Types of breast pumps, explained
Manual, battery-powered, and electric, single or double.
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A medical device first
The FDA says breast pumps are medical devices regulated by the FDA. Federal rules list a nonpowered breast pump as a manual suction device that expresses milk from the breast, and a powered breast pump as an electrically powered suction device that does the same.
The three basic types
The FDA lists three basic types of breast pumps: manual pumps, battery-powered pumps, and electric pumps. Manual pumps run by hand. Powered pumps use batteries or a cord plugged into an outlet to run a small motor.
The three basic parts
The FDA says all breast pumps have a few basic parts: a breast shield that fits over the nipple and areola, a pump that creates the vacuum, and a milk container that collects the milk.
Single or double
The FDA says a single pump extracts milk from one breast at a time, and a double pump can extract milk from both breasts at the same time. It says most manual and most battery-powered pumps are single pumps, and some electric pumps are double pumps.
Which type fits?
We do not pick a type or a model. The FDA says that if you have questions about breast pumping or breastfeeding, the best source of information is a qualified health care professional, such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, lactation consultant, or midwife.
FAQ
General information only, not medical advice. For questions about pumping, breastfeeding, milk supply, or feeding your baby, talk to your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant, or your baby's pediatrician. Follow the maker's instructions for your pump and its parts. The FDA says that if you are injured while using a breast pump or have pain, contact your health care provider. In an emergency, call 911.
Next: manual pumps
Pumped by hand.
