Many mothers choose to pump breast milk for their babies, often because they will be spending time away from their baby or their baby has trouble latching on and nursing directly. Most breast pumps do not provide a suck as strong as a baby, but some pumps are more efficient than others and offer other benefits, such as a sucking pattern similar to that of a baby.
Comparison
Consumer Reports states that a baby sucks at a rate of 40 to 60 cycles per minute, which is about one pull per second. A hospital grade pump, which is typically the most efficient, only pumps at a rate of 30 to 50 cycles per minute. Other types of pumps might pump at slower rates.
Hospital Grade Pumps
A hospital grade pump is typically used for mothers who are pumping constantly, especially if nursing is difficult. This type of machine is large and heavy and can be rented from hospitals or lactation consultants. According to Consumer Reports, this type is most efficient for emptying the breasts.
Electronic or Battery Powered Pumps
Electronic pumps often offer adjustable suction, and while the cycle per minute ratio may not be as high as a hospital grade pump, some are designed to mimic a baby's sucking patterns. These types of pumps start with short, quick pumps to stimulate your breast milk letdown and then shift into slower, deeper sucking to empty your breasts in a way that can feel more natural. Battery-powered pumps can have the same features but might take longer to use.
Manual Pumps
Manual pumps can only pump one breast at a time and require you to use your hand to push a lever. These pumps are small and typically do not empty the breast quickly. However, a manual pump can work well for short-time use, and some are designed to imitate a baby's sucking patterns.
Recommendations
If you choose to use a breast pump, shop around for one that will best meet your needs. Avoid getting a used breast pump unless the manufacturer specifies that it can be used by more than one person. Breast milk can carry bacteria and viruses and can get into the parts of some pumps.
