Breast Pumps

Choosing a Breast Pump

Choosing a breast pump depends on several factors:
    The frequency the mother will use it
    How many months/years the mother anticipates using it
    The possibility that the pump will be used for future babies
    If the mother needs to increase her milk supply by pumping
    The financial resources of the family

Recommend the best pump that the family can afford. It is an investment that will pay off in satisfaction in use and maintenance of breastmilk supply. In certain situations, a rental pump will be the most cost effective. If the mother anticipates long term pumping or using the pump for subsequent babies, the purchasing will be the best option.

There are several types of pumps available:
    Hospital grade electric breast pumps
    Personal use breast pumps
    Battery operated and small electric breast pumps
    Manually operated pumps

A breast pump should simulate, as realistically as possible, a baby nursing at the breast. Research has shown that normal healthy newborns achieve up to 220 mm Hg of suction while nursing and have a suck-swallow cycle of about 40 - 60 times per minute. A little faster when they first begin breastfeeding, and a little slower after the let-down reflex occurs. The pump should meet these criteria.

The flange is the part of the pump that fits over the breast. It should cover the areola to support the tissue and the opening should fit loosely around the nipple and allow it to stretch freely into the nipple tunnel during the suction phase of the cycle. Most pumps have an adapter that fits into the flange to adjust the size as needed or has several sizes of flanges available.

Features to look for in selecting a breast pump:
    Ease of use
    Ease of cleaning
    Ease of assembly, the number and complexity of parts to assemble
    Automatic or manual suction - release cycle
    Instructions accompanying the pump
    Size and fit of the breast flange
    Range of suction obtained
    Comfort of the mother
    Ability of the pump to stimulate hormonal levels
    Versatility of power source (battery, electric and cigarette lighter adapter)

Breast pump models and features change fairly rapidly. Check with the manufacturers representatives periodically to stay abreast of changes.

(Every effort has been made to obtain accurate and current information about various pumps. If inaccuracies are noted or updated information becomes available, please notify our webmaster so this page can be corrected.)

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Selected Hospital Grade Pumps (Double Pumping)

Breast Pump	Suction & Release(# times/min)	Max Suction Levels (mm Hg)	Weight	Approx Cost (MSR)	# Pieces to Assemble	Warranty
Baby at the breast	40-60	200-220
Classic (Medela)	42	180-240	17 lb	$1500 Lease available	12	Return to company
SMB (Hollister)	48	180-250	21	Lease available	10	Return to company
Symphony (Medela)	Automatic 2 phase. Can be user regulated. Stimulation phase 120. Collection phase 54-78	Stimulation phase 50-200 Collection 50-250	6.4 lb 7.7 lb with battery pack	$ 999.95 $1,199.95 with battery pack	10	3 year
Elite (Hollister)	0-60	0-220	6 lb 12 oz	$800 Lease available	10	Return to company
Lactina (Medela)	42-60	120-250	5 lb 3 oz	$619 Lease available	1 2	Return to company
White River	50-76	76-190	12 lb		13	Return to company

Selected Personal Use Pumps (Double Pumping)

Breast Pump	Suction & Release (# times/min)	Max Suction Levels (mm Hg)	Weight	Approx Cost (MSR)	# Pieces to Assemble	Warranty
Baby at the breast	40-60	200-220
Purely Yours (Hollister) Briefcase and backpack versions available	0-60	215	1 lb	$249	10	1 yr
Pump-in-Style (Medela) Briefcase, backpack and executive versions available	40-60	250	6 lb 12 oz	$299	10	1 yr
Ellen (Whisper Wear) "Mini" pumps worn in the bra	35-80. Auto cycle begins at 80 for 1 minute then drops to 60. Can be user regulated.	200	5.8 oz per pump Complete kit with case 2.5 lb	$199 double $99 single	4 on each pump	1 year
Double Ease (Medela)	30-34	100-250	12 oz	$203	10	6 mo
Nurture III (Bailey Medical)	24 User regulated	230	1 lb 10 oz	$158	11	2 yrs
Whittlestone	52	100	4 lb 2 oz	$350	14	3 years

Selected Battery Operated & Small Electric Pumps (Single Pumping)

Breast Pump	Suction & Release (# times/min)	Max Suction Levels (mm Hg)	Weight	Approx Cost (MSR)	# Pieces to Assemble	Warranty
Baby at the breast	40-60	200-220
Gerber	6-10	200	8 oz	$49	5	None
Press and Pump (Evenflow)	5	210	14 oz	$40	6	90 days
Personal Comfort (Evenflow)	7	200	1 lb 5 oz	$70	8	90 days
Magmag (Omron)	5	210	8 oz	$45	5	90 days
Gentle Expression (Lumiscope)	5	130-150	8 oz	$30	5	90 days
Mini-electric (Medela)	32-34	100-250	12 oz	$105	4	6 mo

Selected Manually Operated Pumps (Single Pumping)

Breast Pump	Suction & Release (# times/min)	Max Suction Levels (mm Hg)	Weight	Approx Cost (MSR)	# Pieces to Assemble	Warranty
Baby at the breast	40-60	200-220
Kaaneson MagMag	User regulated	350	3 oz	$20	2	90 days
Manualectric (Medela)	User regulated	270	5 oz	$32	6	90 days
Comfort Ease (Evenflow)	User regulated	200	10 oz	$30	7	90 days
Evenflow Delux	User regulated	80	1 lb 6 oz	$18	5	90 days
Hollister	User regulated	250	3 oz	$39	4	90 days
Isis (Avent)	User regulated	210	8 oz	$54	4	90 days

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