This post is for you if you’ve undergone a breast reduction and are looking for the best breast pump for after breast reduction. We’ll examine the many types of pumps, how they function, and what they may accomplish for moms who have undergone this treatment.
Breast reduction surgery can cause difficulties, but it is a reliable and secure method of reducing breast size. Reduced milk production is one of the most frequent issues, which can be challenging for new mothers trying to breastfeed their babies.
This article will explore how to take care of your breast after breast reduction surgery and how to breastfeed after breast reduction.
1
BEST OVERALL HANDS-FREE BREAST PUMP
elvie Double Electric Breast Pump
PROS
- App is intuitive for adjusting intensity and monitoring milk levels
CONS
- If pump isn’t properly aligned, it won’t work at all
If you’re in the market for a wearable, hands-free and electric pump, look no further than the Elvie Double Electric. Our testers report that they could do three pumping sessions on a single charge and love how easy it is to use the Elvie app to adjust your pumping intensity and monitor how much milk you’ve already expressed. You can easily wear this pump while walking around your house and its sleek design isn’t bulky or heavy. One thing to remember is that the pump won’t function at all if it isn’t properly positioned.. You may end up wearing it for a few minutes before you notice that nothing is coming out since there is no notification in the app to alert you of misalignment. But, the Elvie’s motor is quieter than other options, which makes it pretty discreet. One of our testers said, “Sometimes when I’m wearing it under my shirt I feel like it’s obvious, but no one else can notice which is pretty cool.”
2
BEST VALUE HANDS-FREE BREAST PUMP
Momcozy Double Wearable Breast Pump
$120 AT AMAZONCREDIT: MOMCOZY
PROS
- All-in-one unit requires no additional tech to get started
CONS
- Pump can be clearly seen through clothes
The Momcozy wearable uses two modes and five levels to help you express milk. This all-in-one pump sits directly on your breast and doesn’t require any additional tech or an app to get it working. The automatic shutdown feature turns the pump off every 20 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about turning it off. Since the pump unit is directly on top of the cup, this isn’t the most discreet pump out there, so it’s best for those who are pumping at home or in a comfortable location. While the pump states that it can hold up to 6 ounces of milk, reviewers suggest that it’s best to sit down and refrain from moving after you’ve pumped about 4 ounces to avoid spillage. Note, the Momcozy pump doesn’t stop pumping when full, so keep an eye on it to avoid overflow!
• Weight: 14.07 ounces
• Dimensions: 7.36 x 6.46 x 5.83 inches
• Battery life: Approximately 1.5 hours
• Milk capacity: 6 ounces per pump
3
BEST HANDS-FREE BREAST PUMP FOR HIGH PRODUCERS
Willow Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump
$350 AT ONEWILLOW.COMCREDIT: WILLOW
PROS
- Nine pumping levels
- HSA and FSA eligible
CONS
- Higher pumping levels are quite loud
The new Willow Go wearable pump has dishwasher-safe parts, is easy to use and is great for the multitasking mom. Our testers love how much the Go can hold making it great for high producers: up to 7 ounces if you choose to purchase the larger containers separately. The biggest draw for this pump is the exceptional nine different pumping levels. “It’s really nice to have the ability to adjust, and level nine is very high powered for a cordless pump,” says new mom Stefani Sassos, Good Housekeeping’s Deputy Director of the Nutrition Lab. The pump’s design features a clear front section so you can see how much milk you’ve accumulated, and once you’re done pumping, it’s easy to clean and charge. While the higher pumping levels can get a bit loud and the app doesn’t do quite as much as some of the others (it only really tells you how long you’ve been pumping and the suction level you’re using), this is a great option for the on-the-go mom.
4
BEST HANDS-FREE BREAST PUMP WITH EXTERNAL MOTOR
Freemie Liberty II Deluxe
$200 AT AMAZONCREDIT: FREEMIE
PROS
- Features an automatic shutoff timer
CONS
- Battery can drain quickly
The Freemie may look small, but each cup can hold up to 8 ounces of milk. Unlike other similar hands-free pumps, the Freemie Liberty II doesn’t use an app to control your pumping process but instead has an external motor with an LCD screen that displays all your important pumping information. This way you don’t have to worry about draining your phone battery. The external pump can easily be clipped onto your waistband and features a programmable sleep timer for automatic shutoff. It also uses some handy noise reduction tech, so it’s as quiet and discreet as possible. Plus, if it’s not fitting right — which you’ll recognize if you experience any pain, your nipple is not centered in the tube or you’re unable to express all your milk — you can purchase one of the 12 different sized FitMie inserts that help adjust the flange size.
5
BEST PORTABLE HANDS-FREE BREAST PUMP
Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow Breast Pump
Now 27% Off
$189 AT AMAZON$243 AT WALMARTCREDIT: MEDELA
PROS
- All additional accessories included
CONS
- Not entirely wire-free
This double electric pump uses two-phase expression technology to mimic natural breastfeeding patterns for better output in less time. Our testers particularly loved how easy it was to clean this pump and noted that it achieves some of the best output compared to similar Medela models. The MaxFlow micro-vibrations and strong motor help increase efficiency and testers love that it’s comfortable, has strong suction and is easy to position so you can get milk flow started quickly. The pump also comes as the full package featuring a portable pump setup, bag, ice pack, bottles and other accessories so you don’t have to worry about buying anything separately. One thing to keep in mind is that this pump is not wire-free. It uses an external battery pack to get it up and running.
6
BEST MANUAL HANDS-FREE BREAST PUMP
Elvie Curve
$50 AT AMAZON$50 AT WALMART$50 AT BED BATH AND BEYONDCREDIT: ELVIE
PROS
- No electricity required
CONS
- Better as a milk catcher than strong pump
If you’re looking for something without a battery, the Elvie Curve is a great manual option that can be used anywhere at any time, no electricity required. While this pump is better for milk catching than strong pumping, it provides gentle, natural suction that helps express milk. If you press on the pouch, you can increase the natural suction, and it features a valve that controls the level of suction. It only holds up to 4 ounces of milk and can take a bit more time to get used to, but our testers love the flexibility of this pump. It’s easy to clean since you can pop it right into the dishwasher. It can be worn directly in your bra, unlike most other manual pumps. No more worrying about forgetting to charge the battery.
How To Take Care Of Your Breast After Breast Reduction Surgery
Showering
- Don’t shower for the first 48 hours (2 days) after your surgery. After the first 48 hours, you may be able to take a full shower or shower only from your waist down. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for how to shower.
- After your drains are removed, don’t shower for the first 24 to 48 hours. You may shower 24 to 48 hours after your drains are removed. Your healthcare provider will let you know when you can shower.
- When you begin showering, take a shower every day to help keep your incision clean.
- Before entering the shower, remove your bra and the gauze pad covering your incision.
- Check the temperature of the water first with your back or hand because numbness may prevent you from feeling heat in the affected area.
- Wash with warm water and gentle, fragrance-free soap. Gently clean your upper incisions and drain sites, and rinse well.
- Don’t aim the shower stream directly at your breast. Aim it at your upper back or your arm. Let the water run softly over your breast. Pat your incisions dry with a clean towel. Don’t rub them.
- Don’t take tub baths until your incisions and drain sites are fully healed because soaking may increase the risk of infection. You may be able to take tub baths about 6 to 8 weeks after your surgery but speak with your doctor before you do.
- Talk with your healthcare provider before you use deodorant, lotion, or cream anywhere near your incisions as they’re healing. Healing usually takes about 6 weeks.
Clothing
- Wear a soft supportive bra like the one your nurse gave you for 6 weeks after your surgery, even while sleeping. You can remove your bra when you shower.
- Don’t wear a bra that has an underwire while your incisions are healing.
Medications
- You’ll get a prescription for pain medication to help manage your pain after surgery.
- Anesthesia (medication to make you sleep during surgery) and pain medications can cause constipation (having fewer bowel movements than usual). For information about how to manage constipation, read Constipation.
Physical activity
- Don’t lift, push, or pull objects heavier than 5 to 10 pounds (2.3 to 5.4 kilograms) for 6 weeks after surgery. Keep this in mind when grocery shopping, lifting children, or doing laundry.
- Don’t do strenuous exercises (such as running, jogging, or jumping) for 6 weeks after surgery.
How To Breastfeed After Breast Reduction
Women who want to breastfeed should ask their surgeon if the nipple will be removed completely or just moved. The more of the nipple and milk ducts that were left attached, the more likelyTrusted Source that breastfeeding will work. Amazingly, severed milk ducts can reattach, but it can affect how much milk is produced.