Hospital Grade Breast Pumps
These are the pumps of choice for mothers who are separated from their babies due to prematurity or illness. Mothers working lengthy, full time hours may also choose this type of pump. This type of pump is usually rented by mothers, not purchased. These pumps are the best at providing the appropriate breast stimulation necessary to establish and maintain an adequate milk supply when your baby is not breastfeeding. They are also often recommended by lactation consultants for certain medical problems such as engorgement or to increase breast milk supply.

A hospital grade breast pump will achieve the suction levels and cycling rates similar to a baby at the breast. In addition, it uses a milk collection kit that can pump both breasts simultaneously. At first you may feel strange about "double pumping", but you will quickly realize how fast and efficient it is. If you prefer to pump your breasts individually, the kit can be switched to single pumping.

The Ameda Elite Breast Pump offers state-of-the-art features combined with excellent effectiveness and reliability. Weighing about 6 pounds, the Elite Breast Pump offers the combination of independently adjustable suction levels (up to 250 mm/Hg) and cycle speeds (30-60 cycles per minute) allowing you to mimic your baby's nursing pattern and create effective stimulation. It has dual bottle holders for convenience and operates on AC power, car adapter and some models have a built-in rechargeable battery.

Personal Consumer Breast Pumps
Mothers with a milk supply established by their breastfeeding baby might try a portable, personal breast pump. The Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump is a value-packed, portable breast pump that offers eight adjustable suction levels and four cycle speeds to create a stimulation that feels both natural and comfortable. It provides numerous settings to mimic baby's suckling, even as your baby matures and grows. It operates on three power sources, including AC adapter, AA batteries, or a car adapter. Weighing only one pound, Purely Yours fits into your choice of 2 discreet, stylish bags designed to hold the pump and all accessories. It safely stores collected milk for up to 10 hours in the removable insulated cooling tote.

Small Electric and Battery Powered Breast Pumps
Useful for mothers who wish the convenience of a motorized pump but will not be using it often. Most of these pumps do not achieve the recommended suction or cycling levels for regular use. Be sure to get advice from a board certified lactation consultant or other knowledgeable health care provider before selecting a pump from this category.

A small, inexpensive, electric pump that can provide the appropriate suction and pumping frequency standards is called the Nurture III. This manually controlled electric breast pump is small but effective for short-term intermittent use. You can cycle as often as every 21/2 to 31/2 seconds by lifting your finger off the vent at the top of the milk collection unit. Suction strength can be adjusted with the four-level adjustment knob located on the pump.

Manually Operated Breast Pumps
These pumps require you to manually create the source of suction. Although most of the pumps in this category can achieve proper suction levels, you may find that you tire from the repetitive hand movement needed to operate this type of pump.

The Ameda One-Hand Breast Pump with its patented easy-to-use handle design, is an option for the mother who is looking for an inexpensive, yet effective, pump for infrequent use. This pump is so compact it fits into most purses or tote bags. It provides control and flexibility simply by varying the frequency and degree of handle squeeze. The one-handed operation allows you to pump one breast while your baby breastfeeds from the other. Unlike other manual pumps, you can also use two units simultaneously to double pump!