EmailIf you only need to pump occasionally, a manual breast pump is the most cost effective way to go. Experts say manual pumps are fine for expressing the occasional bottle of milk or relieving engorgement. Manual pumps are usually compact and portable, and you don't need to find an electrical outlet (or batteries) to use them. However, some moms report they can be time consuming and frustrating if you need to pump frequently. Manual pumps can only express from one breast at a time.
Small electric pumps are recommended for occasional use or to replace one or two daily breast feedings. Slightly larger and heavier than manual pumps, they use batteries or electrical adapters to power an automatic suction-and-release cycle.
Reviewers offer the following tips about shopping for a breast pump:
- Don't buy or borrow a used breast pump. Except for hospital-grade pumps and the Ameda Purely Yours line discussed above, all breast pumps are considered by the Food and Drug Administration to be single-use devices. Because the pump mechanism itself can't be sterilized, there is no way to guarantee that disease-causing organisms like HIV or hepatitis won't be transmitted from one user to the next. Besides being potentially dangerous, buying a used breast pump voids most manufacturers' warranties, so you won't be able to get product support if you need it.
- Consider your individual needs. Not all mothers need a heavy-duty pump. For occasional use -- and if pumping speed is not a primary concern -- a small, electric or manual single breast pump may be all you need. If you're returning to work full time or need to boost your milk supply, you'll probably need to invest in a heavy-duty pump. If you're pumping milk for a premature or hospitalized baby, you're better off renting or buying a hospital-grade pump.
- Consider renting a hospital-grade pump. Some experts say it's usually best to rent a hospital-grade breast pump for at least the first week or two. Since retail breast pumps are non-returnable under most circumstances, renting is the only way to try one out if you're unsure whether you'll continue breast feeding/pumping. For some moms, a short-term rental may be all they need.
- How work-friendly is it? For those who plan to pump at work, size, portability and noise are all important factors. If you'll be carrying the pump back and forth every day, make sure it's not too heavy, and consider a model that comes with a carrying case and insulated milk storage compartment. Noise can also be a factor at work, so make sure the one you choose has a noise level you and your coworkers can live with.
- Go for adjustable suction features. Comfortable suction levels vary from woman to woman, so it's best to buy a breast pump with an adjustable suction level. It's also important to use the correct size of breast shield. Make sure the pump you're interested in comes with breast shields that fit, or find out if you can purchase them separately.
- Check the warranty. Breast pumps have moving parts that can break down. Experts say it's best to buy a brand with a one-year warranty, especially if you'll be using the pump regularly.