These are designed to help you express milk from your breasts into a container or bottle. Some mums find they can only express a very little milk at a time, which can make it a rather drawn out process

They are useful:

• When you want to express enough milk to make up a feed, for example when you are going out for the evening, or are going back to work and want the carer to continue giving your baby breast milk from a bottle
• When you want to provide milk for a premature or ill baby who can’t be put to the breast
• When your breasts are uncomfortably engorged with milk and you are desperate to relieve the pressure, although the best method is to feed your baby, or even lie in a warm bath and gently use your hand

 There are three types of breast pump which come with everything needed, including bottles and teats:

Manual - you use your hand to pump the lever that creates suction. These can be hard work, so it’s worth ensuring you buy one that’s efficient.

Look for:

• Designs that pump the breast with each action of the handle; both as you squeeze and as you relax (rather than those which only pump as you squeeze). The double action is better at getting milk out of the breast
• A pump that is comfortable for you to operate - some have a wide gap between the handle and the bottle, making it difficult for small hands to reach across the gap; try before you buy
• Some of the latest designs have a soft inner lining to the piece that goes over your breast, which massages the breast and imitates a baby feeding more closely

Tips for new Mothers Talk to your doctor about the important features of the various birth control methods. This will help you decide what birth control option is best for you at this point in your life.

Battery operated - a battery operated unit does the work for you so that you just hold onto the bottle. Some makes can also operate from the mains, and some come with a mains adaptor included in the price. You can also buy separate breast pump mains adaptors compatible with a variety of makes.

Electric - you can rent large electric pumps, which is useful if your baby is in special care or you need a pump for long-term use.

Whichever type of pump you buy, remember that the parts will need to be easy to clean and to sterilise.

Storage - expressed breast milk can be stored in the fridge for 24 hours or freezer for three months, depending on how quickly you intend to use it. There are a variety of products available to help make storage easier, including:

• Milk storage kits with bags, clips and freezer labels
• Milk storage bottles in small sizes, which are compatible with certain breast pumps