Important information when buying a breast pump
How often do you want to pump?
Manual operation may be enough for occasional pumping. For regular sessions, an electric pump takes over that movement. A double pump lets you pump both breasts at once but also gives you two sets of parts to clean. More settings do not tell you how much milk you will pump.
What breast shield size do you need?
The breast shield is the part placed against your breast. According to the Voedingscentrum, your nipple should be centered with room to move. Pumping should not hurt. Ask a lactation consultant for help if you have pain. Before buying, compare available sizes and the cost of a different shield.
Buy, rent or wait?
Hand expression is also possible. If you expect to need a pump temporarily or need help establishing feeding, discuss a suitable device with your care provider or lactation consultant. Rental pumps are also available. Compare rental period, personal expression kit and terms before deciding.
What do you take to your pumping space?
Check that there is an outlet, a quiet place to sit and a way to store milk. See how to take the parts apart and let them dry. For cleaning, follow the manual and current Voedingscentrum advice. Additional hygiene instructions may apply for a sick or premature baby.
Best breast pumps: which suits you?
If you want a lightweight manual pump that needs no electricity, the Harmony offers that operation. If you want to pump one breast electrically, the SCF395/31 does this with a power adapter. If you want to pump both breasts at once, the SCF397/31 provides two pumping kits. Fit and how often you pump matter more than the number of features.