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 |  | Low: Single Manual Pumps Run $20-$60; Electric Pumps Run $40-$185 |  | Medium: Double Electric Pumps Generally Run $130-$350 |  | High: Hospital Grade Pumps Rent for $40-$65/month |
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Breast pumps are designed to extract milk from a nursing mother's breast, for storage and future use, for feeding multiple babies, or so that another person (typically a spouse or partner) can feed the baby. In some cases, breast pumps may also be necessary to maintain the health of the breast, by keeping milk ducts unclogged or relieving flat or inverted nipples. Breast pumps are considered medical devices and are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration[1] (FDA). Breast pumps are available as singles or doubles, operated manually (using a type of squeeze trigger or lever to create suction), or by batteries or electricity.
Typical costs: | - Single breast pumps are usually manually-operated and are the least expensive types of pumps, ranging from $20 to $60.
- Single battery-operated or electric pumps cost between $40 and $185.
- Double (or dual) pumps typically run on electricity, although some also provide the option of battery operation. Double pumps can cost anywhere from $60 to $3500.
- Hospitals and medical supply stores rent pumps. These are specially designed to minimize the risk of contamination between renters. For sanitary purposes, each renter must purchase their own collection kit of breast shields, tubing and bottles or bags. The FDA says only hospital-grade pumps can be safely shared. Renting a pump will cost between $40 - $65 per month, while the required collection kit costs about $50. Many hospitals require a deposit of anywhere from $50 to $200.
Related articles: Baby Food, Postpartum Maternity Checkup, Diaper Bag
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What should be included: | - According to the FDA, all breast pumps should consist of a breast shield, which is a cone-shaped cup that fits over the nipple and areola. They should also have a pumping mechanism (manual or electric) that creates a vacuum to extract the milk, which is transferred through a plastic tube into the milk collection container. The container, which is detachable, can be either a bag or bottle.
- Single pumps typically include one or two bottles or bags, while double pumps generally include two or four bottles or bags.
- Electric pumps should always include an AC adapter.
- The Department of Health & Human Services' National Women's Health Information Center[2] provides information about storing breast milk, bottles and containers, and storage bags.
Additional costs: | - Additional storage containers cost anywhere from $1 to $3 each, and are typically sold in packages of 4, 6, 10 or 12. Additional storage bags are less expensive and cost less than $1 per bag.
- There are also products to sterilize the breast shields, bottles or nipples. Those designed to be used in the microwave for speed and convenience cost between $18 and $30.
Discounts: | - Some health insurance plans may cover or partially cover breast pumping equipment, so check with your insurer before making a purchase.
- Most states offer low-income women assistance with buying breast pumps, through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture[3] provides a state-by-state listing of WIC programs.
Shopping for a breast pump: | - There are approximately 85 FDA-approved breast pumps currently on the market, available at stores like Walmart, Target and Babies R Us, as well as online-only stores like Amazon, Drugstore.com, and Babycenter.com. They are often available at hospitals as well. The FDA provides an online list[4] of all approved breast pumps, including manufacturer names and the date the device was approved. Some manufacturers' websites, like Medela[5] also have helpful buying guides, and the Mayo Clinic[6] and BabyCenter.com[7] offer tips on how to select the right breast pump.
- Before buying a breast pump, always check the store's return policy. Many will not accept returns of breast pumps and accessories due to health concerns.
- As with most consumer products, always check for recalls. Because breast pumps are FDA-regulated, you can search the FDA website[8] for recalls.
- The FDA[9] advises parents to NEVER buying a used pump. Breast pumps that are not hospital-grade cannot be safely sanitized, and may carry virus that can be transmitted through human milk, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and HIV (AIDS). Sharing a pump or buying a used pump may also violate the manufacturer's warranty.
- Check the FDA Buying Online [10] guide for information about buying medical products on the Internet.
- A February 2008 report[11] by Work Group for Safe Markets[12] , a coalition of 17 public-health and environmental groups, raised concern about plastic baby milk containers. The report says bisphenol A (BPA), a compound used to make the plastic, may leach out. In animal experiments, BPA has been linked to obesity, cancer, early-onset puberty and other conditions. The Green Guide[13] suggests choosing glass baby bottles or plastic bag inserts, which are made of polyethyelene, or switching to polypropylene bottles that are labeled #5 and come in colors and are milky rather than clear.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. For medical decisions, always consult your physician for the right course for your infant or child.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Hsimone1 in WINSTON SALEM, NC. | Posted: September 24th, 2016 10:09AM |
| Brand: Evenflo | Model: Double electric |
Worst pump ever! Some places sell it for less than $100, but it's not worth risking your supply over. Pay more for a better electric pump period. Please don't make the same mistake I did by being deceived by the reviews. |
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| Posted by: lrn in Frankfort, KY. | Posted: July 19th, 2011 09:07AM |
| Brand: Ameda | Model: Purely Yours |
Loved it. IT was used for 4 kids, 8-12 months of pumping at work 3 times daily. Finally died when my cousin borrowed it! |
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External Resources: | - www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerP...
- www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/index.cfm?page=237
- www.fns.usda.gov/wic/Contacts/statealpha.HTM
- www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/devicesatfda/index.cfm?st=breast%20pump
- www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/productselector
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-feeding/PR00002
- www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-buy-a-breast-pump_429.bc
- www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfRES/res.cfm
- www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerP...
- www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ProtectYourself/index.htm
- www.chej.org/documents/BabysToxicBottleFinal.pdf
- www.chej.org/BPA_Website.htm
- www.thegreenguide.com
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