Breast pumps are completely unnecessary. I nursed two children a total of almost four years, working full time for about half that time, and didn't have /want one.
I mostly object to the post statement of it being 'completely unnecessary' as if it is some sort of ridiculous luxury item. That is silly. A much better way to state it is 'I didn't need one but you might."
I started pumping after about a month so my spouse and family members could feed my daughter while I was out, sleeping, traveling, etc. I traveled for a week when she was a year old and kept all my milk and brought it back on ice. I worked full time after my 3 month leave was up and found the pump vital to keeping up my supply. I had an electric pump for work and a small manual one as well. I did not pump in the hospital, however, and have no experience with the charges there. The hospital did give me the free manual one that I used.
I bought my pump from amazon and considered it worth the price.
I ended up nursing for 1.25 years.