
Did you ever use a manual pump?
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