Not all
nursing mothers need a breast pump. If breastfeeding is problem-free and a
mother is always available to her baby at feeding times, she may never need a
pump. However, if mother and baby are separated at feeding times or if a baby is
not nursing well, an effective breast pump can help her avoid the expense and
health risks of formula use.
Important
Questions to Ask
-
Are you returning to work?
-
Will you be away from your baby for
long periods?
-
Is time a factor?
-
Do you have access to an electric
outlet?
-
Do you have access to a refrigeration
source?
-
Would it be helpful if your pump can be
powered by batteries?
-
How long do you plan to breastfeed?
Which pump is best for you?
|
Situation |
Personal Double Pump (40 -
60 cycles per minute) |
Manual |
Hospital- Grade Rental |
|
Full-Term Twins |
X |
|
X |
|
Premature / compromised baby |
|
|
X |
|
Work full-time |
X |
|
X |
|
Work part-time |
X |
X |
X |
|
Night out |
|
X |
|
|
Mom at home |
X |
X |
|
|
Hospitalized mom |
|
|
X |
|
Traveling mom |
X |
X |
X |
|
No electricity |
X |
X |
|
|
Sore nipples |
X |
X |
X |
|
Engorgement |
X |
X |
X |
Types of Pumps
What is the best type of pump? The answer depends upon the situation.
Fortunately, there are many excellent pumps available today. But let the buyer
beware: there are also many painful and ineffective pumps. Before investing in a
pump, it pays to know what to look for and what to avoid.
Rental Pumps
 A rental pump is the
most effective pump, especially when used with a double pump kit, so that the
mother can pump both breasts at once. She just puts the pump's breast shields to
her breasts, turns it on, and adjusts the suction control to the highest level
that's comfortable. Some rental pumps provide suction and release at a set 48
cycles per minute (cpm). Others have adjustable cycling, ranging from 30 to 120
cpm. Pumps with two controls (vacuum and cycle) are ideal, because, just like a
breastfeeding baby, a mother can trigger more milk releases more quickly by
alternating between fast cycles to trigger a milk release and slow cycles to
drain it.
Automatic Pumps for
Purchase
There are many pumps
for purchase, and they vary widely in quality. The most important thing to know
when choosing a pump for purchase is how many cycles per minute (cpm) the pump
provides, which determines how it is best used. For example, pumps that
provide:
-
Fewer than 30 cpm are ineffective and
painful for many mothers, due to the length of time the nipple is pulled into
the nipple tunnel before release.
-
A set 30 to 35 cpm are recommended
only for occasional use, as this may not keep up milk supply for those pumping
more than once a day.
-
A range of at least 40 to 60 cpm are
recommended for those working full-time or who pump more than once a
day, as this is closer to how a baby breastfeeds. Example: Medela
Pump In Style .
Double pumps are a plus, because
pumping both breasts at once cuts pumping time in half. And as explained above,
a pump with two controls (suction and speed) is ideal, so mothers can switch
between fast and slow cycles several times during a pumping to mimic how a baby
breastfeeds.
Semi-Automatic Pumps for Purchase
These pumps are a less expensive
alternative, but proceed with caution. Semi-automatic pumps are motorized, but
require the mother to manually regulate every suction and release by covering
and uncovering a hole, or by pressing a button or a bar. Although
mother-controlled, most of these pumps generate suction so slowly that they can
provide at most 25 to 30 cpm, making them uncomfortable and ineffective for many
mothers.
Manual Pumps
 A manual pump can be a good choice
for a mother who pumps occasionally, but it takes practice to find the pumping
rhythm that triggers the let-down or milk release. Because it requires muscle
power to operate, most mothers who pump every day consider a manual pump too
much work. It is not as consistent as an automatic pump, so for mothers relying
on a pump, it is not as effective at keeping up milk supply.
Be Discriminating
For the mother who does a lot of
pumping, choosing the right breast pump can make the difference between meeting
her breastfeeding goals and having to settle for a disappointing experience.
When shopping for a pump, take care to choose the right equipment for the right
job. Just as it wouldn't be sensible to remodel a home armed with only a
screwdriver, it is not a good plan to return to work full-time with a
semi-automatic pump or a manual pump.
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