If you are in the market for a breast pump, you can go into a store and compare them from the shelf side-by-side. Although there is no harm in doing it this way, there is a much better chance of getting a really good breast pump comparison by using online reviews instead. This way, you can find out the information you need to make an informed decision about which breast pump is right for you without having to deal with large, cumbersome boxes, price tags that aren't there or crowded aisles.
There are several aspects of a breast pump that should be a part of your breast pump comparison so that you can choose the ones that is best for your individual needs. First is electric pumps vs. manual pumps. The comparison here is that electric pumps can pump at several different rates, depending on the model of the pump. Manual pumps will only pump as fast as you can pump it using your hands. Though this may not seem like a huge deal, you can get hand or arm fatigue using a manual pump, but they do save you quite a bit of money compared to their battery or A/C operated counterparts.
The next breast pump comparison item is portable vs. stable. This means that some models come in packages that allow for them to be packed up and taken on the road for busy moms, while others are meant specifically for the home and would not be very easy to tote around. You should evaluate your needs before you make this comparison. Are you a homemaker who plans to stay home a lot? If this is the case, you may not need a portable pump. However, if you are going back to work after your maternity leave, or you find yourself running errands or taking care of your other kids, you may wish to get a portable pump. These come with a bag for easy carrying and have many features that vary from brand to brand.
A breast pump comparison would not be complete without evaluating how much milk you can pump at once, and at what intervals. This means that some pumps allow you to pump only one breast at a time, while others allow you to pump both at once. If you are a busy woman, the ability to save time by pumping both breasts at once could prove to be a very big deal down the line. If you are in no hurry and wish to save money, a single pump would suffice.
Breast pump comparisons should also tell you how many accessories and extras come in the package. For example, you may have a kit that has a double breast pump, two bottles and two caps. Another one is the same price and has six bottles and caps, but only one pump. Since you likely already evaluated your needs, you should be able to use that analysis to decide which is right for you.
Should you go for the one with six bottles and caps, or the one with fewer bottles and caps but two pumps? Your situation will dictate to you which are appropriate. You should also consider price and how other mothers who have used the same model felt when deciding which breast pump to buy. |
