A breast pump is a device used to express breast milk that has accumulated in the mammary glands. It is typically used when an infant cannot nurse directly, when the mother experiences nipple issues, or when a mother wishes to continue breastfeeding while working.
Breast pumps come in electric and manual varieties. Manual pumps include squeeze-handle types, simple bulb-suction types, and syringe-style pumps. Electric pumps vary by features - such as the ability to stimulate let-down - and configuration, including single-pump, double-pump, and wearable models.
The core mechanism involves simulating the negative pressure created by an infant's suckling to draw milk from the breast. These devices are primarily used in the following situations:
* Separation of mother and infant: Ensuring the infant's nutritional needs are met by storing breast milk when the mother cannot nurse in person due to work, business travel, or hospitalization.
* Breastfeeding difficulties: Overcoming obstacles to direct nursing caused by factors such as the infant being premature or having a weak suck, or the mother experiencing issues like inverted or cracked nipples.
* Maintaining lactation: Stimulating milk production to maintain or increase supply, particularly during the initial stages of establishing lactation or when trying to boost milk volume.
* Relieving engorgement: Promptly expressing excess milk to alleviate the pain associated with breast engorgement and to prevent blocked ducts and mastitis.
