Question: What kind of breast pump should I buy if I’m planning to breastfeed my baby and go back to work full-time?

Go with a midweight personal-use automatic breast pump, such as the Medela Pump in Style Advanced or Original. (Click here for other brands to consider). Midweight personal-use pumps retail for around $195 to $350; they’re not inexpensive, but the trade off is that they’re fast and efficient (although not as efficient as hospital grade pumps), which is what you need for an on-the-job situation. Usually no bigger than a briefcase and weighing around 8 pounds or less, a personal-use automatic is portable and can slash pumping time because it’s got a powerful motor and serious suction. Many personal-use automatic pumps offer suction that mimics baby’s natural sucking patterns, which typically begin with rapid, high-frequency suction and change to a slower, suck/swallow pattern. They’re designed to mimic baby and thereby foster faster milk flow, although some use a constant vacuum, with self-adjusting suction settings. Intermittent action better imitates a baby than a constant vacuum—and it’s probably easier on you, too.

Many models come housed in a black microfiber tote bag or backpack, which is ideal if you’re working outside your home. They’re often equipped with an adapter for your car’s cigarette lighter or a battery pack, for times when you’re not near an electrical outlet. Most come with all necessary attachments, including removable cooler carrier and cooling element, battery pack, AC adapter, and collection containers, lids, and stands.

To justify the cost, consider how much you’re saving by breastfeeding. If you were to give your baby only formula, you’re likely to shell out $1500 by her first birthday. Breast feeding also offers many health benefits for your baby, so much so that the American Academy of Pediatrics and other leading health organizations strongly recommend it for at least the first six months--and even longer is better.

Don’t be afraid to register for a breast pump if you’re having a baby shower or two. But remember--never buy a used pump. Unless you’re using a hospital-grade rental pump, all breast pumps are designed for one user only. Breast-pump sharing is considered as unhygienic as using someone else’s toothbrush. Yuck!

See our report on breast pumps, features to consider, and what not to buy for more information.