Choosing an Electric Breast Pump: Best Practices

May 11
10:51

2015

Jason Kassel, PhD

Jason Kassel, PhD

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Choosing the right electric breast pump requires an understanding of your personal needs. For some, a manual does the trick. It is the cheapest option and, if you do not plan to pump often, it can do the job. You, on the other hand, might require something a bit more powerful. A mother on the go who has a lot to handle might prefer the convenience and usability of an electric breast pump. They are better as a whole, though they do come with a higher price tag. If you are a regular pumper, that price tag is worth it. A manual may work for some, but it is dreadful for regular pumpers who want quick, easy results.

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First,Choosing an Electric Breast Pump: Best Practices Articles know how much you are going to pump. The more often you pump, the more you rely on the pump, the better it should be. A good double electric breast pump is the right choice if you are constantly pumping and need a stash of breast milk at all times. If you are looking for something quick that you will use every so often, a single or a simpler double might work. Make sure that you get the breast pump that you can actually use. A single pump for a busy mother who needs almost immediate results may not do the trick.

If you plan to move around a lot when pumping, a hands free pump is a necessity. Pumping can typically take up to 20 minutes, more or less, and not everyone wants to sit doing nothing for that time. A person with a busy schedule will want to pump and work at the same time, and that is entirely possible. Hands free pumps are a bit on the expensive side, but they are the only way to pump hands free no matter where you are. There are bras that make hands free pumping easier for all pumps, but you have to make sure that you are wearing that bra whenever you plan to pump.

Consider the cost and brand. Some popular brands are more expensive. They come with brand recognition, trust, reliability, and quality, but they are still more expensive. Consider your budget and your needs when looking at these brands. Some lesser brands do offer nearly everything on your list at a lowered cost, but might miss the mark in a few areas. Speak with other mothers about brands, get an idea of what is right for you, and make an informed decision. Understand that this is an important investment, too, so higher costs are oftentimes expected.