Why choose an electric breast pump?
Electric breast pumps are intended as alternatives to manual pumps in that they express in good time. Some more expensive breast pumps are fully automatic, with quick cycling times (the amount of sucks per minute), adjustable suction levels and double pumping capability. Some are even designed to mimic your baby's sucking patterns. The downside is that they are not as portable as battery or manual breast pumps. They also tend to be more cumbersome and noisier than manual pumps, which makes it hard when you are trying to express discretely with the sound of an electric motor roaring away.
Ease and efficiency are two reasons moms would choose an electric breast pump. Moms who want to express often, either because they are returning to work or because they are feeding twins, might prefer to opt for one because electric pumps offer an increase in milk production.
What to look for:
 
- An adjustable vacuum, which would allow you to express in comfort.
- An electric breast pump that sucks more times per minute (known as the cycling time) than possible with a manual pump, and a double pumping capability.
- A model that allows you to pump both breasts at once, which will cut pumping time by more than half. Double pumping also boosts milk production by emptying both breasts.
- A model that's easy to use, easy to clean and easy to assemble. And to make it easier to carry around, look for one that comes with a case.
Five good reasons to express:
- Breast pumps are ideal for when you have to return to work.
- If you are tired you can give your partner or another person in the house - a turn at feeding the baby.
- If you are desperate for a night out you can leave a bottle of expressed milk with your babysitter.
- Letting your partner feed your baby occasionally will help him bond with his baby.
- It will encourage your milk to keep flowing.
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