Breastfeeding is one of the best things a new mother can provide for her child. It has long-term effects, like a strong immune system. Also, breastfeeding creates an unbreakable bond between mother and infant, something that each mother craves. However, there are situations when breastfeeding is not possible. For example, the mother does not produce enough milk, or maybe she has to get to work but still wants to provide the child with valuable breast milk. One of the solutions for that is to use the best hospital-grade breast pump she can find.
What is a hospital-grade breast pump?
You may have heard about breast pumps, it is impossible not to. However, a hospital-grade breast pump is a bit different. The explanation is a little more complex than you would expect. As you may already know, breast pumps are recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as medical devices. However, the FDA does not recognize the terminology of a hospital-grade breast pump. That is why there is this confusion among women.
So what is a hospital-grade breast pump? In simple terms, it is a multiple-user breast pump. The difference between this one and a regular breast pump is that the former has a closed system and is very safe for mothers to share. The fact that this pump has a closed system makes it possible for hospitals to use them. Instead of buying pumps for every mother, which is not very cost-efficient, the hospital buys a few of these so more mothers can benefit from them.
The benefits of a hospital-grade breast pump
As you can imagine, a hospital-grade breast pump holds many benefits for the user, as well as for the baby. There have been multiple studies to back up this information, which is why this device is so highly appreciated. Here are a few of the benefits I was talking about.
- Ease of use – hospital grade breast pumps are very easy to use. They come with very clear instructions, and if you are in the hospital, a nurse can teach you how to get the hang of it. Even so, many women buy this device for their homes, and they do not have issues using it. The process is quite straightforward.
- Shorter pumping time – unlike regular breast pumps, a hospital-grade breast pump has a more powerful motor. That means the time spent hooked to the machine will be shorter. That is always an advantage, no matter the situation.
- It is quieter – it is a known fact that hospital-grade breast pumps are quieter than regular ones. The technology used made that possible, which is a huge advantage. It is better for both the mother and the child.
- It is the best in various medical situations – some babies have trouble latching, or even more commonly, mothers do not have enough milk to satisfy the baby’s hunger. It is scientifically proven that a hospital-grade breast pump has the ability to increase the quantity of milk that a mother produces.
Disadvantages
The purpose of this article is to inform you as best as possible on this topic. That is why I believe it is necessary to read about the drawbacks of the hospital-grade breast pump as well. Here are the most notable.
- Portability – since hospital-grade breast pumps are a bit heavier and larger than regular pumps, they are not easily portable. That can prove to be a bit difficult for moms who go back to work and want to pump while they are at work.
- Expensive – a hospital-grade breast pump can start from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of thousand. Even renting one for a certain amount of time can extend your baby’s budget.
- Renting is a bit risky – since they have a closed system, hospital-grade pumps are available for rent. However, that does not mean they do not need to be sterilized. Trusting a provider is difficult, which is why you need to be extra careful with where you rent the device from.
- Renting is not always a part of your insurance plan – while some insurance companies cover the cost of a hospital-grade breast pump renting, some of them do not. That is why you need to make sure that you are all covered before making this step.
No matter what decision you make, speak to your doctor first. He or she will be able to give you reliable advice on what steps to take and what your needs are. Avoid relying on other women’s advice. Circumstances vary, and what is best for them may not be the best for you.
Make your breast pumping a comfortable experience
Breast pumping is not the loveliest of experiences. However, there are ways that can help your turn this boring activity into something more of a ‘you time.’ Here are a few tips shared by women who have already gone through it and learned how to make their breast pumping more enjoyable.
Have snacks closely available
When your body produces food for another human being, it needs supplies. Your calories are going down the drain, almost literally, which is why you need to refuel. Have a snack while the pump is working so that you can replace what is being pumped out of you. And let’s not forget that snacks always make people feel good, which is perfect for you. Just make sure to not over-indulge. You want to keep your energy levels up, not gain weight.
Get a hands-free bra
As a pregnant woman, there is no possible way you do not know about hands-free bras. They have a design that will hold the milk containers so that you do not have to. Your hands are free to do whatever you want. You can read a book or a magazine, play on your phone, and much more. Your hands are your own to use how you see fit.
Find a happy place
The best place to use the breast pump is somewhere quiet and lovely. Find your zen and pump in silence. It can have a positive effect on you, especially if you are feeling stressed. Actually, you have just had a baby, so of course, you feel stressed. Find a happy place and pump there. It will make you feel better.
What are the best hospital-grade breast pumps?
There are various models out there that should be able to satisfy your needs. If you do not know which one to choose, here are three excellent suggestions that should be of help.
Spectra USA S2 Hospital Grade Double/Single Breast Pump
Spectra S2 comes as a follow-up to S1, which has been one of the best breast pumps on the market. However, the manufacturer improved the model and released the S2. And this one is even better. It has many helpful features that will improve your experience by making things easier. As the title suggests, this is a double hospital-grade breast pump, which will come in handy when the time is the issue. It goes without saying that the machine is electric
The Spectra S2 has a closed system, which makes it very hygienic for you and the baby. The package includes a tote bag that will make the device easy to carry around, and a cooler so that the milk stays fresh for longer. The device has a powerful motor, but at the same time, it will be gentle on your breasts. The suction is adjustable so that you can choose the speed that is comfortable for you. The machine comes with a night light and timer.
Even if this device has a powerful but gentle motor, it will make very little sound. It comes with a letdown mode, and the program is fully adjustable. Your body will dictate how this breast pump works. The kit contains the breast pump, a double collection kit with backflow protectors, two collection bottles, AC power adapters, two 24 mm breast flanges, locking rings and discs, two valves, and two tubes. This kit includes everything for successful breast pumping on the go. Thousands of moms can confirm the fact that this machine is one of the best.
Check out the product at https://amzn.to/3JHCEMD
Gland Nibble Hospital Grade Double Electric Breast Pump
This is yet another model which proves that hospital-grade breast pumps can be portable. It has been designed for busy moms who need or want to work but still want to provide breast milk for their babies. You can use this pump on both breasts at once to minimize the time you spend hooked up to the pump. That will also save power.
The Nibble comes with a big screen that will display the time and the chosen mode. It makes very little noise so you can use it at night if you like. There are two modes available. One is a gentle massage, and the other one is pumping. You can choose from ten levels of suction power so that you can feel comfortable. The motor is powerful, but at the same time, it will be as gentle as possible with your breasts. You will not feel a thing.
The kit includes multiple items. You get the pump machine, two milk bottles, two suction pipes, two bottle stands, two nipples, two silicone tubes, and two silicone tube covers. The machine is very easy to maintain, and you will have a wonderful experience using it.
Medela Symphony Hospital Grade Breast Pump with Rechargeable Battery
The Medela breast pump is in another league. It has some features that few breast pumps can compete with. It is designed with a 2-phase expression technology (patented by Medela.) This technology mimics a baby’s natural nursing rhythm. That will make you produce enough milk for your baby, but at the same time, you will maintain the same quantity over time. This is, indeed, one of the best hospital-grade breast pumps on the market.
The downside of this breast pump is that it is a little bulky, so carrying it around may not prove to be as easy as with the other two pumps I presented. However, not all moms take the pumps with them. You can use this device for single or double pumping. It comes with two independent membrane units. That means you can switch from single to double pumping by simply applying or removing the second collection kit. The programs are adjustable for your comfort.
Other features include a let-down button that will help moms stimulate milk production. One of the features that you will love is that this machine can function on batteries. The kit includes a set of rechargeable batteries, a Symphony program card, a container stand, one quick start card, and instructions. The carrying case and the breast pump kit are sold separately.
Check out the product at https://amzn.to/3JGxy3b
My recommendation
Looking at all three products and reading what moms have to say, I must choose the Spectra USA S2 Hospital Grade Double/Single Breast Pump. It is affordable, it has many helpful features, and it will improve your experience a great deal. In my opinion, this is one of the best hospital-grade breast pumps that you can get your hands on, which is why I strongly recommend it. However, you can opt for a more convenient option, like a regular electric breast pump.
Conclusion
Breast milk is vital for a newborn. We all know the effects of breastfeeding in the first months of life, which is why women go to such extents to provide valuable milk for their babies. A breast pump will solve some issues for you, and one of the products described above will do an excellent job. All you have to do is pick one.
Last Updated on March 15, 2023 by Marie Francis