It’s never too early to begin pumping and stockpiling a stash of liquid gold in the freezer. You’ll be glad to have the process perfected when the time comes to head back to work (or when you finally book a babysitter for a night on the town). Which pump is right for you?
Electric pumps. These powerful babies can reduce pumping time by half, handle both girls at one time, and even stimulate more milk production—talk about convenient! They also come in hands-free options that let you seriously multitask. On the downside, they’re pricey. Look into rental options from your hospital or ask a lactation consultant which model she recommends as the best investment.
Battery-operated pumps. Portable and reasonably priced, these are a good choice if pumping is just going to be an occasional thing. Remember to stock up on batteries!
Manual pumps. Hand-operated pumps are the least expensive option, but more time-consuming and with the least yield for all that work. They travel well and are convenient for emptying one side while your baby takes care of the other, but there are more efficient options if pumping is going to be a regular part of your routine.
[tip] Keep track. When you breastfeed, you can’t measure how much milk your baby is getting. But if it’s going in, it’s got to be coming out, so keep a count of wet and dirty diapers.
