Breast pumps

You can rent or buy a breast pump to help express your milk. Manual pumps cost about $35 while electrical pumps can cost as little as $65 and as much as $200 or more. The pricier versions include a carrying case with an insulated compartment for storing milk. Many hospitals offer breast pump rentals.

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Storing Breast Milk

Once pumped, milk can be stored in sterile glass or plastic containers in a refrigerator for three to four days. In the freezer, breast milk will keep for six months (and for 12 months in a deep freezer). Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator or under lukewarm running water.

Do not leave breast milk at room temperature for a long time (a few hours at most), expose it to very hot water, or put it in the microwave. Once thawed, milk can stay in the refrigerator for 24 hours. It cannot be refrozen.

Resources for breast pumps:

Breast Pumps 101
BreastPumps.com
Choosing a Breast Pump, from the Baby Center
Choosing a Breast Pump, from the Mayo Clinic
Madela brand pumps
Ameda Baby brand pumps
Babies R Us
Avent Breast Pumps at Breast Pumps Direct

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