Breast Pump 101

Whether you plan to exclusively breastfeed, exclusively pump or somewhere in between like I did; below is some helpful information about the different breast pump companies out there and what services they offer from the folks at Consumer Affairs.
What type of pump should you be looking for:

Frequent users-
Customers who purchase a breast pump and need to pump more than once a day should invest in a high-quality pump. They need an automatic pump with speed options, multiple flanges, and double-pumping capability.

Occasional users-
While many mothers breastfeed, some prefer to have the baby drink straight from the breast, rather than pump milk into the bottle. Mothers who primarily feed from the breasts only need to use a breast pump occasionally. These customers can use a manual pump or a less complex pump because it doesn't have to work as efficiently.

Users who have trouble feeding-
Some mothers have trouble feeding and should use hospital-grade electric breast pumps that can help draw milk from the breast much more quickly, or they should take advantage of specialized pumps designed to deal with medical issues or discomfort. These customers often look for pumps that can also draw milk from both breasts at once to yield more milk.

Users who prefer manual pumps-
Some customers, whether they are constantly moving around and don't have access to electricity, or they are sensitive to the process or don't like carrying an electric pump, will be in search of a manual pump. They can control the process themselves, and it's easy to transport this kind of pump.

What services you should expect:

Customer service-
Breast pump companies that sell pumps to mothers should provide a high level of customer service in order to make sure customers are happy with their purchases and can get any concerns addressed promptly.

• Phone support: Some breast pump companies help customers via telephone, and customers who prefer to speak in person to customer service representatives often choose these companies because of their service practices.
• Chat support: Many companies now offer convenient chat support on their websites as well, offering service for customers who prefer to communicate via written text or the Internet.
• Refunds: Sometimes breast pumps do not function or fit correctly, or they stop working after a short amount of time. Refunds are an important feature for breast pump companies to offer, and customer service at breast pump companies also controls how the company handles refunds and their issuing.

Electric vs. manual-
The two main types of breast pumps are electric/battery-powered and manual. Companies often specialize in one type of pump.

• Electric: Many women like to purchase pumps from companies that make electric breast pumps because electric models are convenient and fast to use.
• Battery-powered: Battery-powered breast pumps are also sold by certain companies, and customers often choose these pumps because they are easy to travel with and still provide quick pumping.
• Manual: Some companies sell manual breast pumps; manual pumps are great for moms that have sensitive breasts or don't like the way electric pumps feel.

Warranties-
When purchasing products like breast pumps, it's important to check on the warranties offered that cover damage and wear and tear over time.

• Length of coverage: Warranties often last for a short length of time, often one or two years, depending on the company.
• What is covered: Customers can select a company based on what their warranty covers and whether the company will offer to fix or replace items.
• Processing time: When companies have products returned to them under warranty, they have to handle inspecting the product, dispose of or repair it, and get a new product to the customer, and companies have different timetables for how fast warranties can be processed.

Pricing-
Breast pumps come in a wide range of prices, from small, affordable manual pumps to more expensive pumps with many features.

• Hospital-grade pumps: Companies that sell hospital grade breast pumps will usually be much more expensive than other companies, but their pumps are also much higher quality.
• Affordable breast pumps: While some breast pump companies sell high-tech pumps, some mothers are simply looking for a straightforward and easy to use device, and many breast pump companies are dedicated to selling smaller, simpler pumps that are more affordable than larger models.
• Standard-grade pumps: Some companies sell standard single and dual pumps, without advanced features, and emphasize affordability to keep them accessible for all women.

Special requirements-
Many companies offer products that help moms with special needs.

• Sensitive skin: Some companies specialize in breast pumps that are designed to be easier on women with sensitive skin.
• Low lactation levels: Some mothers don't produce much milk and might require breast pumps that have different size flanges depending on how much milk she is producing at the time, and thus, some companies specialize in products to help increase lactation.
• Speed controls: Many companies offer breast pumps with different speed control and suction settings in order to maximize the effectiveness of the pumping.

Variety of products-
Some companies specialize in one type of breast pump while others feature a variety for customers to choose from.

• One product: Companies that focus on one type of breast pump may have more expertise in that kind of pump, and therefore are frequented by customers who are looking for a very specific product.
• Many products: Companies that offer a wide range of breast pumps allow all customers to choose the right option from a variety of choices.
• Small, specialized product selection: There are breast pump companies that sell a small selection of goods that are tailored to a certain group of mothers; for example, some companies create a small choice of pumps that help mothers with lactation issues.

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