Questions answered about pumping breastmilk.
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Breast pump basics

BREAST PUMPS*.

Breast pumps are nice to have on hand, but unless you are going to be separated from your child for long lengths of time, they are not necessary. If you only need to express your milk occasionally, learning to hand-express is best.

Breast pumps are used by mothers who, for one reason or another, must be separated from the baby, but who still want the baby to receive breast milk. Sometimes the mother or the baby may be hospitalized, or sometimes the mother may simply want to leave the baby for a few hours. And many times pumps are used by working mothers who want to leave breast milk while they are at work.




Hand Pumps

There are many different hand pumps on the market today. The most popular hand pump is probably the cylinder type. It looks like two tubes (usually made of clear plastic, one of which fits inside the other. It creates a vacuum (suction) when the inner tube is pulled in and out. The milk goes directly into the outer tube or into a standard bottle. It is easy to use and is convenient to carry with you. It is also easy to clean. There are several brands on the market and most work about the same. The White River brand features a flexible shield which some mothers say helps stimulate milk production. Ameda Egnell and Avent now make pumps that can be easily operated with one hand. The design of these pumps allows the mother to pump while nursing.




Battery Operated Pumps

Another type is the battery operated pump. They are small and can be used with one hand. Most do not have automatic rhythmic suction. Milk flows directly into a standard bottle. The biggest complaint about these is the short life span of the batteries. And the suction gets less as the battery gets weaker. However, some of the battery operated pumps can be converted to electricity with the use of an adapter. These are only recommended for short term, occasional use. If you have a preemie who must remain in the hospital a long time or if you plan to pump at work, you will need a more substantial pump. But if you only need a pump occasionally these pumps will do just fine.




Small Electric Pumps

Several companies now make small electric pumps. These pumps fit in a handbag and are convenient to take along on short trips away from the baby. They are best suited for limited, occasional use and probably won't hold up for long-term, heavy use. Small electric pumps do not have automatic rhythm, and require the mother to control the suction rhythm with her finger. These pumps are very reasonably priced and like the battery-operated pumps, will probably work just fine if you only need it once in a while. They are available in large discount stores and drugstores.




Medium Sized Electric Pumps

If you are going back to work, there are several medium-size electric breast pumps available for that purpose. Two breast pump manufacturers, (Bailey, Medela) now have affordably priced electric pumps that are portable and light-weight. Medela will rent the Lactina. These pumps have double kits included that allow you to pump both breasts at once. They all come in carrying cases and are convenient to take to work.




Hospital-Grade Electric Pumps

For long-term pumping, you will need the professional electric pump (hospital grade) made by White River, Medela or Ameda-Egnell. Their rhythmic suctions are automatic. These heavy duty pumps are used by mothers of preemies or sick babies, and by working mothers who can leave them at the job site. These also come with the double kit for faster, more efficient pumping. These pumps are too expensive for most women to buy, but can be rented on a daily, weekly or monthly rate. Your lactation consultant or health care provider can tell you where to locate one.




A word of caution: There is one pump you should not use - the old fashioned bicycle horn type pump. They can damage your nipples, and can not be sterilized properly.

Choosing a breast pump to suit your needs is not easy. A La Leche League Leader or lactation consultant can help you decide which will work best for your situation. They can also tell you where to rent an electric pump.

A further word about breast pumps: Millions of mothers throughout history have breastfed babies without the use of breast pumps. Unless you are separated from your baby for long hours at a time, you probably won't NEED a breast pump.