Manual Hand Pumps
These pumps are easy to use and great for occasional pumping sessions. They’re not efficient in establishing a milk supply or keeping it up. Therefore, they’re not recommended for moms returning to work or school full time or with an infant in the intensive care unit. They fit perfectly in a purse or handbag, which makes them discreet to carry around. They’re single user pumps, which means they’re not to be used/shared by more than one person, as there is a risk for bacterial cross contamination. They’re affordable and readily available in most breastfeeding supply stores. No electricity or batteries are needed. The suction power is based on the mother’s hands, so it could cause fatigue in the mother’s hand. Each breast has to be pumped individually in the case of both breasts needing to be emptied.