How to Choose the Best Breast Pump

Shopping for a breast pump can be overwhelming. Thus, you might like to take a look at some of the handy tips that I’ve picked up along the way. It is not just about looking at reviews and picking the best choice recommended by the experts. It is about finding the right kind of pump with the right kind of features that is suitable for you because tastes vary from one mother to another. So have a quick browse at what features you should look for.

• Don’t buy used breast pumps

- Since pump mechanism 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, buying a used breast pump voids the majority of the manufacturer’s warranties. That would cause a lot of hassle when you need to buy spoilt parts especially those professional electric pumps.

• Consider your individual needs

- A professional-grade pump is not a necessity! If you plan to pump occasionally, a small single electric pump or even a manual breast pump would suffice.

- Perhaps when you return to work full time and need to boost your milk supply, then the professional-grade pumps would come in handy.

- On the other hand, if you are pumping milk for a premature or hospitalized baby, you would be better off renting or buying a hospital-grade pump.

• Consider Renting

- It is advisable to rent a hospital-grade breast pump for a minimum of a week or two.

- Since retail breast pumps are non-returnable most of the time, renting from the hospital may be one of the few ways to try a pump before you buy it.

- Alternatively, you could rent a pump from a qualified source such as a Board Certified Lactation Consultant who gives instruction on pumping and care of the pump. These instructions do make a difference for your pumping success.

- If you buy straight from a department store, you will not get valuable expert information which is vital as a guide for your pump purchase and maintenance.

- For some moms, they might not even pump at all. So, short-term rental may be all that they would require.

• Work-Friendly

- If you are planning to pump at work, you should bear in mind four most important factors: size, portability, noise and power options

- It is preferable for the pump to be relatively compact and light if you are to carry the pump back and forth every day. You might want to consider a model that comes with a carrying case and insulated milk storage compartment.

- Try to choose a pump that has a noise level that you and your co-workers can live with. Generally, the larger the pump, the quieter the motor and vice versa. Manual pumps, by their very nature are quite quiet. There is, then, a give and take between the level of noise and the size of the pump.

- If you need to pump in a place without an electrical outlet, you might want to consider a pump that runs either on batteries or a vehicle adapter power source.

• Look for adjustable suction features

- Comfortable suction levels differ from mother to mother.

- As such, it is best to buy a breast pump that has an adjustable suction level for electric pumps.

- For manual pumps, some come with adjustable pump-handle positions.

- Additionally, remember to use the correct size of breast shield. Make sure that the pump you are interested in not only comes with a breast shield but also with a breast shield that fits you.

• Efficiency

- If you are time-crunched – and which mom isn’t? – It is probably worth paying more for a pump that has double-pumping capability and one that works effectively.

- Your pumping time for both sides can be cut by more than half with a dual pump (e.g. from 30 minutes to about 12 minutes)

- The added benefit is that double pumping boosts milk production by emptying both breasts completely.

- Research has shown that simultaneous double pumping increases hormone responsible for milk production and therefore, better maintains your milk supply over a longer period of time. Invariably, your baby gets natural and nutritious mom’s milk for a longer time too!

- Generally, cycling rates of a pump below 25 are often ineffective at yielding milk and the longer the suction, the higher the possibility that it will lead to pain of the breast and nipple tissue.

- Look for a breast pump that mimics a nursing baby: suction should be around 200-230 mm Hg negative pressure and cycles should be about 45-60 times per minute.

• Ease of use & Durability

- Look for a pump that is easy to use, clean and assemble. That way, you can save time assembling and cleaning it.

- Besides that, its very important to have an idea of how often and how long you will need to use the pump before looking at the pump’s warranty.

- Don’t make the mistake of choosing a pump which purpose and life span fall below your pumping goals or needs.

- This can result in premature motor wear and many times a compromised milk supply once the motor begins to wear out.

- On the other hand, manual pumps, do not depend on a motor for operation. With frequent use, a mother is more likely to ‘wear out’ before a manual pump.

• Comfort

- Some breast pumps are limited to only one size breast shields.

- As such, mothers with large nipples and/or breasts may find these ‘one size fits all’ pumps less effective and quite uncomfortable. These might cause more problems (e.g. cracked and dry nipples) in the long run.

- If you do not know what pump is best for your need, do visit a lactation.

• Check the warranty

- Breast pumps have moving parts that break down.

- Preferably, experts recommend a brand that has at least a one-year warranty. This is especially important if you are to use the pump regularly.

I hope that these points in choosing and buying a breast pump will be of some help. Of course, you can always choose to buy your breast pump based on market researches or recommendation by your lactation. Nevertheless, remember that no matter how fantastic a breast pump is, there is no better breast pump in this world than your own baby’s suckling!