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Which Brand to Buy?
Currently, I believe the best brand of Pumps to buy is MEDELA. Most hospitals, stores and Lactation Consultants use Medela. While there are other pumps on the market, Medela continues to be the cadillac of pumps. They have lead the way in research on all aspects of pumping, constantly are upgrading their pumps to integrate their research findings and also upgrade their pumps based on consumer recommendations.
Perhaps the only downside of Medela, is that their pumps are expensive. And while I would like to say, go to their competitor, I don’t feel there is a competitor with the quality of their electric pumps (in Canada) at this point in time.
Which Pump to buy?
First of all, you may wonder why you need a pump. My adage is that if the baby is sucking well, he or she is the best pump in the world and there is no need for a pump. Buying a pump can buy you some free time away from your baby. If you are always with your baby, then you dont need to buy a pump.
There are 3 kinds of pumps to buy:
- Hand pump
- Single electric pump
- Double pump
Hand Pump
A hand pumping is the least expensive pump to buy and there are other brands (such as Avent) that are just as good as Medela. The hand pump is used by moms who are only pumping very occasionally so that they can get a break. The only downside of hand pumping is that it is tedious!! While you may yield the same amount of milk as an electric pump, usually the electric pumps yield more milk with no effort. However cost here is the main plus of the hand pumps. They run around $60 (plus tax).
Single Electric Pump
The single electric pump, called Swing is great for occasional pumping and being less expensive than the double pump, this too, is often a factor. This pump only allows you to pump one breast at a time.
Double Pump
If your baby is not breastfeeding well, (often in the first few weeks after birth, as babies learn breastfeeding at different rates) then the mother must use a double electric hospital grade rented pump or buy the equivalent pump called Pump-in-Style or Freestyle to establish or maintain an appropriate milk supply. Hand pumps and single electric pumps are not suitable in these circumstances.
Renting a hospital grade pump may be the way to go if pumping is only needed for a few weeks until baby learns to breastfeed. However if long term pumping is needed, it may be more economical to just buy Pump-in -Style or the Freestyle pump. You will need to price out your options.
Also Pump-in-Style and Freestyle are very useful to have if you are pumping a lot just because of your lifestyle. If you are returning to work, and/or out and about frequently, these pumps will maintain your milk supply, and take half the time to use than the single electric pump as you are pumping both breasts at once.
I am always amazed at how some moms will choose to save money on their pump and yet buy the most expensive stroller or diaper bag. If the pump you buy makes pumping easier, saves you time and therefore had you breastfeed longer, then it was well worth the extra amount spent on the double pump! That being said, both these pumps are very expensive ($350 and up). For sure, put it on your baby shower list!
The only difference between Pump-in-Style and Freestyle is that with Pump-in-style, you have to be beside an electrical outlet for it to work. With Freestyle, you can charge the battery (motor) and use it anywhere, and you can even not hold the pump while pumping as it comes with attachments to your bra. This frees up your hands (hence freestyle) for you to work on your computer, read, walk around the house, whatever.
Finally, you have to have a sense of humour when pumping. It is true that you may feel like Elsie the cow. You are quickly learning the joys of being a parent; this is the first of many sacrifices we do for the glory of our children!!! Get use to it! ; )
Wendy Goodman, RN, MEd, IBCLC
www.4babyandyou.com
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