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Breast-feeding: Choosing a breast pump
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-feeding/PR00002
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Breast-feeding: Choosing a breast pump
Should you invest in an electric breast pump? A double pump? A lightweight pump? If you're in the market for a breast pump, ask yourself these questions and more.
By Mayo Clinic staffBreast-feeding is a round-the-clock commitment — which is why many breast-feeding mothers consider breast pumps as important as car seats and baby wipes. Whether you're going back to work or simply want the flexibility a breast pump can offer, you'll have many choices. Ask yourself these questions to decide which type of breast pump is best for you.
How often will you use the breast pump?
If you'll be away from the baby only occasionally and your milk supply is well established, a simple hand pump may be all you need. These pumps are small and inexpensive. You simply squeeze the handle to express the milk. If you're returning to work full time or you're planning to be away from your baby for more than a few hours a day, you may want to invest in an electric pump. Electric pumps stimulate the breasts more effectively than do hand pumps. This helps empty your breasts and protect your milk supply.
Will you need to pump as quickly as possible?
A typical pumping session lasts about 15 minutes a breast. If you'll be pumping at work or in other time-crunched situations, you may want to invest in an electric breast pump that allows you to pump both breasts at once. Double breast pumps help stimulate milk production while cutting pumping time in half.
How much can you afford to spend on the pump?
You can buy breast pumps from medical supply stores and most drugstores and baby stores, as well as many discount department stores. Manual models may cost about $35. Electric pumps that include a carrying case and insulated section for storing milk may cost up to $275 or more. Some hospitals or medical supply stores rent hospital-grade breast pumps, although the equipment that attaches your breast to the pump (pumping kit) must be purchased. Some health insurance plans cover the cost of buying or renting a breast pump. Because there's a small risk of contamination, borrowing a personal-use pump or buying a used personal-use pump isn't recommended.
Is the pump easy to assemble and transport?
If the breast pump is difficult to assemble, take apart or clean, it's bound to be frustrating — which may reduce your enthusiasm for pumping. Make sure you can remove any parts of the pump that come in contact with your skin or milk for cleaning after use.
If you'll be toting the pump to work every day or traveling with the pump, look for a lightweight model. Some breast pumps come in a carrying case with an insulated section for storing expressed milk. Also keep noise level in mind. Some electric models are quieter than others. If it's important to be discreet, make sure the pump's noise level is acceptable.
Is the suction adjustable?
What's comfortable for one woman may be uncomfortable for another. Choose a pump that allows you to control the degree of suction. Some manual models allow you to adjust the position of the pump handle.
Are the breast shields the correct size?
Every pump has a cone-shaped cup called a shield to place over your breast. If you're concerned that the standard breast shield is too small, check with individual manufacturers about other options. Larger shields are often available. If you want to pump both breasts at once, make sure the pump is equipped with two breast shields.
What if the electricity fails?
An electric pump needs to be plugged in. If an outlet isn't accessible or the power fails, you'll need a rechargeable battery pack. In case of emergency, you may want to keep a manual pump handy.
If you're not sure which type of breast pump would be best for you, ask for help. A lactation consultant can help you make the best choice — and offer support as you start to use your breast pump or if you run into trouble. If you haven't worked with a lactation consultant, ask your baby's doctor for a referral or check with the obstetrics department at a local hospital.
- Enger L, et al. Patient information: Breast pumps. http://www.uptodate.com/patients/index.html. Accessed Nov. 20, 2009.
- Breast pump basics. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/BreastPumps/ucm061584.htm. Accessed Nov. 20, 2009.
- Choosing a breast pump. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/BreastPumps/ucm061939.htm. Accessed Nov. 20, 2009.
- Devices@FDA. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scrIpts/cdrh/devicesatfda/index.cfm. Accessed Dec. 8, 2009.
- Breast pump comparisons. BreastPumps.com. http://www.breastpumps.com/breast_pump_comparisons. Accessed Nov. 20, 2009.
- LaFleur EA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 16, 2009.
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