Brands
All the most popular pumps and accessories with efficiency and pricing that range from moderate to very high end. I've seen too many working moms invest in a mediocre pump in an attempt to save money and in the end they have to buy one of the top of the line pumps. They end up buying twice and spending more, not to mention the frustration of dealing with an inadequate pump.

Question 1
Let's go through a list of questions together to help you figure out exactly which type of pump will best suit your needs. Do you need a pump for any of the following reasons?  

• I will be pumping, storing and feeding from a bottle rather than the breast for all feedings
• My baby is a premie or in the hospital
• I have twins and need to initiate my milk supply
• I need to increase my milk supply
• I am engorged or have sore nipples
• I have a breast infection
• I have problems getting the baby to latch on
• I have flat or inverted nipples

If any of the above points apply to you, the best pump option for you is the Hospital Grade Pump. The next best option is the Daily Use Pump. Either buying or renting  the Hospital Grade pump is most often the ideal in the above situations.

These double electric pumps have high-powered motors that both initiate and maintain milk supply. You typically get more milk pumped in a shorter period of time than you do with a less powerful pump. They mimic a baby's suckle, do most of the work for you, and you can control both the suction and speed. These pumps are designed for the mom who is pumping  80%-100%  of the time.  And highly recommended as a rental pump for a woman with a short term acute problem.

RECOMMENDATION: If you are intending to pump daily or more than five times a week we highly recommend you purchase an automatic cycling pump, which would be a pump that is either in the Hospital Grade or Daily Use category.

HEALTH ALERT: Remember that NursingMom.com is not a medical web site. Educational information from this web site is general in nature and may or may not apply to your specific condition. Do not use this information to diagnose a health condition. The information provided is not a substitute or replacement for medical care or your relationship with your health care provider.

Question 2
Do you need a pump for any of the following reasons?  

• I will be working full time
• I have twins and need to maintain my milk supply
• I am in the hospital or unable to breast feed for a period of time due to a medical condition, work schedule or other obligation

  If you checked any of the above boxes, the best pump option for you is the Daily Use Pump.

These double electric pumps have high-powered motors that maintain milk supply. You typicallly  are able to pump more milk in a shorter period of time. They mimic baby's suckle, do most of the work for you, and you can often control both the suction and speed. Lighter weight, smaller, more portable and less expensive than purchasing the Hospital Grade. These pumps are designed for the mom who is pumping daily.

Question 3
Do you need a pump for any of the following reasons?  

• I will be working very part time
• I will be working occasionally or taking an occasional class
• I will be away from the baby for a specific period of time (vacation, out of town work, medical problem)
• I will be going out for occasional evenings or outings
• My partner will be feeding the baby in the middle of the night

If you checked any of the above boxes, the best pump option for you is the Occasional Use Pump.

If you will be using a pump infrequently you may not want to incur the expense of either the Hospital Grade or Daily Use pump. These pumps are designed for the mom who is only pumping about 20% -30% of the time. I hear of moms who use these pumps full-time and am concerned that the motors aren't strong enough for that much use and that long term use could decrease milk supply. Note that many moms who need an occasional pump use a high quality manual pump and are very happy...it takes more elbow grease, but the motor will not overload!

BE AWARE: A constant negative pressure pump like those inexpensive battery or electric pump models found on the retail shelf can cause breast pain and/or decrease milk supply. Only buy if you are going to use very infrequently.

INFO TIP: Even though you are dealing with the possibility of tiring yourself out from repetitive motion, a manual pump may be more effective for you than an inexpensive battery or electric pump found on the retail shelf.

Question 4
Do you need a pump for any of the following reasons?

• I will be traveling for work and want something part time and portable
• I will be working very part time
• I don't want a pump that requires electricity or batteries
• I will be going out for very occasional outings
• I am very budget conscious and don't want to spend a lot of money on a pump
• I am getting an electric pump but want to have a small back up pump I can carry around with me

If you checked any of the above boxes, the best pump option for you is the Manual Pump.  It is a no muss no fuss pump, very self explanatory, easy to use and clean, and super portable. If you have an easy let down, you will likely get the milk flowing with this type of pump.  Even with all the pump technology out there, a lot of moms are super happy with this low tech companion.

Question 5
Do you need a pump for any of the following reasons?

• I want a strictly hands free pump
• I've had breast surgery or have very sensitive nipples and am looking for a pump with a sucking action that might be more gentle than any of the standard pumps

If you checked any of the above boxes you will need either the Hands Free Pump or the Gentle Massager Pump.

While the motor or suction on the Hands Free pump is nothing like the Hospital Grade or Daily Use pump, the innovative, able- to- move- around- and- pump- discreetly  feature make it very attractive.   If you have tried a suction model breast pump and it feels like too much pressure on your nipple, then the Gentle Massager might really work for you.