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Choosing a Breast Pump
What Type of Breast Pump Is Right For Me?Manual or electric, single or double-alternating pump, buy or rent? With the number of options available choosing the most suitable breast pump for your pumping needs can be tricky. Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all breast pump; what worked well for your mother or best friend may not work well for you. Choosing your ideal breast pump is a decision best made after considering your needs and weighing all of the options. There are several factors that can help determine your ideal breast pump. The following sections provide a brief outline of points to consider when choosing a pump. If you are having difficulty choosing a pump, a qualified healthcare professional can help guide your decision based on the following factors: 1) How do you plan to use the pump?
2) How much time will it take you to pump?
3) Are the pump's instructions easy for you to understand?
4) Where will you be using a pump?
5) Do you need a pump that is easy to transport?
6) Will the breast-shields fit you?
Where Can I Buy A Breast Pump?Breast pumps are often sold at hospitals, baby supply stores and toy stores. They are also available at many online retailers. If you buy a breast pump online, make sure you are buying from a reputable source. Also check the store’s return policy and customer support statement before you place an order. Before you buy a pump make sure it is comfortable and you can easily assemble, use, clean, and take apart the pump. Keep in mind that for health reasons most stores will not allow you to return a breast pump. FDA’s tips on buying medical devices online Can I Rent A Breast Pump?An alternative to buying a pump is to rent one. Many hospitals and medical supply stores rent hospital-grade pumps at affordable rates. These pumps are designed to decrease the risk of contamination and each renter is required to buy a new accessories kit that includes breast-shields and tubing. If you are considering renting a pump, ask for references from a trusted health professional such as your doctor or lactation consultant. Also check with your local Better Business Bureau and the device manufacturer before renting a pump to ensure that the agent is reputable and the breast pump you will be renting is safe for multiple users. Should I Buy a Used Breast Pump or Share a Breast Pump?You should never buy a used breast pump or share a breast pump. Only FDA cleared, hospital-grade pumps should be used by more than one person. With the exception of hospital-grade pumps, the FDA considers breast pumps single-use devices. That means that a breast pump should only be used by one woman because there is no way to guarantee the pump can be cleaned and disinfected between uses by different women. The money you may save by buying a used pump is not worth the health risks to you or your baby. Breast pumps that are reused by different mothers can carry infectious diseases, such as HIV or hepatitis. Buying a used breast pump or sharing a breast pump may be a violation of the manufacturer’s warranty and you may not be able to get help from the manufacturer if you have a problem with the pump. For more information, visit: Are Used Breast Pumps A Good Option? FDA Cleared Breast PumpsSearch for all FDA cleared breast pumps through Devices@FDA Updated May 3, 2007 |
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