Did you know that manual breast pumps have been around for almost 200 years? The upside to manual pumps is that they are inexpensive; the downside is that the manual pumping can make your hands ache and leave you tired. Electric breast pumps are more efficient but most of them need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Since each pumping session lasts about 20 minutes and you will need to pump every two to three hours, this can also be an inconvenience.
This is where wearable breast pumps come in. Given they run on batteries and are hands-free, you can switch them on and go about your day as usual.
Why Wearable Breast Pumps Are a Game-Changer
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Convenient and Discreet
Unlike electric pumps, wearable breast pumps don’t have any cords or tubes – they fit easily inside a bra which makes them mobile and discreet. If you’re working, you can use the pump while you’re at your desk without drawing attention. You can also use it while running errands or doing work around the house. When choosing a wearable breast pump, you should check out reviews to see what users like and don’t like about various products so that you can select one that suits your specific needs. For instance, if you will be pumping while at work, you can choose one that is quiet and discreet even though it may cost a little more than the average pump. You can also opt for one that produces a mild audible hum if it’s cheaper and noise isn’t a big concern for you.
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Advanced Tech Features and Customizable Settings
Some people find that wearable breast pumps don’t extract as much milk compared to standard electric pumps. However, most of the wearable breast pumps on the market today have separate speed and suction settings that you can adjust according to your preferences. This will increase the efficiency of pumping and allow you to express the same amount of milk as any other pump. The suction of the pump is measured in “millimeters of mercury” (or mmHg) and pumps with higher suction power can express milk more efficiently. Ideally, you should pick a pump that has between 220 and 320 mmHg. Wearable breast pumps also have corresponding apps that track how much milk you have pumped. In these apps you can turn the pump on and off as well as change the settings if required.
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Easy to Clean
Cleaning traditional breast pumps is a struggle because there are so many different parts that have to be cleaned individually, including thin tubes that are tough to reach thoroughly, several times per day. According to FDA recommendations for cleaning breast pumps, all parts of the breast pump that come in contact with breast milk have to be cleaned after every use. Wearable breast pumps have very few parts, so cleaning them takes just a couple of minutes. Furthermore, many wearable pumps are dishwasher safe when placed on the top rack which means that you don’t need to meticulously scrub each part.
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Long-Lasting Battery
Conventional electric pumps work for about two hours with a full charge and operate for approximately three pumping sessions. This means that if you plan to pump eight to 10 times in a 24-hour period, you will likely need to recharge the battery during the day. It takes about four hours for the battery to completely recharge and you need to use the specific adapter meant for your pump. On the other hand, wearable breast pumps have USB rechargeable batteries that last up to two days!
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Portable and Lightweight
The battery for most electric breast pumps is pretty heavy with the majority of them weighing over 2 lbs. It’s tiring to lug that around with you whenever you leave the house and need to express milk. Wearable pumps are compact, light, and weigh just a fraction of the weight – some of them are not even 0.5 lbs. This makes it easy to carry it with you wherever you go.
How Much Do Wearable Breast Pumps Cost?
When wearable breast pumps initially hit the market, they were quite expensive. But with new players entering the market, prices have come down considerably. Today, you can get a good wearable pump for less than $200 which is not much more than electric pumps that cost between $125 and $185. A lot of parents don’t realize that the cost of a breast pump is also covered through insurance under the Affordable Care Act. You will need to check your health insurance plan to see if you require pre-authorization from your doctor.
