Did you know that about 83% of mothers start breastfeeding at birth, but only around 25% continue exclusively for six months? This difference highlights the challenges many new mothers face, affecting approximately 58%.

A breast pump—a medical device designed to extract milk from lactating mothers—is a helpful tool for overcoming these challenges. It has transformed the breastfeeding experience by offering flexibility and support for managing nursing schedules.

However, many new moms can relate when they begin searching for basic information about breast pumps; they often feel overwhelmed and confused.

This guide aims to answer some of the most important questions new mothers have as they navigate the world of breast pumps.

Let’s start by defining what a breast pump is!

According to the World Health Organization:

“A breast pump is a mechanical device lactating women use to extract milk from their breasts.”

In simpler terms, it is a machine that copies the movements of a baby sucking at the breast, stimulating milk production and providing a convenient way to collect and store breast milk for later use.

It is classified as durable medical equipment (DME) intended for repeated use over a long period. This classification highlights the breast pump’s role in providing ongoing support for breastfeeding mothers, making it an essential part of many healthcare plans and insurance coverages.

The primary function of a breast pump is to help mothers who are unable to breastfeed their babies due to various reasons., such as:

• Separation from the baby (due to work, illness, etc.)
• Inverted or flat nipples (making it difficult for the baby to latch on)
• Low milk supply
• Engorgement (excess milk in the breasts causing discomfort)
• Premature birth of the baby
• Breastfeeding difficulties (e.g., tongue-tie, cleft lip/palate)

While a breast pump cannot replace the natural bonding and health benefits of direct breastfeeding, it enables mothers to provide their babies with breast milk, recognized as the best source of infant nutrition.

According to La Leche League International, a breast pump extracts milk from the breasts using a combination of suction and compression (or massage).

To understand how a breast pump works, imagine a baby nursing. When the baby sucks on the breast, they are creating suction and also using their tongue and jaw to compress the milk ducts and remove milk from the breast.

In the same way, breast pumps mimic the baby’s latch. They use a motorized or manual vacuum system to create suction on the breasts. This suction pulls the nipple and areola (the darker area surrounding the nipple) into the pump’s flange or shield, while the compression mimics a baby’s tongue and jaw movement to remove milk from the breast.

Before I answer this, it’s essential to understand the specific situations where a breast pump’s importance becomes evident. For many mothers, expressing milk using a breast pump provides invaluable flexibility and support.

For instance, working mothers often struggle to balance breastfeeding with their professional responsibilities. A breast pump allows them to continue providing breast milk for their baby despite being physically separated during work hours.

Additionally, mothers facing medical complications or whose babies are born prematurely may rely heavily on breast pumps to ensure their infants receive the benefits of breast milk when direct breastfeeding is not feasible.

While they may not be a perfect substitute for direct breastfeeding, they undoubtedly contribute significantly to maintaining and promoting the health and nutrition of both mother and baby.

No, not every breastfeeding mother will need a breast pump. The necessity of using a breast pump largely depends on individual circumstances, preferences, and breastfeeding goals.

For instance, stay-at-home mothers who have the flexibility to breastfeed on demand may not find regular use for a breast pump. Similarly, mothers with a robust support system enabling frequent direct breastfeeding might also opt out of using pumps.

However, a breast pump can be a convenient tool for mothers who wish to build a milk stash for occasional separations or to allow other family members to participate in feeding.

There are over seven different types of breast pumps, mainly divided into three main categories: manual, electric, and battery-operated. Each type has pros and cons, which can influence a mother’s decision based on her needs and lifestyle.

While the primary function of all breast pumps is to extract milk, they have different features that cater to varying needs. Some have been designed for occasional use, while others are more suitable for frequent and long-term usage.

Let’s take a brief look at each type.

As the name suggests, manual breast pumps require manual effort to create suction and extract milk from the breasts. They usually have a handle or lever that needs to be pressed repeatedly to mimic the suckling motion.

Manual breast pumps are affordable, compact, and easy to use. They are suitable for occasional use, like when you are away from your baby for a short period or need to relieve engorgement.

However, they can be tiring and time-consuming, making them less suitable for regular or long-term use.

Electric breast pumps use a motor-powered pump to create suction and extract milk. The intensity and speed of the suction can usually be adjusted according to comfort.

These pumps are more efficient and quicker than manual ones, making them ideal for frequent or exclusive pumping.

Some electric breast pumps have advanced features, such as a timer, memory function, different suction modes, etc., which make the experience more comfortable and convenient for mothers.

Battery-powered breast pumps are similar to electric ones but run on batteries instead of being plugged into an outlet. They offer more flexibility and portability, making them popular among working mothers.

These pumps can be used anywhere, anytime, without worrying about finding an electrical outlet. In addition to their portability, they can be hands-free or wearable, allowing mothers to move around and multitask while pumping.

However, they may be less powerful and efficient than electric pumps, and the batteries may need frequent replacements.

These types can then be further classified into:

• Single or Double Pumps (depending on whether it extracts milk from one breast at a time or both simultaneously)
• Closed or Open System Pumps (based on how the milk is extracted and stored)
• Hospital or Personal Use Pumps (based on the frequency and intensity of usage)
• Wearable or Hands-Free Pumps (allowing mothers to multitask while pumping)

Breast pumps are incredibly versatile tools that can be used in various circumstances beyond just regular milk expression. Here are some of the potential uses:

Engorgement can be uncomfortable and even painful for breastfeeding mothers. When the breasts become overly full of milk, a breast pump can help relieve the pressure and discomfort, providing much-needed relief.

For mothers concerned about low milk supply, pumping between feedings can stimulate milk production. Regular pumping signals the body to produce more milk, which can be beneficial for maintaining a healthy supply.

Some mothers produce more milk than their babies need. In such cases, they may donate their excess milk to milk banks. Breast milk donations can be a lifeline for premature or ill infants whose mothers cannot provide enough milk.

Sometimes, gradual weaning is the best approach for both mother and baby. A breast pump can help in this transition by allowing for a controlled reduction of milk supply, which can help minimize discomfort associated with abrupt weaning.

For adoptive mothers or those who wish to breastfeed without having given birth, breast pumps can be used to induce lactation. Regular pumping mimics the natural breastfeeding process, helping to stimulate milk production.

In some cases, breast stimulation through pumping has been suggested as a method to help induce labor naturally. The release of oxytocin during pumping may encourage contractions.

Breast pumps can collect colostrum before birth, especially for mothers concerned about their baby’s health. Storing this nutrient-rich fluid can provide essential benefits for newborns.

Breast pumps come in various shapes and designs but typically share some standard components. These include a breast shield (flange) that fits over the nipple and areola, a pumping mechanism (manual lever or motor), and a container to collect the expressed milk.

Electric and battery-operated pumps often have additional parts such as tubing, valves, and membranes that connect the breast shield to the motor and milk collection bottle.

Components of a braest pump include:

Breast Shields (Flanges) are the funnel-shaped parts that fit over the breasts. They come in various sizes to ensure a proper fit, crucial for comfort and efficient milk extraction.

This is the heart of the breast pump, responsible for creating the suction needed to extract milk. Manual pumps involve a hand-operated lever or piston, while electric pumps use a motor.

In electric and hospital-grade pumps, tubing connects the breast shields to the pump mechanism, transmitting the suction to the breasts. To prevent contamination, the tubing must be kept clean.

These small but vital components control milk flow from the breast shields into the collection containers, ensuring efficient extraction and preventing backflow.

These are used to collect and store the expressed milk. They are usually made of BPA-free plastic or glass and have secure lids to prevent spills.

These parts are designed to prevent milk from entering the tubing and motor, thereby reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring hygienic operation.

The sensation of using a breast pump can vary greatly among individuals and between different types of pumps. Generally, most mothers describe the feeling as rhythmic pulling and suction, similar to a baby’s suckling but perhaps less natural and more mechanical.

It is not uncommon for some mothers to experience discomfort or a slight pinching sensation as they get accustomed to the pump’s suction when starting out. Ensuring proper flange fit and adjusting the suction settings make the experience more comfortable.

While breast pumps are highly beneficial, they can sometimes have side effects. Mothers must be aware of potential issues to address them promptly and ensure a comfortable pumping experience.

Some common side effects include:

Some women experience nipple pain or soreness, particularly in the early days of using a breast pump. This can be due to improper flange size, incorrect pump settings, or using too much suction. Adjusting the pump settings and ensuring the flange fits correctly can help alleviate this discomfort.

Occasionally, women might experience breast engorgement from incomplete milk removal during pumping. To prevent this, it’s necessary to ensure the breasts are adequately emptied during each session.

Relying too heavily on a breast pump, especially if it’s not practical or used correctly, can decrease milk supply. Maintaining a consistent pumping schedule that mimics the baby’s natural feeding pattern can help maintain supply.

Improper cleaning and sterilization of breast pump parts can lead to bacterial infections, such as mastitis. Ensuring that all components are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each use is crucial.

Some mothers may feel stressed or inadequate if they cannot pump as much milk as expected. It’s important to remember that breastfeeding and milk expression vary significantly among individuals, and focusing on the baby’s growth and health is more important than the quantity of milk pumped.

A breast pump can range from as low as $20 for a manual pump to over $500 for an electric breast pump. This cost also varies depending on the pump’s type, features, and brand.

Manual breast pumps can cost between $20 and $50. They are budget-friendly for mothers who plan to pump infrequently and do not require high suction power or additional features.

Electric breast pumps can cost from $50 to over $500. They are ideal for mothers who plan to pump regularly and require efficient and comfortable milk extraction. These pumps offer various features, such as adjustable suction levels, different pump settings, and hands-free options

When selecting a breast pump, consider your pumping needs, frequency of use, and budget. Additionally, many insurance plans provide coverage for free breast pumps, so check with your provider to see if you qualify for a reimbursement or a free pump.

Breast pump is not a modern invention, and the history of a breast pump can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It has been used for various purposes, including relieving engorgement, providing milk for infants when the mother was away, and even as a form of contraception in certain cultures.

O.H. Needham patented the first manual breast pump in 1854, which used a lever to create suction. The breast pump evolved in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with new designs and features, such as rubber bulbs for suction and glass collection bottles.

The first electric breast pump was introduced in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that it gained popularity with advancements in technology and design. 

Today, breast pumps are improved and developed, making it easier for mothers to maintain their milk supply and provide breast milk for their babies.

In this guide, I have thoroughly explained the basics of a breast pump, from its definition to its cost. By understanding these basics, you can confidently continue your breastfeeding journey, knowing you have the tools and knowledge to support you.

Remember, every mother’s experience with breastfeeding and using a breast pump is unique. Finding what works best for you and your baby is essential, so don’t hesitate to seek support from lactation consultants, healthcare providers, or support groups when needed.

If you have any concerns or questions about what a breast pump is, feel free to leave a comment below.

Below are some commonly asked questions about breast pumps: