There are a wide variety and quality of breast pumps available, each of which varies in cost, quality, and efficiency; the optimal pump depends upon your needs and how frequently the pump will be used. No one pump is best for every woman. In most situations, you should wait to buy a pump until after your infant is born; this will allow you to determine your and your infant’s individual needs.
Some of the most common reasons women use a breast pump include the following:
- To stimulate your milk production when you are unable to nurse your infant after birth (eg, if your infant is in the hospital)
- To maintain your milk supply when you are away from your infant (eg, after returning to work)
- To provide your baby with your breast milk
Types of breast pumps:
Hospital grade electric breast pump — A hospital grade electric breast pump is recommended for women who must initiate and maintain their milk production for extended periods of time, such as those with a premature or hospitalized infant who cannot nurse immediately after delivery. This is the most efficient, easiest, and fastest type of pump, and is the most effective way to maintain an adequate milk supply for an infant’s full nutritional needs [2]. Although most women prefer to pump both breasts at the same time (double pump), this pump can be used to pump one breast at a time.
The amount of time it takes to empty both breasts will vary depending upon the woman’s experience with the pump, although it generally takes about 10 to 15 minutes after let-down has occurred. A hospital grade pump can be safely used by more than one woman in a hospital and may be rented for home use. These pumps are larger and heavier that other pumps, and therefore may not be as portable. Some commercial health insurance plans cover the cost of purchasing or renting a hospital grade breast pump.
Personal electric pump — A smaller, personal electric breast pump is designed for one woman to use several times per day. These pumps are not as effective in establishing and maintaining a woman’s milk supply long term (without intermittent breastfeeding). Most models allow you to pump one or two breasts at a time. The life expectancy of these pumps is generally about one year, depending upon how frequently the pump is used.
Most of the high quality personal pumps are self-contained in a carrying case (as a backpack or shoulder bag) that includes the motor, supplies, and in some cases, a cooler for storing milk. The pump and related equipment are small and light enough to carry on a daily basis and can pump one or both breasts. These pumps work well for the working mother or when traveling. These pumps are intended for use by only one woman; sharing or re-selling of a personal pump is not recommended.
Single-sided pump — If you want to pump occasionally so that you can leave your baby with a caregiver for a few hours, a single-sided breast pump may be adequate. Single pumps are powered by hand, batteries, or electricity. Single breast pumps are not recommended if you need to maintain your milk supply while working or for a premature infant, but are adequate for occasional use. Pumping both breasts with a single-sided pump takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
