Pumping Tips & Information
About Rental Pumps & Consumer Pumps
Pumps vary greatly in capability and quality. Using the right pump for the right purpose can help ensure you reach your goals. Ana M. Hill IBCLC PD from Rocky Mountain Lactation provided Bosom Buddies with this information.
Multi-User (Rental Grade) Pumps
• Electric pumps frequently used in hospitals and other clinical settings and are available for short- or long-term rental by families. They are rarely purchased by families or issued by insurance as they are $2000 - $3000.
• Designed for multiple users while maintaining safe, hygienic use. The powerful motor of a multi-user pump is designed for frequent and long-term use, such as in a lactation room in a facility, for exclusive pumping, pumping for multiples or premature babies, or increasing low milk supply with frequent pumping.
• Designed and programmed to initiate milk supply with or without the aid of a baby feeding at breast, making it an ideal choice for families with premature babies, families choosing to pump exclusively, or families working to increase a low milk supply.
Is it a “hospital grade” pump?
d• The term “hospital grade” is not an officially defined or regulated term and can be used by a pump company to describe any pump.
• Frequently used to describe “closed system” pumps which are designed to prevent milk from entering the motor compartment of the pump, a feature of many personal use pumps.
• Does NOT mean the pump is designed to be used in the same manner as a multi-user pump, nor does it mean the pump has a longer life, stronger motor, or programming like a multi-user pump.
Personal Use Pumps
• Electric pumps which are frequently issued by insurance and are also available for purchase in the general price range of $40 - $400.
• Designed for a single user and are not safe to be resold or shared among more than one person.
• Usually warrantied for 90 days to 1 year under normal use (a few pumps of this type have two-year warranties).
• Designed for back-to-work use (about 3 times per day, five days a week) with an established milk supply.
Tips for Maximum Pumping Effectiveness
Use your hands!
Massaging while pumping can increase your production dramatically! You can watch a video about techniques on the Stanford Medicine website.
Make sure your flanges fit properly!
Pump flanges should not rub or cause pain. Flanges that are the wrong size reduce the amount of milk you can express. Here is an article and a video about flange size.
Manual Expression
Massaging while pumping can increase your production dramatically! You can watch a video about techniques on the Stanford Medicine website.
A pumping bra or harness can be a lifesaver!
Some great options include the Simplicity Hands Free pump harness & Simple Wishes Hands Free pump bra.
Are you looking for lactation help?
Do you have questions about how to use your pump, increase your milk supply, or overcome common feeding challenges?
Are you looking for consultation with an IBCLC (International Board
Certified Lactation Consultant)?