Breast pump buying guide

Types

Breast pumps come in these basic types: large, hospital-grade, dual-action, which typically aren't available for sale (you rent them from the hospital where you deliver or from a lactation or rental center); midweight, personal-use, automatic models that are comparable to hospital-grade pumps and can travel with you; small electric or battery-operated units that double- or single-pump, and one-handed manual pumps. There's even a "hands free" pump that you can strap around your waist that operates while you work or relax. Here's the lowdown on each.

Electric Breast pumps

Electric powerhouses are about the size of a car battery and can weigh 5 to 11 pounds. Manufactured for users in hospitals and for those who choose to rent, they have sensitive controls that allow you to regulate suction rhythm, intensity, and pressure. Some have a pumping action that's almost identical to a baby's natural sucking, which can help to build and maintain your milk supply. A hospital-grade pump can cut pumping sessions in half--to just 15 minutes with a dual pump, which empties both breasts at once. These are expensive to buy, but you can rent them from hospitals, medical-supply stores, lactation consultants, drugstores, and specialty retail stores. Choose this option if nursing is difficult because your baby has trouble latching on, if you're not sure how much you'll need a breast pump but you want one on hand just in case, if you plan to pump for three months or less from home, or if you must dramatically increase your milk supply and need the power of a hospital-grade pump.

Midweight, personal-use, automatic Breast pumps

Usually no bigger than a briefcase and weighing around 8 pounds or less, these electric breast pumps typically are lighter and slightly less efficient than the hospital-grade models. Like a hospital-grade pump, a personal-use automatic can slash pumping time because it has a powerful motor and serious suction. Many personal-use automatic pumps have suction that mimics a baby's natural sucking, which typically begins with rapid, high-frequency suction and changes to a slower, suck/swallow pattern. This mimicking fosters faster milk flow, although some pumps use a constant vacuum, with self-adjusting suction settings. Intermittent action better imitates a baby than a constant vacuum--and it's probably easier on you, too.

Many models come housed in a black microfiber shoulder (a.k.a. "Metro") bag or backpack, which is ideal if you're working outside your home. They're often equipped with an adapter for your car's cigarette lighter or a battery pack for times when you're not near an electrical outlet. They may come with all necessary attachments, including removable cooler carrier and cooling element, battery pack, AC adapter, and collection containers, lids, and stands. Choose this option if you'll be returning to work full- or part-time and you need to pump throughout the day to maintain your milk supply and express milk for missed feedings.

Small electric or battery-operated units

Using widely available AA or C batteries or household current, these lightweight, compact devices can fit discreetly into your purse or briefcase. They're relatively quiet, but the suction can be sluggish, although the vacuum on some models can be regulated for maximum comfort. Others, though, have a constant vacuum that can cause nipple discomfort. Choose this option if you need to pump only occasionally because you'll be away from your baby now and then--for a night out or for a couple of hours during the day.

Manual Breast pumps

With these small pumps, you produce the suction yourself by squeezing a bulb or lever or by manipulating a syringe-style cylinder. There are many designs of manual pumps on the market. Cylinder, or piston-style, pumps usually allow you to control pressure and minimize discomfort. Some manual models can be operated with one hand. They're easier to use than those requiring one hand to hold, one to pump. Choose this option if you're a stay-at-home or work-from-home mom and you need to miss only a rare feeding because of a night out; if you're traveling, or you have plugged milk ducts or sore nipples. A manual pump is also ideal for pumping on the go, in places where electricity may not be available. Look for one with an ergonomic handle, not a bulb, though any small pump could tire your hand and arm and cause repetitive strain injuries if you use it frequently.

Hands-free pumps

Choose this option if your schedule is hectic and you like the idea of being able to do something else while pumping. One such model, Medela's Freestyle, is a rechargeable, double electric pump. The breast shields attach to a nursing bra, the hands-free kit attaches to the top clasps of most nursing bras. (We haven't tested this product.) Note: Many regular breast pumps can be made hands-free with a special pumping bra.