What does a single-sided breast pump mean? Is it necessary to buy a double-sided breast pump?

Some mothers insist on breastfeeding their babies, but they cannot breastfeed their babies due to their own reasons. In this case, they need to use a breast pump. Breast pumps are divided into single-sided and double-sided. What is the difference between these two types?

What do unilateral and bilateral breast pumps mean? Unilateral means there is only one pumping device, which can only pump breast milk from one side at a time; bilateral means there are two pumping devices, which can pump breast milk from both sides at the same time. The specific choice depends on personal needs. Generally speaking, unilateral is suitable for mothers with less breast milk, while bilateral is suitable for mothers with more milk. Some breast pumps have a device that can be replaced from unilateral to bilateral, which is convenient for mothers to choose. It is recommended to go to the counter to understand the quality, model and other information of the specific breast pump.

If you have a lot of milk, it is recommended to buy a double-sided breast pump. There are two types of breast pumps: double-sided and single-sided. Some mothers who have enough milk or need to go to work need a breast pump. When choosing a breast pump, if you have a lot of milk, it is recommended to choose a double-sided breast pump, because it will save a lot of time and will not easily waste breast milk.

There are two types: manual and electric. Currently, the breast pumps available on the market include electric breast pumps and manual breast pumps. Electric breast pumps are available in single-sided and double-sided types, and manual breast pumps are available in press-type, rubber ball suction type, and syringe type. Breast pumps with rubber balls rely on squeezing out the air in the rubber ball to create negative pressure to achieve the effect of sucking milk. This type of breast pump, if you are not careful when sucking milk, milk will flow into the rubber ball, which is difficult to clean. Over time, bacteria will breed and contaminate the breast pump and the mother's breasts. This type of breast pump has a strong suction force and will cause damage to the nipples. It is generally not recommended for mothers who frequently use breast pumps.

The total amount of milk produced by sucking milk from both sides is more than that from sucking milk from one side in turn. This is in line with the physiological principle of lactation. When both sides are stimulated at the same time, the hypothalamus will command the secretion of more oxytocin to act on the epithelial cells around the mammary alveoli to contract and discharge milk, so it is more efficient. So if conditions permit, it is best to use a double breast pump. In addition, double breast pumps save a lot of time and can supplement sleep. Those who have the financial conditions will definitely raise their hands to agree that it is better to buy double breast pumps. After you give birth to a child, you will know how happy it is to have time to sleep, so you should try your best to save all time, including milking time. You can operate both sides at the same time, which is much more convenient and frees the mother's hands.