Breast feeding pumps

This is a quick and short guide to different types of breast feeding pumps, including manual pumps, battery-operated pumps, and electric breast feeding pumps.

Manual breast feeding pumps

While these are most certainly not a top pick for working moms on the go, they are perfect for a mother who needs only to express her milk a few times a week. These pumps are less expensive than other models, and they can still get the job done. Keep in mind, however, that it is also possible to express milk by hand.

There are a few different types of manual breast feeding pumps:

Rubber bulb – these “bicycle horn” pumps are not generally recommended: it is difficult to control suction, and there is a risk of milk backflow. Very little milk can be expressed at a time. Also, some complain that the suction can cause breast tissue damage. You cannot clean the bulb.
Squeeze-handle – these breast feeding pumps expresses milk much more effectively than the rubber bulb models. These are easy to clean and can be taken anywhere. You can double-pump with some of these. They can be tiring to use, however – if used often and/or for extended periods of time, the squeezing and releasing of the handle motion can cause wrist/hand fatigue.
Cylinder – these have two cylinders. When the outer cylinder is pulled form the inner cylinder, suction is created, and milk is collected into the outer cylinder. While these breast feeding pumps are easy to use and can be used anywhere, two hands must be used, and it is not possible to double pump. Operating this pump can be tiring.
Pedal – it is possible to find breast feeding pumps pumped by a foot pedal. This leaves the hands free and prevents hand fatigue.

Battery-operated breast feeding pumps

These are more efficient than their manual counterparts. Both stay-at-home mothers and part-time working mothers (and mothers attending school) appreciate these. Most use basic AA batteries, and some come with AC adapters. Look for a model with adjustable suction level, a suction release button (for simulating a suckling baby), and a high cycle (the faster the cycles, the more milk will be expressed – you will not be able to find a battery operated model with as high of cycles as an electric model).

Disadvantages of these pumps include the following: these can be noisy. The batteries must be replaced. The motor can wear out.

Electric breast feeding pumps

Most working mothers choose electric breast feeding pumps because they are generally the most efficient at expressing milk. Be wary of low-priced electric pumps – check out how many cycles per minute it has and whether or not it has a warranty. For the most efficiency, try a dual electric pump (one that expresses milk from both breasts at the same time).

Here are some different types of electric breast feeding pumps:

Portable pump – this type of breast feeding pump is easy to take to work. However, some mothers prefer/need a pump with a higher suction-and-release cycle per minute. These are made especially for working mothers, and many come with totes and milk storage bags and more.
Mid-size automatic piston pump – this is for women who are separated daily from their babies and/or who have babies that cannot nurse at the breast. These can be very expensive – it is best to rent. This type of pump is not too heavy – it can still be carried to work. It is quiet and effective, can be used for double pumping, has adjustable section level, and is convenient. These can sometimes be used with battery packs and/or adaptors for car cigarette lighters.
Full-size pump – this is a top-of-the-line pump. Again, for most mothers, it is most cost-effective to rent. This is the best type of pump for establishing/maintaining a milk supply when a baby cannot nurse at the breast (also used by adoptive mothers to help establish a milk supply). They are quiet and effective. They have adjustable suction levels and can be used for double pumping. Unfortunately, they are often heavy and they require an electrical outlet.

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