A manual breast pump is a device that needs to be manually operated by pressing a pump or a handle in order to mimic a suckling baby and hence stimulate a mother’s breasts to produce milk. Manual breast pumps require a mother to pump them so that the milk flow to the storage bottle.
Using this technology of breast pumps is very requisite and necessary to most mothers and their children. Also, if the mother is very busy and does not have adequate time to breastfeed the baby. Also, check the buyer’s guide for the list of best Electric Breast Pumps, Feeding Pillow, Baby Diapers, Baby diapers bags, baby cradles, baby walkers, baby rockers, baby swing, baby sleeping bags, baby carry bag, baby bathtubs, Barbie doll, dolls for girls, Kids battery cars, soft toys, Teddy Bears, Toy Train for Kids, Baby Bath Toys, Educational Toys for Kids, puzzle Games, Building blocks, Lego blocks, Teddy bears, remote control cars, Lego Blocks, Gaming Chairs, Hanging Toys, Dolls for Girls, Scooter for Kids, Tricycle for Kids, Rocking Horse Toy for Kids, bicycles for kids, Kitchen sets, Doctor Sets, Skating Boards, Skating Kits, Skate shoes, Dancing robots, Luch box for kids, Steel water bottles, Hot and Cold Water Bottles, Milton Thermos Flasks, Milton Thermos Bottles, Thermos Flasks, Copper Bottles, School Bags for Kids, school bags for girls, bag packs, Geometric box for school kids, Glass paints, Oil Pastels drawings, Baby Cradles, Wooden Cradles, Basketball Kit for Kids, Kids cycles, in India.
Due to a tight schedule, they can just milk themselves using the breast pump and leave it for their baby to be administered to when they are not around. In this article, we are providing you with some of the best manual breast pumps along with a comprehensive buying guide.
Top 10 Best Manual Breast Pumps in India Buyers Guide
Buyers Guide – Breast Pump
Manual breast pumps are very cheap, light, and do not make any noises when being used. If you never used breast pumps and are in a dilemma about which manual breast pump you should use then follow the below points.
Here are some of the factors you ought to consider:
How Easy to Clean is it
- The suction breast pump is easier to clean compared to the handle breast pump.
User-Friendliness
- The handle breast pump is easy to use since it is less complicated than the suction breast pump.
Compatibility with Other Bottles
- You can use different types of custom bottles when using the handle breast pump.
- However, the suction breast pump only allows the usage of a standard bottle.
Features of a Breast Pump
If you either have a premature baby or a sick baby who cannot efficiently suck milk directly from the breast, then this pump is here to help the baby.
Some of the common features found in a manual breast pump are as follows:
- Breast cushions that you put on your breast will help mimic a suckling baby, a handle that has a diaphragm that regulates the speed at which milk is coming out of the breast.
- The handle was altered in order to change the speed of the milk let down.
- You can choose to either make milk flow out really quickly or slowly depending on the position you have set the handle.
- Finally, there is a bottle that holds the milk after the letdown has taken place.
- These features found in a manual breast pump are very easy to use by almost anyone.
Types of Manual Breast Pump
Many companies have come up with different models of manual breast pumps that have flooded the market.
- There are two types of manual breast pumps that you will find in the market.
- There is the handle pump and the suction pump.
- With the handle pumps, they almost resemble electric breast pumps.
- The only discrepancy is that you apply force onto the handle for you to stimulate milk flow from your breast.
- Suction pumps look like silicon vases.
You are supposed to position them directly on your nipple then apply a suction force on the base of the pump in order to initiate milk flow from your breast.
How to use Breast Pump?
Just as their names suggest, for manual breast pumps to work, you have to apply your own manual force on them so that they can stimulate milk to let down from the breast.
- Once you have put the breast cushion strategically on your breast.
- You squeeze the handle by pressing it so that you can initiate milk let down from the breast.
- The handle helps you to control suction speed by simply altering the distance between the valves which are found on top of the handle.
- For efficient milk sucking, you are supposed to ensure that you suck from both breasts and not only one.
- At times you might realize that one breast is removing more milk compared to the other one.
- However, this does not mean you should not suck from both breasts.
- Most manual breast pumps come with a manual that is easy to follow.
- So you should adhere to all guidelines outlined by the manufacturer since different products have a different way of functioning.
List of Top 10 Best Manual Breast Pumps Online in India
Now you know the features, the buyer’s guide, and the types of manual breast pumps on the market. But you probably don’t want to spend all your day looking for a good one.
So, to make your selection easier, here you have a top 10 list of the best manual breast pumps available in the market along with their features, pros, and cons.
1. NatureBond Manual Breast Pump Silicone Breastfeeding Milk Saver with All in 1 Pump Strap, Stopper, Cover Lid & Carry Pouch in Air-Tight Vacuum Sealed Pack
This Nature Bond breast pump is extremely soft and comfortable for pregnant women. This is easy to use, lightweight, portable and saves breastmilk on the other side during breastfeeding.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 17.8 cm x 7.6 cm x 7.6 cm
- Material: Plastic & Silicon
- Weight: 200 Grams
Pros:
- NatureBond Manual Breast Pump made with the BPA-free high-quality silicone material along with sterile vacuum sealed.
- It comes hassle-free & with no pumping noise so that no disturbance for babies.
- This is lab tested and certified by Bureau Veritas that is a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification.
- Package includes patented pump strap & silicone stopper.
- This is very lightweight and perfect for traveling.
Cons:
- It has a very weak suction
- It is not compatible with other bottles, just the bottles that are Lansinoh custom made
2. Haakaa Manual Breast Pump Silicone Breastfeeding Milk Pump with 100% Food Grade Silicone BPA Free PVC Material
This Haakaa breast pump is commonly referred to as the milk catcher by many who have used it. It has a simple yet powerful suction ability.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 15.2 cm x 7.6 cm x 7.6 cm
- Material: PVC & Silicon
- Weight: 72.6 Grams
Pros:
- Haakaa Manual Breast Pump made with the BPA free & 100% food grade PVC material.
- It can also be safely cleaned in a dishwasher without causing any problems.
- This is easy to clean and affordable for everyone
- It is lightweight hence compatible with travel.
- Also, it offers maximum comfort when being used
Cons:
- Its suction capability is known to decrease with time
- The measurements on its bottle are not always accurate. This is according to testimonials by the previous users
3. Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump with Soft Massage Cushion
This Philips breast pump is known to provide some comfort when using and also make the mother produce more milk. It provides a comfortable pumping position due to its unique design.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 22.6 cm x 20 cm x 9.2 cm
- Material: Plastic & Silicon
- Weight: 349 Grams
Pros:
- Philips Manual Breast Pump is made with a soft massage cushion along with a versatile milk storage cup. Its breast cushion is very soft hence making it gentle
- This is also very comfortable & allows you to assume any position when using it
- It is light hence compatible when you want to go with it on a journey
Cons:
- It produces squeaking noises when being used
- And it is not compatible with other bottles.
4. Trumom Manual Breast Pump Comfort Baby Breastmilk with Free Breastmilk Bags 30 Pieces & Breast Pads 30 Pieces
This Trumom breast pump is considered to be safe for pregnant mothers because it is made with FDA Approved and Baby Safe Food Grade Silicone. It is designed to collect the leaking milk when nursing on the other side.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 37.8 cm x 33.3 cm x 11.7 cm
- Material: Silicon
- Weight: 649 Grams
Pros:
- Trumom Manual Breast Pump made with the BPA free & baby safe food-grade silicone material.
- It is very cheap so that affordable for everyone.
- This is easy to clean and can be cleaned in the dishwasher without causing any damage whatsoever
- It is very light and can be carried anywhere without being a bother
Cons:
- It is known to be incompatible with other custom-made bottles.
- And its suction ability degrades with time
5. R for Rabbit Hand Breast Pump First Feed Safe & Comfortable Breast Pump in Purple
This R for Rabbit breast pump comes with comfortable power and 4 suction level adjustments. It is known to be very comfortable when being used.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 23 cm x 19.7 cm x 9.4 cm
- Material: BPA Free Plastic
- Weight: 331 Grams
Pros:
- R for Rabbit Manual Breast Pump made with the BPA-free material.
- It used your comfortable power with the help of 4 suction level adjustments
- This is comfortable and easy to use due to its elegant design
- Anti Back Flow feature helps to prevent the backflow to imitate the baby’s natural feeding position.
Cons:
- It is not compatible with other bottles
- Also, it does not come in custom sizes, just a standard size
6. Syga Manual Breast Pump with Lid for Breastfeeding
This Syga Breast pump is tested to ensure zero chemical leaching also it is made with non-colic PVC & eco-friendly silicone material. This is totally safe for the mother, baby, and environment too.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 7.6 cm x 17.8 cm x 15 cm
- Material: PVC & Silicon
- Weight: 408 Grams
Pros:
- Syga Manual Breast Pump is made with 100% food-grade & eco-friendly silicone material.
- It is light in weight hence easy and compatibly carried around
- This produces no noises during usage.
- Its suction pressure and ability is immensely strong
Cons:
- It is not compatible with women who either have small nipples or big breasts
- Also, it is not also compatible with other bottles.
7. LuvLap Blossom Manual Breast Pump with BPA Free & Soft Silicone Cushion
This LuvLap breast pump has a silicone breast cushion, therefore, making the mother experience comfort during usage. The package includes 2 free breast pads along with additional valves.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 15.2 cm x 8.1 cm x 18.3 cm
- Material: Plastic & Silicon
- Weight: 376 Grams
Pros:
- LuvLap Blossom Manual Breast Pump made with quality BPA-free plastic along with soft silicone massage cushion.
- It is light in weight hence portable almost everywhere
- This is very comfortable to use as it produces a massage effect when being used
- It is easy to clean and store as well.
Cons:
- It is not compatible with other bottles
- The calibrations on its bottles are known to be inaccurate at times
8. Babymoon Breast Pump Silicone Hand Breast Pump for Breastfeeding with Food Grade, BPA Free Portable Milk Collector Storage Bottle & Breast Massager
This type of breast pump is known to be very comfortable and also has a high suction capability. It is totally leak-proof and completely pain-free due to its ergonomic handle.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 19.3 cm x 13.3 cm x 9.7 cm
- Material: PVC & Silicon
- Weight: 191 Grams
Pros:
- Babymoon Manual Breast Pump made with the BPA free & baby safe food-grade silicone material.
- It comes with vacuum packaging to restrict the growth of bacteria.
- This can be sterilized in boiling water & easy to clean as well.
- It has a lightweight, compact design and is more convenient for pregnant women.
Cons:
- Its suction ability depreciates when used regularly for a long time
- Its breast cushions reduce in comfort after long usage
9. KIDDALE Breast Pump Refrigerate Milk in Cold Storage Bags with Disposable, BPA Free Milk Bottle & Bag Collector Adapter
This is a very comfortable type of breast pump. It comes with an adapter that fits the pump into disposable milk storage bags.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 17 cm x 17 cm x 5 cm
- Material: PP & Silicone
- Weight: 431 Grams
Pros:
- KIDDALE Manual Breast Pump made with the 100% eco-friendly FDA food graded PP & Silicone material.
- It comes with 25 disposable milk storage bags.
- This is made out of a material that is safe for all skin types
- It is easy to use and is very light
- When it comes to cleaning, it is very easily cleaned
Cons:
- It is not compatible with other bottles
- Its suction capability is known to reduce with time
10. Medela Harmony Breast Pump in Yellow Colour
This type of breast pump is one of the most commonly used manual breast pumps. It uses the handle pump technology meaning it is very easy to use.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 8 cm x 24.5 cm x 13.5 cm
- Material: Plastic
- Weight: 22 Grams
Pros:
- Medela Manual Breast Pump is made with good quality plastic material.
- It comes with 150 ml of a bottle with the lid.
- Also, it is very cheap hence affordable for everyone
- This is user-friendly since assembled easily no many skills or expertise is required.
- It is very lightweight & it can be carried around almost everywhere
Cons:
- People’s testimonials have it that its suction weakens with time.
- The breast cushion breaks easily.
Conclusion
Using manual breast pumps has advantages and disadvantages but when you have a normal baby and your breastfeeding schedule is not so tight then it is not very necessary for you to use a breast pump.
FAQ’S
Is it painful to use breast pumps?
If it is your first time using a breast pump, you might feel certain feelings of discomfort for some minutes. When now you start having milk flow, you will feel another uncomfortable tingling around your nipples. Otherwise, you should not feel any pain whatsoever when using a breast pump and in the event of you feeling pain, you should consult a doctor.
How does a breast pump work?
A breast pump applies the principle of mimicry where its technology mimics a suckling baby when one applies a force onto its handle. This then stimulates the mother’s breast to let the milk flow down.
Is it good to pump breast milk?
Pumping breast milk is known to have many advantages to the baby. When you have a sick child or one who is underweight and is in no position to adequately suckle breast milk, then the usage of breast pumps provides the solution to this problem.
When the mother is also very busy and cannot commit to always being there to breastfeed the child, they can always pump their breast milk for the child to consume when they are not around.
How can I pump breast milk without a pump?
You can stimulate milk to let down from your breast through hand expression where you first softly massage your breast around the nipple, then you softly but firmly press the skin above your nipple using your index finger and thumb.
Once you do this continuously you will note milk let down shall be initiated. This method is particularly suited for mothers who have just recently given birth.
Can pumping damage your nipples?
Pumping breast milk should never damage your nipples in any way. If you note that you are having any signs of a damaged nipple, you should consider changing the size of the breast pump you are using or go consult a doctor.
Does pumping cause sag?
Sagging of breasts is never associated with pumping milk or even breastfeeding. What causes sagging is mostly when you are pregnant or you drastically lose more than 50 pounds.
Is pumping for 10 minutes enough?
Mothers who pump breast milk are normally advised to take about 10-15 minutes of exclusive pumping. When you pump both breasts during this time, then that is considered safe. Bottom line is that pumping for 10 minutes is very much enough and safe.
Does pumping burn calories?
During breastfeeding, a nursing mother can lose up to 400 calories per day. So when pumping milk, a mother is encouraged to take some more calories that going to replenish the ones lost.
Does breastfeeding make your boobs sag?
Breastfeeding is not associated with breast sagging. Your breast will sag due to the weight gained during pregnancy and also when you drastically lose about 50 pounds. Smoking cigarettes also cause boobs to sag with time.
Can I lose weight by pumping my breast milk?
Pumping breast milk results in burn-in calories. As a mother, you can end up losing about 400 calories per day due to pumping breast milk. Therefore, nursing mothers normally encouraged to take food that helps them regain lost calories so their energy is restored.
Why am I not pumping enough breast milk?
As a mother, you might note that the amount of milk you are pumping might be too little.
This could be contributed by a few factors:
- You are experiencing hormonal changes within your system. Hormonal imbalances might tamper with milk secretion.
- You are not pumping correctly. At times the way you might have structured your breast pump may inhibit full milk let down, therefore, a lot of milk is retained within the milk ducts inside the breast.
- You might be having health conditions that are preventing milk production. If the rate of milk production drops, then this means that the rate of milk let down during pumping shall also go down.
- When you start getting your menstrual flow. When the body now starts regaining fertility you will notice a drop in milk let down.
Are there any side effects of a breast pump?
Some of the side effects associated with breast pumping include damage of nipples and breast tissues. It also causes depreciation in milk let down and this also confuses the baby when you practice both breast and bottle feeding.
How many minutes should I pump?
You should pump for about 10-15 minutes per sitting.
Can pump too much be bad?
Too much of something is poisonous. Therefore, excessive pumping can cause damage to breast tissues and thus diseases like mastitis.
Why do my nipples turn purple when pumping?
This could be due to excessive pumping or using the wrong size of the pump, therefore, subjecting the nipples to pain. When the nipples are in pain the color changes.