When it comes to pumping breast milk, using a manual pump may indeed result in getting less milk compared to using a double electric pump. This is because manual pumps typically only allow you to pump one breast at a time, while double electric pumps can simultaneously pump both breasts.
When you pump both breasts at the same time, it stimulates your body to produce more milk. This is because breastfeeding works on a supply and demand basis, meaning the more milk that is removed from the breasts, the more milk your body will produce to meet that demand. So, by pumping both breasts simultaneously, you are signaling to your body that it needs to produce more milk.
On the other hand, when you use a manual pump and only pump one breast at a time, it may not fully stimulate the milk production process. This can potentially lead to a decrease in milk supply over time. Additionally, manually pumping one breast at a time takes longer compared to using a double electric pump, which may also impact your overall milk output.
It’s important to note that every woman’s body is different, and some may have no issues with using a manual pump and still maintain a good milk supply. However, for many women who are exclusively pumping for their baby, using a double electric pump is generally recommended to maximize milk production.
Personal experience: When I was exclusively pumping for my baby, I initially started with a manual pump. While it was convenient for occasional use, I noticed that my milk supply started to decrease over time. I then switched to a double electric pump, and I immediately saw an increase in the amount of milk I was able to express. Double pumping made the process more efficient and helped maintain my milk supply.