Choosing a Breast Pump
You have already decided to give your baby the best start possible by breast-feeding. 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 breast-feeding 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 breast-feeding sessions a week to several breast-feeding 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 below).
Reason | Pumping |
| Sore Nipples | occasional, short-term |
| Engorgement | frequent, short-term |
| Latch-on Difficulties | frequent, short-term |
| Flat or Inverted Nipples | frequent, short-term |
| Insufficient Milk Supply | frequent, short-term |
| Breast Infections | frequent, short-term |
| Premature Infants | frequent, long-term |
| Baby/Mother Hospitalization | frequent, short or long-term |
| Working Mothers | frequent, short or long-term |
| Father or Other Caregiver Involvement | occasional, frequent, short or long-term |
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 or by plugging directly into an outlet. Electric pumps are designed for double pumping and are suggested for frequent use. Hospital-grade quality breast pumps are the most efficient for initiating and maintaining the milk supply and are available for rent or purchase. Professional quality breast pumps are efficient pumps for maintaining the milk supply and are available for purchase only.
Features of Breast Pumps
Any type of breast pump you choose should have features designed for optimal comfort and safety (see below).
Feature | Purpose |
| Adjustable Suction Control | Variable suction within safe comfortable levels. |
| Automatic Suction Release | Protects against prolonged or excessive suction. |
| Consistent Suction | Maintains effective suction when switching from single to double pumping. |
| Automatic Cycling | Simulates nursing baby, helps maintain the milk supply. Safe limits are 40-60 cycles per minute. |
| Breast Shield | Comfortable, contoured design. |
| Long Nipple Funnel | Adequate for nipple extension. |
| Easy to Clean and Use | Hygiene and safety. |
| Double Pumping Capabilities | Stimulates the milk producing hormone and minimizes the pumping time. |
| Flexibility of Usage | Interchangeable parts between different types of breast pumps. |
| Alternative Power Sources | Flexibility of usage (car lighter adapter, rechargeable battery, etc.) |
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 pump designed for the intended use (see chart below).
- Efficiency: The pump effectiveness varies depending on the design of the pump. 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 manufacturer's warranty covers the length of time the pump is needed. Rent from a reputable rental agent who will exchange a defective breast pump.
- Cost: Determine if renting or purchasing is more economical for the pumping recommendation.
Pumping |
Suggested Pump |
| Occasional Short-term | Manual or handheld battery-operated |
| Frequent Short-term | Electric hospital-grade rental |
| Frequent Long-term | Electric hospital-grade rental or professional quality purchase |
Breastfeeding Accessories
- Nipple shields for temporary latch-on difficulties.
- Pure lanolin for sore, dry, or cracked nipples. Non-toxic.
- Breast shells for sore, flat or inverted nipples.
- Nursing pads for spotting or leakage of milk from breasts.
- Baby scales for monitoring weight gain or milk intake.
- Milk bottles & bags.
- Pillows/stools for comfortable positioning of baby and mother. A height adjustable pillow provides the best possible fit for every mother.
- Nursing apparel & bras for comfort, support and easy access to breasts.
Health Risk
As a final note, please remember that breast pumps are considered personal single-user products and should not be shared by women. Rental pumps are the exception and are designed for use by multiple women.