Breastfeeding & Breast Pumps

Here, we will go through the essential products / information that we think can assist you in navigating through your breastfeeding journey effortlessly. From nursing bras and breast pumps to nipple creams, these products are the necessary tools and support to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.

Breast Bump

When it comes to feeding, breast milk is no doubt the best source of nutrition for infants. However, for various reasons, some mothers may choose to exclusively or partially pump milk for their babies.

If you opt for pumping milk, one crucial but often overlooked aspect is selecting the correct size of flange from the outset. The flange is the part of the breast pump that fits over the nipple and areola to extract milk. Using the wrong flange size can have negative consequences such as impeding milk flow, causing discomfort, and potentially damaging breast tissue. This can lead to issues like reduced milk supply and even long-lasting effects on breastfeeding. Therefore, ensuring the proper fit of the flange is essential for efficient and comfortable milk expression, ultimately supporting a successful pumping experience for both mother and baby.

To find the perfect fit, start by measuring the diameter of your nipple at its base (excluding the areola). Then, compare this measurement to the flange size guide provided by the manufacturer. It is also helpful to observe how your nipple moves freely within the flange during pumping. If it rubs against the sides or gets pulled too far, consider trying a different size.

Below are our recommendation of the breast pumps that can provide great comfort and also offer different flange sizes to meet your needs.

Medela - Freestyle Hands-Free Electric Breast Pump | USD 263.99 (Original price: USD 349.99)

The Medela Freestyle hands-free breast pump is the best for busy moms who value convenience and comfort. Its compact and portable design allows for convenient pumping on the go, making it ideal for working mothers or those who frequently travel. The hands-free feature allows mothers to multitask while expressing milk, providing flexibility and ensuring that they can tend to other tasks simultaneously. The pump can be easily carried in a bag or pocket. It also offers adjustable suction levels and a variety of pumping modes, allowing moms to customize their pumping experience according to their comfort and needs. This pump can fit in most of the nursing bras which makes it a great choice if you need hands-free convenience.

The set already includes Hands-free Breast Shield size 21mm and Hands-Free Breast Shield size 24mm for you to try and find out the most suitable flange size. You could also buy 27mm Breast Shield from the official UK website if non of the included ones works for you . (Please refer to Madela's guide here to choose the flange size)

While some mothers may find the noise level of the Medela breast pump slightly noticeable, if quiet operation is not a top priority for you, this remains an excellent choice.

Medela - Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump with Carry Bag | USD 249.00

The Swing Maxi Breast Pump provides a comparable experience to the Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump, with the main distinction being the requirement of a Hands Free Pumping Bra to support the bottles for a hands-free experience. In contrast to the Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump, this pump offers the convenience of direct storage of pumped breast milk in the fridge post-pumping, eliminating the need for transferring milk between containers. Additionally, it offers the option for you to purchase 27mm or 30mm breast pump flange on top of the standard size of 21mm and 24mm.

Haakaa Manual Breast Pump | USD 12.94

Apart from Electric pumps, another great tool to have is the Haakaa Manual Breast Pump. This manual breast pump is compact, lightweight, and do not require electricity, making it ideal for on-the-go pumping or travel. One other advantage of this super easy to use manual breast pump is for it to collect milk while breastfeeding on one side of the breast. The suction capability allows the pump to efficiently draw out milk, potentially enabling the collection of a significant amount of breast milk. As a result, this feature helps prevent wastage of breast milk by ensuring that the milk is effectively expressed and stored for later use.

The Haakaa Manual Breast Pump's ability to effectively and powerfully collect milk makes it a valuable and efficient tool for breastfeeding mothers seeking to maintain/ increase supply of breast milk for their baby. It can also serve as a reliable backup in case of power outages or when an electric pump is not available.

For more recommendations on breast pumps, please refer here.

Hand Expressing Breast Milk

Mastering the skill of hand expression may initially seem challenging, but with the right techniques, practice and patience, it can become a valuable tool for successful breastfeeding. Regardless of how well your baby latches or the effectiveness of your breast pumps, hand expressing breast milk can be beneficial in various situations.

Hand expression allows mothers to gently and effectively relieve breast engorgement and discomfort by manually expressing milk, providing relief when breasts feel full or tender. Additionally, hand expressing can help unclog blocked milk ducts, promoting better milk flow and reducing the risk of inflammation and infection. By regularly hand expressing milk, mothers can also prevent mastitis, a painful but common condition caused by milk buildup and inflammation in the breast tissue. Mastering the technique of hand expression enables mothers to proactively manage their milk supply, maintain breast health, and ensure a positive breastfeeding experience for both themselves and their baby.

Nipple Shield

Nipple shields are a helpful solution for breastfeeding challenges such as flat or inverted nipples, latching difficulties, soreness, cracked or bleeding nipples.

Medela Contact Nipple Shields | USD 17.19

The Medela nipple shields are designed to be very soft and make it easier for the baby to latch on effectively. In cases of cracked or bleeding nipples, using these shields can provide a barrier between the baby's mouth and the affected area, allowing the nipples to heal while still enabling continued breastfeeding. This not only gives the nipples the time they need to recover but also helps prevent a reduction in milk supply. Medela offers a range of sizes for the Contact Nipple Shields, including 16mm, 20mm, and 24mm, ensuring a comfortable fit for mothers of different needs and preferences.

Nipple Cream

Choosing a safe and effective nipple cream is important for nursing moms experiencing sore or cracked nipples and dry skin.

Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream | USD 9.12

It is one of the most popular choice among nursing moms. It is 100% natural and hypoallergenic, providing relief for sore and cracked nipples. It does not need to be removed before breastfeeding.

Nursing Bra

Wearing nursing bras during breastfeeding are essential for nursing mothers. Nursing bras are specifically designed to provide comfort, support, and convenience during this special time. Not using the right bra or if the bra is too tight, it could lead to plugged milk ducts, mastitis or a decrease in the milk supply. The Medela Keep Cool Bra | USD 24.38 stands out as an excellent option, ensuring both comfort and convenience, particularly when paired with Medela pumps.

Breast Pad

Using breast pads offers several benefit for breastfeeding mothers. These pads help absorb leaks of breast milk, keeping clothes dry and preventing embarrassing stains. They provide a layer of protection between the skin and clothing, reducing the risk of irritation and potential infections. Additionally, breast pads can contribute to increased comfort and confidence for nursing mothers, allowing them to go about their day without worrying about leaks or discomfort. Overall, breast pads are a practical and essential accessory for breastfeeding mothers to maintain hygiene, comfort, and discretion during their breastfeeding journey.