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In most cases when breastfeeding is going well you will not need to pump your breast milk however many women choose to express at some point in their journey. The reasons you wish to express and how often you want to express will have an impact on the type of breast pump you chose to purchase or hire. We’ve included a summary of the different types of breast pumps available to help you with your decision.
If you choose to express with a pump, it is important the flange (the bit that attaches to your breast) fits you well to minimise risks of developing blocked ducts and so that expressing is comfortable for you. Remember that the more milk you remove from your body, the more milk your body will produce so care may be required so as not to overstimulate your breasts. Your midwife, health visitor / family nurse or breastfeeding peer supporter is there to support you and answer your questions.
Manual breast pump
Available in single and double pumps and are designed for occasional expressing. They are portable as they do not require any power source. Manual pumps tend to be less expensive than electric pumps.
Electric breast pump
Available in single and double. Electric breast pumps will come with varying settings of suction and speed depending on the pump that you purchase. They require a power source which may be AV, battery or give you the option of both.
Silicon breast pump
These one piece devices work without electricity by creating a gentle vacuum pressure on the milk making tissue of one breast while you feed your baby on the opposite breast to create a let down. It is important to investigate the brand you buy to ensure that you purchase one which is free from BPA.
Hospital Grade breast pump
Hospital grade breast pumps are recommended if you are expressing to establish your milk supply, to increase your milk supply, for a sick or premature baby or for multiples. Hospital grade breast pumps are designed for frequent, daily pumping.
Open System
In an “open” pump, there is no barrier that stops your breast milk from going into the tubing or mechanism . These pumps are single user only, you can not sell these on when you no longer require it.
Closed System
In a “closed” system, there is a barrier that stops milk coming into contact with the tubing or pump mechanism. This makes the pump suitable for selling on when you no longer require it although it is important to consider that many pumps are designed to be used by single user due to wear and tear and that you may need to replace parts of the pump over time to maintain efficiency.