Choosing a Good Breast Pump

I am an Exclusively Pumping Mum.  I am lucky enough that I am able to produce and pump enough breast milk for my son.  There are many different types and styles of breast pumps out on the market and each one works differently for different mothers.  I never quite

Types of Breast Pumps
There are various types of pumps available on the market. All breast pumps can express milk from one breast at a time (single pumping) and some can express milk from both breasts simultaneously (double pumping). If frequent pumping is recommended, double pumping can reduce pumping time in half.

• Manual breast pumps are designed to use the strength of the hand or arm muscles for single pumping. There is also a pump available that uses the leg and foot muscles for double pumping. Mothers susceptible to carpal-tunnel syndrome from repetitive hand motions may want to consider using a pump designed for the arm or leg muscles.

• Handheld Battery-Operated breast pumps use batteries for creating suction minimizing muscle fatigue. Most handheld pumps are designed for single pumping and are suggested for occasional use. Some have AC adapters for electrical use.

• Electric breast pumps are powered by electricity with use of an AC adapter or by plugging directly into an outlet. Electric pumps are designed for double pumping and are suggested for frequent use. Hospital-grade quality breast pumps are the most efficient for initiating and maintaining the milk supply and are available for rent or purchase. Professional quality breast pumps are efficient pumps for maintaining the milk supply and are available for purchase only.

• Hospital-Grade Rental breast pumps are powered by electricity by plugging directly into an outlet. Rental pumps are designed for double pumping and are suggested for frequent use. Two-Phase (Stimulation and Expression) hospital-grade breast pumps are the most efficient for initiating, expressing and maintaining the milk supply and are available for rent or purchase.

Features of Breast Pumps
Any type of breast pump you choose should have features designed for optimal safety and comfort.

• Two-Phase Pump Program most closely simulates the Stimulation and Expression phases of a nursing baby providing a deeper and quicker expression of nutritive (hind) breast milk.

• Adjustable Suction Control provides variable suction within safe, comfortable levels.

• Automatic Suction Release protects against prolonged or excessive suction.

• Consistent Suction helps maintain maximum effectiveness when switching from single to double pumping.

• Automatic Cycling simulates nursing baby and helps maintain the milk supply. Safe limits are 40-60 cycles per minute.

• Breast Shield Design and Sizing for comfort and multiple sizes to accommodate all breast shapes.

• Long Nipple Funnel for adequate nipple extension.

• Easy to Clean and Use for hygiene and safety.

• Double Pumping Capabilities stimu lates the milk producing hormone and minimizes the pumping time.

• Flexibility of Usage provides interchangeable parts between different types of pumps.

• Alternate Power Sources allows for flexibility of usage via electricity, batteries, car lighter adapter and/or rechargeable battery.

Breast-feeding Accessories

• Nipple shields for temporary latch-on difficulties.
• Pure lanolin for sore, dry, or cracked nipples.
• Nursing pads for spotting or leakage of milk from breasts.
• Milk bottles & bags.
• Pillows/stools for comfortable positioning of baby and mother.
• Nursing apparel & bras for comfort, support and easy access to breasts.

Remember, if you are looking at being an Exclusive Pumper, you are doing the best possible for your baby.  There are sometimes days when you have low production and you will need to supplement with formula, but hats off to you for doing such a big job for your baby!  4 and a half months for us so far!!!

This information was from http://www.expectantmothersguide.com