A few days ago I told you about my experience with breastfeeding after having a C-section. Of course, after speaking successfully managed to establish it despite all the negative comments I received previously, my purpose is to continue despite resuming my working life. The solution I have found is the use of breast pumps, and since at the time I had no idea how it worked or what was the best way to start using it, today I tell you about the Medela's 'Swing Maxi', since it can be useful for mothers who are in my same situation.
How does the Swing Maxi work?
This is an electric breast pump that works with power or batteries. His system It is designed so that we can express milk from one or both breasts at the same time, so it is perfect for those of us who have little time and need to make the most of it.
This contains a suction unit with a clip in case we want to put it on the belt, a tube with two inlets (for each of the bottles), the corresponding connectors and funnels, two bottles 'Calm' (which I will talk about later), 2 supports to put them and two covers.
Despite what I thought in a moment, its operation is simpler than it seems: Simply connect the pieces and put the funnels on the chest. This works in two phases:
- Stimulation: It lasts a maximum of two minutes, is gentle and prepares the breast for the next phase.
- Extraction: simulates the sucking of a baby (although obviously the feeling is different).
We must pay attention to fit the pieces well (in what it takes you less than 1 minute), and to put the areola in the funnel well, since if it is not in a correct position, the extraction is not performed.
Does it produce annoying or painful sensations?
This was one of the doubts I had before using it, but definitely not: The funnel is anatomically designed, so it doesn't bother at all and the suction is softer than a baby's mouth, so it doesn't hurt. Of course, I started using it a month after my baby was born, when breastfeeding was fully established and the discomforts of the process had already passed.
Double extraction: an advantage over others
In addition to the time savings involved, removing both breasts at the same time increases the ejection reflex and prolactin levels, which translates into an increase in the amount of milk that is produced (up to 18% more milk compared to simple extraction).
In case we have opted for this double breast pump, Medela offers an accessory called easy removal top and the truth is that, although it is not the most beautiful garment in the world, it is the most practical that I have found. You just have to fit the bra between the chest and the funnel, you put the unit at the waist, and you can do other things perfectly.
How much milk can you pump?
That depends on each one, since, as you know, the more the baby sucks, the more milk we produce. I started extracting little, about half a bottle a day (since during these first months I have not separated from my baby), with the idea of starting to freeze. I think it is best to do it this way, so you get used to an extraction routine and control how much milk goes to the reserves.
Who would you recommend?
Personally I would recommend a breast pump (any), to all nursing mothers because of the advantages they have:
- It can help you relieve breast congestion.
- Although it is not essential, it can help to remove the inverted or flat nipples.
- It allows you to have some freedom of movement for times when you can't be with your baby during the first months (for example, when you have to go to the doctor).
- Of course, mothers who work outside the home and want to continue feeding their baby with breast milk.
I particularly liked this breast pump because It is very fast and effective. Comparing the time it took to pump milk with a manual one, it took me four times less. It is true that it is not a cheap tool, but when you start using it you realize that it is very well designed and that if you continue to feed the baby with your milk (despite the difficulties we have today), in the end you amortize it more than.
Have any of you used this or another breast pump? What has been your experience?
