After nursing three babies pretty much back to back for the last four plus years I have tried many breast pumps. But, I have never tried a manual silicone breast pump which is a new item I have seen some mothers in my parent groups using. While I was curious about this type of pump, I figured I did not need it since I don't pump much these days. But then I received an offer to try it out and review so I was more than happy to give it a go. I received the Avo Babies Portable Manual Breast Pump.
Here is some information about the pump from Avo Babies:
- Save More Precious Breastmilk For Your Little One With This Effortless Breast Milk Pump. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. No Questions Asked Return Policy.
- Made From 100% Food Grade Silicone Pump, Certified Free of BPA, Phthalate and Lead for the Safety of Mom and Baby
- Lightweight & Compact Breast Pump Making It Ideal for Travel, Work, Visiting Friends and Family Out of Town or Public Nursing.
- Easy to Use and Clean. Completely Silent and Great For Use At Night Or At The Same Time As You Nurse Your Baby
- Free E-Book on Breast Feeding And Clear Instructions Provided in English.
So, let me tell you about this pump. It is tiny, I mean it's not ridiculously tiny, but it's small and would be perfect to carry in a purse for a night out or pretty much anywhere when you don't have a lot of space. I'm happy it is made out of food grade silicone and of course 100% BPA free. It is one solid piece so no multiple parts to clean or complicated assembly. This is portable and lightweight.
I decided to try it out while nursing my baby. I had heard from other mothers that these types of pumps work best when you suction it to your breast and nurse on the other side. The pump works by collecting milk from your letdown and milk gently drops into the pump. You should not need to squeeze it more than a couple of times to get it going and sealed on your breast. It took me a bit of practice to get it comfortably suctioned, but within minutes it was collecting milk while I nursed my baby on the other side. I was able to collect about ½ an ounce during our nursing session. While this is not much, it is milk that may have been lost otherwise.
I have not used this as a manual pump but Avo Babies has said some women have reported it can work well that way. I personally have heard from women who use these types of pumps and have had good milk collection.
I think this pump would be the most useful in the first weeks and months after baby's birth. I had many nights after my first baby was born that I would wake up engorged and leaking all over my bed. Having a pump like this by my bedside would have been wonderful to collect milk and relieve engorgement. I had many issues with engorgement and leaking early on and this would have been great to take along with me on outings and use when needed. When engorged it is best to only pump a little in order not to stimulate more supply but to relieve pain and leaking. A pump like this would be perfect.
While I do not believe this can replace a double electric pump for exclusive pumping or pumping multiple times a day, I do think this is a good product for breastfeeding and pumping moms to have as a supplement. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
This manual and portable pump from Avo Babies is a great price on Amazon.