April 2007
Features to consider Breast pumps
Suction settings. The best pumps mimic a baby's natural nursing rhythm by automatically pumping in two distinct modes: rapid, to simulate a baby's rapid sucking to begin fast milk flow, and slower, to simulate a baby's deeper sucking to produce the most milk flow. Together, the two phases offer a more authentic breast-feeding experience with greater comfort, increased milk flow, and quicker nursing time. "Closer to Nature" brands/models on the market that purport to pump more like a baby include Medela's Pump In Style Advanced shoulder bag or backpack, its hospital-grade Symphony, and its Harmony manual breast pump. Others, such as Avent's Isis iQ Duo and Isis iQ Uno electronic dual and single breast pumps, allow you to automate the pumping rhythm, speed, and suction at the touch of a button instead of relying on pre-set controls.
Warranty. If you'll be using your personal-use breast pump every day, look for a pump that has at least a one-year warranty on the motor. A generous warranty typically is a sign of quality and durability.
Adapter/batteries. If you're pumping on the road or you don't have access to an electrical outlet (say, for example, you don't have a pumping room at work and you're relegated to a restroom stall), look for a pump that can run on batteries or that includes an adapter that can attach to your car's cigarette lighter. However, even if you have a "hands-free" model, we don't recommend pumping while driving because pumping can be distracting.
Double-pumping. If you'll be pumping at work or pumping often, get a double hospital-grade or midweight, personal-use, automatic pump. By expressing both breasts at once, you can complete a pumping session in 10 to 15 minutes. Besides being fast, double pumps are better for milk production. Double-pumping increases levels of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. Smaller pumps or a single pump may not be able to maintain your milk supply long-term and can quickly become frustrating to use.
Carrying case. If you'll be commuting or traveling, a professional-looking pump "briefcase" or sporty backpack is the way to go. Most models, other than the hospital-grade ones, come in a chic, black microfiber case with a shoulder strap. Some models, such as Evenflo's Elan Feeding System and Medela's Pump in Style Advanced, also feature a removable cooling compartment and pump motor, so you can lighten your commute by leaving a section at work.
Insulated storage compartments. Look for compartments in the pump's carrying case if you'll be pumping on the go and need to store your milk for later. But be sure to keep an ice pack or two with your breast milk in the storage compartment.
LCD display. Some breast pumps have gone high-tech, such as the Evenflo Elan, offering an LCD panel that displays speed and suction settings as well as the time and length you last pumped--even which breast you pumped last.
Suction settings. The best pumps mimic a baby's natural nursing rhythm by automatically pumping in two distinct modes: rapid, to simulate a baby's rapid sucking to begin fast milk flow, and slower, to simulate a baby's deeper sucking to produce the most milk flow. Together, the two phases offer a more authentic breast-feeding experience with greater comfort, increased milk flow, and quicker nursing time. "Closer to Nature" brands/models on the market that purport to pump more like a baby include Medela's Pump In Style Advanced shoulder bag or backpack, its hospital-grade Symphony, and its Harmony manual breast pump. Others, such as Avent's Isis iQ Duo and Isis iQ Uno electronic dual and single breast pumps, allow you to automate the pumping rhythm, speed, and suction at the touch of a button instead of relying on pre-set controls.
Warranty. If you'll be using your personal-use breast pump every day, look for a pump that has at least a one-year warranty on the motor. A generous warranty typically is a sign of quality and durability.
Adapter/batteries. If you're pumping on the road or you don't have access to an electrical outlet (say, for example, you don't have a pumping room at work and you're relegated to a restroom stall), look for a pump that can run on batteries or that includes an adapter that can attach to your car's cigarette lighter. However, even if you have a "hands-free" model, we don't recommend pumping while driving because pumping can be distracting.
Double-pumping. If you'll be pumping at work or pumping often, get a double hospital-grade or midweight, personal-use, automatic pump. By expressing both breasts at once, you can complete a pumping session in 10 to 15 minutes. Besides being fast, double pumps are better for milk production. Double-pumping increases levels of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. Smaller pumps or a single pump may not be able to maintain your milk supply long-term and can quickly become frustrating to use.
Carrying case. If you'll be commuting or traveling, a professional-looking pump "briefcase" or sporty backpack is the way to go. Most models, other than the hospital-grade ones, come in a chic, black microfiber case with a shoulder strap. Some models, such as Evenflo's Elan Feeding System and Medela's Pump in Style Advanced, also feature a removable cooling compartment and pump motor, so you can lighten your commute by leaving a section at work.
Insulated storage compartments. Look for compartments in the pump's carrying case if you'll be pumping on the go and need to store your milk for later. But be sure to keep an ice pack or two with your breast milk in the storage compartment.
LCD display. Some breast pumps have gone high-tech, such as the Evenflo Elan, offering an LCD panel that displays speed and suction settings as well as the time and length you last pumped--even which breast you pumped last.
