How do you choose the best breast pump for you? Do you need a breast pump for work or a breast pump just in case you need to be away from your baby for a little while? With so many options out there how do you know which breast pump is the best one for you? First, let’s discuss the different types of pumps.
*Disclaimer: pumping is a great way to express milk but not the only way. Hand expression is a free and effective way to express milk and the best way to express colostrum (the milk you get the first few days). Some women do not respond well to a pump and hand expression is a great way to express milk *
Types of Pumps
Hospital Grade
Hospital-grade pumps are designed for multiple users and are for exclusively pumping moms. Most hospitals will let you use their hospital pumps during the duration of your stay. On the flip side purchasing, hospital-grade pumps are very expensive. You can either purchase them or rent them. Some WIC offices have hospital-grade pumps but they have certain criteria to meet in order to use them (exclusively pumping, going back to work soon, etc). These pumps are closed-circuit systems. A closed system pump has a barrier between your breast milk and the pump, which prevents contamination between the pump and your milk. These pumps can also be more effective at getting milk out than personal use pumps.
These pumps are great for mother's who:
are premature
are too sick to nurse
have oral anomalies (cleft palate)
are exclusively pumping
are relactating or inducing lactation for an adopted baby
are having difficulties nursing
Manual
Manual pumps are not as expensive as an electric or hospital-grade pumps and are easy to assemble and use. My favorite Manuel pump is Medela's Harmony pump. Lansinoh pump has been a good alternative. The worst Manual pump in my experience is Ameda's.
Single or Double Electric
Electric pumps do all the work for you. They are for personal use only to stay within the warranty of the product. These are usually open circuits meaning there's no barrier that prevents milk from getting into the tubing.
Types of electric pumps
There are many types of electric pumps to choose from and one may be better for you than the other. There are electric pumps that are wireless and tubeless such as the Elvie, Willow, and Medela's Flex and Freestyle pumps.
There are also pumps that are rechargeables such as Medela's Swing and Maxi, and the Spectra S1.
Some do offer backflow prevention (closed systems) electric pumps which prevent milk from getting in the tube which in theory can be resold. You can check with the warranty on the pump to see if this is an option for you.
Your Job
Depending on the conditions of your job will help you determine the best pump for you.
Hand pumps - For jobs that make it difficult to get breaks, fast-paced work environment. Strict break times (servers, fast food restaurants, nursing homes). These pumps are quick to set up and clean. You can pull it out quickly set up and pump as needed. It’s great to have a hand pump as a back even if you choose an electric one or the next best option if you can’t afford a wireless pump like the Evie or Willow.
Electric Double pumps: For women who work at office jobs, very accommodating jobs, and stay-at-home moms. Having an electric pump takes time to set up and break down. Having a job that's flexible with your break times or having a private office room where you can pump freely from your desk makes using these pumps the most ideal. Double electric pumps are great for exclusively pumping moms. I wouldn’t use Hands Free or Manual Pumps if you are planning to exclusively breastfeed
Hands-free: For women that standing in one spot for long periods (cashiers, bankers, ) difficult to get breaks, short breaks, jobs that require a lot of attention, or if you work outside. This pump is expensive but well worth using if you find it difficult to step away from your job. It’s easier to set up but can have a bit of a learning curve more so than the other type of pump
Pump Parts
Keep in mind the availability of parts. Can you purchase them in-store if you need to? Medela offers its parts both in-store and online. Or are you required to purchase them online? Can you use off-brand or must you use their products to use your pump? The Willow pump is an online purchase only through their company. You can get some pump parts through your insurance so see if those parts are available.
Is it compatible with the bottles you have if you want to pump straight to the bottle? Spectra has a wide base and requires bottles that have a wide opening (like Avent bottles) or you must use their bottles.
What to avoid
You want to avoid pumps created by the bottle and formula companies. These pumps are unfortunately not made well and have limited and short warranties.
Hakkas are not pumps do not buy these if you are planning to pump and store milk for childcare. I would be careful with Hakkaa pumps and similar products as they can increase swelling in the breast among other things.
Popular Brands
Learning to Pump
Pumping has its own separate challenges aside from regular breastfeeding. It’s well worth the learning curve to provide valuable and precious milk to your baby. Here are a few tips to get you off to a great start.
Take a pumping Class (exclusive pumpers click here)
Join a Breastfeeding group
Read Work.Pump.Repeat
Book a Pump Consult & Assessment
Buying a pump
Most pumps can be bought through insurance. This may help narrow down some of the choices you have. Some insurances cover the entire price of the pump while others only cover part of the cost. Some pumps can also be bought using FSA/HSA. Check the warranty lengths on the pumps you buy especially if you plan on using the pump for future children. Some insurances only allow you to buy a pump every few years.
Picking a pump can seem overwhelming but there are some things to consider before choosing one. Don’t forget to look at the rating of the pump as well! What’s your favorite pump to use?