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Articles > Choosing A Breast Pump
Finding the right breast pump can be a challenge. There are so many types, brands and models to choose from so it can be hard to decide. One of the biggest challenges is that you have to make a decision on blind fate since you can’t try the pump before you buy it. Once the seal on the box is broken, you are the owner of the pump because whether you like it or not stores do not accept returns on breast pumps.
The best advice that I can give any mom who is in the market for a breast pump is don’t wait until you need the pump to purchase it. Last minute pump shopping can lead to a stressful situation in which you end up purchasing what is available rather than purchasing the pump that you need. It’s best to begin your pump search early preferably before you go on maternity leave. If you will be returning to work after your child’s birth and you plan to breastfeed, finding a good breast pump will be one of your top priorities.
If you’re planning to pump long-term (i.e. 6 months or more), this is not the item to skimp on. You’ll want a durable pump that you will be able to comfortably use on a daily basis. There are a few major factors that will help you reach a decision when you are pump shopping.
Pumping frequency – How often you will pump can range from occasionally pumping for a bottle or two to frequent daily pumping for all of your baby’s feedings. The more often you will need to express milk the more you will rely on your pump.
Budget – There are a multitude of breast pump types and brands available. You can find everything from a low-end manual pump to a high-end double electric pump complete with tote bag, cooler and extra milk storage. It is important to keep in mind that often times you get what you pay for when it comes to breast pumps the more expensive models tend to be more efficient.
Convenience – Where will you be pumping most of the time? Will you have access to an electrical outlet? Will you be traveling quite a bit? When choosing a pump, you’ll need to consider whether or not you’ll need to carry your pump around with you and if alternate power options such as batteries or a car adapter will be necessary.
There are several types of pumpers. One of the easiest ways to narrow down your pump choices is to figure out which type of 'pumper' you are.
The Seldom Pumper has chosen to exclusively breastfeed, and she only pumps on rare occasions to relieve pain from engorgement or to prepare a feeding for a night away from her baby. The Seldom Pumper’s needs are easily met with a moderately priced manual pump or with hand expression.
The Occasional Pumper breastfeeds for most of her baby’s feedings, but likes to have a bottle of expressed milk on hand to give dad or another relative a chance to feed the baby. The Occasional Pumper, like the Seldom Pumper, can use a manual pump to successfully meet her pumping needs. However, if she wants to have a bottle on hand more often than a couple of times a week she might find that a handheld electric pump can help to shorten her pumping sessions.
The Exclusive Pumper will express breastmilk for all of her child’s feedings. Since she will be pumping four or more times each day she will benefit from the efficiency and convenience that a good quality double electric pump has to offer. A double electric breast pump is perfect for the Exclusive Pumper because it allows her to pump both breasts at the same time and the pump’s motor does all the work.
Keep in mind that if you are exclusively pumping for a preemie or a sick infant, a hospital pump may be better suited for your needs. Discuss your need for a breast pump with your child’s physician and/or a lactation consultant to see if a hospital grade rental will better meet your pumping needs until your child’s health is in a more stable condition.
Once you’ve determined what type of pump will best meet your needs, you can begin to evaluate the models that each brand offers. By comparing models from different brands side-by-side, you’ll be able to see which pump offers the features that will best meet your pumping needs.
This article was contributed by Elizabeth Catalanotto, a nursing mother to her 1-year-old daughter. As a breastfeeding counselor she spends a great deal of time everyday thinking, talking and writing about breastfeeding and breastmilk. To find more information about choosing, using or cleaning a breast pump visit BreastPumps.com .
