Breast Pumps

Jaime Donnell

Updated August 05, 2024 19:14

Help! There are so many pumps to choose from. Which one should I get?

Choosing the right pump to fit your needs can be overwhelming, and reviews can be mixed. While we can’t suggest specific brands, outside of what WIC provides, we can help narrow down which type of pump would be best for your situation.

Keep in mind that within each pump type, there are different brands and styles, all with different strengths and weaknesses. Finding a pump that you respond well to is key. Your local WIC staff, breastfeeding peer counselor, and/or a lactation consultant can offer guidance in choosing what’s best for your situation. Pumping should not be painful. Adjust the suction to a level that is strong but comfortable. Read the instruction manual and learn what the different settings offer. Good luck in your search!

Things to consider:

- How often will I need to pump?
- Where will I be pumping, and what accommodations will I have access to?
- Is milk supply a concern?
- How much time do I have to pump?
- Which pumps are covered by insurance?
- What's my budget?

Comparing Types of Breast Pumps:

Manual Breast Pump

This pump does not have a motor. A lever is squeezed to create suction to remove breast milk.

Best for

- Casual/infrequent use
- Infrequent separation from baby
- Temporary breastfeeding issues like engorgement or plugged ducts

Pros

- Compact, easy to transport
- No tubing
- Inexpensive
- Mom controls the pace/rhythm of the pumping motion
- No electricity or batteries needed
- May be eligible to receive from the WIC program

Cons

- Removes milk from one breast at a time (unless you have two pumps)
- Not ideal for maintaining or increasing milk supply
- Pumping sessions may last longer
- More “work” for mom

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Double Electric Breast Pump

This pump contains a motor which creates suction to remove breast milk. It removes milk from both breasts at the same time, which makes pumping faster and maximizes how much can be expressed.

Best for

- Longer periods of separation from baby due to work or school
- Exclusively pumping moms
- Those with a well established milk supply

Pros

- Effective at removing breast milk
- Effective at maintaining milk supply
- Multiple settings to maximize output
- Covered by most insurance companies
- May be eligible to receive from WIC or Medicaid programs

Cons

- Can be bulky
- Less discreet
- Needs a power source (batteries or electrical outlet)

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Hospital Grade Electric Breast Pump

This pump contains a motor which creates suction to remove breast milk. Hospital grade pumps typically have the strongest motors and are also double electric. *But be careful, there are no regulations on what is considered “hospital-grade” so each company's standards may be different.

Best for

- Longer periods of separation from baby due to work or school
- Exclusively pumping moms
- Establishing milk supply if baby is premature or in the NICU
- Moms with multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)

Pros

- May be most effective at removing breast milk
- Can be used to maintain and/or increase milk supply
- Multiple settings to maximize output
- May be available as a loan through your insurance company
- May be eligible to borrow from the WIC program

Cons

- Bulky
- Less discreet
- Needs a power source (batteries or electrical outlet)

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Wearable Breast Pump

These pumps are worn inside the bra. The motor and collection device are in one unit.

Best for

- Casual pumping
- Infrequent separation from baby (those with strong motors may be adequate in maintaining milk supply for longer periods of separation from baby)

Pros

- Easy to use “on the go” or while doing other things
- Small/quiet/discreet
- No tubing

Cons

- May NOT be as effective at removing breast milk
- May NOT be as effective to maintain/increase milk supply
- Expensive
- Limited insurance coverage
- Hard to find the right fit
- Possible leaking and higher chance of spilled milk

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Hands-Free Breast Pump

These pumps are worn inside the bra. The tubing is attached to the motor which is usually clipped onto the waistline.

Best for

- Casual pumping
- Infrequent separation from baby (those with strong motors may be adequate in maintaining milk supply for longer periods of separation from baby)

Pros

- Easy to use “on the go” or while doing other things
- Small/quiet/discreet

Cons

- May NOT be as effective at removing breast milk
- May NOT be as effective to maintain/increase milk supply
- Expensive
- Limited insurance coverage
- Hard to find the right fit
- Possible leaking and higher chance of spilled milk

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Silicone Milk Collectors

These suction to the breast and catch the “letdown”, but are NOT considered a pump. They are usually worn when baby is nursing on one side, to catch milk dripping from the other breast. The Haakaa is one popular brand. Milk collected this way should not be the primary milk that is fed to baby. It is mostly foremilk, which is thinner, more watery with less fat/calories. This milk is great for milk baths!

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Choosing a Flange

Another very important thing to consider when pumping is choosing the correct flange size. A proper fit is important in maximizing the amount of milk that can be expressed. A flange that is too big or too small will not be as effective at removing milk no matter how good the pump is.

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