What is the right breastpump and breast shell?

Choosing the right breastpump

The main difference is between manual and electric breastpumps. An electric breastpump is a good idea if you’ll be expressing milk often. If you are only going to use it occasionally a manual pump is usually sufficient. Pharmacies and hospitals as well as nursing consultants and midwives hire out the hospital-grade breastpump Ardo Carum. If you are going to be expressing for a long time it is sensible to buy a small electric pump, such as the Ardo Calypso, which can also run on batteries.

Relevant criteria when choosing a breastpump:

• Is it easy to operate?
• With an electric breastpump is it possible to set the vacuum (suction strength) and cycle (suction speed) individually? And is that possible in both stimulation and expression modes?
• Can I use the pump for single and double pumping?
• Is it as safe and hygienic as possible – with a closed pump system like "Vacuum Seal" technology?
• Is the pumpset easy to clean?
• Is it quiet? This is particularly relevant if you’ll be expressing at work or at night.
  

Closed pump system gives maximum hygiene and safety

"Vacuum Seal" technology guarantees hygiene and safety when expressing. It is not possible for breast milk to get into the tube or the pump. This closed system protects both the breast milk and the pump from contamination.

Choosing the right breast shell

The breast shell is the right size when …

• the nipple moves freely in the funnel and can follow the rhythmic movements of the pump
• there is no, or only a little, areolar tissue in the funnel
• the milk flows and the breast feels soft all over after the expressing.

The breast shell is too small when …

• the nipple rubs against the side of the funnel
• pumping is unpleasant, even with a low vacuum
• the milk flows slowly
• you are able to express less breast milk than expected.

The breast shell is too big when …

• the areola is sucked into the funnel
• pumping feels unpleasant.