It may seem like a daunting task to choose a suitable breast pump. Depending on how often you plan on pumping for your baby, there are numerous available varieties. You can break down breast pumps into three groups; manual, battery operated and electric. For the woman who does not intend on using her breast pump very often, a manual model is not a bad idea. If you will be pumping very long and often, you may want to invest in a more expensive, double electric model.
Let’s start with the basics. Manual breast pumps are on the market from Medela, Ameda, Avent, Whitt lestone, and many others. These pumps are specifically geared toward women who will be pumping a few times a week. The most popular seem to be the Avent Isis, Medela Pedal Pump, Medela Harmony, and the Ameda One Hand.
- Avent Isis price range from various dealers is $34.99 - $49.99. It features soft cushion petals that massage the breast to stimulate let down reflex. The Silicone shield fits around the areola to stimulate let down. It also includes two four ounce reusable milk storage bottles, 2 newborn nipp les, Nipple Travel Pack, and other spare parts.
- Medela Pedal Pump is priced between $50 and $55. The great thing about this pump is that you actually pump with your foot. The process of manually pumping can be extremely tiresome and the foot pumping option is a great feature. Most reviews are positive regarding its comfort and effectiveness
- Medela Harmony costs about $35. It is a very user friendly breast pump because of its single handed design. It has different levels of intensity that can be adjusted and does not have a ton of small parts that can be a hassle to clean.
- Ameda One Hand ranges between $25 and $35. This model boasts the single handed design like the medela harmony. This pump has a feature called a flexishield. It is designed to provide increased stimulation and encourage the let-down reflex. It compresses the areola which in turn simulates the let down reflex. The suction levels are adjustable as well.
The next level up is battery operated pumps. These pumps are good for women who intend on pumping once or twice a day. The top battery operated pumps are The First Years Easy Comfort, Medela Battery Operated Single Pump, Ameda Purely Yours Carry All, and the Lindam Battery Operated Breast Pump.
- The First Years Natural Comfort costs around $95. This lightweight single pump has a great stylish carrying case. It also has a control dial to adjust the suction level. There is an AC adapter that is also included.
- Medela Battery Operated Single Pump retails for about $80. It too is a lightweight pump that has adjustable suction. It comes with the AC adapter as well.
- Ameda Purely Yours Carry All is a more expensive battery operated pump which ranges from $200 - $250. It boasts a double pumping mechanism which has adjustable suction. They say that there will never be milk or mold ever found in their tubing.
- Lindam Battery Operated Breast Pump costs $75. It is a comfortable and adjustable pump which has a suction release button. It comes with two different size “nipple stimulators” to initiate the let down reflex. This one also comes with the AC adapter.
Now we come to the electric breast pumps. These are made for the moms who need to pump for their preemies in the hospital or working moms that will have prolonged times of separation from their babies. These types of pumps are more expensive than the manual or battery operated pumps. They are designed to last longer and to pump for longer sessions to obtain the most breast milk. The four top electric pumps are Medela Pump In Style Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump, Ameda Purely Yours Double Electric Breast Pump, Playtex Embrace Double Electric Breast Pump, and the Whisper Wear Double Battery Breast Pump With AC adapter. All of these pumps come with stylish carrying cases and are lightweight.
- Medela Pump In Style Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump costs around $280. It features an initial, unique let down type sucking to mimic your baby’s sucking. It then slows down to a rhythmic suck then swallow motion to efficiently pump milk. It has a very comfortable adjustable suction setting and is very quiet so you can use it just about anywhere.
- The Ameda Purely Yours Double Electric Breast Pump is around $150 – $160. The main selling point of the Ameda is the Hygenkit. Its unique valve system protects the tubing from viruses or bacteria that may get into the breast milk. It has adjustable suction settings and speed settings as well.
- Playtex Embrace Double Electric Breast Pump costs between $225 and $299. It contains a hospital grade motor which makes for more efficient pumping. It features unique soft breast cups for maximum comfort. It has five suction and speed levels and pumps into any Playtex feeding bottles.
- Whisper Wear Double Battery Breast Pump is about $190. The great feature about this pump is that it is hands free. It can be worn inside your bra and collects in containers that attach to the pump. Although this pump is a battery operated pump with an AC adapter, it may not be as strong as a mainly electric pump.
There you have it in a nutshell. The most important factor in choosing a suitable breast pump is determining how often you intend on pumping. Once you have established that, you can move on to other factors such as cost, and comfort. The manufacturers of these breast pumps are more than happy to speak with you about other issues you may be having. Some toll free phone numbers are; Medela 1-800-435-8316, Ameda 1-877-633-9464, Playtex 800-222-0453, Whisper Wear770-984-0905, Lindam careline@lindam.com, and Avent can be reached via their website at www.avent.com.
