Discover everything about the Difrax Breast Pump and how to use it optimally

Breastfeeding is a wonderful process. It does sometimes bring challenges though. The challenge of combining breastfeeding with work, travel or a busy life. Or perhaps breastfeeding is not yet going as well as you would like.

In this blog we provide both mothers and healthcare professionals with information about the Difrax breast pump. How the pump can support you during your challenges and how to use the pump correctly. We will delve deeper into the technical aspects, comfort and give you practical tips. You will then be well prepared when you start expressing milk.

Dimensions and content, measuring = knowing

The Difrax breast pump is 12.5 cm high, 10.5 cm wide and 7.5 cm deep. Thanks to its slim design, the pump can easily be worn in a bra.

The pump weighs 275 grams empty. This weight increases slightly as more milk is collected in the container. The pump is compact and lightweight. Ideal for on the go, but also practical at the start of the feeding period. You can express from one breast and still feed the baby from the other. This saves time if you like to build up a supply of expressed milk, or if you need to use the pump to get breastfeeding going. The milk container has a capacity of 120 ml.

Express comfortably by using the right breast shell size

Choosing the right breast shell size is necessary for easy expressing. Breast shells that are too small or too large can cause discomfort and interfere with milk production. A healthcare professional can help you measure the diameter of your nipple and advise you on the correct shell size.

For optimal comfort, the nipple needs to move freely within the shell, and the areola should not be sucked in. Keep 1-2 mm of space between the shell and the nipple. This prevents pain and promotes efficient milk production.

When measuring, don’t forget to measure both nipples. Your breasts can differ in size.

How long can you express for? Tips for safe use

Do not express milk for longer than 30 minutes per session. Prolonged expressing can lead to irritation and damage to the nipples. Make sure the nipple has enough space (1-2 mm all around) in the shell. If the shell is too large or too small, it can not only cause discomfort, but also reduce milk production.

Battery life and charging: ideal for busy mothers

The Difrax breast pump offers flexibility, especially for mothers who are on the go or who want to continue their activities at home. A full battery lasts up to 120 minutes (four pumping sessions). The pump is easy to charge via a USB cable or power bank. This makes it possible to express anywhere without being dependent on power outlets.

This is especially useful if you work away from home or travel a lot. But also at home. When you want to have your hands free while expressing or you simply want to focus on your baby.

The sound of the pump does not exceed 50 dB in the most intensive mode.

Settings and intensity. As a result, you can find the pump mode that suits you best

The Difrax breast pump lets you adjust the suction power and speed to your wishes. There are 2 phases to expressing milk:

Phase 1: Stimulation, where short, rapid sucks start the milk flow.
Phase 2: Expressing, available in regular and intensive mode.

You can adjust the suction power and speed for both phases and use eight different levels to personalise the session based on comfort and milk production. This makes the pump flexible to use in different situations. For example, if you have sensitive nipples or suffer from lower milk production.

Additional information for the professional

The table below shows the negative pressure (UP) and suction per minute (CPM). Settings L1, L2, L7 and L8 have been tested for this. The other settings lie somewhere between these values. Please note this is an average; there may be some deviation in UP.

What should I do if the collection cup is full?

You can pause the breast pump at any time to empty the collection cup. It is best to do this when the milk flow decreases to ensure no milk is lost. The convenient pause function gives you more control while expressing and prevents wasting precious breast milk.

The drip tray can be completely dismantled for thorough cleaning of milk residues. Always read the manual before cleaning the breast pump. 

What should I do if none of the inner shells offer a good fit?

If none of the standard inner shells fit, we have a separate 27 mm inner shell available. This size has been specially developed for mothers with a larger nipple diameter and is available through customer service. Healthcare professionals can point this out to mothers if they have problems finding the right size.

Tips for mothers and healthcare professionals

For mothers: Make sure you choose the right size of breast shell, and pay attention to comfort while expressing. Adjusting the pump settings, such as suction power and speed, contributes to good, easy pumping. The strongest suction setting is not always the best. Once the milk starts flowing, and you experience no pain, you are in the right mode.

Do you have insufficient visibility of the volume of the milk reservoir? Then stand in front of the mirror or use the selfie function on your mobile phone. You can also use this tip if you want to measure the correct size breast shell and check the space around the nipple.

For healthcare professionals: Advise mothers on the importance of choosing the right pump and find out what the right settings are for their personal situation. Knowing about battery life and settings can help mothers get the most out of their breast pump.

Conclusion: the breast pump that suits your needs

The Difrax breast pump is an ideal aid during the breastfeeding period. Especially if you work, travel a lot or want to combine other daily activities. Pay attention to the settings and ensure comfort while expressing. It is important for healthcare professionals to provide proper guidance to mothers about using the breast pump in order to prevent pain and optimise milk production.