We Help You Nurse Better: Best Breast Pumps in India in 2024

A mom-to-be has a million decisions to make, from the right stroller, the right crib, the right diaper bag... and what all to pack in a hospital bag? The list is truly exhaustive! While breast pumps are not a must-have for every mom, it is a great companion for you as a part of your breastfeeding journey. Fair warning, you might be overwhelmed with the multiple choices that are now available in India.  How to narrow on the best one? It's not rocket science, just a few important points to consider, and choose the apt breast pump for a mother

What is a breast pump?

A breast pump is a handy device that helps a breastfeeding mother with her milk supply, and allows her to fill a bottle with her breast milk, relieve engorgement caused due to increased milk production and blood flow, and helps create a backup stash to store in a freezer for later, and in some cases, even donate.

The many types of Breast Pumps

Breast Pumps broadly can be categorized as manual or electric, and there are those that can be used for a single breast at a time, while those with dual pumping can be used from both at the same time. There are also closed system and open system breast pumps. Based on the frequency of pumping, the need for pumping and the place where you will be expressing, you can narrow down breast pumps from the many options available today. 

Why Breast Pump at all?

There are multiple reasons why a new mother would want to start pumping her breast milk; from boosting milk supply, to storing milk for feedings when you’re away from your little one, or if you plan to start working soon etc. Pumping also ensures that even if you are away your child still get the benefits of your nutrient-rich breast milk. But breast pumps don't just benefit mothers with abundant milk supply. There are also moms who want to feed their babies breast milk, but are unable to feed them directly for reasons out of their control, like poor latch or low supply. This is when pumping in advance allows you to feed consistently. Pumping also gives the mother a sense of freedom to go back to work or to step out for her own needs and wants, go for a holiday or travel for work and still be able to ensure that her baby has ample nutrition from her breast milk. And of course, it is also a great way to ensure that the father or the caregiver can feed the child too.

When and how should you start pumping?

Now that is a timeline that is different for every mother, and the right time varies from situation to situation. Some mothers are unable to breastfeed, as they have supply or latching issues, so they breast pump right from the time that the baby is born. Most moms are advised to start pumping only after 4-6 weeks once the breastfeeding routine has been established. When you eventually do embark on your pumping journey a few things to keep in mind are to relax, encourage your breast to let down, think about your baby, start at a lower level of suction and then increase the intensity as the milk starts flowing.

Remember, breast pumping should never be painful, so pump mindfully.

Cleaning & Maintaining

You must clean your pump after each and every use to make sure you get out all the residue and germs don’t multiply and in turn affect your baby. You have to be sure to wash all the pump accessories that come into direct contact with your breast or breast milk with soap and hot water, cleaning them thoroughly with a brush and then again rinsing them with water.  Ensure that the basin is clean and devoid of any food residue, if possible try and use a sink that could be solely used for baby equipment. Air-dry all the accessories and store the parts only when they are completely dry. 

How to store breast milk?

Once you’ve got the hang of pumping you’ll also need to know how to store breast milk efficiently. Today many breast pumps come with special bottles that are to be used as storage and feeding bottles. You can then store the expressed breast milk in breast milk storage bags and fill them three-quarters full if you'll be freezing them, to allow for expansion. Another tip to keep in mind is to freeze milk in small quantities so that it's easy to thaw. Expressed milk can stay fresh at room temperature for up to four hours and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and in the freezer for six to 12 months. Once you've expressed your milk, always label each storage bag with the date to ensure that you or the caregiver uses the oldest milk first.

Brands You Can Explore

In 2024, India, mothers have a plethora of brands to choose from depending on their budget, their pumping needs and lifestyle. Some of the top brands available in India today are Spectra, Dr. Brown, Philips Avent electric pump, and Lansinoh Pump. Parents can pick and choose electrical, manual, double breast pump, single pump and even hands-free breast pumps today. If you ask us, there is literally a breast pump for every mother and situation available in the market today. Whether you want to pump daily at home or pump on the go, are looking for a pump to increase your milk supply or want someone to pitch in with the night time feeding, are resuming work or need to travel for business or take a short break... the options above will surely make your decision simpler.  

Happy Pumping!