There’s a Perfect Breast Pump for Your Lifestyle.

Written by Amy Thompson

May 11, 2021

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Congratulations, you’ve made the incredible decision to breastfeed your baby! While there are plenty of supplies you’ll want to purchase for your nursing journey, an easy-to-use, comfortable, and reliable breast pump is an essential tool for new mothers. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or returning to work, there’s a perfect pump that will fit your lifestyle. 

Using a breast pump offers both convenience and time-saving. Who doesn’t love that!?! 

Breast Pumping Benefits:

  • Help establish milk supply in the first days of breastfeeding
  • Increase breast milk supply
  • Convenient & time saving (average 10-15 minute sessions)
  • Maximize breast milk production amount
  • Health benefits for your breastfeeding baby according to How to Choose a Breast Pump:

“milk will be higher in calories too.”

Medela.com

Additional reasons to pump breastmilk:

  • Breastfeeding baby has challenges feeding directly from the breast (Latching issues, poor suction, or the baby is premature or ill)
  • You don’t want to breastfeed naturally, but want the baby to have all of the wonderful breast milk health benefits
  • You are separated from your baby for medical reasons
  • You need a break for a date night, time out of the house, or you need to express milk for another caregiver or babysitter
  • You’re returning to work and need to express breastmilk for daycare

What to look for when buying a breast pump

Feeling overwhelmed on how to choose? Well, you’re not alone. Other moms can relate to the feeling of dread and anxiety that comes with the decision to buy a new breast pump. You’ll need to consider your lifestyle needs, how frequently and how long you plan to pump, reasons for pumping, and your budget. From occasional to daily pumping, at home or on the go, the perfect breast pump for you and your child’s needs is out there.

“There are many factors to consider, such as how and where you will use it, what options you will have available for expressing your milk at your workplace, and whether it is within your budget.” 

Women’s Health Today

There are two types of breast pumps: manual and electric. Both pump types come in single and double configurations. Double pumps will shorten your pumping session times — 10 to 15 minutes on average.

Manual pumps have a mechanical nipple. Generally, these are best for occasional pumping to relieve engorgement, for example. An electric pump has a motor. A double electric pump is the most efficient type, saving you time and maximizing breastmilk output. This option is best for frequent or daily usage. 

Breast Pumping Frequency and Duration

Considering your breast pumping frequency and lifestyle schedule will help determine what you need in a pump. Will you be pumping frequently or just occasionally? Are you pumping at home, at work, or both?

How long will you continue to pump? For short-term usage (a few days or weeks while still mastering breastfeeding), a manual pump may be enough to get the job done. If you’re in it for the long haul and plan to pump for the duration of breastfeeding (several months up to 3+ years), an efficient electric double pump is well worth the investment!

If you’re still not sure, below are some typical breastfeeding scenarios for various breastfeeding moms’ pumping needs and recommendations for each.

Occasional Breast Pumping

Scenario #1: To relieve engorgement

Recommended for you:

  • Manual single breast pump
  • Single electric breast pump

Scenario #2: Stay at home or work from home mom pumping for babysitter or caregiver.

“If you’ve established breastfeeding and now want to express milk from time to time – perhaps for your partner or a caregiver to feed to your baby while you go out – then a manual breast pump or single electric breast pump should be fine.” 

Medela.com

Recommended for you:

  • Double electric breast pump

Frequent or Daily Breast Pumping

Scenario #1: Stay at home mom or work from home mom pumping to build or increase milk supply, or express bottle feeding.

Recommended for you:

  • Double electric breast pump

Scenario #: Returning to work and pumping for daycare or caregiver

Recommended for you:

  • Double electric breast pump
  • Pumps with carrying cases
  • Pumps for travel–car outlet plugs
  • Lightweight models
  • Quieter models for pumping in public

Check out the list of features below to help you decide which breast pump is the best fit for your lifestyle and pumping needs!

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When Should I Buy a Breast Milk Pump?

It’s best to purchase your pump ahead of time in the 3rd trimester of your pregnancy. If you’ll be using health insurance, be sure to check if they have a restriction on when they will ship it. Some insurance companies won’t ship until 1 month prior to your delivery date, or until the baby is born.

Where to Purchase a Breast Milk Pump & Accessories

You can buy pumps and accessories at your local pharmacy, retail store, or online. Below are some excellent choices:

    1. Willow Pump

Willow® is FSA/HSA eligible! Purchase before the end of the year!

  1. TheBreastfeedingShop.com
  2. Aeroflow BreastPumps
  3. Target
  4. Amazon
  5. WalMart
  6. Health Insurance
  7. Local Charitable Organizations (Free or Reduced Price)

Do not Share Breast Pumps or Buy Used

For personal health safety and hygiene, do not share breast pumps with others. Breast pumps are personal use items and sharing with others can contaminate your baby’s breastmilk supply.

“Even with new tubing and flanges, airborne pathogens in milk particles may have entered the motor from the previous user and then are blown towards the bottles, where they can possibly be passed on to the next user. This can present a small, but nevertheless very real risk of transmitting certain bacteria and viruses from mother to mother (a mother can be a carrier and not know it or show symptoms).”

WomensHealthToday.com

Make an Informed Decision

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best breast pump; your lifestyle needs, how frequently and how long you plan to pump, reasons for pumping, and your budget. I hope you found this article helpful in narrowing down your choices. Remember to practice self-care during your postpartum recovery period and throughout your breastfeeding journey!

Do you have any questions or concerns about your breast pump choice? Share them with us in the comments below!

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