How to Choose the Best Breast Pump

My friend Kathie gave birth to a "bouncing baby boy" recently. She's a working mom, so she had to find a breast pump so she can prepare bottles of milk for when she's away from her son. He can still enjoy her nutrient-rich breast milk, but Kathie doesn't have to be "on tap" all of the time. The problem is, when you shop for one of these machines, there are different types to choose from. So, you have to know how to choose the best breast pump! Here are the three main factors you'll need to consider:

1. Manual, Battery-Operated, Electric or AC/DC Breast Pump?
There are three advantages to a manual type. They are the least expensive, they have the least amount of parts that can need replaced and they are completely portable. However, if you're going to pump your breast milk more than one time a day, you may get tired of providing the manual power. On top of that, manual breast pumps are rather slow at getting the job done. So, even though you'll save money if you choose this type, you'll spend more time pumping your milk.

Battery-operated breast pumps take away the need for human power. But, you may find yourself buying and replacing the batteries often if you use it very many times each day. If you plan on taking your breast pump with you on the go, a manual or battery-operated type will be easier to transport.

Electric breast pumps are the most costly to buy, but they are undoubtedly the easiest to use at home. This model can pump the most milk in the least amount of time because they have the power to do it. They are heavier in weight than their counterparts, yet you can choose electric breast pumps that come with handy accessories such as auto adapters and milk coolers.

If you want the best of "both worlds", so to speak, then the best breast pump for you may be the AC/DC type. These electric/battery-operated breast pumps give you the option of plugging in or running the unit on batteries. If you find yourself in a place where there is no electric, or the power goes off for some reason, you won't have to worry about not being able to use this type of breast pump.

2. One or Two Suction Cups?
The next question you'll need to decide is "Is the best breast pump for me going to have one or two suction cups?" The suction cups, of course, are the parts of the breast pumps that you attach to your breasts so the machine can pump your milk. The answer will depend on your personal preferences. For example, if you plan on nursing on one side while you pump milk on the other breast, then you'll want a model that has only one cup. But, if you want to expedite the process of retrieving milk from your breasts so you can bottle it for later, then a two-cup model may be your best bet.

3. To Buy Or Not to Buy?
If you're only planning on breastfeeding your baby for a short time, then you can avoid the expense of buying a pump altogether. Instead, you can lease one from your local pharmacy.

Another advantage to leasing a breast pump is that you can try out different models and brands. Then, you'll have a good idea of what suits you best and you
can choose the best breast pump for you if you decide to buy one later.