Choosing a Breast Pump

Choosing a breast pump depends on several factors:
    The frequency the mother will use it
    How many months/years the mother anticipates using it
    The possibility that the pump will be used for future babies
    If the mother needs to increase her milk supply by pumping
    The financial resources of the family

Recommend the best pump that the family can afford. 

It is an investment that will pay off in satisfaction in use and

maintenance of breastmilk supply.  In certain situations, a rental pump will be the most cost effective.  If the mother anticipates long term pumping or using the pump for subsequent babies, the purchasing will be the best option.

There are several types of pumps available:
    Hospital grade electric breast pumps
    Personal use breast pumps
    Battery operated and small electric breast pumps
    Manually operated pumps

A breast pump should simulate, as realistically as possible, a baby nursing at the breast. Research has shown that normal healthy newborns achieve up to 220 mm Hg of suction while nursing and have a suck-swallow cycle of about 40 - 60 times per minute.  A little faster when they first begin breastfeeding, and a little slower after the let-down reflex occurs. The pump should meet these criteria.

The flange is the part of the pump that fits over the breast. It should cover the areola to support the tissue and the opening should fit loosely around the nipple and allow it to stretch freely into the nipple tunnel during the suction phase of the cycle.  Most pumps have an adapter that fits into the flange to adjust the size as needed or has several sizes of flanges available.

Features to look for in selecting a breast pump:
    Ease of use
    Ease of cleaning
    Ease of assembly, the number and complexity of parts to assemble
    Automatic or manual suction - release cycle
    Instructions accompanying the pump
    Size and fit of the breast flange
    Range of suction obtained
    Comfort of the mother
    Ability of the pump to stimulate hormonal levels
    Versatility of power source (battery, electric and cigarette lighter adapter)

Breast pump models and features change fairly rapidly. Check with the manufacturers representatives periodically to stay abreast of changes.

(Every effort has been made to obtain accurate and current information about various pumps.  If inaccuracies are noted or updated information becomes available, please notify our webmaster so this page can be corrected.)

Selected Hospital Grade Pumps (Double Pumping)

Selected Personal Use Pumps (Double Pumping)

Selected Battery Operated & Small Electric Pumps (Single Pumping)

Selected Manually Operated Pumps (Single Pumping)