Should you use a hospital grade breast pump to exclusively pump? What’s the difference between a hospital grade pump and a personal pump? Here’s everything you need to know!
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There are many different types of breast pumps – hospital grade, personal, portable, wearable, etc. Here’s what distinguishes a hospital grade pump from the other types.
What is considered a hospital grade breast pump?
There is no standard definition – the FDA doesn’t regulate any requirements that a breast pump must meet to be called “hospital grade.” This means that each breast pump manufacturer may have their own criteria for designating a pump hospital grade.
Therefore, “hospital grade” is primarily a marketing term as opposed to a guarantee that a breast pump meets certain standards.
Often, it’s used to refer to multi-user breast pumps that can be used in a hospital setting.
What is the difference between a hospital grade pump and a regular pump?
Though there are no standards, there are a few things that commonly distinguish hospital grade pumps from personal pumps.
1. Multi-user vs single user
Personal breast pumps are intended to be used by one person and may be open or closed system. Closed system breast pumps have a barrier between the pump parts and the tubing, which prevents breast milk from getting into the pump motor.
Multi-user breast pumps must be closed system, but not all closed system pumps are multi-user.
Hospital grade pumps are usually intended to be used by multiple users (for example, in a postpartum recovery ward in the hospital). One way to determine whether a pump can be used by more than one person is whether it’s designated as “multiple user” or “single user” by the manufacturer.
For example, the S1 and S2 are both closed system pumps, and Spectra calls them “hospital strength” – but Spectra considers them personal use pumps, and the warranty only covers the original owner.
2. Size
Hospital grade pumps tend to be bigger than personal use pumps.
If you usually pump in one place and don’t need to bring it anywhere, this doesn’t matter – but if you need to pump on the go, this can be a disadvantage.
3. Effectiveness
Hospital grade pumps may have a more powerful motor than personal pumps, and thus be more efficient and/or effective.
Do you need a hospital grade breast pump?
Many women consider using a hospital grade breast pump because these pumps may be more powerful than personal pumps. Therefore, using one could be a good idea if you’re trying to establish supply from the beginning.
I did an unscientific poll on Instagram as to whether moms that had used one found it to be more effective than a personal pump:
About half of the respondents found that the hospital grade pump helped them get more milk than their personal pump.
So while it’s not universal, it may help some breastfeeding women produce more milk. However, it’s not an absolute necessity for exclusive pumping.
Which hospital grade pump should you use?
Most people that use a hospital grade pump do so in the hospital, so you might not have a choice in the matter. Additionally, local rental companies may only offer one or two brands.
The most common hospital grade breast pump is the Medela Symphony. Others on the market include the Spectra S3, Unimom Opera, and Ameda Platinum.
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Should you rent or buy a pump?
The biggest factor in the decision to rent or buy a hospital grade pump is usually cost.
If you decide to use a hospital grade pump, it most likely makes the most sense to rent one. Hospital grade pumps are usually priced between $500 and $2,000.
You may be able to use your insurance benefits to rent one at no cost. If that isn’t an option, the price per month is often between $75 and $110.
If you decide to use a hospital grade pump, it makes sense to consider the following when deciding whether to rent or buy:
- How long you plan to pump
- Whether you plan to have (and use your pump for) multiple children
- Whether you can get a multi-user pump second-hand or whether you will be able to resell your pump when you’re finished with it
Where can you rent a hospital grade breast pump?
If you decide to rent a breast pump, you can see if you qualify for it using insurance through Aeroflow Breastpumps. You can also see if your local hospital rents breast pumps (even if you didn’t deliver there).
You can also rent a Medela Symphony directly from Medela.
Have you used a hospital grade breast pump? Share your experience in the comments!
References
- FDA. “What to Know When Buying or Using a Breast Pump.” https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-know-when-buying-or-using-breast-pump
- Spectra. “Spectra S1 Plus Rechargable Breast Pump.” https://www.spectrababyusa.com/store/s1plus-/