Buying a Breast Pump? Here’s What You Need to Consider

With so many breast pumps on the market these days, it can be really hard to find the right one that will meet your needs. Alex Thompson (aka Midwife Alex) poses the questions you need to consider in order to find the right pump for you.

To buy a pump or not to buy a pump?

As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) I see many families who have gotten a pump in pregnancy “just in case” which doesn’t fit their needs when they face breastfeeding difficulties. If you are someone looking at buying a pump in pregnancy or adding one to your ‘wish list’, I strongly recommend holding out until your bub is born. Keep the money you would spend on a pump in a kitty for when or if you need it. Alternatively, there are some amazing options in Canberra to rent a hospital grade pump if you get stuck while you’re waiting for your pump to arrive. This can be either through the hospital, the Australian Breastfeeding Association, some of the chemists or directly from a few IBCLC’s in the area.

What is your goal?

When talking about your goal for pumping basically comes down to, why? There is a big difference in needing to pump exclusively and pumping to have a night out or returning to work. If you are planning to pump occasionally the motor in the pump may not need to have as much durability as someone pumping 6-8 times a day for 6 months and beyond. Motor and battery life is where you will end up spending money, so if you don’t need something with all the bells and whistles, you can find something a little cheaper that will still meet your needs.

Electric or Manual?

This will be a personal preference, but know that electric doesn’t always mean better. Many parents who pump actually end up having better success with a manual pump - some even find it quicker than an electric pump. This is because they can respond to their own let down and control the pressures themselves. Electric pumps can be great for those who have had issues with their hands like carpel tunnel, are planning on exclusively pumping or are looking to multitask - this can be the difference between feeling like pumping is a task or just something that you do while doing other things. If you are intending on exclusively pumping with an electric pump, I strongly recommend having a manual pump as a back up. You just never know if there will be a blackout, when your pump is out of battery or if the pump sadly stops for any reason.

Portable or Stationary?

Breast pumps can be bulky! Many pumps have the ability to be portable, but portability for some companies means a battery pack in the bulky pump. In the past few years there has been a big surge of wearable pumps - proceed with caution. These should be used in conjunction with a hospital grade pump if you’re pumping to maintain your supply. They are okay in the short term or occasional use/in addition to breastfeeding, but as your main pump, they don’t have the power (yet) to be the only breast pump you use. Their compact motor’s don’t have the durability right now, as they need to function on higher settings, meaning they can burn out quicker.

What to look for when buying a breast pump.

To make things confusing, price doesn’t always mean you will get the best pump. In fact, most pumps are at around the same price range, not matter if you get it from the chemist, a baby store or direct from an IBCLC.

The Key things to look for:

Personal Pump

These usually have a single or double option - if you have the option, go with he double! It will save you time and help trigger higher hormone levels to increase your supply. Look for a personal pump that has a suction strength of at least 250mmhg. Rechargeable batteries mean portability but this can add to the cost. Can you see yourself walking round with this pump if it has a battery? if so amazing! But if you’re wishing for a battery so you can take it camping or to a wedding and don’t see yourself moving round while pumping, then this too could play a factor in your decision.

Wearable Pump

Ideally should have a suction strength of 250mmgh or higher (the higher the better or these). These are not recommended for someone trying to establish their milk supply and aren’t great for people with generous breasts because they can be difficult to fit and maintain the seal without milk spilling. However, these pumps give the most portable option while pumping. Don’t get caught out, remember to check if these come as a pair or you need to purchase two individually.

Hospital Grade Pump

If you are planning on pumping long term, it’s strongly suggested to get a hospital grade pump with a suction strength of 300mmhg or higher. A hospital grade breast pump with a dual motor is also strongly recommended if you are needing to pump long term. This will allow you to adjust the suction separately on each side. The downside is that these can be bulky. If you cannot find the suction strength on the pump manufacturing information - AVOID that pump!

I have the option to buy a second hand breast pump, should I?

This is a great option if you’re on a budget but there are some things you should check over first.

1. How frequently or how much did the pump get used?

Some of the robust pumps on the market can be an absolute score to pick up second hand. But it may not actually be a score if the pump is at the end of its lifetime. You want to be looking for a second hand pump that has been barely used.

2. What is the cost to replace the flange and valves?

You should buy yourself brand new kits for the pump (unless the kits that come with he pump have never been used). This will ensure that the valves aren’t leaking and causing the pump to work harder. This can also impact on how well you perceive the suction is.

3. Make sure the pump is a closed system!

A closed system pump ensures milk and moisture doesn’t get sucked up into the pump. This is done by having the preventative backflow valve and makes sure the milk flows only into the bottle. For hygiene reasons, if you are buying a second hand pump make sure it is a closed system.

What to avoid.

Avoid buying a pump for the sake of having one. There is no need to waste your money if you’re not going to use it! Just because it’s a popular brand, doesn’t mean it going to be good. The secret is that many brands that have bottles, dummies and pumps are going to feel like a good buy, but their focus isn’t on pumping, its on sales. This means their pumps are going to be mid range and may not actually meet what you need.

Other things to consider!

Get fitted for your flange! This is my top tip for anyone about to pick up a breast pump and use it. Being measured correctly for a flange is super important, it can reduce damage and pain while pumping, but also increase your milk supply. Most pumps will come with a size 21-24 flange and this is usually too large. You will also need to replace certain parts of your pump regularly depending on how often you are pumping. Check to see how easy it is to buy flanges, valves, membranes and tubing for your pump.

If you are struggling with pumping or making a decision on what pump you should purchase, see an IBCLC who specialises in pumping to learn how to use your pump to get the best out of it. There is a lot more to pumping than to just turn it on and let it run.

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Alex Thompson is a Registered Midwife, Registered Nurse and IBCLC Lactation Consultant. You can find more information about her services at www.midwifealex.com or @midwife_alex.