Table 1. Characteristics of Commonly-Used Breast Pumps.

Characteristic	Manual, Battery-Operated, Mini-Electric	Double Electric (Includes Personal Use Pumps)	Hospital Grade Electric
Usage	Single-User	Single-User	Multi-User
Availability	Purchase	Purchase	Rental (can be purchased)
Collection Kit	Single (Sequential milk removal) Limited or no breast shield size options	Double (Caution: Some models feature Sequential rather than Simultaneous milk removal even with double collection kit) Limited number of breast shield sizes may be available	Double (Simultaneous milk removal) Different breast shield sizes available
Breast Pump Suction Pattern (BPSP) Options	Limited or no options	Most have adjustable suction pressures Some have adjustable rate and rhythm Some have limited embedded BPSPs that mimic the breastfeeding infant	Adjustable rate, rhythm and suction strength are standard Some have embedded BPSPs that mimic the breastfeeding infant
Primary Advantage	Convenience	Convenience Greater effectiveness, efficiency, and comfort than manual, battery-operated and mini-electric models	Maximum effectiveness, efficiency and comfort, but Not as portable as smaller and lighter pumps in other categories
Intended Use	Brief separations from an otherwise healthy, breastfeeding infant	Return to full-time employment outside the home Brief (1-2 days) travel separations during established lactation	Partially and completely breast pump dependent mothers during any stage of lactation Other mothers who value effectiveness, efficiency and comfort over portability
Not Intended For	Partially or completely breast pump dependent mothers at any stage of lactation	Partially or completely breast pump dependent mothers at any stage of lactation	No exclusions--can be used by any category of mother at any stage of lactation

Note: The information in this table reflects both cited evidence and marketing guidelines for product use.