What to expect from a Breast Pump Demo Session
Carene Introduction
Breast pumps have evolved from extremely primitive, harsh utensils with pistons and straws to highly engineered electric appliances to support and enable breast milk feeding in various situations.
While this is true, we also have the opposite side of the coin revealing this multibillion-dollar industry that is trying to do whatever they can to get a product on the market as cheaply and quickly as possible. This has caused a great deal of products to flood the market, especially breast pumps and related products.
If you are reading this, I suspect you have been extensively Googling for breast pump reviews, online shops, finding well-known brands like Medela and Tommee Tippee breast pumps, asking on Facebook groups etc. You are most probably left feeling flustered, confused, and anxious from trying to choose the best breast pump for you. I am afraid that the answer is not so easy, and no one is equipped tell you what pump is best suited for your unique body and situation.
BUT, a few of us can help to steer you in the right direction through a breast pump demo session.
The idea behind Breast pump demo sessions?
I have joined the team of lactation consultants from All Things Breastfeeding to offer you a unique experience. The founder Christine Klynhans (Registered Nurse and a SA Certified Lactation Consultant) has carefully and meticulously assessed a large spectrum of breast pumps available on the South African market to narrow down the list of suitable pumps quite significantly. What are some of the points that we consider regarding quality pumps?
- Pressure – ideally, we are aiming for a suction strength of 250mmHg or higher. This is to ensure that the breasts can be emptied well enough. This is not something that is often listed in the product descriptions or on the box and the clerk at the baby store would probably not be able to tell you either.
- Speed – ideally the pump should be able to mimic a suction speed of 1 suck per second. There are a lot of pumps on the market that are simply just too slow to facilitate proper milk removal. It takes a strong motor to maintain these high pressures at this speed. Again, not something you would find in the product description.
- Rechargeable battery – this is often overlooked by mothers. It can be extremely limiting to have to be plugged in to the wall during every pumping session. Not to mention load-shedding. Pumps that require batteries can add unnecessary expenses and waste. Therefore, we aim for easily rechargeable pumps with a good battery-life.
- Size – Good pumps have an indication of the flange size, with options for various sizes. We do not all share the same shoe size, neither do we share similar nipple diameters. Standard pumps have a flange size of 24mm, with a few smaller and larger options.
- Parts availability – most breast pumps contain food grade silicone parts that harden, tear, or stretch with continued use and may require replacement after a few months. Therefore, if we are unable to easily source these replacements parts then it probably would not be a sustainable pump option.
- Value for money – Breast pump prices vary considerably. As with most products, some brands can boost their price simply for being a known brand and not priced according to the quality of the product. Some breast pumps are extremely cheap, and there might be a very good reason for that if you consider all the elements above. Some of the pumps have Nappi codes to enable claiming back from the medical aid. Breast pumps are certainly an investment that should be made carefully.
- Versatility – we consider different pumping situations, whether it be for returning to work or for exclusive pumping.
The idea behind a breast pump demo session is comparable to buying a new car. You do some research online, then visit different dealers and test drive a few cars before making a final decision. Why not do the same when purchasing a breast pump? We ai to condense all these aspects mentioned above into one assessment and fitting. You may find that one of our pumps works well for you, which you might be able to purchase on the spot. Our goal is not to sell you a pump, but to help you make an educated decision.
How does a Breast Pump Demo session work?
Once you are ready to book your demo session, find a center near you and contact the consultant. I request clients to complete a sign-up sheet, where you will find important information and to supply me with the details and consent that I require to assist you appropriately. You may be able to choose from a selection of pumps and accessories, such as:
Each pump demo takes about 30min. We will discuss your pumping scenario, work setup, requirements and measure you flange size. From there we can test different flange sizes to find the most effective and comfortable fit.
Important points to note:
- Each breast pump demo costs R200.
- If you require more information on pumping and feeding you may be billed for a full consultation.
- The breast pumps stocked and available to test have been carefully selected by All Things Breast feeding criteria based on quality, functionality, and value for money.
- Please note all equipment is washed and sterilized before use to prevent cross-infection between clients.
- As an additional safety measure any breast milk expressed in a session will be discarded and cannot be given to your baby to drink.
- All Demo Centre Consultants are fully qualified lactation consultants and are registered with the Board of Healthcare Funders and can issue invoices for pumps with NAPPI codes. Depending on your medical aid plan you may be able to claim back the amount.
- Please note should you wish to purchase breast pump full payment must be made before the pump can be collected.
- Once you have purchased a product please register the warranty with the relevant supplier.
- We are happy to assist with general queries and troubleshooting after purchase of any product.
- For any warranty issues we will act as a contact point with the supplier on your behalf.
Some added benefits to the session
If you already own a breast pump, we can assist in testing the effectiveness of the pump. With a pressure gage and our skill set we can determine if the pump is able to meet the standard for proper milk removal and make recommendations according to our findings. We may be able to adjust the flange size with our flange inserts to improve the efficacy and comfort level.
Another added benefit is the free voucher for the Back to Work and Breastfeeding Workshop, valued at R220, presented by the All Things Breastfeeding team. This voucher is granted to you if you purchase a pump through the demo center. This workshop is hosted live on Zoom on the first Wednesday evening of every month from 18h30-20h00.
In Conclusion
We live in an age where we can get almost anything online. While convenience is king and time is of the essence, some things are better done in person. Take the time to visit your nearest demo session and get piece of mind about your breast pump purchase. One size does not fit all.
A breast pump demo session can be a wonderful gift to give to your pregnant or breastfeeding friend. You can find vouchers right here on my website!
We hope to have many more Demo Centers across the country soon.
