Parts of a breastpump
The main parts of a breastpump typically include:
- Flange (Breast Shield): The cone-shaped part that fits over your breast. It creates a seal around the nipple and helps draw out the milk during pumping.
- Tunnel: The narrow part of the flange where the nipple is drawn into. Its size determines the flange size.
- Connector/Valve Base: The part that connects the flange to the tubing and bottle, allowing milk to flow from the flange to the collection container.
- Valves/Membranes: Small pieces that create suction and control milk flow. Valves help in creating the right vacuum pressure, and membranes keep the milk from flowing back into the tubing.
- Tubing: Connects the pump motor to the flange, helping to create suction. Usually only found in electric pumps.
- Pump Motor: The device that generates suction to draw milk out. In manual pumps, this is a hand-operated lever, while in electric pumps, it's powered by electricity or batteries.
- Collection Bottle/Bag: The container where expressed milk is collected and stored. Some pumps allow for direct attachment of storage bags.
- Backflow Protector: A component in some pumps that prevents milk from flowing back into the tubing, ensuring hygiene.
- Power Adapter/Battery Pack: Electric pumps come with a power adapter to plug into an outlet, and some may also have a battery option for portability.
- Control Panel/Buttons: Found on electric pumps, these allow you to adjust suction levels, speed, and other settings.