Medically reviewed by Darcey Croft, registered midwife, maternal mental health advocate, and mother of four.
You might not have given a single thought to a breast pump before you had your baby, but suddenly, a breast pump could be your best friend for the next few months. "Whether you have a baby who can’t feed directly from the breast or you have to spend time apart, expressing means your baby can still benefit from your breast milk," says Lactation Consultant for Medela, Sioned Hilton.
If you’re breastfeeding, then a breast pump is an invaluable companion. Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding (EBF) or feeding with a combination of breast and bottle, a breast pump is one of the most useful appliances you can invest in.
Editor's choice
• Best breast pump overall: The Elvie Breast Pump – Buy now on Amazon
• Best double electric breast pump: Spectra S1 Plus Breast Pump – Buy now on Amazon
• Best wearable breast pump: Willow Wearable Breast Pump – Buy now on Amazon
• Best manual breast pump: The Haakaa Breast Pump – Buy now on Amazon
• Best hands-free electric breast pump: Zomee Z2 Double Electric Breast Pump – Buy now on Amazon
Pumping and expressing milk using a breast pump means you have feeding options. Pumping allows your partner or other friends or family members to get involved with feeding your baby; this has the benefit of helping them to bond with baby during feeding time, and, possibly more importantly, giving you a much-needed rest so that you’re not constantly the only one feeding. If you opt for a hands free breast pump, it also allows you to get on with your day all while continuing to pump your milk.
Expressing milk can also help you feel more comfortable if your breasts are engorged and heavy with milk; however, bear in mind that the more you pump and feed, the more you will produce. Some moms may think that pumping can help alleviate the heaviness of full breasts, only to find they end up producing even more which is why many moms like to start with a simple to use manual breast pump to get them started.
Using a breast pump can be a great option if you work but want to maintain your lactation supply but be mindful of overstimilation. Medela expert Sioned says according to the ABM Mastitis spectrum protocol 2022, it's important to feed the baby, not the freezer. "Responsible expression is being mindful not to overstimulate milk production as this may lead to engorgement and mastitis. When milk 'comes in' in the first days after birth your breasts are full, swollen and engorged. Feed your baby frequently to relieve the fullness and apply a cool compress. Avoid expressing unless feeding is too painful and your baby cannot latch."
Investing in a good breast pump is a big decision, as a lot of electric breast pumps on the market carry a big price tag. From understanding what the difference is between a closed and open system as well as the various types of breast pump available, we’re here to help you choose the best pump available to buy for you today, and to help answer any concerns you have about picking a pump.
What are the different types of breast pump?
A breast pump is a manual, electric or battery-operated device that extracts milk out of a lactating mom.
There are different styles, which suit different needs and lifestyles.
Manual breast pump
A manual breast pump features a handle that you will physically pump with your hand, with a cup that sits over your breast, extracting the milk from your breast into an attached bottle or container. They’re generally easy to use, although you might find them a strain on your hands and wrists. They require no technology so tend to be the cheapest options, and moms who use a manual breast pump often prefer the feeling of control.
Electric breast pump
Using mains electricity with a wire and plug, or using a rechargeable battery, electric breast pumps naturally are more technologically advanced than manual ones. They will have a variety of settings, intensities and modes, depending on the model, and are innovative in how they mimic your baby’s suckling. You can adjust the modes to find the most comfortable and efficient settings to suit you.
Electric breast pumps that plug into the mains are naturally not portable, so you will find you have to sit and wait while you express.
Hospital-grade electric breast pumps are the most powerful and efficient, and you might have used one if you gave birth in hospital. Some hospitals rent electric breast pumps.
Wearable breast pumps
There are more wearable breast pumps available than ever - probably thanks to our busy lifestyles that mean we can’t just sit down and wait while we pump, as much as we might want to. Wearable breast pumps have rechargeable batteries; charge them up, then attach the cup to your breast, pop your bra back on over the top, and carry on with life. That’s the idea, anyway; some wearable breast pumps aren’t as discreet as others, so do your research and ask your mom friends which ones they use.
Wearable breast pumps tend to be very quiet, some almost silent, and they can be incredibly useful for pumping on-the-go. Most claim to be leak-proof, but we find this is unreliable, and certainly if you try laying down while using a wearable breast pump, it’s likely to lose suction and leak.
Hands-free breast pumps
Some breast pumps aren’t really ‘pumps’; they attach via suction and simply collect your milk as you lactate, oftentimes while you’re feeding from the other breast. Some moms love these inventions, while other moms find them too easy to knock off and spill that liquid gold.
How we chose and tested these breast pumps
Our Mother&Baby awards are renowned in the industry for being one of the most highly respected product awards for baby and parenting products, and every year, we arrange for thousands of independent mom reviewers to test the latest products on the market.
We've tested over 60 of the best models available, with around 10 reviewers per product to ensure that we get a range of views on the product.
Once we’ve recruited our pool of independent mom testers we ask them to consider four areas while testing, including usability, design, quality and value for money. They also are asked to provide feedback on their experience with the product and whether they would make any changes to improve it. From all this work, the best breast pumps are chosen and listed below, along with the review comments that we thought would be most useful to those looking themselves for the best breast pump.
Our editorial team is also constantly updating our best of articles and looking for new breast pumps to test so that we can help you find the best – be that a cheaper product that we want to test for value for money or the latest breast pump innovation. Find out more about how we test and what considerations we take into account in our testing process.
The best breast pumps 2024
The best overall breast pump
This is our Editor’s Choice of breast pump, and the favourite of our mom testers. It’s not the cheapest breast pump by a long shot, but, we think the price is worth it, with one mom even saying it was “life-changing” for her. Elvie calls this pump the smallest, quietest and smartest breast pump available to buy - and not only do they have the stats to back up that claim, but seeing is believing. It really is virtually silent - it’s quite unbelievable when you first use it, especially if you’ve used other electric or manual breast pumps before. It’s so quiet it won’t wake your baby, it won’t interrupt a phone call, and you can continue listening to a podcast while you use it. It’s the ultimate wearable breast pump, too; once it’s fitted inside your bra, you can get on with your day. Now, yes, it’s obvious you’re wearing it - no one’s breasts are normally that shape - but you really can wear it under your normal clothes and get on with your day, with one mom tester saying “it’s so quiet, it’s easy to think it’s not working, but then you look and it’s pumped loads. I love it. I get more milk from pumping with this than any other breast pump I’ve tried, and it’s so easy to wear and carry on doing cleaning or just sitting with my baby. I’ve told all my mom friends to get one.”
Additionally, it’s really easy to take apart and clean. There are no pipes to worry about. The various components click apart and together with ease. The instructions are easy to understand, and you can connect to an app for increased usability if you wish. It has seven intensity settings and four pumping rhythms; it’s easy to change between settings and find the pressure and intensity that suits your let-down and supply.
One tip, from personal experience, is to put the breast pump on to charge after using it; it can be frustrating if you forget, then come to use it and find it out of battery.
The only downside is that the cups can be a bit fiddly to pour from, but you get the hang of it after a few uses, with one mom tester commenting, “I know the price is high but it’s worth it. It does take a few goes to figure out what angle to put it on to my breast, but after a few tries it became second nature.”
Seriously, we can’t recommend this enough. It’s a total game-changer, and once you’ve used it, you won’t ever want to go back to any other electric or manual breast pump.
Read our full review of the Elvie Breast Pump here
Pros
- Wearable to keep your hands free
- Virtually silent for discreet pumping
- Small in size
- Lightweight for easy use
- Easily controlled with an app
Cons
- Needs charging regularly
- Tricky to fit initially
- Is on the more expensive side so could be out of some budgets
| Hands-free pumping | Yes |
| Modes | 2 automatic modes: stimulation and expression |
| Suction settings | 7 |
| Breast shield sizes | 3 available (2 included) |
| Charging | Rechargeable using USB |
| App controlled | Yes, Elvie app available for your smartphone |
| Bottles included | 2 150ml reusable bottles |
| BPA free | Yes |
| Weight | 225g |
The best double electric breast pump
The Spectra brand is one of the most popular breast pump brands in the US, and is often most recommended by friends and family. There are a variety to choose from but we’re taking a look at the most popular, the S1 Plus.
It’s easy to use, with a rechargeable battery, and 12 suction levels - so it’s easy to find the intensity that suits your supply, a feature one mom really loved, commenting “this pump has helped my milk supply so much. I'm an exclusively pumping mom. Within 12 hours of using it my supply increased.”
Despite the 270 mmHg suction level which allows moms to pump much more volume than with other breast pumps, it’s quieter than most others on the market, so it’s pretty discreet to use. It is however a large and bulky appliance, though, and isn’t wearable for on-the-go pumping; it is however a portable breast pump, thanks to the battery. The handle makes it easy to carry from room to room, but this isn’t one you could pop in your purse and take out for the day. This breast pump is often considered to be the most powerful you can buy, outside of those you can rent direct from the hospital.
Extra features include space at the back of the unit for a bottle, and a nightlight feature so you can see what you’re doing if pumping at night which mom testers loved. “This pump doesn't hurt, it's portable, less parts to wash, and the nightlight is so convenient in the middle of the night. I'm so happy I made the decision to buy it.” One mom said.
Fans of this breast pump talk a lot about how easy it is to clean; there are just three parts that you have to wash, thanks to most of it being part of a closed system that doesn’t have contact with your milk or any associated bacteria.
If you’re not interested in a portable, battery-operated breast pump, then you could opt for the S2 Plus which plugs into the mains power outlet rather than having a battery. It’s not as portable but it is cheaper.
Read our full Spectra S1 Plus Breast Pump review here
Pros
- Portable for pumping on the go
- Rechargeable battery
- Quiet for discreet pumping
- Efficient for easy pumping
- Strong suction
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not wearable
- Bulky in size
| Hands free pumping | No |
| Modes | 2 - let down and expression |
| Suction settings | 12 |
| Breast shield sizes | 1 (28mm) |
| Charging | Built-in rechargeable battery |
| App controlled | No |
| Bottles included | 2 collection bottles |
| BPA free | Yes |
| Weight | 2.9 pounds |
Similar to the Elvie breast pump, this innovative breast pump is wearable and super quiet. With no tubes, wires or additional parts, you can attach this sleek pump to your breast, pop on your bra and get on with your life while you pump. One mom tester found that it fit into her bra easily, commenting, “It slides right into my nursing bra, no cords, no hoses, just an awesome, painless, stress free experience.” This wearable breast pump can be controlled with an app, so you can monitor your supply and pressure, among other settings. It has two pumping modes and 15 levels of suction and has a good battery life, with one mum commenting “the charge on each pump lasts a while, and it’s nearly spill proof, with the exception of a small opening at the very top where if you bend over at about 90 degrees, milk will come out.”
It’s simple to set up and use, but some moms found it less discreet than they expected, and larger than expected. Plus, bear in mind that you will have to pay extra for reusable milk bags, or Willow’s own pumping bags which fit inside the pump itself, and they can be a bit pricey. It was a popular pump amongst our mom testers, with one saying, “I was skeptical and wasn’t sure about investing so much money. I have a wall pump and hate using it, so I never did. Pumping was the worst, but not anymore. I use the Willow every day and it’s absolutely the easiest thing ever. I am not an exclusive pumper, I pump once a day, but I wouldn’t have ever started pumping consistently without purchasing the willow.”
Pros
- Wearable for hands free pumping
- Easy to use
- Controlled pumping with an app
Cons
- Some moms found it a little too large in size
- Have to pay for extras
| Hands free pumping | Yes |
| Modes | 2 - stimulation and expression |
| Suction settings | 9 |
| Breast shield sizes | 2 |
| Charging | Rechargeable battery lasts up to 5 pumping sessions |
| App controlled | App-controlled from phone or Apple Watch |
| Bottles included | 1 |
| BPA free | Yes |
| Weight | 12.5 Ounces |
Best manual breast pump
HaakaaIf you’re looking for a manual breast pump that EVERYONE is talking about, then consider the Haakaa. If you’ve been researching the best breast pumps on Tik Tok or Instagram, you’re likely to have heard about this breast pump already.
Some moms claim it’s not really a pump, but a ‘collector’; you attach it to one breast while you’re feeding from the other, and it collects the let down that would otherwise have been lost.
This can be hit-or-miss; some moms swear it’s a life-changer, while other moms just don’t get on with it. It might be worth asking your mom friends if anyone can lend it to you, to see if it suits you, before buying one. But then, we could say that about all the different types of breast pump - it’s very much down to personal choice, however one mom said, “as a daily user, I can confidently say that the Haakaa Manual Breast Pump is a must-have for first-time moms. Its ease of use, gentle nature, versatility, and portability make it an invaluable tool for breastfeeding.”
The Haakaa is made of clear 100% silicone, and can hold 4oz of milk. It’s the easiest breast pump to clean, as there are no extra parts at all. There’s no need for batteries or wires, as it all works simply on natural suction power. It’s the most portable breast pump you can find, and it can fit easily inside any bag or purse to take on trips, and simply attach it to your breast whenever you need to. It goes without saying that it is completely silent, too.
However, beware that it can’t be considered completely wearable or hands-free, as they can be knocked off (either by baby or yourself) which can lead to spilling milk. Now, we know the saying is ‘don’t cry over spilled milk’ but we reckon whoever said that wasn’t talking about breast milk you’ve just pumped. One mom tester said, “While it might have some limitations in terms of suction and manual effort, its overall utility and convenience outweigh these factors, making it an essential addition to any new mom’s breastfeeding toolkit.”
Pros
- Silent for discreet pumping
- Portable and small for carrying in bag
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
- Easy to use
Cons
- Doesn’t suit everyone
- Easy to knock off which could cause leaking
| Hands free pumping | No |
| Modes | N/A |
| Suction settings | N/A |
| Breast shield sizes | One |
| Charging | Manual so doesn't require charging |
| App controlled | No |
| Bottles included | No |
| BPA free | Yes |
| Weight | 90.6 g |
Best hands-free electric breast pump
Zomee The Zomee Z2 breast pump features a silicone seal around the flanges which means you can attach the pump and continue pumping without holding it in place. This is a relief for any moms who’ve struggled with electric pumps in the past, having to sit and hold the pump in place for the whole time you’re expressing. This breast pump has three intensities and 19 settings - more options than any of the other breast pumps on our list. One mom tester loved its convenience, saying “I really like this pump! It has 3 modes (one that mimics baby’s sucking). I own three pumps but this is the only one that is rechargeable so I literally take it with me everywhere. I pump while cooking (just use a robe with a large enough pocket to hold the pump. I pump on the couch, walking around, outdoors, and in the car. It’s super convenient.”
The control panel is small and easy to use, and features a nightlight - handy if you’re pumping at night and don’t want to wake your baby as you express; however, the buttons don’t light up, so they can be hard to see. It’s rechargeable with a USB port. The controls are easy to set up and use.
The Zomee Z2 is easily portable and quick to use on-the-go. You can choose single or double pumping; if you opt to double pump, the Zomee Z2 will alternate intensity across both breasts to get the best results.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Double or single pumping options
- Quiet pumping
Cons
- Buttons don’t light up so can be difficult to see
| Hands free | No |
| Modes | Three |
| Suction settings | 19 |
| Breast shield sizes | 2 |
| Charging | Rechargeable battery powered |
| App controlled | No |
| Bottles included | 2- 140 ml Zomee Bottles; 2- Bottle nipples; 2- Bottle caps |
| BPA free | Yes |
| Weight | 1.11kg |
If you’re looking for a manual breast pump that doesn’t rely on batteries or electricity, then this Lansinoh breast pump is a brilliant and affordable choice.
It’s easy to use, and it doesn’t take long to understand the instructions and get to work pumping. There are just two settings, controlled by a simple switch at the top of the handle, switching between let-down and expressing intensities. Using one hand to pump the handle, you control the speed of pumping; the ergonomic design means you shouldn’t feel much strain on your wrist (although obviously this is more demanding on you physically than an electric breast pump). One benefit is being able to use the bottle straight for feeding, rather than having to transfer your milk from a separate container. Mom testers loved how easy this pump was to set up and use, with one commenting, “I love how easy this is to set up and use. I'll often grab it out to pump a bottle if my baby gets hungry when we're stuck in traffic. The bottle is the only bottle I've found so far that my baby will eat out of. I use it with the suction cup catcher thing on the other side 10/10 would buy again.”
This manual breast pump impresses with its simplicity; there aren’t many parts that need washing, and you don’t need to rely on any technology to get it to work. One mom tester said, “the pump part is a little bit of a pain to take apart and clean. I'm sure you could throw it in the dishwasher, but my issue is when I'm traveling and need to get it rinsed off so it doesn't stink when I get home.” It’s supremely portable so you can use it anywhere, and some moms find they get a better supply pumping manually than with an electric breast pump - again, it’s often down to trial and error to find the best breast pump for you.
Read our full Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump review here
Pros
- Portable for on the go pumping
- Different sized flanges for a comfortable fit
- Easy to clean and assemble
Cons
- Only two settings
- Can cause hand/wrist fatigue
| Hands free | No |
| Modes | Two |
| Suction settings | Manual |
| Breast shield sizes | 2 (25mm and 30.5mm) |
| Charging | Manual |
| App controlled | No |
| Bottles included | 1 Lansinoh® breastmilk storage bottle (5oz) |
| BPA free | Yes |
| Weight | 4.8oz |
If you have large breasts, you might find that standard breast pumps aren’t suitable or big enough for you - although some breast pumps come with different-sized flanges. This breast pump, with 24mm flanges, is double-sealed to make it feel ‘barely there’ according to the manufacturer. A wearable breast pump, which you can attach to your breast and pop your bra over the top, the Momcozy is designed to let you carry on with your day while you pump. You might need to lengthen your bra strap to accommodate the pump. One mom tester found this pump very easy to use, “with a 4-month-old and a 22-month-old, it’s impossible to find the time to sit and pump attached to a machine. However, this gives it a whole new level of ease. Before I would only ever manage to pump once a day if I’m lucky, whereas now I manage to pump 4 or 5 times a day with no problems. I can get on with everyday tasks or sit and relax knowing that I’m pumping without the effort.”
It’s a discreet unit, very quiet, and, as breast pumps go, fairly comfortable. It comes in three different colors, which most other breast pumps don’t offer; plus, this Momcozy breast pump is significantly cheaper than other wearable breast pumps. There are three simulation modes, with nine levels of intensity. With a 6oz capacity, this is more than some breast pumps offer. It might not have the technological innovation of the Elvie or others, but this is a great affordable option for a wearable breast pump. Moms also found it easy to clean, although some found it a little difficult to get the position right every time. “It’s easy to clean and easy to use and I always manage to express a good amount of milk. I would often have difficulty positioning my wired electric pump to be able to get a continuous flow of milk, but the suction on this ensures a strong and regular pump.” One mom said.
Read our full Momcozy Wearable Breast Pump S12 Pro review here
Pros
- Wearable
- Quiet and discreet
- Affordable
- Available in three colors
Cons
- Might be bulky for smaller breasts
| Hands free | Yes |
| Modes | Three |
| Suction settings | Nine |
| Breast shield sizes | One |
| Charging | Battery powered with 80 minutes life |
| App controlled | No |
| Bottles included | No |
| BPA free | Yes |
| Weight | 1.98 pounds |
Best all-round breast pump
Medela is well-known throughout the USA and the rest of the world for their award-winning breast pumps for decades, and you’ve probably seen or used a Medela breast pump either in hospital or via your friends or family. There’s a reason they’re so well-known - they are sturdy, dependable, efficient and reliable.
This Medela breast pump features automatic let-down and massage modes, and a clever control panel featuring 10 settings - it’s easy to get pumping with just a couple of buttons to press; it is a hospital-grade breast pump so you’ll be getting the most powerful and efficient pumping. It comes with a battery pack for charging on-the-go - however, you might find this more bulk and inconvenient than some other portable breast pumps, although it does come with its own carry bag. “I’m a mom of two and usually need to be hands free while pumping.” Said one mom of two. “This pump works well (strong suction, adequate output) however it isn’t as portable as I’d like it to be since you have to carry both the pump and the battery pack around with you. So although it’s not exactly hands free, I’m still pleased with this pump and will continue to use it!” She continued.
There are two sizes of flanges to help you find the most comfortable option. This Medela breast pump has recently been upgraded to a closed system, meaning there are less fiddly parts to wash and keep clean. It isn’t the quietest breast pump, however, so if you’re looking for something discreet then you might want to consider a quieter model.
Pros
- Well-known brand
- Sturdy and reliable
- Comes with carry bag
- Hospital-grade performance
- Easy to use
Cons
- Battery pack bulky
- Quite noisy in comparison
| Hands free | Yes |
| Modes | 2 |
| Suction settings | 10 |
| Breast shield sizes | 2 |
| Charging | Battery Powered |
| App controlled | Yes |
| Bottles included | Yes, 3 |
| BPA free | Yes |
| Weight | 1.18 pounds |
Things to keep in mind when choosing a breast pump
Choosing a breast pump is a very personal decision, and depends on your lifestyle, your supply, and your budget. Keep these following points in mind when researching the best breast pump for you:
Portability
Do you travel a lot, and take trips out with your baby frequently? Consider how often you might need to express while you’re out and about, and research portable breast pumps. How heavy is the breast pump, and how easy to use will it be when you’re not at home? Also, consider a portable breast pump that comes with its own breast pump bag, to make things even easier.
Noise
Noise is an important factor when choosing a breast pump. Electric breast pumps tend to be the noisiest; manual ones are pretty quiet, while wearable breast pumps often boast being almost silent. Noise is something to consider if you’re going to be expressing while you’re at work, or traveling.
Comfort
How the suction cup fits to your breast is important, as comfort is vital while you’re pumping. If you’re uncomfortable, or worse, in pain, while you pump, then check how the cup is attached to your breast and whether the suction is good enough. Find a breast pump with different-sized flanges to suit different-sized breasts. Expert Midwife Darcey says, "I can't stress enough how important the right breast shield size is – it's key for comfort and getting the most milk!"
Ease of use
How many settings does your breast pump have, and how easy are they to figure out? Having too many settings might be confusing or frustrating in the middle of the night when you’re sleep deprived and fiddling with too many buttons. Find a breast pump with simple controls via a straight-forward control panel.
Cleaning
How easy is it to clean your breast pump? Many with closed systems are easier to clean as fewer parts are in contact with milk and bacteria. It’s important to be able to take apart and sterilize your breast pump every time you use it. It can be tempting to throw parts in the dishwasher, but this might not be suitable.
Size
Expressing is easier and more efficient if you feel relaxed, so choose a pump that's appealing to look at and comfortable to hold. Anything too clinical or cumbersome is likely to be a hindrance. Size is particularly important if you’re looking for a portable breast pump that you can take out of the house with you.
Power source
Where are you planning to express? If you’re going to pump away from home, it might be best to choose a pump that can run on batteries. If you're the type of person who always forgets to charge your cell, a mains-operated pump might suit you better.
Storage
Are you pumping your milk and planning to freeze it for later use? If so, choose a pump with storage containers or factor in the cost of buying these.
Breast milk can store in the refrigerator safely for up to four days, so if you want to pump and feed within that time, find a breast pump that lets you express milk directly into a clean, sterilized bottle until you're ready to use it.
Price
After all, a breast pump isn't something you're going to need to use forever, so you don't want to be spending too much of your money on one. With most electric breast pump models coming in at over $100, you may want to opt for a more budget-friendly manual option before splurging on a more expensive pump.
What is the difference between an open and closed system pump?
Closed system pump - Closed system breast pumps have a barrier which stops milk from leaking into the mechanism and prevents any cross-contamination from bacteria or viruses. These breast pumps are much easier to clean, with fewer parts exposed to milk and bacteria.
Open system pump - Open system pumps do not have a barrier, but it's important to note that the risk of contamination is still very small.
There's no right or wrong pump to use and it's still important to sterilize your breast pump every time you use it.
Choosing the right breast pump for you
FAQs
Do you need a breast pump?
Whether you need a breast pump is completely up to personal choice. Many moms breastfeed exclusively and never pump while other moms choose to exclusively pump. This could be down to issues with latching or struggling to find support around breastfeeding. "Every woman's journey is different" says Midwife Darcey. But if you want to pump and store your milk for later use, then a breast pump is an important investment.
Do you need a single or double pump?
Again, this is down to personal preference. Some moms like to double pump, meaning attaching a double breast pump to both breasts at the same time. This can increase your efficiency and production, and it takes less time. They’re a great idea if you have twins or multiples, or if you have a premie baby. Most moms find a single pump is plenty however.
How do you clean a breast pump?
Cleaning and sterilizing your breast pump after every use is vital, to ensure milk and bacteria don’t linger in the parts and cause infections and illness. "Cleaning and sanitising your milk collection accessories is important to protect your precious milk and your breast health," says Sioned. "Follow the breast pump manufacturer's instructions. Wiping your pump with a clean damp cloth and wipe dry daily is also recommended when in use."
Different breast pumps have different parts and sections, so always read the instructions so you know which parts to detach and clean.
Some breast pumps with closed systems have fewer parts to clean.
Always sterilize and dry your breast pump properly between uses.
What is Hospital-Grade suction?
You may have noticed some breast pumps are marked that they offer hospital grade suction, but what does this actually mean? Technically speaking, this is more of an industrial style pump with a powerful motor that’s designed to be used by multiple moms safely. These models tend to be a lot more expensive that other models as they’re designed to be a lot stronger with a suction level of around 300 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and are made to be rented out to moms who need them.
"A hospital-grade pump is a purpose designed medical grade double pump, with programs that are intended to be used in the first days to support timely ‘milk coming-in’ and to build and maintain your established supply," says Sioned. "These are intended for multi-users with individual milk-collection accessories to maintain the highest standard of hygiene for milk collection between moms. They are available in hospital and community health settings and can be loaned/ hired out for home use."
These are usually rented out to moms who have given birth prematurely or those experiencing issues with latching or low milk supply. While most insurances won’t cover the rental of a hospital grade pump, they may if it’s deemed necessary, and the advice is to speak to your insurer about your personal circumstances.
Pumps designed for personal use only and only meant to be used by one mom are much more affordable and have a less powerful motor, at around 200-mmHg which will work well for moms with a healthy milk supply.
Are breast pumps covered on insurance?
You should be covered for a breast pump as a new mom under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act private health insurers are now required to cover breast pumps for new mothers without cost sharing through the preventive service mandate. If you want to know more about what’s covered, take a look at your policy details or contact your insurance provider to find out if it’s possible.
Used breast pumps
You may be wondering if it’s safe to purchase a second-hand breast pump, as often, these are on sale for a fraction of the price of a new breast pump. And while it can be tempting, it’s advised to always purchase a brand new pump if you plan on pumping. This is because there are some parts of a breast pump that cannot be thoroughly cleaned after being exposed to breast milk.
According to the FDA, it’s never safe for a pump that’s designed for a single user to be rented or resold.
Does breast pumping have any side effects?
There can be a few side effects to breast pumping which some moms experience. One of the most common side effects is causing pain in your breasts or nipples. Always ensure you are starting at the lowest setting and slowly working your way up; if pumping is uncomfortable or painful, stop, check the settings, and try in a different position on a different setting.
Is it OK to just pump and not breastfeed?
Of course! Breast milk offers so many benefits to your baby, but exclusively breastfeeding isn't always a viable option for all moms. Perhaps your baby can’t latch, maybe you’ve returned to work, or breastfeeding simply isn’t your choice - you can feed your baby your way. Exclusively pumping is a great way for your baby to get the benefits of breastmilk without breastfeeding. If however, you're keen to breastfeed but you're struggling to, don't forget there is support out there. Don't underestimate the value of an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. These pros can be game-changers when women are struggling with breastfeeding or pumping.
How long should you pump for?
Once you’ve bought your breast pump, set it up, attach it to your breast, and pump for as long as you are comfortable and for as long as your milk flows. There are no rules and it’s not a competition to see who can pump for the longest time.
There’s also no set rule about the best time of day to pump. Some advice says to try to time it halfway between feeds, while others advise pumping at the same time as feeding, but again this is all down to personal preference and how your body works.
Did you also know that employers with 50+ employees must provide break time and a private space for pumping? The provision for break time and space for nursing mothers is part of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The requirement applies to all employers covered by the FLSA, not just those with 50+ employees. The FLSA generally applies to employers with annual sales or business of $500,000 or more, or those engaged in interstate commerce.
About the experts
Sioned Hilton has over 25 years’ experience working with mums, she has worked as a registered general and paediatric nurse, including specialist neonatal nursing, has a BSc in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing and accreditation as a registered International Certified Lactation Consultant.
Darcey Croft is an experienced midwife, maternal mental health advocate, and mother of four, dedicated to transforming perinatal care. With over a decade of hands-on experience, including delivering her grandchild during an unexpected roadside birth, Darcey combines clinical expertise with real-life understanding and compassion.
Sophie Knight is a journalist and mom of two, and previously edited motherandbaby.com before moving on to write about family cars for Parkers.co.uk. Sophie went on to become Commercial Content Editor for M&B, Closer, Heat, Empire, Yours, Garden News, and WhatsTheBest.co.uk before deciding to dedicate more of her time to her family and write freelance.