Breastfeeding products can provide support when breastfeeding is not possible naturally. Breastfeeding products include breast pumps, nursing caps, nursing pads or breast milk containers.
What are breastfeeding products?
Breastfeeding products such as breast pumps, breast milk bottles or breast compresses help mothers provide their baby with the most natural feeding possible. Breastfeeding is a very intimate and natural experience for both mother and baby. In addition, breast milk offers many health benefits to the baby. According to WHO recommendations, babies should be fed exclusively on breast milk for the first six months after birth. But breastfeeding does not always go smoothly. Sometimes mothers are dependent on support. Breastfeeding products such as breast pumps, breast milk bottles or breast compresses help mothers provide their baby with the most natural nutrition possible.
Forms, types and styles
When mothers make too little or too much milk, breast pumps can be used. The use of a breast pump can also provide valuable support for sore nipples or when the baby must still remain in the hospital. For occasional pumping, manual breast pumps are sufficient. More comfortable and efficient is pumping with electric breast pumps. These can usually be operated via mains plug or battery. Breast pumps are available for one or both breasts. They are often offered in a set with a bag or a backpack and thus offer active or working mothers the possibility to pump on the go. The milk can be pumped directly into breast milk bottles with the breast pumps. These bottles are unbreakable and are suitable for collecting, storing and freezing breast milk. Babies can also be fed directly with a teat that matches the bottles. Instead of milk bottles, milk bags can also be used for expressing. The bags are usually pre-sterilized and leak-proof. A steam sterilizer is recommended for disinfecting breast milk bottles or milk pump accessories. Bottles, breast caps, teats and breast pump tubes can also be cleaned in the microwave using special microwave bags. Steam is used for disinfection. If the mother suffers from sore nipples, nipple shields can provide relief. These are placed on the nipple and the baby sucks on the nipple shields instead of directly on the nipple. Nipple cream for sensitive or dry nipples is also available in stores. Nipple cream usually contains lanolin and nourishing as well as anti-inflammatory ingredients. Cooling hydrogel pads can also provide help. If too much milk is produced, milk collection trays offer a safe solution. Alternatively, disposable nursing pads can also be used.
Structure and mode of operation
Manual breast pumps usually consist of an adjustment wheel and an adjustable funnel with inserts. The suction strength can be individually adjusted on the adjusting wheel. The funnel with the inserts is placed against the nipple. The pump lever is then used to create a vacuum that allows the breast milk to flow out. Electric breast pumps work on a similar principle. However, pumping is automatic here and does not have to be done manually by hand. Electric breast pumps can also be borrowed from pharmacies, midwife practices or medical supply stores. In cases of increased or decreased milk production, antibiotic treatment of the mother, nipple or breast infections, premature or sick newborns, and weak drinking of the newborn, the cost of renting the electric breast pump is reimbursed by the health insurance.
Medical and health benefits
Breastfeeding infants brings many benefits to both mother and child. Among other things, it is shown that mothers who breastfeed more quickly and easily regain the weight they had before pregnancy. In addition, the process of breastfeeding builds a bond between mother and child. Breast milk is extremely rich in nutrients and also contains all these nutrients in a high quality. The milk is easy for infants to digest and has an optimal composition. It contains carbohydrates, fats, proteins and vitamins. It also contains minerals. Likewise, the child receives enzymes with the mother’s milk, which support the still very immature digestive system of the child.Studies show that breastfed babies have healthier intestinal flora than children who have not been fed breast milk or have not been fed breast milk exclusively. Breastfeeding also has an important influence on the newborn’s immune system. Antibodies, especially IgA and IgG, are passed on through the mother’s milk. These protect the child from a number of infections during the first years of life. Every mother wants to give her child the healthiest possible start in life. However, this is not always possible without problems. Too much milk, too little milk, milk flow disorders, sore nipples or simply the circumstances after birth can be an obstacle. It is not uncommon for new mothers to feel like bad mothers because of breastfeeding problems. Especially right after birth, the hormonal system is still in disarray. Mothers are therefore often not as psychologically stable in the postpartum period as they were before the birth. If there are also problems with breastfeeding, this is perceived as an additional burden. Breastfeeding products can help. They enable mothers to supply their children with healthy breast milk despite breastfeeding problems. If there is too much milk, the breast pump can be used to pump it out, thus preventing a build-up of milk. If there is too little milk, the breast pump stimulates milk production. Breastfeeding products to protect the nipples offer the possibility of continuing to breastfeed newborns and babies even with irritated nipples. Breastfeeding products therefore help mother and child through the often turbulent time after birth, enabling a healthy start to life even if breastfeeding is problematic.
