FDA > CDRH > Breast Pumps > Choosing a Breast Pump

Choosing a Breast Pump

• What Type of Breast Pump Is Right for Me?
• Where Can I Buy a Breast Pump?
• Can I Rent a Breast Pump?
• Should I Buy a Used Breast Pump or Share My Breast Pump?
• FDA Cleared Breast Pumps

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?

• Are you using a pump in addition to breastfeeding?
• Do you plan to pump and store several containers of milk?
• Are you returning to work?
• Will you be away from your baby for several days?

2) How much time will it take you to pump?

The amount of time it takes to pump varies, but certain types of breast pumps may be easier to use and extract milk faster.

If you plan to pump at work or do not have a lot of time to pump, you may want to consider a battery or electrically powered breast pump. Double and double-alternating pumps may also decrease the amount of time it takes to pump because both breasts can be emptied at the same time.

3) Are the pump's instructions easy for you to understand?

Review the instructions included with several different pumps and choose a pump that is easy for you to assemble, use, clean, and take apart. If you are shopping for a pump in a store, ask a salesperson if the store has display breast pumps so you can practice assembling and taking apart several different pumps before you buy one.

Keep in mind that for health reasons most stores will not allow you to return a breast pump.

4) Where will you be using a pump?

Manual and battery-powered pumps can be easy to transport and use in small spaces, while an electric pump will require an outlet to power the pump and may be difficult to transport.

It is important that women who use a powered breast pump are prepared for emergency situations when electricity or extra batteries may not be available. Having extra supplies for pumping and a back-up method, such as a manual breast pump, may help a woman maintain her breast pumping schedule during an emergency.

FDA offers information on using medical devices in an emergency

5) Do you need a pump that is easy to transport?

If you travel frequently, or plan to pump at work consider buying a light-weight pump that transports easily in a carrying case that holds the pump and your pumping supplies.

If you plan to pump in the same place every time, you may not need to worry about how easy it is to transport.

6) Will the breast-shields fit you?

Make sure that the breast-shield opening is the correct size for you. You should be able to comfortably center your nipple inside the breast-shield. Many pumps are sold with one size of breast-shield. If the included breast-shields make your nipples sore or are otherwise uncomfortable, make sure you can replace them with a different size or texture that is comfortable for you and will work with your pump.

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 Pumps

Search for all FDA cleared breast pumps through Devices@FDA

Updated May 3, 2007