How long is the lifespan of a breast pump?

[leesc]

Hi all, any idea how long does a breast pump can last for? With daily usage for about a year. I read from an article saying that a old breast pump might it as effective in empty the breast as the new pump. Any advise?

Currently I'm using a hand down breast pump with a year old. it took me bout 30mins or more to complete both side. n I found that the suction is a bit weak in pumping the milk. I need to compress my breast harder to let them out. Should I get a new one? N which brand is a good one?

[mswong]

Medela pump in style is pretty good. It depends on your need.

[magdalenechoo]

hi mummy leesc,

if you are not sure which breastpump suits you the most, we provide MEDELA breastpump rental services at affordable rates

we have Pump in Style Advanced, Freestyle, Swing & Mini Electric for rent.
pls refer to http://www.mummysg.com/forums/f81/me...-4520-a-85536/
for choices & their rates

Happy breastfeeding, mummy! Strive on!

[MamabbJ]

Hi,


The durability (or life span) of the breast pump depends very much on the brand and how it was used/maintained. I used the Avent single electronic pump for about 10 mths on a daily basis. The motor power worked well even after 10 mths. After about 5 months, I also used the Avent dual electronic pump for about 5 mths as I find the suction power stronger and it took lesser time to pump because it does both sides at one go. I used the single pump at work because it is lighter and easier to set-up (more portable) and used the double pump at home.

The ease of pumping milk also depends on whether you are relaxed and have the "let-down" reflex -- with this, milk will flow faster when you pump.

[leesc]

I have bought a medela swing n im able to get more output with it. Looks like the old one doesn't gives the power.

how can I increase the let-down reflex? currently only few r working, the rest seems still sleeping.

[MamabbJ]

Hi leesc,

From my experience: to encourage the "let-down reflex":
1) Firstly is to be stress-free, calm and relaxed. Be in a comfortable sitting/lying down position with good support for your back, arm, legs, etc.
2) Focus on your baby -- think of him/her (recall those funny, beautiful moments about your precious little one.) If you are not with your baby when expressing milk, looking at photos or watching videos of your baby will help. I used to play my baby's videos on my mobile while expressing milk during lunch at work.
3) Do not worry about how much you need to express. dont't get stressed over work or other issues. Tell yourself you are giving your baby your best and you are doing a good job! Be happy!
4) Be in a room that has privacy, is quiet and is not too cold. I find tht a room tht is too cold hampers my milk expression and flow.
5) Make sure you are not hungry or thirsty. Keep yourself properly hydrated.

Hope this helps! :-D

I have bought a medela swing n im able to get more output with it. Looks like the old one doesn't gives the power.

how can I increase the let-down reflex? currently only few r working, the rest seems still sleeping.