The Pump Post
This post will not answer the question “What is the best pump to get?”. Nor is it a review of all the pumps on the market. The goal of this post is to work through some of the variable features consistent (and different) across pumps to help you understand how the different pumps available are similar and how they are different.
Before going through those features, let’s first talk about if a breast pump is necessary, as well as reasons why you may use one.
Breast pumps are in essence a way to express breastmilk to provide to a baby when a baby cannot do it themselves. Breast milk expression may be desired by parents whose babies have difficulty latching, are gaining weight poorly, or if there is separation from baby and mom (for example, a NICU stay or return to work). Additionally, there are some lactating parents who, by choice, prefer to pump exclusively.
All of this is to say that a breast pump may not be necessary depending on the individual situation. In the case of a well-latching, thriving baby without any anticipated separation, a pump is not necessary at all. In this case, the only reason why milk expression other than baby would need to occur is if there is separation from mom and baby long enough that the baby will need to feed between and mom needs to empty her breasts. Most insurances will cover a basic double electric breast pump, so there isn’t a downside to obtaining one, but just because it’s there doesn’t mean there is an obligation to use it in the absence of a need to collect expressed milk for baby. See this post cautioning against creation of oversupply and hyperlactation.
Let’s review some of the common features of most commercial available breast pumps.
PANITHAN PHOLPANICHRASSAMEE / EYEEM//GETTY IMAGES
Frequency
The frequency is the rate of suctions/minute. For example, a frequency of 54 equates to 54 “sucks” per minute, a frequency of 38 equates to 38 “sucks” per minute. A higher frequency isn’t necessarily better — the higher the frequency the shorter each individual drag is. Some lactating people respond better to a less frequent but longer drag.
Suction
This is the strength of the suction. Higher isn’t always better in terms of milk production, some lactating people respond better to a lower suction. Milk expression should never be painful - if it is, try dialing down the suction strength.
Stimulation Mode
This feature is added to some pumps as a way to stimulate a let down. The stimulation mode uses a high frequency (rapid drags) at low suction (not very strong) to stimulate the nipples the way a baby when they are first latching plays with the nipple before settling into a regular suck pattern once the milk starts flowing.
If a breast pump doesn’t come with a stimulation mode/button, the user can manipulate the pump settings to create a stimulation mode by adjusting the frequency to a high frequency and dropping the suction to a lower suction.
Flange Sizing
Most breast pumps come with 1-2 standard flange sizes. Unfortunately, these “standard” flange sizes don’t take into account the variety of breast sizes and shapes. Pumping needs to be observed in action to determine what is the best flange size. What you are looking for is for the nipple to move in and out freely in the tube without rubbing the edges, but not so freely that excess areola is being pulled in. Too small and nipple damage can occur from rubbing against the sides of the flange, too large and areola edema can occur as result of getting pulled into the flange. Optimal flange sizes can differ from left breast to right, and can change throughout the pumping journey.
Closed
This term refers to whether or not there is a back-flow valve preventing expressed milk from getting into the tubing that connects to the motor.
Wearable
These pumps are advertised as being more discrete and convenient in that they fit into a bra and the user can move around more freely wearing them. Some users report adequate output and feel these pumps are game changers for them in terms of enhanced mobility, some users feel these pumps do not empty them as well and the decreased output isn’t worth the convenience. With wearables, the flange is embedded inside the pump so it can be a little more difficult to troubleshoot correct flange sizing.
I hope this post helps you better compare one pump from another and make a more educated decision!
