Choosing A Breast Pump
Mothers pump milk for many reasons. Pumping provides milk for feedings when you're away. It builds milk production if your baby does not feed well or is not yet breastfeeding. When choosing a pump, be aware that some pumps are better for certain situations than others.
By Pamela K. Murphy, PhD, MS, APRN-BC, CNM, IBCLC, Director of Education, Research & Professional Development, Ameda, Inc.
Do I need a breast pump?
Not everyone needs a breast pump, but every new mom will tell you that a good breast pump is essential to build or keep up your milk supply if:
- You need to be apart from your baby for any reason
- Your baby is having latch issues
- You are having issues with your milk supply
- Your baby is too premature or sick to breastfeed
What type of breast pump do I need?
Choose a breast pump that is right for your situation according to the chart below:
| Situation | Multi-user/Hospital Grade/Rental Pump | Single-User Personal Pump | Manual Pump |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milk supply established, breastfeeding well & occasional pumping (ex: going out) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Milk supply established, breastfeeding well & pumping daily (ex: going to work/school) | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Milk supply established, pumping regularly & baby not breastfeeding (preterm, latch issues, milk supply issues, etc.) | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Establishing milk supply, baby not breastfeeding (preterm, latch issues, milk supply issues, etc.) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Is there anything special I should look for in a pump kit?
Yes. You will want to purchase a breast pump that has a pump kit with:
- A barrier to protect your milk against bacteria, viruses, and mold that can grow in moist tubing and breast pumps
- A variety of flange sizes so that you can get the right flange fit for greater comfort and better milk flow
- The option to double or single pump
- A kit that can be used on all electric breast pumps made by the same manufacturer
What features should I look for in a multi-user, hospital-grade breast pump?
In addition to a pump kit with a proven barrier and multiple flange sizes, look for these additional features:
- Separate suction & speed dials to help you customize your pumping session for a multi-phase experience
- Follow your milk flow by adjusting the speed to more quickly trigger multiple milk ejections (let down) while keeping the suction at your most comfortable level
- Ability to adjust speed & suction in small increments for comfort and better milk flow
- Research to back up claims of helping to establish an adequate milk supply for mothers of preterm infants
Image: Ameda Platinum™ Breast Pump. This is a multi-user, hospital-grade breast pump with a sleek design.
Image: Ameda Elite™ Breast Pump. This is another multi-user, hospital-grade breast pump, also designed for frequent use.
What features should I look for in a single-user, personal breast pump?
In addition to a pump kit with a proven barrier and multiple flange sizes, look for separate suction & speed to help you customize your pumping session for maximum comfort and to follow your milk flow to more quickly trigger multiple milk ejection.
Both of these breast pumps have these additional features:
- Battery or car adapter option
- Two-year warranty
- Portable, lightweight, cordless
- Double or single electric options
- LCD display screens
- Timer to track pumping duration
Image: Ameda Mya Joy™ Breast Pump. A compact and portable personal breast pump with an LCD screen.
Image: Ameda Mya™ Breast Pump. Another personal breast pump model, known for its portability and ease of use.
What features should I look for in a manual breast pump?
Look for these features:
- A comfortable handle that swivels for greater wrist comfort
- Ability to squeeze and hold while milk is flowing to reduce work of manual pumping
Image: One-Hand Breast Pump with Tote. A manual breast pump designed for comfortable, one-handed operation, often including a carrying tote.
Image: One-Hand Manual Breast Pump. A basic manual breast pump, emphasizing ergonomic design for reduced user effort.
This is general information and does not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. If you have a problem you cannot solve quickly, seek help right away. Every baby is different. If in doubt, contact your physician or other healthcare provider.
References: Jones F. Best Practice for Expressing, Storing and Handling Human Milk. 3rd ed. Fort Worth, TX: HMBANA, Inc.; 2011. Mohrbacher N. Breastfeeding Answers Made Simple: A Guide for Helping Mothers. Amarillo, TX: Hale Publishing, LP; 2010. Spangler A. Breastfeeding: A Parent's Guide. 9th ed. Cincinnati, OH: Specialty Lithographing Co; 2010.