Buzz
The effectiveness of using a breast pump depends on various factors, both subjective and objective. These include the quantity of breast milk, the mother's physical condition, her emotional state, and the suitability of the chosen breast pump. The suitability of the breast pump for the mother depends largely on the funnel, as this is the only part of the machine that comes into contact with her body. If the funnel is not suitable for the mother's breast, it will not only fail to produce the desired milk yield but may also cause discomfort, and even pain.
Medela breast pumps are designed with four funnel sizes: size S (21mm), size M (24mm), size L (27mm), and sizes 30mm and 36mm, which are the largest. Typically, other brands such as Spectra and Unimom offer fewer size options, usually around 24mm.
How to use the breast pump funnel
So how should one use the pump, and how to choose the right funnel size to achieve the highest effectiveness, making mothers as comfortable as possible without experiencing pain but rather a smooth and gentle sensation? When selecting the appropriate funnel and ensuring it is properly fitted, it should snugly enclose the mother's breast without compressing it to allow milk to flow easily. To choose the correct size, mothers can refer to the following rigorous questions to determine whether they have chosen the right size and fitted it correctly!
- Is the mother's nipple correctly positioned in the center of the breast pump funnel? It should fit snugly in the center of the funnel.
- When turning on the breast pump, mothers should pay attention to the following points:
- Can the nipple move freely within the funnel?
- Are there any Areola veins (located in the dark circle around) being sucked into the funnel? If placed correctly and of suitable size, these veins should not be sucked into the funnel but should only be above it.
- During each cycle of the motor's suction, do you observe smooth movements of the mother's breast?
- After pumping, do you feel that all the milk has been extracted?
- When using the breast pump, is your nipple pain-free?
- Can the nipple move freely within the funnel?
- Are there any Areola veins (located in the dark circle around) being sucked into the funnel? If placed correctly and of suitable size, these veins should not be sucked into the funnel but should only be above it.
- During each cycle of the motor's suction, do you observe smooth movements of the mother's breast?
- After pumping, do you feel that all the milk has been extracted?
- When using the breast pump, is your nipple pain-free?
If there is a negative answer to any of the questions, it means that you have not chosen the appropriate funnel size or have not positioned the funnel correctly. If all the answers are positive, congratulations because you have chosen and positioned the funnel correctly and appropriately.
Besides the aforementioned factors, another relatively significant factor affecting the efficiency of milk suction is the pressure of the breast pump you choose. Is the suction pressure and the suction-release-rest cycle appropriate? Affordable machines with suitable suction pressure and cycle like Unimom and Spectra, two Korean brands, are chosen by most Vietnamese mothers.
- Guidelines for properly positioning the breast pump funnel
- Why can breastfeeding lead to a loss of maternal milk?
- Experience in purchasing a breast pump
