| While choosing the right breast pump is a personal | | | | automatically simulate this release cycle while |
| decision, it can be very confusing when you're a | | | | others will require the mother to use her fingers |
| brand new mom and not quite sure what to | | | | to simulate this pattern. |
| expect or look for. Two of the most important | | | | Choose an electric pump with adjustable controls |
| things to consider are how strong the suction is | | | | to make the pumping action best fit your style. |
| and the number of cycles per minute it has. | | | | There may be times where your nipples are sore |
| These two features will determine how much milk | | | | or your breasts are engorged and you will want |
| you collect and how long it will take. | | | | to be able to dial down the suction to a |
| Most babies suck between 40 and 60 times a | | | | comfortable level. |
| minute when they're nursing. The hospital grade | | | | If you're going to be pumping at work or |
| rental pumps have a 50 times per minute cycle | | | | somewhere privacy is important, make sure you |
| and automatically mimic the suck-release-relax | | | | turn on the pump and test the noise level while |
| sucking pattern of your child. Pumps with smaller | | | | it's in use. Some models are quiet but some with |
| motors will generally have a slower cycling rate | | | | smaller motors can make a surprising amount of |
| and may result in sore nipples from the longer | | | | noise. |
| periods of sustained suction. | | | | - Single battery/electric pumps: Medela Mini Electric |
| You also want to check the amount of suction | | | | or Medela Single Deluxe automatically cycle |
| the pump applies. A baby will normally have a | | | | between 30-38 cycles per minute, a rate that will |
| suction rate of 220 mm. Many hospital grade | | | | provide enough stimulation and will be comfortable. |
| rental pumps can achieve a suction rate between | | | | - Occasional-use double pumps Medela DoubleEase |
| 200 and 220mm. | | | | or Medela Double-Deluxe pumps automatically |
| Decide if you need a portable pump or if you will | | | | cycle at 30 times per minutes or above. |
| only be pumping at home. The hospital-grade | | | | - Simultaneous double pumping professional grade |
| pumps you can rent can be too cumbersome to | | | | pumps: Any of the Medela Pump In Style |
| regularly take on the road with you, but they are | | | | breastpumps. |
| very efficient at pumping. | | | | - Simultaneous double pumping hospital-grade |
| Look for an electric pump that has the | | | | pumps: Medela Classic, Medela Symphony, Medela |
| suck-release-relax cycle that most closely mimics | | | | Lactina, Ameda Egnell SMB or Ameda Egnell |
| a baby's natural nursing pattern. Some models | | | | Lact-E. |