Breastmilk is by far the best source of nutrition for infants; however, exclusive breastfeeding is not possible for all mothers. You can continue to feed your child breastmilk even though you may spend some time apart if you use a quality breast pump to express milk for his or her feedings. To begin finding the right breast pump you'll need to answer a couple of questions. Why do you need a breast pump? How often will you need to express milk for your baby?

If you will need a pump to prepare an occasional feeding or to relieve engorgement then you will probably pump once or twice a day. For infrequent milk expression, manual pumps are the most cost effective choice. With a manual breast pump you control the speed and suction of the pump with the squeeze of your hand. This type of pump is convenient to take along anywhere since it is lightweight and do not require a power source. The Avent Isis has been the most preferred manual pump for quite some time. Other popular manuals include the Ameda One-Hand and the Medela Harmony.

If you need a pump because you will be returning to work then you will most likely need to express milk 4 to 5 times a day. An electric breast pump is a must-have item for mothers that will pump on a daily basis because using a manual would be quite time consuming. Electric pump models have multiple speed and suction settings that can be adjusted for comfort and maximum milk expression. These pumps also allow for expression from both breasts at the same time which is a great time saver for mothers that will pump multiple times each day. The Medela Pump in Style has been a trusted electric breast pump for many years as have the Ameda Purely Yours models. Avent's new electric model, the Isis iQ Duo, is quickly gaining popularity amongst nursing mothers because it offers an infinite amount of suction and speed settings.

Once you have determined how often you will pump and the type that you will need, you can begin to evaluate the variety of brands and models. Reviewing side by side pump comparisons can help you to see how each pump stands up to the others in its class. Veteran breastfeeding mothers can also provide useful information since they have experience using the pumps. Reading through customer reviews can help you find out if other mothers share your concerns. Taking time to select the right pump is important because an uncomfortable breast pump can lead to a frustrating pumping experience which can put a strain on your breastfeeding relationship with your child.