Before You Before You Buy a Breast Pump

Breast pumps come in so many varieties it's hard to know what pump works to fit your lifestyle. Here are the basics of breast pumps to help you make the right decision.

Hospital Grade Pumps

These breast pumps are the ones that are favored by the woman who pump breast milk more than once or twice a week. They offer a lot of flexibility and breast milk storage options.

• Medela Pump in Style
• Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump
• Bailey Nurture III

Battery Powered Pumps

These breast pumps tend to work a bit faster and use less muscle, however, they are also basically used for occasional pumping. Though they can also be equipped with an AC adapter.

• Medela Single Battery/Electric
• Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump

Hand Pumps

This type of pump is generally used for occasional pumping. They may take a bit more time to pump breast milk, but generally cost less.

• Avent Isis
• Ameda One Hand Breast Pump
• Medela Harmony

Bisphenol-A

Bisphenol-A is not just a question for people who are dealing with baby bottles, but breast pumps as well. Be sure to check your breast pump and breast pump parts are bisphenol-A free. Medela breast pumps are bisphenol-A free products. While the FDA has banned BPA in baby bottles, this may not extend to breast pumps.