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Breast Pumps The benefits of breast feeding are compelling. The American Academy of Pediatrics firmly believes that breastfeeding ensures the best health and developmental for your baby. Besides improved health for your baby, breast feeding will save you time and money. No formula or bottles to buy, no mixing or heating the formula (in the middle of the night) and no washing and sterilizing bottles. But, breast-feeding is a round-the-clock commitment and therefore many breast-feeding mothers consider the pump a worthwhile expense. (Some states offer programs to help women purchase or rent a breast pump. For information on these programs, contact your state health department or your state WIC representative.) There are several types of pumps. Manual…electric, single…double, buy…rent. Keep in mind that no one breast pump fits all. What worked for your girl friend may not work for you. Your lifestyle will be a big factor in choosing which one suits you the best.
Some points to consider when you’re choosing a pump:
• Will you be using the pump in addition to breastfeeding?
• Will you be pumping at work?
• Will you be away from your baby for several days? Rentals pumps are considered hospital grade pumps. They’re heavier and built to be used up to 10 times a day for years. A Rental, like a piece of medical equipment, is certified by the FDA. To track these pumps down, contact your hospital, doctor’s office medical equipment company, La Leche League, Doula or Lactation Consultant. They’ll generally cost between $45 to $50 a month. The FDA as well as the lactation consultants and doctors recommend that you don’t use a second hand pump. But, rentals are designed to reduce the chance of contamination. Therefore, hospital-grade pumps are the only ones approved to be used by more than one person. If you’re planning on breast feeding for at least 6 months, purchasing a pump is a more economical way to go. Manual breast pumps are small and inexpensive and recommended for infrequent usage like an occasional bottle or to ease engorgement. They’re non-electric, hand held and operate by squeezing the handle. Mini Electric pumps are not a lot more efficient than the manuals. They’re slow (9-15 cycles per minute as compared to a baby who sucks 50 cycles per minute) and will work well for you if you have lots of time and all you need is a bottle every once in a while. Professional Grade Electric Pumps are intended to be used between 3 to 4 times a day. They provide more suction, allow pumping of both breasts at the same time, and are lighter in weight than the rentals, which makes it easier to take to work with you. Electric breast pumps are ideal for a mother who will be pumping daily. Some breast pumps are designed to be part of a “feeding system” so that the milk storage portion of the pump is also the bottle used to feed your baby. Once you’ve found a pump that you think you like, make sure it’s comfortable as well as easy to clean, assemble and use. Keep in mind that for health reasons you may not be allowed to return it. Manual Pumps Medela Harmony
If you’ve decided that Manuals are just what you need, the Medela Harmony is a good choice. The handle is designed to make pumping easier, it’s easy to clean, comfortable to use and it will take approximately 10 minutes to empty each side. Most important, all parts that come into contact with breast milk are BPA/DEHP Free. Electric Pumps Medela Swing Electric (Single)
For a single pump this one’s got it all. It’s easy to use, comfortable, quiet, reduces pumping time with the “2 phase expression” that mimics the baby’s natural nursing rhythm. This pump has gotten positive reviews from moms. Like all of the other Medela pumps, all parts that come in contact with mom’s milk are BPA/DEHP Free. Medela Pump in Style (Double)
This is the gold standard of double breast pumps. It’s the only electric breast pump with “2 phase expression” which was developed for hospital pumps that mimics the sucking action of an infant. The price will vary depending upon the carry case that it’s packaged with. This pump is a few dollars more than it’s competition but it’s comfortable, quick, easy and also has no BPA/DEHP.
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