Choosing the right breast pump and accessories for you and your lifestyle

At some stage on your breastfeeding journey, you’ll likely want to express milk for your baby and that’s when it’s useful to have a breast pump and accessories to turn to. Perhaps you’re returning to work, having a night away from baby, or want to build up a freezer stash of milk for those ‘just in case’ moments.

The question is, how do you decide which pump to get? There are so many different types on the market and it can all get a little confusing especially if you’ve never pumped or expressed milk before.

This is where Ardo can help. For over 25 years Ardo has been developing, producing and distributing products to help mothers through their pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.   They have developed a range of manual, electric, and hospital grade pumps to cater for the needs of every breastfeeding person, their family, and their lifestyle. Approved by the NHS and WHO Code compliant, they are a trusted brand used by hospitals and families around the world.

Choosing the right pump for your lifestyle

When it comes to choosing a pump, the first thing you’ll want to ask yourself is how often you’ll be planning to use your pump. Will you be using it on the go, or regularly over a long period of time? Will you only need it from time to time, or have you an urgent need right now to build up your milk supply and feed your baby?

Electric breast pumps and accessories – for regular expressing and ‘on the go’ lifestyle

Electric pumps are ideal if you think you’ll want/need to pump regularly. Perhaps you prefer to feed your baby via expressed milk in a bottle, or you’re returning to work and need to express for comfort and to give your little one milk whilst at childcare. Electric pumps are very efficient at expressing milk quickly and easily so perfect for those who lead a busy lifestyle.

 Calypso Double Plus

Pump up the Volume

You might also need…

If you need to bring your electric pump and accessories with you to work or on a holiday, you may want to consider getting a travel bag and/or cool bag for safe and easy transportation.

Breastfeeding travel bag

Cool bag with bottles 

Top tip – Remember not every size fits all so when choosing a pump make sure you choose a breast shells that fits you, your nipple and your pump. 

Manual breast pumps – for occasional expressing

Manual pumps are perfect if you only plan on expressing from time to time – to gradually build up a freezer supply of milk or those times when you’ll be away from little one for an extended period of time. Manual pumps may not be as fast-working as electric pumps but they are a cheaper and lower-tech alternative. 

Amaryll breast pump

You might also need…

When expressing breast milk to store in the freezer, then you’ll need breast milk storage bags.

Breast milk storage bags

Top tip – Manual pumps are small and easy to bring with you in your bags should you need to.

Hospital-grade rental pump – for urgent use and to build up your supply quickly

If you’re struggling to establish or build up your milk supply, then a hospital-grade pump could be just what you need. Many new parents use this if they have had a pre-term or sick baby in NICU, or they have a baby who, for whatever reason, is unable to latch on to the breast to feed. A baby with tongue-tie, for example may struggle to latch at the beginning and pumping and feeding by bottle may be necessary. A hospital-grade pump can help you get over a difficult start to breastfeeding by helping you produce milk as quickly and effectively as possible. Best of all, they can be rented for short-term use – for when you need it most.

Carum breast pump rental

You might also need…

Being able to clean your pump and accessories on the go can be a game-changer. So whether you’re at home, on holiday or at work, these Easy Clean microwave bags will prove very useful.

Easy Clean microwave bags

Top tip – If you’re feeling a bit stressed or anxious about expressing milk, imagine holding your baby close to you (or have an item of their clothing beside you to smell) as this can stimulate those amazing milk-producing hormones! 

“At Ardo we pride ourselves on excellent customer service.  Mums can call us,  live chat on our website, social channels, we also offer online consultations, and a range of YouTube videos that are available 24/7 when we are not.” Ardo

There you have it, a breakdown of three different types of breast pumps and the reasons for selecting each one depending on your needs and lifestyle. Choosing the right breast pump(s) and accessories can lead to a positive and smoother feeding journey with your little one. At any stage of your journey, Ardo can help assist you with how to pump and express milk in the best way possible.