The qualities that are required in a breast pump are comfort, efficiency, high milk production, and ease of use for the nursing mother. Presently, companies like Medela and Ameda, as well as a couple other companies provide top of the line breast pumps.

Mothers must consult a lactation consultant before renting or buying a breast pump. In the event the breast pump is being rented, it will be easier to purchase a rental kit. This includes the breast pump parts necessary for producing milk. A weekly or monthly rental fee will be charged by the rental agency.

The best in the rental pumps are the hospital grade pumps provided by Medela and Ameda. Medela hospital grade rental pumps include Medela Symphony, Classic, and Lactina rental breast pumps. Ameda provides Ameda Elite, Lact-e and SMB electric rental breast pumps.

Mothers must talk to the physician about writing a prescription for a breast pump rental or purchase. Even though a few insurance companies reimburse subscribers either partially or fully for all the rental costs or for the purchase of a retail hospital grade breast pump, it greatly depends upon the coverage the insurance company provides for medical equipment.

The Medela Pump in Style is a highly durable breast pump that can be used for a second or even third child, too. Even when the parts like the tubing, valves, or membranes have to be replaced, mothers using them consider them an excellent investment.

The Medela also has a Mini Electric breast pump that can be used for short-term separations of mother and baby. Traveling with this is very convenient since it is lightweight and completely portable. The pump can be attached to a regular feeding bottle. A transformer is provided along with pump that allows plugging it into any electric outlet or the pump can also be powered using two AA batteries. In the event that the two choices mentioned are not possible, a manual pump adapter is also provided for emergencies.

Consumer reviews show that the most preferred breast pumps are the Ameda Purely Yours breast pump, Medela Pump in Style Original and the Medela Pump In Style Traveler.