Traditionally, you can buy a single or double breast pumps and/or electric, manual, or hospital-grade breast pumps. Breast pumps that are entering the market more recently have newer features such as a ‘wearable’ pump or enhanced portability.
“I only want to pump occasionally”
If you’re not going to be pumping every day, you may want to look into using a single electric breast pump and/or a manual breast pump. In the early days when you are establishing your milk supply, pumping on the odd occasion won’t change this drastically. It just means that you can create a small milk stash that you can use whilst you are away from your baby.
“I want to express milk often or exclusively”
For mums who are going to be expressing milk several times a day, an electric pump is more suited. Electric pumps have more functionality in terms of suction strength. Manual pumps would require a lot more work from you and you would need both your hands to pump correctly.
When you’re expressing multiple times a day, your first priority is going to be convenience. How can I spend as little time as possible pumping and doing bottle prep? Some breast pumps you can pump directly into the bottle (or a storage bag) and others you will need to pump and pour out.
“I’m returning to work and need something discreet and easy to transport”
If you plan to breastfeed throughout your return to work, you need to choose a pump that is convenient and portable, whilst not compromising its efficiency to express milk.
A wearable or wireless breast pump is a popular choice for Mums in the workplace due to its discreet nature and compact design. With a breast pump like this, you might also want to consider the noise level and which pump is best for a leak-proof pumping session.
“I have an excessive breast milk supply”
If you pump or lactate more milk than your baby drinks over a 24-hour period, then you have an oversupply. In most cases, if you have a strong letdown or an excess supply, it will settle down within the first few months of feeding. You can’t put a number on it as it will differ from one woman to another.
Especially if you are exclusively pumping, using any breast pump to gradually pump less milk will reduce the risk of mastitis and blocked milk ducts.
“I’m struggling with a low milk supply"
Hospital-grade pumps would be an ideal choice if you want to establish or increase your milk supply. They are designed to be used multiple times per day and are usually more powerful than personal use pumps. However, the downside is that most hospital-grade pumps can be bulky and very expensive, with the average monthly rental fee ranging from 75$ - 100$.
You can also try a personal use electric pump that has hospital-grade suction strength such as the Lola&Lykke Smart Electric Breast Pump.