Choosing a hospital grade breast pump can be daunting
to say the least. Armed with a few guidelines you can make
an educated choice when buying a hospital grade breast pump.Hospital
grade breast pumps are the strongest and most durable breastpumps
for breastfeeding moms. These pumps very effectively stimulate
the breasts to raise the levels of hormones prolactin and
oxytocin to increase breast milk production and output.
If you're pumpingt hroughout the day because you or your
baby isn't able to breastfeed, you'll need an efficient,
heavy duty hospital-grade pump with double collection kit.
These pumps have rapid suck-and-release cycle (referred
to as the cycling time) drawing the milk from your breasts
at the same rate as a nursing baby. A double collection
kit means you can pump both breasts at the same time, and
cut pumping time by more than half and drain both breasts
more effectively.
Personal strength breast pumps are intended for only one
mother, hospital grade pumps are designed and approved by
the FDA to be safe for multiple breastfeeding mothers. Hospital
grade breast pumps can be used by more than one breastfeeding
mom because they're designed with inserts and barriers that
prevent contamination or spread of any disease that might
occur. Multiple moms using a hospital grade breast pump
will have her own breast milk collection kit.
A Hospital grade pump has a stronger, more powerful motor
that provide higher levels of suction for more efficient
pumping. They are larger, heavier, and in turn less easily
transported than a personal breast pump. They are much more
durable and covered by 3 to 5 year warranties by the manufacturers
instead of a 1 year warranty.
Hospital grade breast pumps have a much higher price than
the most expensive personal pumps due to their increased
durability and strength . These pumps are available in most
cities and hospitals as rentals. Hospital pumps can be rented
from your lactation consultant or hospital.
A hospital grade breast pump can be used in any pumping
situation as they are designed for frequent, daily pumping.
They are highly recommended for use for special circumstances
including pumping: for premature or sick infants, twins
or other multiples, to increase milk supply, and to induce
lactation for late moms.
Several companies that make hospital grade pumps are Ameda
and Medela. A small few personal use pumps have been FDA
approved as safe for multiple users, as long as each mom
has her own pumping kit, including breast shields, tubing,
collecting bottles and valves.
A hospital grade breast pump is the priciest, and new ones
cost more than $1,000. Many hospitals, lactation specialists,
and medical supply stores rent top grade breast pumps for
a few dollars per day.
Not sure if you need a hospital grade breast pump? Try
meeting with a lactation specialist and she can help you
determine your pumping needs which type of pump will meet
those needs
