How to Choose a Breast Pump

Choosing a breast pump can be an overwhelming experience for a mother who plans to work soon after her baby is born, or who must pump for medical reasons (for a baby who is premature or hospitalized). Many different pumps are available - the following steps will help you find the right one.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electric Breast Pumps
• Manual Breastpumps

1. Determine how often you'll need to pump. Will you be away from your baby for 2 hours each day, or will you be working a 6- or 8-hour shift?

2. Consider a manual pump if you just need to pump occasionally. They're harder to use than electric pumps, and aren't recommended for mothers who must pump frequently.

3. Consider a small motorized pump if you'll be pumping just once or twice daily. These pumps are not expensive and are portable.

4. Buy a full-size automatic electric pump if you'll be away from your baby for more than a couple of hours each day. These pumps aren't cheap, but they are very effective. They allow you to "double pump" (pump both sides simultaneously) and will help maintain your milk supply.

5. Purchase a pump with insulated cooler bags and "blue ice" packs if no refrigerator is available to store your milk in. You'll be able to store your milk for a full day with the cooler bags.

6. Ask your insurance company if it will cover the purchase or long-term rental of a pump if you're pumping for medical reasons.

7. Find a pump that comes with a car adapter if you have a job that takes you on the road. You won't want to pump while you drive, of course, but you can always pull over and pump in the back of your car or van.

Tips & Warnings

• Some pumps come disguised as briefcases or large purses, which is great if you're self-conscious about pumping at work.
• Tuck a picture of your baby into the pump's carrying case. Looking at it and visualizing your baby nursing can help to stimulate your milk ejection reflex (letdown) while you pump.
• If your baby is sick or hospitalized, get the best pump possible, even if you have to rent it - this will help you build and maintain your milk supply even in a stressful situation, and will allow you to give your baby all the infection-fighting, health-giving benefits of your own milk.
• Avoid "bicycle horn" pumps that require you to squeeze a rubber bulb; they can damage sensitive breast tissue and are hard to sterilize.
• Pumping may not be the most comfortable activity in the world, but it shouldn't hurt. If you find it painful, try to adjust the suction on your pump. If this doesn't work, contact a doctor or lactation professional.
• If you buy a secondhand pump, be sure that all the parts can be thoroughly sterilized, or buy a new set of tubes and fittings for it. In general, using someone else's pump is not recommended.

[Allandra]

on 8/6/2007 I prefer the manual pump simply because the motorized ones are too noisy and distracting. With the manual, you can pack up and go anywhere you want. Granted it takes longer but it's more easy on your ear.

I like the Advent or Mendala ones best. I would not recommend the Gerber or First Year ones. Too harsh on the nipples. It will boil down to personal perference in the end so pick whatever one you feel is more comfortable for you.