What types of breast pumps are available?
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Dr. Doreen Rogers of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:There are basically three (3) types of breast pumps available:
Manual Breast Pumps
Manual breast pumps are good for occasional use. They work well for exclusively breastfeeding moms, who will only be away from baby for short periods. A manual pump can help draw out flat or inverted nipples. It can also be helpful in relieving the temporary engorgement that can occur when your milk “comes in.” The manual pump has a few disadvantages: it takes time to learn, it can be tiring for your hands, and in general, is more time consuming than semi-electric and electric pumps.
Semi-Electric (Battery Powered) Breast PumpsSeveral battery-powered types of breast pumps are available. They are good for the mom who needs to pump no more than once or twice a week. They are small enough to carry in a purse or lunch bag, assemble easily, and clean up in a snap. Most models have adjustable suction. Mom controls the rhythm of the pump with her hand or finger. It takes most women approximately 30-40 minutes to pump with a semi-electric pump. It is possible to double pump, to spend less time pumping, by purchasing 2 units. Having a dead battery can be disastrous when you need to pump, so, an AC adapter or rechargeable batteries are highly recommended. Occasionally, moms express concern about the buzzing sound a battery-powered pump makes, but, for most women, the sound isn’t a drawback to pumping.
Electric Breast PumpsFor the mom who is pumping two or more times daily, a fully electric pump is her best choice. An electric pump is generally a necessity for the mom whose baby is temporarily unable to feed directly at the breast. Electric pumps are durable; yet lightweight. Fully electric pumps have several options that are not available with battery powered pumps such as: automatic suction and speed control, programmed pumping sessions, built in carrying case, on board milk storage unit, hands free operation, and battery backup. Electric pumps have a smooth operating rhythm and make very little noise. With a single attachment, pumping takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Double pumping attachments (available with all electric breast pumps), can cut pumping time in half. Pumping both breasts at the same time increases mom’s levels of milk making hormones, which help maintain her milk supply better than the single attachment.
Disclaimer: If more information is required, please seek advise of a physician.
There are basically three (3) types of breast pumps available: Manual Breast Pumps Manual breast pumps are good for occasional use. They work well for exclusively breastfeeding moms, who will only be away from baby for short periods. ... More -
Dr. Tanya Remer Altmann answered:Breast pumps are manual or electric, but if you plan to pump frequently, you may want to invest in an electric pump. If you aren’t sure how long you are going to need it or want to try one out first, you can always rent one, instead
of buying your own. Sound strange? Not really, once you discover that what you’re really renting is the breast pump motor. All of the parts that touch you and your breast milk can be purchased brand-new and sterile.
Find out more about this book: Mommy Calls: Dr. Tanya Answers Parents' Top 101 Questions About Babies and...
Breast pumps are manual or electric, but if you plan to pump frequently, you may want to invest in an electric pump. If you aren’t sure how long you are going to need it or want to try one out first, you can always rent one,... More -
Intermountain Healthcare answered:Breast pumps range from simple hand pumps to deluxe double-electric pumps. They can be bought or rented. What you choose depends on the quality you would like and how often you will be pumping. If you will be away from your baby often, it’s wise to purchase or rent a high-quality pump. This is the most effective way to keep up a good milk supply. Many places carry a variety of pumps and supplies. You may have received a referral list from the hospital where you delivered, or you can look under “Breastfeeding” in the yellow pages of your phone book. You may want to talk about your pumping needs with a lactation consultant.
Hand pumps: With a hand pump, your muscles supply the power. Hand pumps are small and inexpensive but take longer to use than other pump styles such as electric pumps. These pumps can work well to draw out inverted nipples or to relieve mild engorgement. A hand pump may be all you need if you are only away from your baby once in a while or for a few hours at a time.
Battery/Small-electric pumps: These are hand-held devices and are best for occasional use. They are less expensive than the larger pumps and are easily portable. Some women find them more convenient to use than hand pumps. They are not as effective as larger pumps and may have problems with poor suction from battery failure. With most of these pumps, you must release the suction frequently while pumping to prevent nipple damage.
Double-electric pumps: These are very efficient at emptying the breast, are easy to use, and are the most comfortable. They save time and help to maintain milk supply by pumping both breasts at the same time. They are more expensive to buy but can be rented. This is the best kind of pump for you if you work full-time, are separated from your baby because of illness, are trying to increase your milk supply, or need to relieve severe engorgement.Breast pumps range from simple hand pumps to deluxe double-electric pumps. They can be bought or rented. What you choose depends on the quality you would like and how often you will be pumping. If you will be away from your baby often,... More
