Breast Pumps

There are a few reasons a nursing mum might need to use a breast pump. Among them are, she needs to get back to work but still wishes to breast feed her baby; she needs to go out and requires someone to feed her breast milk to her baby, or she might even need one to help keep her milk production going smoothly. Pumping one’s milk need not be a hassle, especially if one has a good breast pump at hand.

Shopping for a breast pump may turn out to be a complicated affair, especially if you’re not sure what you want in the device. Here, we lay out the relevant info you need so you can gauge your needs and wants and hopefully, pick out the best one for yourself.

Types of breast pumps

There are many styles and models of breast pumps, but they fall into two main categories:

1. Electric/battery-powered

2. Manual (which you operate by hand)

To figure out which one suits you best, here’s a look at your options:

For non-extensive use:

Manual and mid-range electric or battery-operated pumps

These pumps are best for short-term separations – for instance, a mum who wants to leave her baby with a sitter every now and then. These are more affordable than the high-end models. On the downside, they generally take a little longer to use and require more effort than the top-end electric pumps.

For everyday use:

Heavy-duty electric double breast pumps

If you’re having trouble nursing during those first few weeks after you give birth, or your baby isn’t able to nurse enough to build up your milk supply, this type will be your best bet. It’s also what you might need if your baby’s a preemie or in the NICU, or if you’re a mom with a medical condition that affects how much milk you produce.

A heavy-duty double pump has a rapid suck-and-release cycle (referred to as the cycling time) that draws milk from your breasts at about the same rate as a nursing baby.

A double breast pump means you can pump both breasts at once, which can cut pumping time in half and drain both breasts more effectively.

Top-end personal electric pumps

Combining the efficiency of heavy-duty pumps and the convenience of more portable models, top-end electric pumps are a popular choice for moms who return to work full-time or are frequently away from their baby and can’t nurse regularly.

These pumps are fully automatic, with quick cycling times, adjustable suction levels (to help you avoid nipple discomfort), and high pumping capability. They’re generally intended for women who have a well-established milk supply. These are also available as double pumps.

Generally weighing in at five pounds or less, these pumps come in attractive carrying cases and often include accessories like ice packs, storage bags and bottles.

Most good pumps can run on a car’s cigarette lighter with an adapter that’s sold separately. Many come with a built-in battery pack – both handy options if you’re pumping on the go or in a room lacking an electrical outlet.

Mid-range electric or battery-operated pumps

The pumps generally allow you to work on one breast at a time and usually take up much more of your time. While there are some double electric pumps in this category, the motors may not last as long as the more expensive models. If the pump is battery-operated, the batteries may need to be replaced (unless you get a rechargeable unit).

The semi-automatic models in this category tend to have long cycling times. (Some produce only about 12 sucks per minute, compared to 50 to 60 per minute for top-end and heavy-duty pumps.) The suction can often be too strong or too weak, although some have adjustable options.

If you seldom pump:

Manual pumps

These inexpensive devices require you to pump a piston or squeeze a lever to create the suction to empty your breast. These pumps empty only one breast at a time and may require two hands to operate. There are a few models designed for one-handed use.