Although expensive, electric pumps are more efficient than hand or battery powered pumps. One advantage of with the electric pumps is that these pumps can be rented. Also, many of these pumps are well serviced by the manufacturers and are also often covered by health insurance.

Electric breast pumps can be used frequently. Both breasts can be pumped simultaneously by plugging the pump directly to an electric outlet. Most efficient breast pumps for initial usage as well as for maintaining the milk supply are the hospital-grade pumps that can be rented or purchased. However, professional quality breast pumps available only for purchase and cannot be rented.

Most work place lactation programs provide these pumps. However, the mother has to provide breast shields, tubing, and collection containers to store the breast milk.

There are several self-cycling electric pumps used for establishing milk supply currently on the market. These are generally used for hospitalized premature babies. Also available are semi-automatic electric pumps that allow the mother to nurse the baby on one side while pumping on the other.

Stylish shoulder bags are available for breast pumps are also available on the market. The bags contain a fully automatic breast pump, a double-pumping kit, collection bottles, and cooling elements to chill the milk. Contamination is prevented by the closed collection system provided. The milk can be stored for up to 10 hours in the insulated compartment.

Newer varieties of electric pumps provide up to eight adjustable suction settings as well as four-cycle speeds allowing adjusting the settings so that it most closely mimics the babys suction. This provides a comfortable simulation that feels natural to the mother.