Join Us

Breastpumps, Etc.

If you are considering a purchasing a breastpump and/or are not sure if you need to, a few questions should be answered.  First, do you even need a pump?  If you are not planning to go back to school or work and/or are not planning to be separated for more than a few hours from your baby, you may not need a breastpump.  Hand expression of breastmilk has been used by women all over the world and some women prefer hand expression over breastpump expression of milk.

If however, you decide to purchase a breastpump the next question is what your breastfeeding goals are.  The American Academy of Pediatrics 2005 policy statement regarding breastfeeding of the full-term healthy infant states “Pediatricians and parents should be aware that exclusive breastfeeding is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months of life and provides continuing protection against diarrhea and respiratory tract infection.   Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child”.  Keeping this in mind, you need to consider three things:

  1.  How your pump will be used (ie:  occasionally, daily, double-pumping, or for multiple births; short or long term; for future babies).
  2. What are the features of the pump (ie: “autocycle” -automatic suck release cycle; battery vs plug in operation; portability, etc)?
  3. Do I or the baby have medical conditions that would affect the kind of pump I need to purchase (ie:  flat or inverted nipples, sore nipples or engorgement, latch-on problems, low milk supply, or premature or hospitalized baby)?

There are basically four main types of breastpumps available:  manual pumps, single electric pumps, double electric pumps, and hospital grade pumps.  Choosing a pump that will meet your needs is not an easy task.   The features on all breastpumps may vary significantly and consideration of the features offered as well as the manufacturer’s reputation, return policy, and customer satisfaction should be researched.     Note that companies that only make breastfeeding products tend to have better breastpumps than those who make other baby products.  Pre-owned  single user pumps are not to be reused by another individual as they were not designed to be “shared”. Being a personal use product, they should not be purchased “used” and should not be shared by more than one user.  The following guideline may help in determining what type of pump you need:

Manual pumps—for occasional use and for drawing out flat or inverted nipples.    Also for sore nipples and engorgement.

Single Electric Pumps—for occasional use and some daily use (check with manufacturer), drawing out flat or inverted nipples, and sore nipples or engorgement.  Single pump will take two times as long to pump as you pump one breast at a time.  See http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/

Double Electric pumps—for multiple births, drawing out flat or inverted nipples, sore nipples or engorgement, latch-on problems, low milk supply and for double pumping.  More rapid removal of milk and for use on a daily basis.  Great for full time employed moms who work outside the home. Again, look at your breastfeeding goals before deciding to buy one.  They are a financial investment that will very quickly prove to be much cheaper than purchasing formula if you are separated from your baby several days a week!

Hospital Grade Double Electric pumps-can usually be rented, or loaned temporarily, as they may only be needed short term. This type of pump is generally the one needed with premature or hospitalized babies as they are designed to establish or increase milk supply.  These are the only pumps designed with infection control features so that the tubing can be changed and the pump itself can be used by different women if properly cleaned between users.  Some moms find renting this type of pump may be cost effective.  When considering this type of pump, seek a recommendation from a Lactation Consultant or La Leche League. See LOCAL RESOURCES for places to rent or borrow these pumps.
Do not use a bicycle horn type pump for milk extraction.  They are difficult to clean adequately and can cause nipple trauma or bruising. 

*Remember—Many questions regarding pumping, breastpumps, and breastfeeding products can be answered by a board certified Lactation Consultant as well as breastfeeding problems such as low milk supply, sore nipples, engorgement.  You may also see our other links for helpful information.  LINK to IBCLC

Some breastfeeding products can actually be counterproductive to breastfeeding if not used correctly or for the right reason.  Some of the more popular breastfeeding products and their descriptions are listed below:

Breast Shells- - Also sometimes called milk cups or breast shields:  a hard round plastic device that is worn in the bra to correct flat or inverted nipples.  It forms a plastic tent over the areola and encourages the nipple to protrude.  Some breast shells are for sore nipples and have a larger opening.

Nipple Shield—An artificial ultra thin silicone nipple used over the mother’s nipple during nursing.

Supplemental Nursing System—A method of supplementing while breastfeeding.  A plastic bottle or bag filled with breastmilk or formula hangs from the mother’s neck.  Thin soft tubes lead from the bottle to the mother’s nipples.  The baby takes the tube into his mouth along with the nipple.

*Remember to always seek guidance from a Board Certified Lactation Consultant before using the above breastfeeding products.  Do not use “gadgets” to avoid solving an underlying problem.  Many times one visit with a Lactation Consultant can solve these problems and put you back on the road to success and satisfaction.  LINK to local and national resources.