Along with breastfeeding, you’ll need to express milk regularly and store them in baby bottles or storage bags.
To maintain your milk supply, some vital accessories include a breast pump, baby bottles and storage bags. We roundup the best breast pumps to try, the accompanying baby bottles, and of course, the cleaning essentials you’ll need.
Electric Pumps
Some key benefits of electric breast pumps are that you can express your milk quicker, and they are easier to use than manual breast pumps. All you have to do is to place the cup on your breast, and the pumping works automatically, at a pace you've already preset. This allows you to extract more milk in less time.
Hegen PCTO™ Double Electric Breast Pump
The kneading massage feature helps relieve body aches and sore muscles as well as reduce tension from breast engorgement. You can also use it as a massager!
For example, the Hegen PCTO™ Double Electric Breast Pump ($450) can be used as a single or double pump, storing expressed breast milk directly into the storage containers so no milk is wasted. Additionally, their breast pump is the world's first relaxation pump, with a kneading massage feature. This helps relieve body aches and sore muscles, while the gentle cupping and kneading sensation stimulates milk supply and reduces tension from breast engorgement.
One of the main drawbacks about using electric breast pumps is that they tend to be bulky. However, the Hegen breast pump is compact, lightweight and mobile enough that it fits into any bag, and allows hassle-free charging with an USB charging port. Furthermore, mums can choose from a wide range of suction levels and three expression rhythms to tailor their breastfeeding experience.
Compatible baby bottles: All the bottles in Hegen’s range can be used with the breast pump, starting with the Hegen PCTO™ 150ml Feeding Bottle PPSU (2-pack, $46), with a patented no-screw thread one-handed closure, for easy handling and to ensure zero spillage. Other useful features are the built-in anti-colic air vent, which prevents your baby from getting an upset tummy and an elliptical-shaped silicone teat that closely resembles a mother’s breast for a similar latching experience.
Medela's Freestyle Flex Breast Pump
Express your milk anywhere with the USB-chargeable battery, and connect to the free MyMedela app to record your feeds.
Another great option is the Freestyle Flex™ Breast Pump ($649), which is light, compact and with a USB-chargeable battery. Hence, you can express your milk at your convenience, without being tethered to an outlet. Even better, the device connects to the free MyMedela app, so you can track your pumping progress.
Moreover the PersonalFit Flex™ breast shield ($39.90) allows you to adapt the fit of your pump, so you can find the most comfortable and efficient position to pump. At a 105°angle, the shield provides a better fit that in turns promotes better milk flow. It can also be fully rotated, and you can choose from four tunnel sizes.
Compatible baby bottles: Available in 150ml and 250ml bottles ($15.90 for one 150ml bottle and $30.90 for two 250ml bottles), these are shatterproof, dishwasher and microwave safe and made from BPA-free materials. Like the Pigeon and Hegen bottles, you can use the same for storage and feeding, and they’re very easy to clean.
Pigeon GoMini™ Electric Double Breast Pump
Yet another electric breast pump option is Pigeon's newest GoMini™ Electric Double Breast Pump ($189). The award winning breast pump is great for busy or working mums, with an intuitive one-hand operation. Like the others, it's also compact and lightweight (145g), and mums can easily switch between stimulation and five expression modes.
Even better, you can use it with a power bank and DC adapter so you can pump on the go. Additionally, it's also compatible with Pigeon's wide and slim-neck bottles. Should you need to store the milk, it’s easy to pour them into these Breastmilk Storage Bags ($15.90 for 25 bags), which have been pre-sterilised with gamma rays, and can be stored flat in the freezer for easy thawing.
Manual Pumps
Extremely compact and portable, these manual pumps don't require any access to power plugs or USB devices - just your own strength. Hence, you can fully control the speed and suction rate yourself, and with a little practice, you should be able to manage one-handed pumping.
Other benefits are that manual pumps are generally more affordable, smaller, lighter and quieter than electric pumps, without any motor noise to disturb your baby. However, this is recommended for mums who are expressing milk every now and then, and not if you want to feed the baby solely on expressed milk.
Haakaa Gen3 Silicone Breast Pump
Discreetly nurse anywhere with the Haakaa Gen3 Silicone Breast Pump.
The reinvented Haakaa Gen3 Silicone Breast Pump ($44.90) has retained the same simple and effective design, but you can express directly into a detachable silicone bottle.
Available in 160ml and 250ml and compatible with all the silicone bottle range attachments, you can quickly swap out your breast pump flange for the interchangeable attachments. Great for expressing on the go, whether on the plane or on car rides, the food-grade silicone breast pump also accommodates different breast sizes and can easily express milk. Additionally, these are safe in boiling water, microwaves and sterilisers.
Hegen PCTO™ Manual Breast Pump Module
With one-handed expression, the manual breast pump allows you to express, store and feed your baby all in the same container.
Designed to be comfortable and efficient, the Manual Breast Pump ($70) allows you to easily express and store your milk, followed by feeding your baby. All this can be done without wasting any precious milk or exposing it to oxidation.
Additionally, it fits all Hegen bottles, is lightweight and compact and needs just one hand to operate. Of course, it's also BPA, phthalate and PVC-free.
Compatible Baby Bottles: Get the Hegen PCTO™ Express Store Feed Starter Kit ($175), which includes two 150ml bottles with slow flow teats, and two 240 bottles with medium flow teats. Additionally, for easy expressing and storing, simply swap the lids with the Breast Milk Storage Lids. The Manual Breast Pump Module and four Hegen seals complete the set.
Nursing Hack: Remember to label your milk bottles according to the date you expressed the milk, so no milk goes to waste.
Cleaning Products
Complete your cleaning of all feeding equipment by sterilising them in a steriliser like the Haenim 4th Gen UV Steriliser.
As your baby’s immune system has not fully developed properly, proper cleaning of all feeding equipment is vital. Pour hot soapy water into the bottles, and use a baby bottle brush to clean the inside. Wash all caps and utensils, and use running water to wash all the soapy water away. Next squeeze the hot soapy water through the nipple hole to flush out any trapped milk and use a nipple brush to clean it thoroughly. Rinse under running water, and use sanitised tongs such as the NUK Bottle Tongs ($4) and Pigeon Sterilising Tongs ($7.90) to place these in a drying rack.
If using a dishwasher, separate the bottle parts and rinse before placing inside the dishwasher. Keep small items together in a closed basket or mesh laundry bag. Run the dishwasher using hot water and a heated drying cycle. Wash your hands before removing the bottles from the dishwasher and air dry before storing. Complete this by sanitising all your equipment in a steriliser.
Sterilisers Available at Motherswork: Haenim 4th Gen UV Steriliser ($499), Pigeon Sterilising Tablets ($6.70), Pigeon Compact Steam ($79) and Multi Function Steriliser ($169.50) and Tommee Tippee Electric Steam Steriliser - The Clash ($169).
Motherswork Special: Enjoy special discounts at the Motherswork Online Baby Fair on 13 - 15 April 2020! Free delivery for orders above $30, and same day shipping at an additional $10.
Relevant Read: Breastfeeding - What You Should Know
Credits
freepik, mildes_maedchen, Keratilwe Mphafudi, Jean Lum, Mummy Casuarina
Along with breastfeeding, you’ll need to express milk regularly and store them in baby bottles or storage bags.
To maintain your milk supply, some vital accessories include a breast pump, baby bottles and storage bags. We roundup the best breast pumps to try, the accompanying baby bottles, and of course, the cleaning essentials you’ll need.
Electric Pumps
Some key benefits of electric breast pumps are that you can express your milk quicker, and they are easier to use than manual breast pumps. All you have to do is to place the cup on your breast, and the pumping works automatically, at a pace you've already preset. This allows you to extract more milk in less time.
Hegen PCTO™ Double Electric Breast Pump
The kneading massage feature helps relieve body aches and sore muscles as well as reduce tension from breast engorgement. You can also use it as a massager!
For example, the Hegen PCTO™ Double Electric Breast Pump ($450) can be used as a single or double pump, storing expressed breast milk directly into the storage containers so no milk is wasted. Additionally, their breast pump is the world's first relaxation pump, with a kneading massage feature. This helps relieve body aches and sore muscles, while the gentle cupping and kneading sensation stimulates milk supply and reduces tension from breast engorgement.
One of the main drawbacks about using electric breast pumps is that they tend to be bulky. However, the Hegen breast pump is compact, lightweight and mobile enough that it fits into any bag, and allows hassle-free charging with an USB charging port. Furthermore, mums can choose from a wide range of suction levels and three expression rhythms to tailor their breastfeeding experience.
Compatible baby bottles: All the bottles in Hegen’s range can be used with the breast pump, starting with the Hegen PCTO™ 150ml Feeding Bottle PPSU (2-pack, $46), with a patented no-screw thread one-handed closure, for easy handling and to ensure zero spillage. Other useful features are the built-in anti-colic air vent, which prevents your baby from getting an upset tummy and an elliptical-shaped silicone teat that closely resembles a mother’s breast for a similar latching experience.
Medela's Freestyle Flex Breast Pump
Express your milk anywhere with the USB-chargeable battery, and connect to the free MyMedela app to record your feeds.
Another great option is the Freestyle Flex™ Breast Pump ($649), which is light, compact and with a USB-chargeable battery. Hence, you can express your milk at your convenience, without being tethered to an outlet. Even better, the device connects to the free MyMedela app, so you can track your pumping progress.
Moreover the PersonalFit Flex™ breast shield ($39.90) allows you to adapt the fit of your pump, so you can find the most comfortable and efficient position to pump. At a 105°angle, the shield provides a better fit that in turns promotes better milk flow. It can also be fully rotated, and you can choose from four tunnel sizes.
Compatible baby bottles: Available in 150ml and 250ml bottles ($15.90 for one 150ml bottle and $30.90 for two 250ml bottles), these are shatterproof, dishwasher and microwave safe and made from BPA-free materials. Like the Pigeon and Hegen bottles, you can use the same for storage and feeding, and they’re very easy to clean.
Pigeon GoMini™ Electric Double Breast Pump
Yet another electric breast pump option is Pigeon's newest GoMini™ Electric Double Breast Pump ($189). The award winning breast pump is great for busy or working mums, with an intuitive one-hand operation. Like the others, it's also compact and lightweight (145g), and mums can easily switch between stimulation and five expression modes.
Even better, you can use it with a power bank and DC adapter so you can pump on the go. Additionally, it's also compatible with Pigeon's wide and slim-neck bottles. Should you need to store the milk, it’s easy to pour them into these Cherub Baby ThermoSensor Reusable Milk Storage Bags ($26.90 for 10 bags) or Pigeon Breastmilk Storage Bags ($15.90 for 25 bags), which have been pre-sterilised with gamma rays, and can be stored flat in the freezer for easy thawing.
Manual Pumps
Extremely compact and portable, these manual pumps don't require any access to power plugs or USB devices - just your own strength. Hence, you can fully control the speed and suction rate yourself, and with a little practice, you should be able to manage one-handed pumping.
Other benefits are that manual pumps are generally more affordable, smaller, lighter and quieter than electric pumps, without any motor noise to disturb your baby. However, this is recommended for mums who are expressing milk every now and then, and not if you want to feed the baby solely on expressed milk.
Haakaa Gen3 Silicone Breast Pump
Discreetly nurse anywhere with the Haakaa Gen3 Silicone Breast Pump.
The reinvented Haakaa Gen3 Silicone Breast Pump ($44.90) has retained the same simple and effective design, but you can express directly into a detachable silicone bottle.
Available in 160ml and 250ml and compatible with all the silicone bottle range attachments, you can quickly swap out your breast pump flange for the interchangeable attachments. Great for expressing on the go, whether on the plane or on car rides, the food-grade silicone breast pump also accommodates different breast sizes and can easily express milk. Additionally, these are safe in boiling water, microwaves and sterilisers.
Hegen PCTO™ Manual Breast Pump Module
With one-handed expression, the manual breast pump allows you to express, store and feed your baby all in the same container.
Designed to be comfortable and efficient, the Manual Breast Pump ($70) allows you to easily express and store your milk, followed by feeding your baby. All this can be done without wasting any precious milk or exposing it to oxidation.
Additionally, it fits all Hegen bottles, is lightweight and compact and needs just one hand to operate. Of course, it's also BPA, phthalate and PVC-free.
Compatible Baby Bottles: Get the Hegen PCTO™ Express Store Feed Starter Kit ($175), which includes two 150ml bottles with slow flow teats, and two 240 bottles with medium flow teats. Additionally, for easy expressing and storing, simply swap the lids with the Breast Milk Storage Lids. The Manual Breast Pump Module and four Hegen seals complete the set.
Nursing Hack: Remember to label your milk bottles according to the date you expressed the milk, so no milk goes to waste.
Cleaning Products
Complete your cleaning of all feeding equipment by sterilising them in a steriliser like the Haenim 4th Gen UV Steriliser.
As your baby’s immune system has not fully developed properly, proper cleaning of all feeding equipment is vital. Pour hot soapy water into the bottles, and use a baby bottle brush to clean the inside. Wash all caps and utensils, and use running water to wash all the soapy water away. Next squeeze the hot soapy water through the nipple hole to flush out any trapped milk and use a nipple brush to clean it thoroughly. Rinse under running water, and use sanitised tongs such as the NUK Bottle Tongs ($4) and Pigeon Sterilising Tongs ($7.90) to place these in a drying rack.
If using a dishwasher, separate the bottle parts and rinse before placing inside the dishwasher. Keep small items together in a closed basket or mesh laundry bag. Run the dishwasher using hot water and a heated drying cycle. Wash your hands before removing the bottles from the dishwasher and air dry before storing. Complete this by sanitising all your equipment in a steriliser.
Sterilisers Available at Motherswork: Haenim 4th Gen UV Steriliser ($499), Pigeon Sterilising Tablets ($6.70), Pigeon Compact Steam ($79) and Multi Function Steriliser ($169.50) and Tommee Tippee Electric Steam Steriliser - The Clash ($169).
Motherswork Special: Enjoy special discounts at the Motherswork Online Baby Fair on 13 - 15 April 2020! Free delivery for orders above $30, and same day shipping at an additional $10.
Relevant Read: Breastfeeding - What You Should Know
Credits
freepik, mildes_maedchen, Keratilwe Mphafudi, Jean Lum, Mummy Casuarina
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