Breastfeeding - Choosing the Right Breast Pump

Types of Pumps

1. Manual Pumps

Use of a manual pump is recommended for mothers who typically pump a few times per week to collect extra breast milk to save for feedings during brief separations.

• Rubber Bulb Models (Barum, Davol, Evenflo, Goodyear)
  Often called "bicycle horn" pumps. These pumps use a rubber bulb that is attached to a collection container. Backflow of milk is always a risk and suction is difficult to control. Only small amounts (about ½ ounce of milk) can be expressed at a time using these pumps. Mothers often complain of nipple pain and low milk yield with continued use. Therefore these pumps are not recommended.
• Squeeze-Handle Models (Avent, Hollister One Hand, Loyd-B)
  These pumps create suction by squeezing and releasing the handle. Milk is collected into standard baby bottles or other collection container. This type of pump will effectively express milk and maintain milk supply for short-term use. Its operation may cause wrist and hand fatigue with prolonged use. These pumps are lightweight, inexpensive and easily cleaned.
• Cylinder Pumps (Evenflo, Happy Family, Kaneson Comfort Plus, Medela Little Hearts, Medela Manualectric, Gerber, Sears, White River)
  These pumps consist of two cylinders that create suction when the outer cylinder is pulled from the inner cylinder. The milk is collected directly into the outer cylinder. Special care must be taken to keep the gaskets working properly. Some brands have an automatic suction release if the pressure in the cylinder is too high. These pumps are best for mothers who only need to express a small amount of milk for a short period of time.

2. Battery-Operated Pumps (Evenflo, Gerber, Little Hearts, Mag Mag, Medela battery-operated pumps)

Battery-operated pumps offer a little more convenience and efficiency over hand pumps. These pumps are ideal for mothers who typically pump a few times per week to collect extra breast milk to save for feedings during brief separations or for mothers who work part-time. These pumps are available in drug, discount and department stores. Most of these pumps use two AA 1.5-volt batteries. Some use C or D batteries and many come with an AC adapter. Some models have an adjustable suction level, and most have a suction release button to simulate the way a baby nurses. Many of these pumps have long suction-release cycles, making it slow to express milk. They are small, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive.

3. Electric Pumps

Mothers who work full-time will need an electric pump, preferably a fully automatic one, to maintain an adequate milk supply during her separation from her infant. Double pumping is the most efficient method when used with a fully automatic electric pump.

• Semi-Automatic Electric Pumps (Kadan, Mada, Nurture III, Schuco-Vac, White River)
  These small electric pumps are portable and moderately priced. These pumps have a constant vacuum, so the mother needs to regulate the suction and release by covering and uncovering a hole in the flange base. Milk is collected into standard baby bottles.
• Fully Automatic Electric Pumps (Medela Classic, Lactina and Pump-in-Style, Ameda, White River)
  These pumps are the most effective for expressing large amounts of milk on a frequent basis. The suction and release is alternated automatically, closely simulating the sucking of an infant. These pumps are quick, and efficient. Fully automatic electric pumps are very expensive but can be rented from drug stores and lactation consultants. For mothers who are committed to long-term pumping, purchasing a Medela Pump-in-Style may be an economical alternative to renting.