Choosing the right breast pump can make life better for you and your baby. Having a conversation with a provider about your options can go a long way in finding the best option for you.
The right breast pumping plan for you can involve a variety of factors, including lifestyle, needs and budget.
Kara Von Holtum is a Sanford Health registered nurse who serves as a lactation consultant. In this role, she helps moms-to-be navigate how to feed their baby. It’s a process that can seem a little overwhelming – especially when coupled with all the other stuff that comes with bringing a baby into the world.
At Sanford, lactation consultants know that feeding your baby is what’s important, whether that be through breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, formula feeding or a mixture of both.
For those who will be using a pump, tapping into the expertise of providers like Von Holtum can be a smart starting point.
“There are so many pumps on the market currently and not every pump is going to work 100% for everyone,” Von Holtum said. “Choosing the right one can be a hard question to answer, but having conversations with moms beforehand about the best options can really help.”
Prior to purchase, it can help to understand why many women choose to use a breast pump:
- Returning to work or school: Pumping allows you to provide breast milk when you’re away from your baby.
- Increasing supply: Pumps can stimulate production, especially in cases of low supply or when the baby isn’t nursing effectively.
- Relief from engorgement: Sometimes breasts become overly full, and pumping can help relieve discomfort.
- Feeding flexibility: Pumping gives your partner or other caregivers the opportunity to feed the baby.
- Exclusive pumping: Some moms choose or need to pump exclusively rather than breastfeed directly.
Starting the process
Everyone is different when it comes to finding the right product, which makes it even more important to devote the attention needed to make the right choice.
The first step is to ask yourself what you will be asking of your breast pump. Will you be pumping exclusively? Will you be pumping on the go? Will you be going back to work and need a pump that accommodates that?
Fortunately, the breast pumps designed for you are out there. Sanford Health Equip offers a variety of pumps and supplies to help you feel comfortable and confident while breastfeeding.
Sanford Health lactation consultants like Von Holtum set up appointments with those who have received a breast pump prescription. The prescription is often a necessary step for health insurance coverage and can double as an official starting point for the search for the right pump.
“We answer a lot of questions before they pick out their pump,” Von Holtum said. “That has been very helpful for both the moms and us in touching base before they make a decision. It has become a very popular talking point for moms.”
Types of breast pumps
- Manual. Pros: Affordable, lightweight, OK for occasional use, won’t wake up the baby. Cons: Will not produce output as well as electric pumps.
- Electric. Pros: More efficient than manual, good for regular use, available as single or double pumps. Cons: Need to be near an electric outlet or have a (charged) battery to operate.
- Hospital-grade. Pros: Strong suction, designed for frequent pumping, very reliable. Cons: Take up more space than other options. Often rented, not purchased.
- Wearable/hands-free. Pros: Portable, hands-free for busy moms. Cons: Sometimes not as efficient as some other models.
“For some moms, wearable pumps are the only way to go,” Von Holtum said. “It might be because of work, or they have other kids at home and they don’t have the time or the desire to sit connected to a pump.”
Popular recommended brands include Medela, Spectra, Zomee and more.
After determining what type of breast pump will suit you best, you can refine your search. Considerations might include ease of cleaning, noise level and milk storage compatibility.
Cost can also play a role in selecting the correct breast pump. On that count, there is an option for every budget.
“You have the super-bougie wearable pumps and some tabletop pumps that can go all the way into the mid-$500 range,” Von Holtum said. “You can also find pumps online that you can get for $20. There is a huge range.”
Breast pumps offered at Sanford Health Equip are in the $115 to $200 range. Most insurance plans cover the cost, but you should check on what your own insurance provider covers.
Purchasing advice
The wide selection at Sanford Health Equip is accompanied by trained staff that collaborate with Sanford providers to help customers make informed decisions. This can include recommendations on specific models, sizes and accessories, depending on your needs.
Samantha Kutcher of Sanford Health Equip Bemidji makes it her business to answer questions that come up in the breast pump purchasing process. She is often the last expert a customer will talk to before they go home and open the box.
On that count, Kutcher advises that it is wise to read the manual that comes with the product. Manufacturers also offer helpful videos on their websites that can make proper use easier to understand.
Insurance is another common concern. It’s best to know what your health plan’s coverage policies are prior to buying a breast pump.
“Typically, an insurance plan will cover one breast pump for every pregnancy,” Kutcher said. “Some insurance plans will also cover accessories like monthly milk storage bags. That’s something a lot of patients don’t know about.”
Kutcher will be able to offer specific warranty information about the brands Equip carries. These brands are historically very dependable, Kutcher said, but it is important to note that the warranty clock starts on purchase day – not when you begin to use it.
For that reason, it can be smart to find the one you want but wait to purchase it until shortly before you intend to start using it.
Those seeking more information and support for lactation and breastfeeding on can visit Sanford Health’s lactation page. For more information on specific breast pumps and breastfeeding supplies, visit Sanford Health Equip.
Learn more
- America’s Best Maternity Hospitals include 3 Sanford centers
- How to pump and store breast milk on the go
- A routine can help the transition to work after having baby
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Posted In Children's, Nutrition, Pregnancy, Women's
