What Type of Breastpump do I need ?

Selecting the proper breast pump is important to a nursing mother. Before purchasing or renting a breastpump a mother needs to consider the following:

If you are having difficulty starting to nurse or are separated from your baby and must use an electric breastpump to establish a milk supply, a high grade hospital type of pump is needed. We recommended the Medela Classic or Ameda SMB.

Both pumps are top quality and provide the pressures necessary to establish milk supply and maintain a milk supply. Rental is the best affordable option, especially if it is a short term.

Mothers who are having problems nursing, i.e. sore nipples, decreased supply, engorgement plugged ducts, mastitis, illness in the baby or mother are just a few of the examples that mothers may encounter while nursing. Renting an electric breastpump such as Medela's Lactina Select, Classic, Pump In Style, or Hollister-Ameda's Elite, SMB or Lactina, would provide the mother the pressure necessary to maintain a milk supply or pump efficiently to sufficiently express her breast.

A mother returning back to work requires an efficient pump that will provide her the pressure she needs to maintain her milk supply while she is at work. Double pumping is an important feature. By decreasing the amount of time it takes to express, a mother will find decreased stress. Also, double pumping will provide a mother-increased prolactin levels (hormone which produces milk) that will increase her milk supply.

When stored properly a mother's milk can be stored for long periods of time. (Check FAQ for guidelines). Nursing mothers now have the option of pumping their breasts and storing breastmilk for supplementation. The number of babies receiving more of their mother's milk is increasing.

A mother returning back to work and is considering supplementing her baby with as much breastmilk as possible will require a very good pump. This pump should provide double pumping features so that her time pumping at work is decreased. Also, the pressure should be appropriate enough to maintain an optimum milk supply. Our recommendations for working mothers is purchasing the Pump In Style or renting the Lactina Select or Classic. The pressure that is provided by these pumps would enhance her efficiency and milk production.

A mother, who is at home and would like to use a pump for those times she is fuller, short trips away from the baby, or would like to store milk can consider the Mini electric or Double Ease.

The mini electric provides an electrical adapter, a section for two double AA batteries and a hand pump component. A mother can use either of these methods to obtain extra milk.

Renting is the method of choice it you are unsure of how long you are going to breastfeeding. If you are going back to work and not sure if things are going to work out or if you are having difficulty nursing a baby and need to temporarily pump to increase or maintain a milk supply. Renting a Lactina Select or Classic breast pump is the way to go.

Purchase you’re a pump in style if you this is your first baby or if you know you are going to use a breastpump for longer that a few months. The recommendation is a Pump In Style, it is by far the best pump for the price. This pump provides variable pressure and speed and has similar pressures to the rental pumps. The cooler section gives a mother the ability to pump and store her milk all in one unit without carrying additional bags. Perfect for the working mother. Well worth the money.

A Mini-Electric is perfect for the mother who wants to top off and store her milk when she is away for short times from her baby. This pump is good for infrequent pumping sessions.

DoubleEase breast pump is the new kid on the block. This pump provides the mother the option of double pumping which makes pumping quicker. Good for the mother who is at home and wants to decrease her pumping time. Not recommended for the mother returning back to work or the mother who needs to maintain and establish a milk supply.

Each mother requires different pressures. If you purchase a pump with one pressure, it maybe too much or not enough to provide you the suction necessary to meet your needs.