So, you are planning to go back to work and continue breastfeeding. You are not alone because 80% of women are in the workforce. There are 2 important reasons why pumping your milk at work is important. First, to provide the nutrition of breast milk for your baby when you are apart and second to keep up your supply so that you can continue to breastfeed when you are together.
Here at the Moses Taylor Lactation Department, we receive numerous calls concerning pumping, milk storage, decreased supply…This is the first in a series of articles we will post every month on our web site to help you, the working mother, enter back into the work place and continue breastfeeding.
A good place to start is choosing a breast pump for your needs. There are so many types of pumps in stores and on the internet, how do you know which is best for you?
There are 2 well known pump companies, Medela and Ameda. We recommend pumps from one of these 2 companies because all these companies do is make breastfeeding items which support your breastfeeding. Here at Moses Taylor Lactation Department we rent and sell Medela pumps. Other manufacturers sell pumps, but these pumps may not empty the breast properly. I would say they suck, but that is the problem they don’t! The crime is when women believe it is themselves who do not have enough milk and give up on breastfeeding. Now you have spent good money on a pump which does not work and you must buy formula because you’ve stopped breastfeeding.
The following are guidelines we suggest in considering a pump. If unsure, rent a pump for 5 days and see if you like pumping before spending any large amount of money on a pump. Attend a back to work class, visit breastfeeding and working chat rooms and message boards, read a book on back to work and breastfeeding or call your lactation consultant for further information.
GUIDES ON CHOOSING A BREASTPUMP
1. STAY AT HOME MOTHER: Manual for the occasional times you may be away from your baby. Manual pumps are lightweight and easy to clean such as the Medela Harmony Pump. A manual pump is used by hand and only allows you to pump one breast at a time. You provide the rhythm/suction. Prices range from $40 to $80.
2. PART TIME WORK (3 TO 24 HOURS PER WEEK): Mini electric pumps can be plugged into an outlet or uses batteries. It is a convenient alternative to manual pumping. These pumps produce 4 to 30 cycles/minute. They are very portable, small and light. Medela brands are Double Select Pump or the Swing Pump. Mini electric pumps have a limited life and tend to break down frequently with over use. May or may not allow pumping both breasts at the same time. Prices range from $75 to $160.
3. FULL TIME WORK (GREATER THAN 24 HOURS PER WEEK): High-end or hospital grade electric pump include rental pumps or travel pumps such as the Medela Pump In Style. Cycling rate most closely corresponds to the sucki8ng action of the baby and allows pumping both breasts at the same time. These pumps are recommended to help maintain your milk supply while you are away from your baby. Prices for rental pumps range from $40 to $80 per month and travel pumps range from $270 to $350.
(570) 340-2100 TTY (570) 969-9705
Debra Derby, RN, IBCLC . Kathy McCormick, RN, BSN, IBCLC . Corinne Staples RN, CLC