- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Melissa Clark Vickers International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Moms & Babies Huntingdon, Tenn. | ||
 |
Can you recommend a good brand of breast pump? I have heard many stories of mothers who purchase inferior pumps only to end up buying a high quality Medela-type pump. Are any others of equal quality and value?
All pumps are not created equal, unfortunately. And a pump that works well for some women may not work for others. Some companies consistently make good pumps, and that includes Medela as well as Ameda/Egnell and White River. Each of these companies has a variety of pumps that are designed for different pumping needs.
If you plan to just pump for an occasional time you will be away from your baby, you would not need as good a pump as you would if you plan to pump every day while you are away at work. The occasionally pumping mom can often get by with a manual pump or even hand expression. If she plans to pump a little more frequently, a small electric pump works well. The mom who will be away from her baby while she works, or the mother of a premature infant who wishes to pump her milk for her baby will do best with the larger electric pumps. The larger pumps are available for short or long term rental, or purchase.
The best pumps will automatically release the suction (as opposed to you having to press a button or hold an opening closed), and will cycle frequently. No pump will ever match what a baby does at the breast, but some mimic the mechanics better than others.
Nancy, PT's webmother - recommends the Medela Pump In Style - especially great for working moms. It's a double electric pump, easy to use and easy to transport - even comes camouflaged (looks like a large black purse when it's all closed up). Now known as the Pump In Style '98, the set includes an insulated pouch, coolers & bottles, and now also comes with a car lighter power adapter and a manual breastpump conversion kit."
Related Expert Q&A
- How can I tell a good breast pump from a bad breast pump?
- Should I clean my breast pump after each use?
- I am a stay-at-home mom, but I need to pump occasionally. I a manual breast pump a good choice for me?
- Can used breast pumps be sterilized enough to be completely safe for my child?
- Can you recommend a good brand of breast pump?
More Answers by this Expert
- Should I massage my breasts to prepare for breastfeeding? Can that cause premature labor?
- Do I need to do anything to prepare my nipples for breastfeeding?
- I'm flat-chested -- will I be able to breastfeed?
- Will it be hard to position my baby for nursing if my breasts are large?
- Can you tell me about the AAP breastfeeding guidelines?