The ability to express and store your breast milk can be a necessity at times. Make sure that you use a natural breast pump that is free of toxic material and is always bpa free. In this article we will highlight the toxicity in conventional breast pumps and how to easily choose the natural alternatives.
Choosing a natural, eco-friendly breast pump
The trick to finding a safe breast pump is to make sure that all of the parts are safe for use with breast milk. Consider things like the breast tubes, breast shields, and the storage containers so that anything that contacts your precious breast milk is safe and free from toxic contaminants. In particular, look for the following characteristics:
- Recyclable: If possible, look for a breast pump that’s made to be completely recyclable. At the very least, look at the various parts of the pump to determine whether it could be disassembled for recycling when the time comes.
- Go manual: If you’re willing to do a bit more of the arm-work involved in expressing your milk, a manual pump is definitely the eco-friendly way to go. Not only will it use less energy, with fewer electronic components, it will be much safer to recycle when it no longer serves its purpose. Plus, these are cheaper than electric models and work just as well.
- Rechargeable batteries: If, however, you do choose an electric breast pump, choose one with rechargeable batteries to reduce the toxic waste you produce as you use it. Rechargeable batteries can be used over and over again and are recyclable, too. Plus, they’ll save you hundreds of dollars in the cost of disposable battery replacements.
- Glass: As with bottles and breast milk storage containers, glass is the best option for breast pump components that actually come into contact with your breast milk. Glass is chemically stable, won’t react with liquids, is never lined with BPA, and easily recyclable.
- BPA-free plastic: Some polycarbonate plastics are now being made without the use of BPA and should be safer, although heating them in the microwave is not recommended. Only choose this option if it is labeled as BPA-free, and choose glass over plastics for any parts of the breast pump that come into direct contact with breast milk.