The variety of breast pumps & accessories available for purchase can either make or break your breastfeeding experience. What seems as if it should be an easy endeavor courtesy of Mother Nature can often be a stressful process, and the right breast pump can help ease concerns and provide baby with the best nutrition available. Even mothers who are nursing exclusively will find a pump useful, as you just cannot be there for every baby feeding. A lot of dads will want to help out with feeding the baby, and chances are your babysitter will be unwilling to offer her breast up for a late night snack if you are away. For these reasons (and many more!) it's handy to have a high quality breast pump on hand so baby can have consistent meals and receive the optimal benefits of breastfeeding.

When new moms are shopping for a pump, they often keep two factors in mind - functionality and modesty. No one wants to feel like a dairy farm in front of friends and family, and sometimes complete privacy isn't an option. Also, hospital grade pumps tend to be large and awkward in design, which means you'll want to keep it as stationary as possible. You won't be a fan of lugging the breast pump from room to room, placing it into hiding whenever company comes calling.

The Medela Pump in Style is a favorite of breastfeeding mamas. With a classy messenger bag and plenty of room for essential accessories, this pump even includes a cooler to keep milk preserved for up to twelve hours at a time.

Ameda is another breast pump winner, as they feature the Purely Yours pump that is portable enough for full time moms to take to work with them. It works on three different sources of power - wall outlet, batteries and car adapter. If you're always on the go, an Ameda product may be ideal for you.

Outside of a pump yourself, there are plenty of accessories available to help you get the most out of each pump session. Ameda's Areola Stimulator works to help smaller nipples work well with the pump. It also will stimulate your milk supply so you have more of the good stuff for baby.

Hygiene is of the utmost importance when it comes to pumping, as bacteria can easily form in the various parts and be transferred to baby at feeding time. Check out Medela's Quick Clean wipes if you're looking for a convenient way to keep things sterile and organized.

Breast pumping can be exhausting and frustrating for women who are not prepared for the commitment it takes to regularly pump and provide nutrition for your baby via a machine. Make life easier by purchasing all of the proper tools you'll need before baby's arrival if possible.