Choosing A Breast Pump

You have already decided to give your baby the best start possible by breastfeeding. Now you need a breast pump and are considering your options. Being aware of your pumping needs and lifestyle will assist you in making a good choice.

Purpose of Breast Pumps:
Breast pumps are used for numerous reasons including temporary difficulties associated with the baby or mother, to enhance the breastfeeding experience, or to allow a working mother to ensure breast milk is available for her baby as long as desirable.

Breast pumps are most often used for mother/baby separation. The frequency of separation can be a few breastfeeding sessions a week to several breastfeeding sessions a day. The length of time needed to pump can be a few days to several months. The pumping recommendation is determined by the reason that a mother chooses to pump (see Figure One).

Types of Breast Pumps:
There are various types of pumps available on the market. All breast pumps can express milk from one breast at a time (single pumping) and some can express milk from both breasts simultaneously (double pumping). If frequent pumping is recommended, double pumping can reduce pumping time in half.

Manual breast pumps are designed to use the strength of the hand or arm muscles for single pumping. There is also a pump available that uses the leg and foot muscles for double pumping. Mothers susceptible to carpal-tunnel syndrome from repetitive hand motions may want to consider using a pump designed for the arm or leg muscles.

Handheld Battery-Operated breast pumps use batteries for creating suction minimizing muscle fatigue. Most handheld pumps are designed for single pumping and are suggested for occasional use. Some have AC adapters for electrical use.

Electric breast pumps are powered by electricity with use of an AC adapter. Electric pumps are designed for double pumping and most are suggested for frequent use.  Professional quality breast pumps are efficient pumps for maintaining the milk supply and are available for purchase only.

Hospital-Grade Rental breast pumps are powered by electricity by plugging directly into an outlet. Rental pumps are designed for double pumping and are suggested for frequent use. Two-Phase (Stimulation and Expression) hospital-grade breast pumps are the most efficient for initiating, expressing and maintaining the milk supply and are available for rent or purchase. 

Features of Breast Pumps
Any type of breast pump you choose should have features designed for optimal comfort and safety.

Two-Phase Pump Program most closely simulates the Stimulation and Expressions phases of a nursing baby providing a deeper and quicker expression of nutritive (hind) breast milk.

Adjustable Suction Control provides variable suction within safe, comfortable levels.

Automatic Suction Release protects against prolonged or excessive suction.

Consistent Suction helps maintain maximum effectiveness when switching from single to double pumping.

Automatic Cycling simulates nursing baby and helps maintain the milk supply. Safe limits are 40-60 cycles per minute.

Breast Shield Design for comfort and multiple sizes to accommodate all breast shapes.

Long Nipple Funnel for adequate nipple extension.

Adjustable Suction Control provides variable suction within safe, comfortable levels.

Easy to Clean and Use for hygiene and safety.

Double Pumping Capabilities stimulates the milk producing hormone and minimizes the pumping time.

Insulated Milk Storage Capability for cool storage and portability of pumped breast milk.

Flexibility of Usage provides interchangeable parts between different types of pumps.

Alternate Power Sources allows for flexibility of usage via electricity, batteries, car lighter adapter and/or rechargeable battery.

Rent or Purchase:
There are many considerations for choosing to rent or purchase a breast pump. To assist you in that decision, consider the following:

Purpose - Rent or purchase a breast pump designed for the intended use (see Figure Two).

Efficiency – The pump effectiveness varies depending on the design of the pump. Two-Phase hospital-grade rental breast pumps are the most efficient for expressing breast milk. Manual breast pumps are the least efficient.

Warranties - When purchasing be sure the manufacture’s warranty covers the length of time the pump is needed. Rent from a reputable rental agent who will exchange a defective pump.

Cost – Determine if renting or purchasing is more economical for the pumping recommendation.

Figure Two