| Many mothers, particularly working mothers, find it | | | | often helps to keep a manual option, ready at hand. |
| convenient to use breast pumps to express and | | | | The latter options are usually more expensive and of |
| store breast milk either occasionally or on a regular | | | | course, more convenient. Some private health |
| basis. When you rejoin work, travel or plan on going | | | | insurance companies offer assistance in breastfeeding |
| out for the night leaving your little one with a sitter, | | | | and pumping equipment, including expenses of |
| breast pumps make life easier. | | | | lactation consultants and supportive care. Health |
| Depending on frequency of use and budget | | | | departments offer programs to purchase/rent the |
| considerations, there are mainly three different types | | | | equipment. The Special Supplemental Nutrition |
| of breast pumps available in the market. | | | | Program (WIC) offers assistance to low income |
| (A) Manual Pumps use two cylinders and a lever or a | | | | women. |
| hollow rubber ball to create vacuum to express milk. | | | | It is never advisable to buy used breast pumps as |
| These are the most economic option available, but | | | | diseases such as HIV infections and Hepatitis may be |
| they are cumbersome, time consuming and cannot | | | | transmitted through these. Only hospital grade pumps |
| be cleaned properly. However, they work well for | | | | are reusable and that too with a fresh set of |
| occasional users and do not need power/ batteries | | | | accessories. For the same reason, never share your |
| to operate. | | | | breast pump with anyone. |
| (B) Battery powered pumps use batteries to run a | | | | Ask your lactation consultant or your doctor for |
| motor which creates suction. These are handy and | | | | references while renting a pump. Always check with |
| quick to use. | | | | the Better Business Bureau for the reputation of the |
| (C) Electric Pumps have a cord which is to be | | | | agent before renting a pump. Breast pumps come |
| plugged on to electrical outlets to run a suction | | | | under FDA regulations of medical devices. So make |
| motor. | | | | sure your set matches your specifications and has |
| Mothers using options (B) and (C) regularly should be | | | | FDA clearance. |
| prepared for low battery/ power outage situations. It | | | | |