one breast at a time, or do you need a double breast pump? Also consider whether you will have access to electricity when you are pumping. If not, you may need a manual or battery pump. If you travel a lot, your breast pump should be light and portable.
A manual pump is a cheap, portable option for those who use it up to one time per day.
Manual units can be tiring to use, though, and may not be be effective enough for those who need it several times per day. Manual pumps are reliable, though, since there are fewer parts to break.
Battery-powered breast pumps are available, but they're not as popular as manual and electric pumps, and are not often recommended by lactation consultants or doctors. Battery pumps tend to cycle slower than a baby's sucking pattern and less powerful overall. A weaker unit can cause a drop in milk supply if used daily for expressing milk. Battery units are easily portable, but they require frequent battery replacements.
Electric units are the choice for mothers returning to work full-time or pumping exclusively. These pumps usually express milk from both breasts at once and most closely imitate a baby's sucking pattern, which helps maintain milk supply. Popular accessories include car AC adapters, built-in milk coolers, travel cases and hands-free kits. The downside to electric units is price. Expect to spend $200-$300 to buy a good electric breast
pump.
Breast pump rental is a nice option for working mothers who only intend to breastfeed short-term. Powerful, hospital-grade rental units are also good for new mothers who are pumping to establish a milk supply, such as moms of NICU babies. Breast pump rentals may run $30-$60 per month, but they offer a chance to see that breastfeeding will work before committing to a large purchase, and may help those who cannot shell out $200 or more at one time to buy a breast pump.
Whether you're getting ready to go back to work or you just want to get some rest or go out, using a breast pump means that your baby can benefit from your milk even when you're not available. Obviously, before you purchase a Pump you have to make sure that it will work well for you, gathering some information and reviews that will help you make an informed decision and give you the best chance of making a purchase that you will not regret.