Definition of breast pump

The term "breast pump" refers to a medical device designed to extract milk from a breast using suction. The word "pump" in this context is derived from the device's mechanized function, which involves creating a vacuum that draws out the milk from the breast. The concept of using a mechanical device to express milk dates back to the 19th century when artificial feeding of infants became more common. However, it wasn't until the 1920s and 1930s that breast pumps were developed and marketed for breastfeeding mothers who needed to be away from their babies for extended periods. The first commercial breast pumps were bulky, hand-operated devices that required considerable effort to use. They were often made of glass or metal and featured complicated mechanisms that involved multiple valves, pistons, and tubes. These pumps were expensive, uncomfortable, and prone to breakage, which limited their popularity among breastfeeding mothers. In the 1950s and 1960s, electric breast pumps were introduced, and the design of the devices improved significantly. The electric pumps were smaller, more efficient, and simpler to use, which made them more affordable and appealing to women. Since then, breast pumps have undergone continuous development, with advancements in technology leading to the creation of portable, battery-operated pumps, as well as the development of double electric breast pumps which enable the pumping of two breasts simultaneously. Today, breast pumps are widely used by breastfeeding mothers to overcome challenges such as low milk supply, work obligations, and medical issues that prevent frequent breastfeeding.