Manual Breast Pump or Electric Breast Pump
The first decision you will make when buying your breast pump is whether to buy a manual breast pump (hand operated) or an electric/battery operated breast pump. You will need to take into consideration how often you will be pumping, how long you will need to use the pump, and how much time you have to express milk.
Manual breast pumps
Hand-operated pumps are ideal if you will only need to express occasionally, for the odd night out or short period away from your baby. They tend to be very light and compact, and so easy to carry around in your bag while out and about. And of course, you do not need to worry about an electricity supply or any noise factor – most
manual breast pumps are silent to use. Some women find that their wrist tires relatively quickly when using a manual pump, so be sure to choose one with an ergonomically designed handle. You may find it takes some time to master the best rhythm for you – but, with a little practice, this will come. Manual pumps are easier to use when your breasts are full than when they are soft. Find out more about the Lansinoh
Manual Breast pump and discover the numerous product features and benefits today.
Electric breast pumps
Electric pumps are the preferred option if you will be expressing regularly, for example if you have a baby in special care, or are returning to work. They are also extremely useful if you have very limited time, as they are quicker than manual ones. Look for an electric breast pump that has separately adjustable suction and cycle levels, as this will enable you to choose settings that most closely resemble the way your baby suckles. It is also useful to have a pump that operates in two phases: one to stimulate the let down of your milk, and then the second for efficient expressing. Some electric pumps are now surprisingly light, so you may also want to take this into account.
Of course, one obvious difference between a manual breast pump and an electric breast pump is the price, but if you can, do not let that make the decision for you. You may find that going for a manual pump because it is the cheaper option actually works out as a false economy, if you will be using the pump a lot. If you are able to afford it, it is also worth thinking of buying both an electric and a manual, as they each have advantages in different places and situations.
You may also want to read our guide on choosing a single or double breast pump.
