Tips on Buying a Breast Pump
Points to Consider When Purchasing a Breastfeeding Pump
Confused on what breast pump to buy? Read on to learn how to select a pump to buy and receive other helpful hints about which one to buy.
For most moms, buying a breast pump is unknown and unusual territory. With the selection of breast pumps being as diverse as their price range, it can be a confusing purchase to make. To help narrow the selection, moms should consider these points before making a purchase.
General Points to Consider
Breast pumps can be quite expensive. Popular stores used for baby registries advertise the high quality double electric pumps for over $300. However, consider the cost of formula. Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC calculated that to feed a baby the least expensive formula for one year, it will cost over $700.00. If the baby requires a special formula, the cost can be over $3,000.00.
Nursing mothers should check with their insurance company to discover if breast pumps are covered under their policy. Normally, breast pumps fall under "durable medical equipment." Mothers may need to be persistent in their correspondence with the insurance company.
If not covered by insurance, good deals on breast pumps are often available on-line. In most cases, on-line stores sell breast pumps more cheaply than a brick and mortar store.
Mothers may be concerned about the sizing of breast pumps. Look for breast pumps that have a variety of different sized flange/tunnels and inserts available. Medela and Ameda are two such companies. If the nipple does not move freely within the flange and rubs the sides, the flange is too small. If the flange is too large, it may impress the appearance of a ring into the breast tissue. Having the properly sized flange will increase pumping output.
The model of breast pump can also affect pumping output. Breastfeeding moms should investigate customer reviews. Unfortunately, there are many breast pumps on the market that are inefficient and riddled with problems.
Often moms who wish to breastfeed turn to used pumps as an option. They should be aware that the FDA states that mothers should not buy or share a used open-system breast pump. Viruses, such as HIV and hepatitis, can be spread through shared breast pumps. Further, sharing breast pumps often violates the manufacturer's warranty. Closed system breast pumps are safe for shared users. The FDA provides a list of approved breast pumps for shared use.
Working Mother Considerations
- Mothers who will need to pump several times a week should strongly consider a double electric pump.
- They should be sure that the double electric is a dual pump. This means that it is a double pump that pumps both breasts simultaneously, rather than alternating back and forth between breasts. This can drastically cut down the time spent pumping and not be tiring on the mother's hands. Not all double breast pumps are dual pumps.
- Manual breast pumps are generally not as efficient as dual double electric pumps and may affect mother's milk supply. Manual pumps are better suited to occasional pumping.
- Two well-reviewed pumps are the Medela Pump in Style and the Ameda Purely Yours.
Considerations for Exclusively Pumping Mothers and Mothers With Milk Supply Issues
- Mothers who intend on exclusively pumping and bottle feeding expressed breast milk need a high quality pump to help establish a supply.
- Exclusive pumping mothers should consider renting a hospital grade electric pump for the first 6 weeks. Hospital grade breast pumps best mimic a newborn's suckle. After a milk supply is established she can consider switching to a high-quality double electric pump, such as the Medela Pump in Style or the Ameda Purely Yours.
These points should help a mother choose the right breast pump to purchase. New mothers may also benefit from reading the following articles:
Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms: What You Can Do to Promote Nursing Before Your Baby Arrives
Breastfeeding and Starting Bottles: When to Introduce a Bottle to the Nursing Baby
Is Baby Getting Enough Breastmilk?: How to Determine if Your Infant Is Receiving Enough Milk
References:
Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC Financial costs of not breastfeeding. 11/30/2005
Food and Drug Administration. Should I Buy or Share a Used Breast Pump? Accessed 12/24/2007.
Sharon Knorr, BS, IBCLC Exploring the World of Breast Pumps, LEAVEN, Vol. 40 No. 3, June-July 2004, pp. 51-55
Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC Are Used Breast Pumps A Good Option? LEAVEN, Vol. 40 No. 3, June-July 2004, pp. 54
