Breastfeeding is a gift that follows the wonders of pregnancy. It provides an intense bond between a mother and her baby, nourishing the baby with benefits that cannot be duplicated. Nursing is one of the many joys of motherhood and the convenience can't be beat. Breast milk is always sterile, at the right temperature and requires no preparation.

But, what if a nursing mother works outside the home and is unable to bring her baby with her? It doesn't take a genius to figure out that wherever a nursing mother goes, her milk supply will follow. With a little planning and the use of a breast pump, many nursing couples can successfully continue breastfeeding when mom returns to work.

There is quite a variety of breast pumps on the market with a range of prices to match. Choosing the perfect pump requires a determination of how much milk needs to be expressed and how quickly, as well as how much money can be invested into preserving a nursing relationship.

The least expensive pump available is a manual pump. A manual pump is also the least effective in expressing a high quantity of milk and is time consuming to operate. It may be a consideration for a mother with an older baby, or a mother on a tight budget who works part-time and doesn't need to pump as much milk as a mother who works full-time and has a young baby. With this type of pump, the mother uses one hand to hold the pump, and the other to generate the pumping mechanism. However, the higher quality manual pumps are designed to be used with one hand. All are small and lightweight and can be carried in a purse or briefcase.

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