If you will soon become parents or are already accepting congratulations on a joyful event, there are many pleasant troubles ahead of you, which simple modern technical means will help you to cope with. Today, the undoubted leader in the market for products that facilitate the process of childcare is the Philips Avent breast pump.
About the manufacturer
Philips has been known in the world for over a hundred years as a manufacturer of high-quality and reliable technology and electronics. In 2006, the company merged with the Avent brand, which produces a variety of baby care products.
More than thirty years ago, Edward Atkin launched a line of products for newborns and their mothers. The birth of the brand began with the development of a conventional feeding bottle, which was as easy to use as possible and was close to the anatomical shape of the female breast. So she gradually became the perfect example of a bottle for feeding babies. The range of the company has been constantly expanding. Nipples, pacifiers, steam sterilizers, dishes, teethers and other newborn products have made Avent products the industry leader.
Philips by that time already had a line of products for children, so the merger of the two companies happened quite predictably. Avent branded products are in line with Philips' philosophy of smart and simple. The united brand does not lose its position today, without lowering the quality bar and offering its latest developments to save time and health of mothers and their children.
Philips Avent breast pumps are one of the latest developments of the company. They are used by women all over the world and greatly facilitate the everyday life of young mothers. Today, Philips Avent products include thermal bags and warmers, pacifiers and nipples, breast pads and cosmetics for mothers, crockery sets and drinking cups, and a range of other baby care products.
When is it needed?
Expectant mothers often wonder if they need a breast pump. With the natural process of feeding, a woman's mammary glands should produce as much milk as a particular baby needs. However, not all so simple. The vagaries of nature and modern living conditions dictate their own rules.
If you are going to breastfeed, then a breast pump is essential. And it's better to take it with you to the hospital. There are several reasons for this. In addition, in the process of breastfeeding, force majeure circumstances may arise more than once, in which a properly selected device will not only save lactation, but also your health and female attractiveness.
Already in the maternity hospital, you will be faced with the fact that milk will come unstable, expressing it for the first time, especially with your hands (as doctors teach), is quite difficult, this requires experience. Moreover, in modern maternity hospitals, you can rarely find competent feeding consultants. The device will help to establish a stable milk flow in the first days.
Although the sucking reflex is inherent in a child by nature, it will be difficult for a baby to even grasp the nipple correctly in the first weeks of life. Not all mothers also immediately learn to latch their baby to the breast correctly. As a result, the child eats little, receives less nutrition, and becomes weaker. And you get extremely tired from feeding your baby several times an hour.
Most children do not drink milk completely. It can stagnate in the chest, which leads to a dangerous disease - lactostasis. It manifests itself as chills in the body, fever up to 38-40 degrees, severe painful sensations in the chest and swelling of the mammary glands.
If you do not consult a doctor in time and start the disease, then surgical intervention will be required.
Expressing regularly after every feed with the comfortable Philips Avent breast pump helps you avoid dangerous consequences.
The device will also help if you do not have the opportunity to sit on maternity leave for a long time and are forced to go to work. Expressed milk retains its properties perfectly in the refrigerator. You can express directly in the dedicated room at work. The device is compact enough and when folded will fit in almost any women's bag. And any adult can handle feeding the baby in your absence, since the baby bottle has a special anatomical shape.
A breast pump will also be of great service to you during the lactation crisis. It occurs most often when the child is four months old. There may be less milk, and in some cases it completely disappears. At the same time, in order to preserve natural feeding, it is recommended to apply the baby to the breast as often as possible. If this is not possible, expressing milk will help overcome the crisis.
Kinds
Philips manufactures two types of breast pumps: manual and automatic. Basically, they differ in the way they work.
A mechanical (manual) device works from the influence of the force of the hands on it. To express milk, you need to press down on the handle at the top of the breast pump. In this case, the intensity of the process is chosen independently. The device allows you to simulate the sucking of a baby quite realistically. The main advantages are ease of use, compactness for carrying and an affordable price. In addition, the manual model is completely silent. This can be very important if your baby is light asleep and you need to pump in the same room.
The automatic breast pump is battery or mains powered and has complete control over the entire process. For proper use, you only need to put on the chest attachment in accordance with the instructions and turn on the device. It has two stages of work. At first, squeezing movements will be frequent and of greater force, and then more rare and prolonged. This type is even closer to a baby's natural diet, so pumping will not be unpleasant. Three different powers allow you to individually adjust the device for a comfortable pumping process. The price for such a breast pump will be significantly higher than for a manual one.
Avent Natural breast pumps come standard with:
- device case with a charger (depending on the model) or a control knob (mechanical version);
- massage silicone breast attachment for expressing;
- silicone diaphragm with rod;
- shipping cover and standard packaging;
- milk collection bottle with lid and silicone anatomical nipple against colic;
- a ring with a bottle cap;
- 4 pads in a bra;
- user's manual.
An additional set of accessories for storing and transporting milk can be assembled to the breast pump: sterilizer, bottles, containers, deep-freeze bags.
How to use?
Avent breast pumps have some nice features to use when compared to other brands. Regardless of the model chosen, they will help to maintain the shape of the breast, create an atmosphere of comfort when expressing and make milk storage safe for the baby's health.
The most important part of the device is the soft massage cushion with five convex petals, which comfortably surrounds the halo. It is made at a certain angle, allowing you to express milk without leaning forward and downward, which greatly facilitates the process. You can sit in a comfortable position (even if you have had a caesarean section), which promotes good milk flow.
Compact size and light weight allow you to take the device with you wherever you go. Now you will be even more mobile with your baby.
All parts of the breast pump are intuitively assembled and disassembled and are easy to clean even in the dishwasher (except for the electric power supply). No extra effort is required during assembly.
Gentle stimulation of the nipples makes the procedure painless, the process does not cause any discomfort. This is ensured by the anatomically shaped soft silicone tip.
All Philips Avent products are perfectly matched and easily compatible. Therefore, you can choose the model of the breast pump you like and the most convenient for you, and then buy the missing bottles and containers if you need them.
Philips has stood for your health and safety for several years now. Therefore, all plastic and silicone parts are made from the latest environmentally friendly materials. It does not release carcinogens and other harmful substances into the filled liquid.
Some women refuse breastfeeding for fear of losing their beautiful breast shape. Philips Avent products help to maintain natural breast shape with gentle device action and the ability to regulate the strength of milk expression.
The baby will not give up the bottle after the breast, as the shape of the nipple will be comfortable. It is specially made as close as possible to the anatomical shape of the breast. The anti-colic valve in the nipple will relieve the baby from unpleasant sensations due to swallowing air, and you - from children's tears and long motion sickness of the baby in his arms.
For correct operation, you must first familiarize yourself with the instructions attached to the package. This will help avoid annoying misunderstandings when assembling and using the breast pump.
Before using any type of device, all its parts that come into contact with milk (breast attachment, collection bottle) must be well sterilized. They do this by placing the parts in boiling water for 3-5 minutes or using a special sterilizer, which can also be found among the products of the Philips Avent line. Then, with clean hands, assemble the device according to the instructions. There is no need to sterilize it after each use. When properly assembled, no force is required to connect the parts.
There are some differences in the operation of a mechanical and automatic model. When using a manual breast pump, the nipple and breast must be pretreated or washed with soap and water. The nipple is checked with a pressure and then a sipping motion for patency of breast milk in the ducts. When milk drops appear, you can express it.
You can take any comfortable position and firmly press the breast cap to the nipple so that air does not penetrate into it. A few quick taps on the handle of the appliance will create a vacuum and the milk will begin to flow into the nozzle.
The next presses are made at a slow pace: one or two presses with a two second delay.
If milk does not flow within 3-5 minutes, check if you assembled the breast pump correctly. The reason may also be a loose fit of the pumping attachment to the breast.
When expressing, there should be no discomfort. Too much pressure on the piston element may cause some discomfort. You can reduce the intensity of exposure to the nipple. For this, the handle is not squeezed to the end when pressed. In the event that there is soreness, you need to release the pressure on the handle of the breast pump. If painful sensations persist, the device is carefully disconnected from the chest and the process is interrupted. In this case, you should consult your doctor.
When expressing, it is important to ensure that milk does not overfill the collection bottle. In the event that a standard 125 ml container is not enough in the kit, you can buy a larger container.
After the end of pumping, the device is disassembled and the parts are washed in warm water and soap.
Do not use abrasive or aggressive chemicals for washing.
Using an electric model at home is just as easy. After sterilizing and assembling the breast pump, clean your breasts and wash your hands.
You need to sit down more comfortably and place the nozzle on your chest, pressing it tightly to the nipple so that it is located above the center of the massage "flower".
The device is switched on by pressing the "Start" button. Suction is felt and a breast stimulation regimen begins, similar to a baby sucking on the breast. This can create a pleasant warmth in the chest.
When milk enters the container, you can choose the most convenient in intensity mode from three possible. They are marked on the body of the device with drops: the weakest is one drop, the strongest is three drops. You can change the mode at any time while expressing. There is no need to constantly change modes during one expression. It will be most correct to choose one.
When the flow of milk has ended, turn off the "Start" button, and only then carefully remove the attachment from the breast.
Parts of the device in contact with milk are washed in warm water and soap without the use of aggressive chemicals. All parts of the breast pump are made from non-toxic materials, so you can safely store milk in the pumping bottle with a lid.
If any parts of the device have worn out over time, the breast pump does not need to be thrown away. It is easy to repair it at home after purchasing the necessary part or consumable part.
After expressing, if there is no need for immediate use of milk, the bottle is placed in the refrigerator. There it can be stored for up to a day. For a longer shelf life, milk is frozen in special bags.
Tips & Tricks
Before any pumping, there are some simple tips you can use to make the process easier and increase lactation. A good effect is obtained if you drink hot tea or fruit drink fifteen minutes before pumping. Drinking warm drinks will expand the milk ducts and milk will flow faster. You can also warm up your breasts with a hot towel or take a warm shower. After that, with light circular movements, the mammary gland can be stimulated in the direction from the nipple to the base.
Philips Avent breast pumps in most cases receive positive feedback. To give preference to a mechanical or electronic device is a personal choice of a nursing mother.
Without exception, all women note the durability of the device. If you buy the device once, then it can serve for your second or third child. Some parts can wear out, but you don't need to rush to throw out your breast pump and buy a new one. Replacement parts can be purchased at the store and simply have the device repaired.
A comfortable posture while expressing is also a deciding factor when choosing Philips Avent. During the day, the procedure is carried out several times, and it takes a lot of time. From the first days, without sufficient skill and habit, the back and arms begin to hurt. The Avent breast pump helps solve this problem. After all, you can use it by taking any comfortable position, even lying in bed.
All Philips Avent breast pumps have rounded parts without sharp corners. High quality plastic is also a great advantage of the product.
The innovative petal-shaped stimulator attachment works gently on the breasts without damaging them. Now you can forget about painful sensations and relax, which contributes to more milk production. The operation of the device resembles the natural sucking process of a baby. The shape of the breast will not deteriorate, as you yourself can control the intensity and power of the breast pump by choosing the mode of operation.
The compactness of the breast pump is also noted by many mothers. Disassembled and packed, you can take it with you wherever you go.The assembly process will not cause any inconvenience. All parts are made in such a way that after a couple of assemblies you will do it without looking at the instructions.
The low weight and ergonomics of the device, with proper skill, will allow you not to spend a lot of time on pumping at all. After all, you can feed the baby with one hand, and at the same time collect milk from the other mammary gland. Using the electrical model, the process is further simplified. In this case, the device does not need to be held, it is enough just to put it in front of you and turn it on, freeing your hands.
All Philips Avent baby products are free of harmful impurities, so you can store milk in collection containers for a long time without worrying about its quality.
The most important step remains - to choose a practical helper who, together with you, will provide your baby with healthy breast milk. If when buying clothes or accessories you can be guided mainly by visual appeal, then when choosing a breast pump there are more weighty criteria.
Chief among them is the reason that prompts the expression of milk. Breastfeeding mothers do this for different reasons. Someone seeks to avoid lactostasis, and someone, on the contrary, to increase milk secretion. For others, the device will help to avoid a lactation crisis. Some people need a breast pump to feed the baby when the mother cannot be around for various reasons. Based on these needs, they choose for themselves one of three main types of devices: manual, electric or even double electric.
Some mothers choose a hand-held model for its small size and weight so that it can be used anywhere. Such devices make you more mobile, especially if you work or simply lead a fairly active lifestyle. Others prefer double pumping because of their speed. In such mothers, the body secretes a lot of milk, and in a short time the device copes with its expression.
In other words, there is no wrong or perfect model that fits all. Choose a breast pump based on your rhythm and the needs of your baby.
A clear definition of needs will help reduce search parameters. It's not scary if it is difficult to do it the first time. Every nursing mother once started doing it from scratch. In addition, there is always the opportunity to seek advice from a specialist.
The following parameters will also help in choosing:
- how often will you pump - daily or as needed;
- Is expressing speed important to you to save time;
- whether you need the device to carry with you or will it be used primarily at home.
Knowing what nuances you need to pay attention to, you are most likely to avoid mistakes. It is not bad to understand the main differences between the three types of devices.
The automatic double breast pump is by far the fastest of all types. The highest priced model will allow you to express more milk in the shortest amount of time and is suitable for multi-tasking and always in a hurry moms
It will be a great help for a woman who regularly expresses a significant amount of milk outside the home. This is the best choice for mothers who value their time.
The classic automatic breast pump will satisfy the most of your needs. It is quite easy to use, it can be operated from an outlet and a battery. Has a fairly high speed of work and is quite portable. Ideal for universal use every day.
Manual breast pumps are valued for their portability and low cost. Thanks to the small size and ergonomic shape of the device, pumping can be done with one free hand. Good for those moms who plan to express milk from time to time.
Even if, with all the variety of choices, doubts remain, you can choose another interesting option. It is an automatic apparatus that can be converted into a mechanical device. Whichever model you choose, do not doubt the usefulness of the device.
It will significantly save energy and time, help in unforeseen circumstances, solve many problems with feeding, and also become an indispensable assistant for active mothers.
For how to use Avent breast pumps, see the following video.
