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The American Academy of Pediatrics calls breast milk "the optimal form of nutrition for infants." Breast milk helps develop baby's digestive tract, immune system, teeth, and brain, while offering protection against allergies, infections, juvenile diabetes, and even obesity. Breastfeeding also enhances bonding between mother and child, while helping new moms shed post-pregnancy pounds.

Unfortunately, our lifestyle is not always conducive to breastfeeding. More than half of all working moms return to work before their infants are eight weeks old, increasing the likelihood that they will stop breastfeeding during baby's important first year.

But you can continue to breastfeed despite a busy schedule...with the help of a quality breast pump that suits your needs. Whether you're planning to work or be a stay-at-home mom, a breast pump makes it easier to continue providing baby with the many benefits of breastfeeding.

What Type of Breast Pump is Right for You?

Breast pumps fall into three categories:

Manual Pumps - Manual pumps are inexpensive, quiet, and require no electricity. (You produce the suction yourself by squeezing a bulb or pumping a cylinder.) The downside: they take longest to use and can be tiring on the hand and arm.

A manual pump is a good choice if you will only need to pump occasionally – for example, if your husband wants to share in the feeding experience or if you only use babysitters every so often. If you're returning to work full time, however, a manual pump probably isn't up to the task.

When shopping for a manual pump, look for comfort features, such as pump with adjustable pressure settings.

Mini-Electric Pumps - These compact pumps generally run both on electricity and batteries. Like Manual Pumps, they are preferable for occasional rather than daily pumping, although they are easier to use than Manual Pumps.

Many mini-electric pumps feature a single "horn," which means you must pump one breast at a time. In addition, you may have to operate the vacuum manually (by repeatedly pressing a button with one finger). As a result, pumping takes longer than with more powerful electric pumps – about 20 minutes as opposed to 8-12 minutes.

However, some mini-electric pumps offer the same automatic cycling action you'll find on full-size electric pumps. This intermittent suction imitates a baby's suckling pattern – offering about 40-60 "suck and pause" cycles per minute for best results.

Full-Size Electric Pumps - Plan to return to work full time? You will be using a breast pump several times a day, five days a week. A hospital-grade electric pump is for you!

Most working moms have two concerns: how much milk they can express...and how long it will take. A quality, full-size electric pump will allow you to maximize your milk production in the least amount of time. These pumps feature powerful motors, plus adjustable autocycling that allows you to find the right balance of comfort and efficiency.

When shopping for an electric pump, look for the following features:

• Twin pumping horns, which allow you to pump both breasts simultaneously
• A unit with adjustable settings for strength and speed (that translates to comfort)
• A carrying case with a storage compartment for true portability
• Easy-to-clean components
• A built-in back-up system, such as a battery pack or auto plug adapter
• Well-designed nipple adaptors for a proper fit

Breast Pump Accessories

To get started, you will also need the following accessories:

• Freezer bags for storing expressed milks, with write-on labels for marking the date.
• Extra collection bottles and caps
• An insulated container, with cold pack, for storing milk
• A car adapter (if you choose an electric pump)
• Purelan breast cream or nipple shells to prevent tenderness
• Disposable breast pads to control leaking

With the right breast pump, baby can continue enjoy all the benefits of breastfeeding...while you maintain the schedule of your choosing. For more tips, see our article, "How to Balance Breastfeeding and Work".