Silicone Breast Pumps: Pros, Cons, and Everything In Between
Silicone breast pumps like the Haakaa brand, have become a number one hit on what to buy a mother for her baby shower. These pumps use constant suction to stay on the breast and remove milk, unlike other pumps that mimic a baby’s sucking pattern. So typically it's not an actual pump as such but before I start raving about it being an easy tool to have, you need to be aware of the problems it may cause.
The silicone pump rarely drains the breast effectively and therefore the milk collected in the silicone breast pump tends to have a lower fat content. Fat slows down the milk from passing through the baby’s gut too quickly. This only becomes a problem If your baby is frequently drinking this expressed milk. If so you may want to completely drain the breast to ensure a higher fat content. You can aim to do this by using hand compression during collection and hand expression afterwards.
Another issue is that if your baby actually needs to feed from both breasts during a feeding session, the silicone pump may be taking what your baby needs during that feed. This can lead to slow weight gain and an unsettled baby. On the flip side, If your baby is not feeding well and is getting tired quite quickly, it can be suctioned on one breast when the baby is feeding from the other side.
It is different to breast shells, (like the Haakaa Lady bug), as they just sit in your bra and simply collect what you would have lost in a breast pad. The suction from the silicone pump provides extra stimulation which can easily lead to an oversupply. The milk that your silicone pump is collecting, makes your body think that your baby needs more milk and therefore produces more. You may think “but that's what I want” when in fact, an oversupply can lead to more problems such as blocked milk ducts, mastitis and an overactive letdown which may cause your baby to pull off the breast and cough and splatter during feedings.
The silicone pump can be a huge relief for engorgement. You can suction two of them on for just a few minutes to help relieve some pressure or quickly collect some milk while you are busy. It is so easy to travel with no extra parts to connect. You can literally have it attached to your breast while you're driving.
Silicone breast pumps are really easy to clean and are more affordable compared to manual and electric breast pumps. If you're on a budget or only need to express milk occasionally, a silicone pump can be a cost-effective option.
It's important to note that the suitability of a silicone breast pump may vary from person to person. Some mothers may find them to be a perfect fit for their needs, while others may prefer electric or manual breast pumps. Consider your personal circumstances, preferences, and breastfeeding goals when deciding which type of breast pump to use. Consulting with a lactation consultant can also provide valuable guidance tailored to your specific situation.
