With so many breast pumps available on the market today, it is no wonder why choosing the right one can be so overwhelming, especially for a new mom. Between different manual pumps and different electric pumps, it is sometimes difficult to know where to go and which one to choose. There are features that are unique to each different type of pump, and each one is suited to different situations.
Reasons to Need a Breast Pump
Before you decide on what kind of pump you are looking for, you need to think about what you need out of a breast pump. Are you going to be using a pump multiple times a day every single day? Maybe you only need to pump every once in a long while. Another scenario might include pumping one side while baby feeds on the other side. Other factors to consider include how much you are willing to spend for a pump and milk storage, as well as how long you intend to need a pump.
Electric Breast Pumps
Electric breast pumps are generally thought of as a fantastic option for mothers that need to pump on a regular basis. They are durable and can handle pumping several times a day every single day. These particular breast pumps are great if you would prefer to pump exclusively as opposed to breastfeeding or if you will be a working mother that works outside of the house. Because there are so many different models of electric breast pumps, check with your local hospital or birthing center because you may be able to try before you buy, so to speak. Many of them offer the option of renting a pump to new mothers so that it is possible to see if that particular pump will work for you. Your only overhead costs include all parts of the pump that come in contact with the milk. Once you find a pump that works for you, you may either be able to keep renting the pump for as long as you need or invest in your own. Keep in mind that dual electric breast pumps are the most expensive pumps on the market.
Two Types of Electric Breast Pumps
Here is something you may or may not know. There are two types of electric breast pumps. Some are dual pumps and some are single pumps. Dual pumps work to express milk from both breasts simultaneously while single electric breast pumps only work one side at a time. While still considerably pricey, single pumps are less expensive than dual breast pumps, so that may be a factor in your decision. These are as durable as dual pumps, but pumping will take twice as long because you can only pump one breast at a time. Some moms do like to use these if they find themselves in a situation where they want to pump from one side and breastfeed from the other. The purpose for doing so is to build up a milk supply for situations like going on vacation or just having enough milk to give to baby’s daycare facility for when you first plan on going back to work.
Manual Breast Pumps
Manual breast pumps are ideal for the occasional pumping scenario. As an example, if you want to have a date night out with your significant other and be able to drink a glass of wine without worrying about alcohol getting into your breast milk, you would pump what you need over the few days before the date night. The night of your date, you would be able to drink your glass of wine and then pump and dump the next couple of milk collections. Manual breast pumps are also useful when you want to allow others to feed your baby with a bottle as well. You can pump what you need beforehand so someone else can have the joy of feeding your little one. To keep up your milk supply while someone else feeds baby, be sure to pump while baby is eating.
The Bottom Line
Every type of breast pump has its own purpose and place for every woman that wants to use one. Before going out and spending a lot of money, make sure that you know what you want so you don’t end up spending even more money trying to find another pump. Read reviews on different pumps to see what other moms out there are saying. When it comes to breast pumps, you always want to shop smarter, not harder, so put some genuine effort into finding the best breast pump for you and your own unique situation.
This guest post is from Tanya Allsop, who owns and writes for Breast Pump Reviews where they host a range of breastfeeding and breast pump related information and product reviews.
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