Breast pumps provide a solution for many working mothers to return to work and still provide breast milk for their infants. Many working mothers choose a breast pump to help them keep a stable breast milk supply while nursing. Others use a breast pump as a method for improving inverted nipples; still others may use one to increase breast milk supply or relieve an oversupply or engorgement. There are a wide variety of breast pumps available on the market ranging from manual pumps that require more effort on the part of the mother, to electric ones (battery powered or ones requiring electricity) that make expelling milk much easier. Manual pumps are much less expensive than electric ones. Electric ones, however, can be rented, whereas most manual ones must be purchased. Some hospitals rent them. The local La Leche League (www.llli.org) leader can usually point a mother in the right direction to find a good breast pump for her needs.
What to Look for
Some pumps have bottle or bag attachments, so that the milk does not need to be transferred before storing it for later use. Pumps should be sterile or new. Manual pumps are not to be used by others, so make certain that all parts for a manual pump are new. Rented electric pumps have attachments that are designed for single use and can be thrown away when it is returned. Battery powered and electric pumps may provide more suction and can be more adept at thoroughly emptying the milk ducts during each pumping session. Many of these pumps can also more closely simulate the sucking response of an infant, leading to a more comfortable pumping session. In addition, mothers who use the pump at work may be able to do so quicker, leading to less time away from their job responsibilities. Some pumps even extract milk from both breasts at once, further reducing the amount of time needed for pumping.
Common Pitfalls
One of the most common manual breast pumps on the market is the "bicycle horn" pump. Most experts, however, discourage its use because it is difficult to clean the parts between pumping sessions. Bacteria can build up in the smaller pieces and be unhealthy for a newborn. Although cost is a common way to judge a breast pump, simple cost comparisons can be misleading. Other factors to consider include the length of time a mother plans to give milk and the cost of using formula as a replacement if breast milk is unavailable. If a mother develops an infection or pain or begins to bleed from one or both breasts, it is time to stop pumping and seek medical attention. An infection can spread to the nursing baby if left untreated, as well as provide additional complications for the mother's health.
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