Suction vs. Stimulation: What's the Difference and Why Does It Matter?

Brand new mothers who choose (or sometimes need to) pump milk are faced with a number of difficulties. These can include finding the right flange size, insufficient milk production, and pain or discomfort while pumping. However, one factor that may contribute to these issues is the method used by the breast pump.

Suction Simply Sucks

The breast pump was invented in 1854, and its original purpose was to create pressure around the nipple in order to squeeze milk out. This method was both painful and ineffective. Over the years, breast pumps have been developed and improved, but they have always relied on suction as the primary method of extracting milk.

The Simulation Sensation

While suction may be effective at extracting milk from the breast, it may not always stimulate milk production. The key to increasing lactation is the release of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin, which are naturally triggered by the suckling motion of a baby. Breast pumps, however, are unable to simulate this motion, which can make it difficult for mothers to increase their milk production.

The Time is Now

The Annabella breast pump was designed with the goal of reconnecting with the natural processes of milk production. Instead of relying on suction alone, the Annabella pump stimulates the breast through a tongue mechanism that mimics a baby's suckling motion. This helps to boost prolactin and oxytocin levels, leading to more natural and comfortable milk production. It's about time that breast pumping methods catch up with what we know about the body's natural processes and work with them, rather than against them.