Every mother has different pumping needs, so a decision based upon that is best. There are several models available ranging from occasional use to long-term frequent use. Once the determination about how many bottles per week will be needed, a lot of models will automatically fall off the list of suggestions. The process of elimination relieves a lot of the stress involved with trying to find the right pump to suit the needs of the nursing mother.

Price is also a major factor during the selection process. With the new baby arriving, or if they are already here, they have already consumed a lot of expenses. With that in mind, unless this is acquired as a gift, cost will pretty much rule in the decision making. Pump prices range from a modest thirty dollars for a less frequently used hand pump to a terrifying twelve hundred dollars for models designed for prolonged long-term use such as the Medela Symphony.

Should a manual pump or electric pump be chosen for use? While manual pumps are far more cost efficient, an electric pump is a lot more user friendly. It really boils down to the opinion of the user. Many women have no trouble using manual pumps and often prefer them over electric pumps. An electric pump is quick and, unlike a manual pump, is less likely to interrupt the flow of milk. Many breast-feeding mothers in the workplace choose an electric pump for those very reasons. Unfortunately, this day and age does not provide much time for mothers to produce, pump and store milk for their babies if they have to incorporate this routine into their work day.

Not all mothers choosing a breast pump are doing so because it is necessary for them to return to work. Anytime a nursing infant is left with a relative or caregiver for any period of time; bottles are a very big necessity. Fathers may also wish to share in the feeding experience, so having bottles pumped and ready for this occasion is very important. Fathers who wish to help with nighttime feedings will also need to have a supply of expressed milk ready to go to meet the needs of the demanding infant.

If the pump is not comfortable, efficient or easy to clean, a different model may need to be selected. Every woman’s body is different and every woman learns this art form in a different way. If the pumping experience is uncomfortable or the process becomes a hassle, the likelihood for continuation is slim.

First of all, please keep in mind that double BREAST PUMPS are always preferred over single ones. Double BREAST PUMPS will cut pumping time in half. Also, double pumping provide more stimulation to the breasts so the milk ejection reflex is more intense, thus providing more milk. Also, the double BREAST PUMPS collect milk from both breasts the same time, thus all the milk will be collect and not one drop will be wasted.

Medela Pump In Style
This is the pump that has set the standard for all other pumps and made Medela world famous. If you can afford it, you will not go wrong with this pump, regardless which breastfeeding circumstances you are in. It can be used for occasional or regular. It can be double or single.

However, every woman is unique, with her own taste, preference and budget. You will find your right one with Medela 's wide range of styles and prices of BREAST PUMPS.
If you need a breast pump for occasional separations from your baby, or if you need to use a breast pump (on average), no more than once per day., we recommend Medela Manualectric, SpringExpress™, MiniElectric™ BREAST PUMPS

Hospital grade rental pump such as the Symphony, Lactina® or Classic™, for the mother who wishes to use a fully automatic pump.

These BREAST PUMPS are affordable, easy to use yet effective and durable and easy to clean. It can last from babies to babies.

Sore Nipples, engorgement, breast infection (Mastitis)

Many mothers have slight tenderness when they first begin to breastfeed. However, pain that persists or skin breakdown is a sign that you will benefit from professional breastfeeding help. A pump can be useful to protect milk supply in the short term until latch or breastfeeding problems are solved. Ask for assistance from your doctor, or from an IBCLC lactation consultant or other breastfeeding professional.

Engorgement
This is a normal event in early breastfeeding. It is usually a short-lived experience. A gentle pump is useful if the baby is having difficulty removing enough milk to bring relief or to soften nipple to help baby latch on. If you have breastfeeding problems that continue, call your MD or IBCLC breastfeeding professional . Unrelieved engorgement can lead to a decrease in milk supply. I used the original Medela pump in style breast pump whenever I had engorgement issues.

Sore breasts, plugged milk ducts, or breast infections can last several days. It is very important to empty the breasts during breast infections. It is ok to breastfeed your baby if you have mastitis. Because the taste of the milk may change during mastitis, some babies may refuse to nurse. Contact your doctor or lactation professional (IBCLC) for assistance, especially if you have a fever, redness, pain, swelling, or other sign of infection in your breast. Your doctor may prescribe medication for breast infection or a mild pain reliever that is safe for use in breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeed your baby often, especially on the affected side, carefully paying attention to good latch and positioning. Use a pump if the baby refuses the affected breast. Your doctor or IBCLC may suggest using the pump after the baby nurses to make sure the breast is thoroughly drained.

We recommend you to purchase Medela Pump In Style, Medela Symphony or another strong pump if you have plugged ducts. Your really need a breast pump with some power to help express the milk. Avoid cheaper pumps or pumps built by formula manufacturers.

Please keep in mind that in these early days, your focus is on maintaining your milk supply. So, double pumping is highly recommended

Return to work (part time or full time, separations on a regular basis)
For occasional separations or part-time employment (separations of less than 5-6 hours/day), there are several pumps that will meet your needs. The key to protecting milk supply is expressing milk or breastfeeding every 2-3 hours while away from baby.

We recommend the MiniElectric™ or Pump In Style® (double pump).

The Medela Pump In Style will give you the biggest bang for your buck! Everything you need is in one stylish professional looking bag. I used it for 15 months heavy duty pumping for my first baby. Since I was a "pumper", not a "nurser", I used it 6 to 8 times a day at first, all the way down to 4 months, then 4 times a day, etc. I used to take it with me to conferences, seminars. ALL I needed was in ONE nice looking bag. One little add-on feature that I like best was a built-in picture frame so you can insert your baby picture in there. Looking at the baby picture and think of the baby while pumping helps strengthen the bonding, helps the mom to be relax and helps to stimulate the milk-ejection reflex. Remember, when you pump or breastfeed, thinking of your baby and milk WILL HELP to stimulate the milk let-down. With this Pump In Style, I used to make at least 6 ounces of milk each session. Most of the time I got 8 to 9 ounces. I had so much milk that we had to buy a deep freezer for storage. It was full.

If you decide on the Pump In Style, you do not need anything else as everything you need is included in the box. However, if you choose to go with the MiniElectric, make sure you have a cooler and a cooling element to store your milk.

Low Milk Supply

Mothers who breastfeed early, often, and effectively usually produce plenty of breast milk. If there are low supply problems, it is best to ask your doctor or breastfeeding professional such as an IBCLC for professional assistance. Pumping can boost supply by removing milk efficiently from the breasts, which is key to good milk production.

Rent a Medela Baby Scale if recommended by your doctor or breastfeeding professional advisor.

Flat or Inverted Nipples

Flat and inverted nipples are not uncommon. Over time, nipple tissue will become more elastic. Pumping can help this process. Some mothers find it useful to pump for a minute or two to help draw out their nipples, making it easier for the baby to latch-on. Breast shells worn in between feedings, and temporary supervised use of a nipple shield may help as well. Guidance from a health care provider or lactation consultant (IBCLC) is recommended in this situation.

Premature or Hospitalized Baby

Whenever a baby is unable to breastfeed because of prematurely or hospitalization, mothers need equipment that is designed to help build and maintain their milk supply. Experts recommend using a hospital-grade breast pump at least 8 times each 24 hours until the baby can breastfeed.

We recommend Hospital Grade Rental Pump such as Lactina® or Classic™ BREAST PUMPS. If you can't afford to buy these, please consider renting one. They are for rent at affordable prices. You can either contact Medela Inc at (800) 435-8316 or us at (773) 631-0526 for the list of rental outlets available in your area.

Latch-on Problems

Latch-on problems are usually temporary. Seek help from your health care provider and lactation professional (IBCLC). Use the pump to protect your milk supply while working out the latch-on difficulties. Feed the pumped milk to your baby by cup or dropper; avoid bottles and pacifiers until the baby has learned to latch on and nurse well. Try to pump as many times as a newborn baby would normally nurse: 8-10 times/24 hours.

A nipple pump can protect the milk supply of a mother who must travel. During lengthy separations, pump as many times per day as you would normally breastfeed or pump.

When a high number of pumping sessions is required ( 4 to 8 or more), we always recommend buying a high quality breast pump from either Medela or Ameda.