Breast pumps have become an essential tool for moms of newborns and toddlers. Being your child’s primary source of sustenance means ensuring a steady supply of breastmilk – either by nursing or through a bottle, at all times. With all the options available, here’s a guide to finding the right breast pump to match your needs and preferences.
| Photo | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Haakaa Manual Breast Pump with Suction Base Breastmilk Collector Breastfeeding Pump | $24.99 | Buy |
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Medela Solo Single Electric Breast Pump, More Milk in Less Time, Featuring Personal Fit Flex Shields and 2-Phase Expression Technology | $199.99 | Buy |
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Willow Pump Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump Reusable Breast Milk Container Set, 2 Pack - including a good handsfree version for anyone interested. | $96.36 | Buy |
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Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump, Wearable, Portable and Discreet Double Electric With App Connectivity | $474.05 | Buy |
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Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump - yet another quality manual pump we wanted to add to this list as highly reviewed online | $60.53 | Buy |
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Tommee Tippee Made for Me Single Electric Breast Pump, Strong Suction, Soft Feel, USB Rechargeable, Quiet, Portable, Express Modes, Baby Bottle Included | $146.61 | Buy |
Benefits of Using a Breast Pump
Breast pumps allow flexibility and constant access to breast milk even when you cannot directly nurse your child. It can also help moms to conveniently express breastmilk that is more than the baby can consume. And the best part? If you can produce enough milk to breastfeed your child exclusively, you can save a lot as milk formulas are expensive.
Additionally, using breast pumps helps to increase or maintain milk supply by simulating a demand of a nursing child. Pumping milk can also alleviate the pain of engorged breasts and blocked milk ducts. Breast pumps also pull out inverted or flat nipples, making it easier for the child to latch.
Components of a Breast Pump
When you purchase a breast pump, the kit should contain the following:
- Breast shield or flange – covers the breast area
- Pump – uses vacuum or massage-like pressure to extract the milk, simulating a suckling baby
- Milk Container – collects the extracted milk
- Tubing or Wires (depending on the type of pump)
Types of Breast Pumps
Manual Breast Pumps – These are lightweight, portable and the most practical breast pump option. You’ll need to manually operate this pump by hand by squeezing a lever to induce the suction pressure and extract milk. Manual pumps are best recommended for moms who only pump milk occasionally since it takes additional effort, and you may not be able to express much milk.
Electric Breast Pumps – These pumps need to be plugged into electrical outlets and are recommended for those who are regularly expressing milk. Some brands offer additional features like adjustable suction pressure and several modes like the letdown or extraction mode. Electric breast pumps can be single pumps, which can only be used at one breast at a time, or double pumps, which can express milk from both breasts simultaneously.
Battery-Operated Breast Pumps – These are the ideal breast pumps for those on the go. They are more portable than electric pumps since they do not need to be plugged into electricity. And the best part: they can do the job hands-free! These can come in both single and double-pump models.
Another thing to note about breast pumps is that they can come with an open or closed system. Open-system pumps don’t have a barrier separating the machine from the pump, and the milk may come into contact with parts of the pump mechanism. Closed-system pumps, however, are designed so that milk will never be in touch with the pump and tend to be more expensive.
Considerations in Choosing a Breast Pump
Frequency – If you pump almost daily or several times a day, then a manual breast pump wouldn’t be your best choice. You will also need to consider if you’ll be exclusively breastfeeding or if it will be supplemented by milk formula, as this would affect your pumping frequency.
Weight and Accessibility – If you are constantly away from home and have no access to electrical outlets, then a light, hands-free wireless pump is the best option for you. Some models are also handy and can be tucked under your bra or shirt without any tubes or wires.
Noise Level – Breast pumps will usually emit sounds while being used, but some are louder and can be quite bothersome if you pump outside or while in the office.
Parts and Replacement – Chances are that the tubes, wires or the flange may need to be replaced. The pump you purchase must have parts that are also compatible with other brands and models. You can also look for brands selling these accessories separately.
Cost – The price will vary depending on the type, model and brand of a breast pump. It would be a good practice to research ahead so you will have enough time to check the features and prices. If you have the budget and will be using the pump frequently, invest in a pump that will provide all your preferred features and maybe even a spare unit. Also, you can check if your insurance coverage includes purchasing a breast pump.
Brand New vs Pre-Loved – Some moms would like the option of accepting hand-me-downs or renting and buying a pre-loved pump. While it would be more practical, sharing units with others is not recommended by the US FDA as there is the risk of contamination and infection. Many of the pumps have an open system, and there is a possibility that the milk might have come into contact with the pump’s mechanism. Only closed system pumps can be used for multiple users but it is recommended that you use these from hospitals, lactation consultants or highly trusted suppliers and you have your own accessories such as the milk container, flange and tubing.
It is also important to note that the term “hospital grade” is not recognised by the FDA and also does not assure that the pump is safe for sharing with other moms. Better check if it is indeed a closed system pump and is clean for use.