See our
guide to breast pumps on the market now! 
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by Jill Alison Ganon
A breast pump enables your baby to have your breast milk
when you're not there.
For some, it's only for occasional
use - you may just want to sleep through a feeding or go
out on a date with your partner. But if you're one of the
many new moms returning to work, your pump may
become like a best friend - with whom you're in close
contact several times a day, every day.
There are many choices on the market, but you can
narrow the field greatly by matching your needs to one of
the two types: manual or electric (some have a battery
option and/or an adapter for a car cigarette lighter).
Manual vs. Electric
Manual pumps are less expensive, lighter in weight,
smaller, and quieter than electric pumps. The downside:
They're generally slower and less efficient and may not
stand up to heavy use. They are best suited for occasional
pumping, two to five times per week.
Electric pumps cover a significant price range. Generally,
the more powerful and durable the motor, the more costly
the pump. Many women buy one high-end pump and use it
for successive children over the years. Typically these
pumps are capable of expressing milk from both breasts at
once. This is a good choice for a mother who hopes to
provide breast milk for her baby after returning to work.
Buy or Rent?
The pumps shown below will give you an idea of what is
available, but there are many others to consider as well. You
can buy one like these or rent a high-end, hospital-quality
pump. Sometimes a rental company will apply a month or
more in rental fees toward a purchase price, should you
decide to buy the pump you rent.
Keep in mind that prices here are approximate. Shop for
the best deal by phone or online. Remember to factor in
shipping and ask about return policies in case you're
unhappy with the product.
Using Your Pump
Pumping should not be painful! If you're experiencing pain
or any other challenges associated with expressing your
milk, get expert support. Find help online, by phone, or
through lactation consultants working privately or at a local
breastfeeding organization or hospital.
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