Breast Pumps 101: A Complete Guide

Pregnancy is an exciting, but overwhelming time. Every decision, from your baby’s crib, to the car seat, to the stroller, has its pros, cons, and endless commentary from everyone online.

Breast pumps are no different, and with new brands cropping up, it’s hard to know which pump is right for you, whether you need to buy one now, and whether you’ll need one immediately after birth.

Read on to learn more about breast pumps, choosing the right one, and when you’ll need it.

Understanding Breast Pumps

Researchers estimate that over eight in ten women pump at least some of the time (1), so if you choose to use a breast pump, you’re in good company.

A breast pump is a device that extracts milk from the breast. Pumps create a seal around the nipple and then perform cycles of applying and releasing suction, extracting breast milk in the process. (2)

There are two pumping types:

1. Single pumping, which extracts milk from one breast at a time.
2. Double pumping, which extracts milk from both breasts at the same time.

There are three main types of pumps: manual breast pumps, electric breast pumps, and hospital-grade breast pumps.

Manual breast pumps

With a manual breast pump, you squeeze by hand. Manual breast pumps are affordable, quiet, and easy to use. The major downside is you have to do all the work, while electric breast pumps perform the motion for you (3).

Electric breast pumps

Each brand of electric breast pump works a little differently, but all have similar mechanisms:

1. Flange, or breast shield. This part fits over the nipple and areola, creating a seal to facilitate milk expression. You'll need the right size to stay comfortable and pump efficiently. When shopping for breast pumps, check their size guides before purchasing.

2. Bottle base. The bottle base is where the expressed milk is collected during the pumping process. It is typically designed to screw directly onto the breast pump's flange. 

3. Tubing connects the flange to the pump motor, enabling the suction mechanism that extracts milk from the breast. It is usually made of flexible, medical-grade materials that are easy to clean and maintain.

Hospital-grade breast pumps

Hospital-grade pumps may feature stronger motors and more durable components than standard electric pumps. They are often used in clinical settings or rented for home use by mothers who need to establish or increase milk supply. Hospital-grade pumps can support multiple users with separate, hygienic collection kits. 

Hospital staff may offer you the hospital-grade pump after delivery, and you can also rent it for home use. These pumps are more bulky and expensive, but they pump efficiently.

Should I Get A Breast Pump?

Getting a breast pump is a personal decision. Ask yourself the following: 

• Will I be returning to work or school before my baby turns one?
• Will I be on the go with my baby frequently?
• Is there any chance I will need a break from breastfeeding and would like to have pumped milk on hand?
• Will I ever want my partner to feed my baby?
• Would I rather use pumped breast milk than baby formula if I was unable to breastfeed? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, buying a breast pump is a reasonable choice for you. Let’s dive into the specific scenarios to help you decide whether or not you should buy a breast pump.

Your personal mental and physical health

Here are some considerations. 

• Previous breastfeeding experiences. If you’ve breastfed before, how did it impact you? Did you previously use a breast pump and like the results? Did you struggle with establishing breastfeeding prior? Each baby and breastfeeding routine will vary, but you can use previous experiences to inform whether you want to try using a breast pump. 

• Your mental health. Will exclusively breastfeeding have a negative impact on your sleep, to the point it will affect your mental health? Does exclusively breastfeeding feel overwhelming? Do you have a supportive partner? 

• Your physical health. Do you feel well enough to breastfeed? Did your doctor tell you there’s a reason you can’t breastfeed? If you had a previous delivery, did you get mastitis or engorgement?

Sanitation of breast pumps

If you choose to use a breast pump, you will need to follow sanitation practices to keep it clean (4). 

• Wash your hands prior to handling your breast pump
• Inspect your breast pump before each use to ensure it’s not visibly soiled or growing mold. Do not use moldy tubing
• Rinse the pump kit after each use with warm water
• Clean your pump parts in the dishwasher or with hot water and gentle soap every few days, following the pump manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning 

Make sure you properly store pumped milk safely. Remember the “Rule of 3’s”: 

• Room-temperature pumped milk can be left out for three hours
• Pumped milk can be refrigerated for up to three days
• Frozen pumped milk can be stored for up to three months 

Be sure to label, seal, and store your pumped milk immediately.

Your lifestyle

When deciding if you want to use a breast pump, consider your lifestyle.

A few reasons you might want to use a pump: 

• You are returning to work or school
• You frequently travel
• You are always on the go
• You want or need more flexibility with breastfeeding

Remember that if you do need to pump at work or school, you are protected by the law to do so (5).  Under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (“PUMP Act”), you are entitled to the following, unless your employer has an exemption:

• Reasonable break time to pump. If you are not completely relieved from your duties during this time, your break should be paid
• A dedicated space to pump, which cannot be a bathroom
• Accommodations up to one year after your child’s birth

If you believe you aren’t receiving proper accomodations, you can contact the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor at I-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243) and file a complaint.

Lactation support and availability

Breastfeeding comes with its challenges. Pumping can be a great supplemental support if you still want to give your baby breastmilk, but are having trouble with establishing breastfeeding, or don’t have time to breastfeed during each feeding.

If you want support with breastfeeding, ask your medical provider if there is a lactation consultant (IBCLC) available. Many health insurance plans cover some or all of the costs associated with breastfeeding support.

How supportive your partner, family, friends, and work culture are may also impact your decision to pump.

Which Breast Pump Should I Buy?

Which breast pump is right for you depends on a few key factors.

Breast pump cost

Start by checking to see if you can get a breast pump through insurance, because it’s likely you have coverage to cover some of all breast pump costs.

• Private insurance. If you have private health insurance, call the member services number on your insurance card to be connected to an agent who can help. Breast pumps are referred to as durable medical equipment, or DMEs, so you can check for policies and procedures regarding DME coverage.

• Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).You can pay for breast pumps using HSA or FSA funds.

• Each state has a different Medicaid program with variable coverage. Call your state’s Medicaid office to learn more about their breast pump coverage.

• Reach out to your local WIC clinic to see what options they have available for you to buy or rent a breast pump.

15 Breast pump preference questions

Here are 15 questions to ask yourself as you shop for a breast pump brand that’s right for you:

1. Do you want a double pump or a single pump?
2. Do you want a manual, electric, or hospital-grade pump?
3. Do you want a pump with customizable suction strength and speed? Do you want the pump to mimic a baby’s sucking pattern?
4. Do you need the pump to be lightweight to carry on the go, or will you mostly be using it at home?
5. What battery life do you need your pump to have?
6. Do you need the pump to be quiet?
7. Is the pump easy to assemble and disassemble?
8. Do you want a pump that’s a closed system, meaning there’s a barrier to prevent milk from entering the tubing and motor?
9. Is the pump easy to clean?
10. Does the pump have varying flange sizes to get a proper seal when pumping?
11. Is the pump affordable for you or covered by insurance?
12. Do you need a pump that’s hands-free?
13. Do you want a pump with a digital display?
14. Would you like a warranty on your pump?
15. Does the pump have good online reviews?

Benefits of Breast Pumping

You may have heard the phrase “fed is best,” when discussing infant nutrition. It’s most important that your baby receives enough calories to grow at a healthy rate. Whether you opt to formula feed, breastfeed, pump, or a combination of the three, each choice is valid and individual.

Here are some of the benefits if you do choose to incorporate breast pumping:

• Prolonged breastfeeding.If exclusively breastfeeding is challenging, pumping can help you get some breaks from breastfeeding so you can breastfeed for a longer time period. 

• Maintained milk supply. Pumping can help you maintain your milk supply(6). 

• Freedom for mom. Pumping allows you some freedom surrounding feeding time. 

• Storage for future use. You can store pumped milk for a later time, up to three months in the freezer. This allows you to build up supply if you think you’ll need it. For example, if you will be out of town and want your partner to feed your baby while you’re away. 

• Shared feeding responsibilities.Pumping allows your partner to bond and feed the baby sometimes, too.

Do I Need a Breast Pump Immediately After Birth?

You don’t necessarily need a breast pump immediately after birth, but some people can benefit from having one. 

You might not need a breast pump in some circumstances.

Successful breastfeeding

If your baby is breastfeeding well, there is no need to initiate pumping. You can always start pumping later on, but don’t substitute a solid foundation with breastfeeding for pumping.

Adequate breastfeeding support

You may have challenges with breastfeeding initially. If you have a lactation consultant available to help you, there are several methods you can use to feed your baby, like hand expression. A newborn baby’s stomach is about the size of a toy marble after birth, so there’s no need to pump if you are still hoping to establish a breastfeeding routine.

In other circumstances, you might want a breast pump

Medical conditions that prevent breastfeeding

In some circumstances, pumping may be ideal for breastfeeding, like:

• Active herpes (HSV) lesions on the breast. You should not breastfeed to avoid viral transmission to your baby, but pumped milk is still safe as long as your medical provider has advised you to.

• Taking certain medications. Some medications may not be safe to breastfeed while taking, so you may need to “pump and dump.” This means you pump to maintain your milk supply, but discard the milk as it is unsafe for the baby. This includes some antiviral medications, anesthesia, or chemotherapy drugs.

• Neurological or physical conditions in the baby.Some conditions, like cleft palate or cerebral palsy, make it difficult for babies to develop coordination to breastfeed or create a proper latch. Pumping and feeding them through a special bottle can make feeding times easier on the baby.

• NICU babies. If your baby is admitted to the NICU, it might not be possible for you to get there for feedings every few hours to breastfeed. Pumping and storing milk is a great option to give your newborn nutritious breast milk without breastfeeding in the NICU each time.

Pumping as a complement to breastfeeding

Pumping is often a great complement to breastfeeding, and you won’t need to use one method to replace the other.

For example:

• Low milk supply. If you have low milk supply, nipple stimulation is a great tool to increase your supply. Breastfeeding in conjunction to pumping can offer this stimulation. 

• If you are engorged, pumping can help you empty the breast and relieve some of the pressure and pain. Emptying the breasts can also prevent mastitis (9), and infection caused by a clogged milk duct. 

• Poor feeding.If your baby is struggling with breastfeeding, you may want to pump in addition to breastfeeding. Using both methods, your baby still gets exposure at the breast, but also receives adequate caloric intake.

Is It Best to Buy a Breast Pump While You Are Pregnant?

You may not know if you need a breast pump until after delivery. Once your baby is born, you’ll learn more about any potential roadblocks with breastfeeding, your mental and physical health, and your newborn’s health and ability to breastfeed. 

There are some advantages to buying a breast pump while pregnant.

Preparation and peace of mind

Having a breast pump ready before your baby arrives can provide peace of mind. You won't have to rush to buy one after delivery, allowing you to focus on recovering and bonding with your newborn. Knowing that you have a pump available can reduce stress, especially if you encounter unexpected challenges with breastfeeding.

Time to research and buy the right pump

Purchasing a breast pump during pregnancy gives you time to research and select the best pump for your needs. You can compare different models, read reviews, and seek advice from healthcare providers or other mothers. Research ensures you choose a pump that suits your lifestyle, comfort, and preferences.

Having your pump during the initial postpartum period

Having a pump on hand immediately after birth can be helpful, especially if you face issues like engorgement, latch difficulties, or the need to increase milk supply. A pump can also allow you to start storing milk early, which can be beneficial if you plan to return to work or need to be away from your baby for any reason.

There are also some disadvantages to buying a breast pump too soon.

Potentially wasting money

If breastfeeding goes smoothly and you find you don't need a pump as much as anticipated, you might feel like you've wasted money on an unnecessary purchase. High-quality breast pumps can be expensive, and the investment might seem unjustified if it turns out you rarely use it.

Change in breastfeeding circumstances

Circumstances can change after your baby is born. You might receive new medical advice, experience different breastfeeding challenges, or find that your baby has specific needs that alter your feeding plans. In such cases, the type of pump you initially purchased might not be the best fit, leading to additional costs or inconvenience.

The Bottom Line

Deciding whether to buy a breast pump depends on various factors such as your lifestyle, mental and physical health, and potential breastfeeding challenges. While having a pump ready before birth can provide peace of mind and allow time for thorough research, it's also important to consider that circumstances might change postpartum, possibly affecting your need for a pump. Ultimately, choosing the right breast pump and knowing when to purchase it requires careful consideration of your personal needs and situation.

References 

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5646745/#:~:text=Background%3A%20More%20than%2085%25%20of,their%20milk%20at%20least%20sometimes. 

2. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-pumps/types-breast-pumps#:~:text=Breast%20pumps%20extract%20milk%20from,combination%20is%20called%20a%20cycle. 

3. https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/expressing-your-breast-milk/expressing-breast-milk-with-a-pump/#:~:text=Breast%20pumps%20are%20designed%20to,your%20pump%20before%20using%20it. 

5. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pump-at-work

7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9546173/

8. https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/how-much-milk-your-baby-needs#:~:text=At%20birth%2C%20your%20baby's%20tummy,much%20milk%20your%20baby%20needs.