At some point during your breastfeeding relationship with your baby, you may need to express milk with a breast pump. Since there are several types of breast pumps available, choosing the right breast pump can seem to be a daunting task at first glance. You can be sure that you'll choose the best breast pump for your needs if you follow the following four steps before buying a pump.

1. Identify the Reason Why You Need a Breast Pump ? There are several different reasons why you may need to use a breast pump as a breastfeeding mother. In the first few days of breastfeeding, you may need to use a pump to express enough milk to relieve any engorgement pressure that you may experience.

You might choose to pump milk so that other family members can help with feedings while they catch up on some much needed (and deserved) sleep. On the other hand, you may need to express breastmilk for all or most of their baby's feedings if they return to work while their baby is still breastfeeding. Milk may also be expressed for feedings if your baby is having latch difficulties.

2. Evaluate the Different Types of Pumps Available ? Breast pumps are currently available in four different types. These four types include manual pumps, single electric pumps, double electric pumps and hospital grade electric pumps.

With a manual pump, you are able to express milk from one breast at a time, by squeezing the pump handle manually with your hand. A single electric pump also allows you to express milk from one breast at a time; however, rather than squeezing the pump handle, you choose a comfortable speed and suction setting for pumping. This type of pump is operated by an ac adapter or batteries.

Double pumps typically have larger, more durable motors than single electric breast pumps. Milk can be expressed from both breasts at the same time when a double electric pump is used. Hospital grade electric pumps are the highest quality pumps available on the market. These higher quality pumps offer the most durable motors and they provide stronger suction settings.

3. Select the Right Type of Pump for Your Situation ? Manual breast pumps are a great choice if you will only express milk occasionally. However, if you plan to pump more than once or twice a week, you may appreciate the added convenience that comes with the use of a single electric pump.

If you'll need to pump several times each day you will benefit from using a double electric breast pump since they are the most durable personal use pumps and can be used to pump both breasts at the same time (which cuts your daily pumping time in half).

A hospital grade electric pump will be the best choice for you if you are breastfeeding multiples or premature babies or if you are pumping to increase or build your milk supply. While many hospital grade pumps are available to purchase, they are most commonly rented by moms who need them since they have hefty price tags ($800 and more).

4. Choose the Best Model for Your Needs ? While several brands may offer the type of pump that you need, it is important to review the features, benefits and drawbacks of each model that is available to you. Be sure to find out what type of bottles are compatible with the pump and what type of warranty the manufacturer offers before you buy a breast pump.

Since breast pumps are single user items that cannot be returned once opened, it is best to read product reviews written by breastfeeding moms before you purchase one. Reading what other moms have to say about the pump will help you to determine if the pump you want will perform the way you expect it to.