Infant and toddler health

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.

Breast-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?

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	Manual breast pump
	Electric 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.

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References

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.

PR00002 March 13, 2010

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Infant and toddler health