Rentals

Renting a breast pump is a large investement in the long term, but i am aware that many mothers feel that breastfeeding may not work for them and are afraid to invest a lot of money, especially in the beginning. Keep in mind that a visit by a lactation consultant is far more important, helpful and worth the money. When there is a need, especially when there is a separation, I would suggest "The Classic".

Pros: Its less of an initial expense and great for short term use.

Cons: Its expensive for the long term, not very sterile, heavy and cumbersome, it can be hard to find a place to use close by a plug, the mom also has to use an additional cooling system not included.

The Pump in Style

The Pump in Style is a large initial expense for new moms especially who are unsure about breastfeeding. It doesnt have low enough suction controls and can cause pain to those who are very sensitive, especially when there is a separation and baby can not soothe the breast. I wish these pumps had more control for the moms. Some of the controls are too slow, fast, strong etc. The only non A/C adapter for this pump is the car lighter and that is not practical since many moms feel uncomfortable with public nudity. A car is not that private.

Pros: It is sturdy and great for long term usage such as for a mom going back to work, and can be used for additional children. It is very stylish and concealing, especially the new backpack. You can buy adapters for hands free pumping.

Cons: Its very difficult to clean out the tubing should milk get into them, and there is not enough suction control.

Purely Yours

This one makes the strangest sounds, makes you feel like you are in the ICU on a breathing machine. It does have more controls for mom (8 instead of 3) but thats not always good either as mom doesnt have enough hands to adjust them. Purely Yours does have battery options for those who need it and dont have a convenient place to plug in and can be used "anywhere". If the batteries arent fully charged, it wont work as well and it goes through batteries quite quickly since they are only AA's.

Pros: The tubing is a closed system so milk wont get in and doesnt require cleaning. It can be used as a stand alone unit outside of the bag and is compact. It is a little less expensive and doesnt have price fixing like Medela. There is a one year warranty compared to other brands with only a six month warranty. The Purely Yours comes with 6 bottles instead of Medela's 4.

Cons: I have heard good and bad feedback on their return policies.

Hand Pumps: Avent Isis and Ameda's One Handed Pump

These pumps are my favorite. The control you have with the hand pumps can make all the difference. They are very inexpensive, lightweight, portable and there's no need for plugs or batteries. Many moms buy two for double pumping and it is still a substantial savings over the electric pumps. Pumping is a learned art in any case.

Pros: Great for stay-at-home-moms, moms working partime, to relieve engorgement, nights out, inverted nipples, etc.

Cons: Moms with carpal tunnel problems or weak hands may not do well with hand pumps. They may not be ideal for full time employed moms. Avent's pump can not be used with the standard size bottle. You have to purchase and use the Avent bottles which are expensive and not universal.

Ameda's One Hand Handle Pump

Avent Isis

There are others on the market but I think they are far inferior, especially ones made by formula companies. Medela's hand pump is too cumbersome and takes too many hands to use.

A quick note on Medela's Mini Electric or Double Ease. I am not that confident in either of these pumps. I have not found many moms who were happy with them and there isnt much control of settings. The pumps burn out very quickly and new worried moms dont get very good results. The battery option is not ideal since again the batteries need to be new and charged up in order for it to work properly. Both pumps are very loud and too conspicuous. The "double ease" is not very strong, its just another tubing to add another breast to an already weak pump. With that said, they are less expensive than other breast pumps and some moms do fine with them.

Medela's Mini Electric

Medela's Double Ease

Karin is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Holistic Health Counselor/ Educator, a Certified Post Partum Care-Giver, Post Partum Doula & Childbirth Educator and is Studying to become a Naturopathic Doctor Specializing in Pediatrics And Women's Health. Karin is the mother to three wonderful boys.

Visit Karin's website where you will find valuable information, message boards, chat schedule, and her online breastfeeding counseling service. Baby-Steps