Hand Pumps

There are many different hand pumps on the market today. The most popular hand pump is probably the cylinder type. It looks like two tubes (usually made of clear plastic), one of which fits inside the other. It creates a vacuum (suction) when the inner tube is pulled in and out. The milk goes directly into the outer tube or into a standard bottle. It is easy to use and is convenient to carry with you. It is also easy to clean. There are several brands on the market and most work about the same. The White River brand features a flexible shield which some mothers say helps stimulate milk production. Ameda Egnell and Avent now make pumps that can be easily operated with one hand. The design of these pumps allows the mother to pump while nursing.