Breastfeeding Tips & Breast Pump Guide | Lactation Connection

Hospital grade breast pumps also know as multi-user breast pumps are often used for corporate lactation and clinical settings. There are three we most often recommend.   Ameda Pearl Ameda Platinum Spectra S3 Pro Pump Type Hospital-grade, multi-user Hospital-grade, multi-user Hospital-grade, multi-user Power Source AC + rechargeable battery AC only (plug-in) AC + rechargeable battery Suction Range Up to ~250 mmHg Up to ~250 mmHg Up to ~270 mmHg Cycle Speed Stimulation: ~80–120 CPM Expression: ~30–48 CPM Adjustable speed, ~30–80 CPM Adjustable, up to ~70 CPM Modes/ Adjustability Stimulation & expression; customizable settings  Fully adjustable vacuum & speed Adjustable suction & cycles Closed System Yes Yes Yes Portability Portable due to internal battery Least portable; plug in Portable due to internal battery Noise Level Moderate Moderate Relatively quiet Durability/Use Intensity For frequent clinical and rental use Heavy-duty clinical workhorse For hospital a...

It is hard to believe it has been 80 years since Swedish engineer, Einer Egnell invented the first auto-cycling mechanical breast pump.  Today, we have so many choices, but it is a little like having more television channels - so many choices make for hard decisions. Let's break down the categories. Personal Breast Pumps - This category includes the small breast pumps including the silicone pumps such as the Motif Silicone Breast Pump and the Haakaa breast pump .  There used to be more single pumping battery operated pumps in this category, but none were very effective so that has mostly faded away.  I would also put the dual battery operated pumps that are hands-free in this category because since they rely on a small battery, they are only as effective as the batteries are fresh. Professional Breast Pumps - These are pumps like the Spectra Synergy Gold , S1 and S2, Ameda Mya, and Motif Luna.  These pumps work very well, but they are not considered hygienic as mu...

Whether you are choosing a breast pump through your insurance company or to purchase on your own, information is always welcome!  Choosing the right breast pump is so important because it can make the difference in how long you are able to or even choose to pump milk for your breastfed baby.   Below is a comparison chart to help you with your selection. As someone who has been in this industry since 1993, we have seen breast pumps and even breast pump companies come and go, but Spectra and Motif seem to be taking the lead.  Both companies have easy access to replacement parts including multiple breast flange sizes .  Both companies also offer compatible breast pump bottles and high quality breast milk storage bags as well.  Spectra also offers a multi-user breast pump for corporate lactation and birthing centers called the Spectra S3 Pro for under $900 which is much better than over a thousand for what was the previously only option in hospital grade b...

Moms often ask - "Of the pumps that are offered free with my insurance plan, which pump is my best choice?"  This is a great question because there are several factors to consider when choosing a breast pump. Most importantly, hygiene needs to be considered when choosing a breast pump.  Is this a pump that won't contaminate my breast milk?  The answer is in whether it has an open or closed system.  Closed system pumps protect your milk from having dust or bacteria blown into the bottles while you are pumping.  The biggest offender in this area are the Medela pumps.  They do not offer a closed system and the Medela company does not comply with the codes set up by the World Health Organization so it is easy to rule this brand out. The next consideration is the function.  Is it a double electric auto-cycling breast pump with at least 250mmHG which is milligrams of mercury, a measurement commonly used in measuring strength of suction. Most commonly inf...