A Buyer’s Guide For Breastfeeding Moms: What’s The Best Breast Pump?

Overview

Are you planning to breastfeed and pump your milk but unsure how you should choose a breast pump and which one is the best for you?

Which Breast Pump Brand Is The Best?

Medela and Spectra are among the most popular breast pump brands to choose from, but which of the two is better?

Is Spectra quieter than Medela? In general, Spectra may be quieter than Medela.

What are the other best breast pumps, and which one is the best for a low milk supply? What pump can best express milk in less time?

You’ll find answers to these breast pump questions, and more information if you’ll continue reading below.

Best All-Around Breast Pump

MC rated as “Best All-Around Breast Pump”

Spectra S1

Key Features

Weight: 2.42 lbs

Pump Type: Single and double electric

Batteries: Yes, built-in; up to three hours

Portability Options: Yes; with batteries and a handle on top for easy carrying

Pump System: Closed

Grade: Hospital grade

Settings: 12 vacuum suction levels, with letdown and expression modes

Display: LCD with nightlight

Pump Strength: Up to 270 mmHg

Pump Controls: Buttons

Noise Level: Quiet

Warranty: Two years

Bottles and Accessories in Box:

Two 24mm Spectra breast flanges
Two 28mm Spectra breast flanges
Two Spectra tubing
Two Spectra duckbill valves
Two Spectra backflow protectors
Two Spectra wide neck storage bottles
One Spectra 12-Volt AC power adapter

Bag and Cooler: Sold separately

Pros & Cons

Pros

Strong but quiet motor
Long battery life (up to three hours)
Remembers your custom settings

Cons

Bulkier design than other portable breast pumps

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“It is cute in its design. I’m not embarrassed by carrying it around. If you’re running late in the morning, it’s easy to go get your breakfast or do your make up or other things while pumping with the rechargeable battery. AND It is very quiet.” – Reviewer on Spectra Baby USA.

Negative Reviews

“I’ve used this pump for ONE WEEK. The first couple of days were fine. After that, 5 minutes into pumping and the pump stops sucking. I have tried everything from replacing parts to expressing one boob at a time, but it simply stops working. Incredibly frustrating. I absolutely DO NOT recommend this pump. Use a Medela instead.” – Reviewer on Target.

Best Bag-Free Wearable Pump

MC rated as “Best Bag-Free Wearable Pump”

Elvie Pump

Key Features

Weight: 0.5 lbs

Pump Type: Wearable, single or double electric

Batteries: Yes, with built-in batteries; Two-hour charging time via micro-USB

Portability Options: Yes; worn inside a standard nursing bra

Pump System: Closed

Grade: Not hospital grade

Settings: Seven intensity levels; automatically switches from stimulation mode into expression mode

Display: No display, just buttons; but can be linked with a smart app on your phone

Pump Strength: Up to 220 mmHg

Pump Controls: Buttons

Noise Level: Quiet

Warranty: Two years

Bottles and Accessories in Box: Elvie Pump Single

One hub (pump with breast milk collection cup)
Two bottles (5oz/150ml, BPA free)
One 24mm breast shield
One 28mm breast shield
Two valves
Two spouts
Two seals
Two storage lids
Two bra adjusters
One USB charging cable
Instructions for use

Bottles and Accessories in Box: Elvie Pump Double

Two hubs (two pumps with two breast milk collection cups)
Four bottles (5oz/150ml, BPA free)
Two 24mm breast shields
Two 28mm breast shields
Four valves
Four spouts
Four seals
Four storage lids
Four bra adjusters
Two USB charging cables
Instructions for use

Bag and Cooler: One carry bag for each hub

Pros & Cons

Pros

Hassle-free setup
Only has five parts to clean and assemble per hub
No cords and no wardrobe changes
It fits inside a standard nursing bra
Connects via Bluetooth to the free Elvie Pump app for monitoring milk volume

Cons

If you buy the Elvie Pump Single, you can only use it on one breast at a time.
You need to wait for 60 minutes before you can use the pump on the other breast.
You can opt to buy the Elvie Pump Double so you’ll have two hubs to use simultaneously, but that makes the pump more expensive.
You might need to stop mid-session to pour the cup’s contents into a milk bottle.
It can’t be used while charging because it automatically shuts off when plugged in.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“I’m not tied to sitting in bed, it’s a lot more quieter than the other device, and it’s quicker. I barely notice that I’m wearing the device for 20 mins. Seriously love this pump!” – Reviewer on Target.

Negative Reviews

“This pump does not empty me even after hours of research and troubleshooting. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it considering I can use my Spectra and get multiple let downs and much more milk!” – Reviewer on Target.

Best Custom Fit Breast Pump

MC rated as “Best Custom Fit Breast Pump”

Evenflo Deluxe Advanced

Key Features

Weight: 5.44 lbs

Pump Type: Single and double electric

Batteries: Yes, it uses AA batteries

Portability Options: Yes, it can be used with batteries and a car adapter

Pump System: Closed

Grade: Hospital grade

Settings: Independent speed and suction controls

Display: No display, but with LED lights to indicate levels

Pump Strength: 250 mmHg

Pump Controls: Buttons

Noise Level: Quiet

Warranty: Three years

Bottles and Accessories in Box:

Four (5-oz) milk collection bottles
30.5mm flange kits
28.0mm soft flange inserts
24.5mm soft flange inserts
Extra valves
Extra membranes
Balance and standard slow flow nipple
Instructions for use
Four cap rings
Four sealing discs
Three ice packs

Bag and Cooler:

Universal shoulder bag
Insulated cooler bag

Pros & Cons

Pros

It has a three-year warranty (most breast pumps only have a one-year warranty).
It comes with more breast flanges (other breast pumps usually provide only two sets).
It’s a quiet pump designed by noise cancellation experts.
It’s relatively inexpensive.

Cons

With a pump strength of just up to 250 mmHg, it’s not as powerful as other hospital-grade pumps that usually go up to 270 mmHg.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“Love love it. I really like this. Pump it’s gentle and very quiet. This is the first time out of my kids I will be using a pump. I give it a 5 star because I can’t find anything wrong with it yet. The bag it came with is nicely made, and I also like that it came with the ice packs and a small bag.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

Negative Reviews

“I found that the suction wasn’t very good with this pump. I was barely getting anything to come out. I bought a different one, a Medela, that worked so much better. I would not recommend this pump.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

Best Breast Pump For EBF (Exclusive Breastfeeding) Moms

MC rated as “Best Breast Pump for EBF Moms”

Ameda Purely Yours

Key Features

Weight: 2.30 lbs

Pump Type: Single and double electric

Batteries: Yes, needs six AA batteries (sold separately eight AA batteries and a charger)

Portability Options: Yes, it’s small, lightweight, and has batteries.

Pump System: Closed

Grade: Not hospital grade

Settings: 32 different customizable options; no button for letdown or massage mode

Display: No display

Pump Strength: Up to 200 mmHg

Pump Controls: Dials

Noise Level: Noisy, constantly makes a beeping sound

Warranty: One year

Bottles and Accessories in Box:

Four (4oz) bottles
Dual HygieniKit milk collection system
Two 25.0 mm CustomFit flanges
Two 30.5 mm CustomFit breast flanges
Two 28.5 mm CustomFit breast reducing inserts
Two silicone valves
Milk storage guidelines card
Two sets of NoShow Premium disposable nursing pads
Two Store‘N Pour milk storage bags
Instructions for use
One AC power adapter

Bag and Cooler:

Dottie Tote
Cool‘N Carry cooler tote bag with three ice packs

Pros & Cons

Pros

It’s a light pump (only 2.3 lbs) that can be used with batteries (six AAs).
It has a hygienic closed system and two built-in bottle holders.

Cons

It’s not a hospital-grade pump.
It can only go up to 200 mmHg.
The beeping sound can be annoying.
The tote that comes with the breast pump can’t fit all the items in the milk collection system.
The product (Lot 7E058 and Lot 7E308) was recalled in 2017 for incorrect (UK instead of US) AC power adapters. Ameda replaced the incorrect items with the US adapters. (1)

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“Ultimately, we saved $60 by choosing this over the Medela, and my wife said it works perfectly well. The bag that it came with isn’t quite as large as the one that comes with the Medela, but the last thing we need around the house is another tote bag or backpack.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

“I do like the small size and portability of this model, but it’s not at all quiet. In fact, with every suction cycle, the pump makes an annoying ‘beep’ sound. After 20 minutes of 30-60 beeps per minute, either you stop hearing it, or you want to stop pumping. I normally cover the pump with a couch pillow, which helps, but still doesn’t stop the infernal beeping.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Best For Travel

MC rated as “Best Travel Breast Pump”

Medela PISA (Pump in Style Advanced) Breast Pump with On-the-Go Tote

Key Features

Weight: 7.0 lbs

Pump Type: Single and double electric

Batteries: Yes, needs eight AA batteries (sold separately 8AA batteries and a charger)

Portability Options: Yes, it has batteries and an on-the-go tote

Pump System: Open

Grade: Hospital grade

Settings: 2-Phase Expression Technology with a one-touch letdown mode button

Display: No display, just dials

Pump Strength: Up to 250 mmHg

Pump Controls: Dials

Noise Level: Quiet

Warranty: One year

Bottles and Accessories in Box:

Four (5oz) bottles with lids
One battery pack (eight AA rechargeable batteries not included)
Two 24 mm PersonalFit breast shields
Two 27 mm PersonalFit breast shields
Two breast shield connectors
Two valves and membranes
One set of complete tubing
One AC power adaptor
One booklet of instructions for use

Bag and Cooler:

Tote bag, backpack, or Metro bag
Cooler bag with one ice pack

Pros & Cons

Pros

Heavy-duty hospital-grade pump that can be used as a single or double pump
It has a big tote bag that can fit the entire milk collection system and some extras.
It can be used with batteries.

Cons

It can only go up to 250 mmHg.
The open-system pump might be less hygienic.
It’s heavier than most pumps.
In 2010, the product was subjected to a recall (manufacture dates: February 10 to March 3, 2010) due to a compromised circuit board that can cause affected pumps to turn off on their own mid-pumping session. Some wouldn’t turn on while others make a clicking sound and lose suction while pumping. Medela replaced the faulty pumps. (2)

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“The pump in the bag is discreet and roomy; pockets help keep supplies organized. All I transport back and forth are the pump parts and the milk. The storage bag with an ice pack is handy, but sometimes I need to fit more than four bottles in that storage bag. Overall, the Medela Pump in Style in a Tote is affordable, compact, and compatible with my stay-at-home pump.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

Negative Reviews

“The bag and such are nice, but the pump is absolute crap. I picked this one because the one I got from my insurance is losing power after seven months, and somehow, that one has more power than this scam box. I just want to pump without stressing out because of a machine.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

Best For Working Moms

MC rated as “Breast Breast Pump for Working Moms”

Motif Duo Breast Pump

Key Features

Weight: 0.6 lbs

Pump Type: Single and double electric

Batteries: Yes, built-in batteries last up to 2.5 hours

Portability Options: Yes, it’s small and lightweight.

Pump System: Closed

Grade: Hospital grade

Settings: Ten expression modes and 10 massage settings, with memory

Display: LCD with backlight

Pump Strength: Up to 250 mmHg

Pump Controls: Buttons

Noise Level: Quiet

Warranty: One year

Bottles and Accessories in Box:

One power adapter
Two 21mm breast shields
Two 24mm breast shields
Two 27mm breast shields
Two 180 ml milk collection containers
Two bottle nipples
Two valves
Two connectors and Diaphragms
Two tubings and tubing connector pairs

Bag and Cooler:

Multi-Pocket Maylilly
Motif backpack

Pros & Cons

Pros

It’s a portable breast pump that weighs just 0.6 lbs.
It’s small enough to fit most bags.
It’s a quiet, closed system.
It has an LCD display with a timer and backlight.

Cons

It’s not as powerful as other hospital-grade pumps.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“1st time mom and 1st time using a breast pump. I couldn’t produce milk yet. But as soon as I used the pump after the 2nd try, milk was coming out. The size is nice and easy to travel with. I love that it features a charger with it. The compact is outstanding overall.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

Negative Reviews

“The size is fine. The bag is cute. However, you can only pump one breast at a time when both are hooked up, the intensity of the suction drastically goes down, and the tubes come disconnected very easily.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

What Brand Of Breast Pump Do Hospitals Use?

MC rated as “Best Hospital Grade Breast Pump”

Medela Symphony Breast Pump

Purchase not covered by insurance, but this may be available as a rental unit

Key Features

Weight: 7.05 lbs

Pump Type: Single and double electric

Batteries: None

Portability Options: Not portable

Pump System: Closed system

Grade: Hospital grade

Settings: 2-Phase Expression technology with letdown button

Display: None, only dials and buttons

Pump Strength: Up to 250 mmHg

Pump Controls: Dials and buttons

Noise Level: Quiet, designed for a hospital setting

Warranty: Three years, limited

Bottles and Accessories in Box:

One Symphony 2.0 Program Card
One container stand
One quick start card
One protector for card/cord
Instructions

Bag and Cooler: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

It’s a strong and quiet pump.
It’s among the few Medela breast pumps that have a hygienic closed system pump.
It’s designed for heavy-duty pumping by multiple users.
It’s FDA-approved for multiple users.
It’s the only Medela pump with a three-year warranty.

Cons

It’s expensive.
It’s not covered by insurance as a purchase.
You can also use this breast pump as a rental.
It’s a big, bulky pump.
It was subject to a recall (lot #67099S) in 2010 for compromised sterility due to possible pinholes in the rigid tray of the package. Medela replaced the compromised pumps. (3)

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“Hospital grade suction power is true to its word. I noticed a significant increase in breast milk output even on the first pump. As an exclusive pumper, this product was a life-changer and a must-have. Easy to use and clean. Definitely worth every penny.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

“I had rented one of these with kiddo #1, and it was a lifesaver. However, the one I ordered for kiddo #2 had almost no suction at first and made an annoying beeping sound every time it pulls and suctions.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Best Lightweight Pump

MC rated as “Best Lightweight Breast Pump”

Spectra S9

Key Features

Weight: 0.5 lbs

Pump Type: Single and double electric

Batteries: Yes, built-in; can last up to 1.5 hours

Portability Options: Yes, among the smallest and lightest breast pumps

Pump System: Closed

Grade: Not hospital grade

Settings: Ten suction levels with letdown and expression modes

Display: LCD

Pump Strength: Up to 260 mmHg

Pump Controls: Buttons

Noise Level: Noisier than other Spectra pumps

Warranty: Two years

Bottles and Accessories in Box:

Two 24mm Spectra breast flanges
Two Spectra tubing
Two Spectra duckbill valves
Two Spectra backflow protectors
Two Spectra wide neck storage bottles
One Spectra 9-Volt AC power adapter

Bag and Cooler: Sold separately: tote and cooler

Pros & Cons

Pros

It’s among the lightest portable breast pumps (0.5 lbs) currently available.
It’s small but still powerful (up to 260 mmHg).

Cons

You can adjust the suction level but not the suction speed.
It’s noisier than other Spectra pumps.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“This is a great pump for travel and on the go! I was worried about the suction level but have been pleasantly surprised with the power of this tiny pump!” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

“This pump was loud and sounded like it was on the struggle bus. The settings are not like the S2 in what they do or produce. The suction and settings immediately had me wanting to return it. We tried yesterday to do so and found out I can’t even exchange for the S1 and pay more. So now we are out 180$ and have a pump that does nothing for me. Really upset.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Best Manual Breast Pump

MC rated as “Best Manual Breast Pump”

Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump

Key Features

Weight: 0.75 lbs

Pump Type: Manual, single

Batteries: None

Portability Options: Portable

Pump System: Closed

Grade: Not hospital grade

Settings: Two-mode pumping: Stimulation and Expression to promote letdown and pumping efficiency

Display: None

Pump Strength: Up to 250 mmHg

Pump Controls: Manual lever

Noise Level: Quiet

Warranty: One year

Bottles and Accessories in Box:

One 25mm ComfortFit flange
One 30.5mm ComfortFit flange

Bag and Cooler: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

It’s cheap.
It has fewer parts to clean.
It’s quiet.
It’s light and portable.

Cons

It’s a manual pump, so you’ll need to use your hands to express milk.
It can only be used on one breast at a time.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“I used this on one side while having my Spectra on the other (using a breast pump bra to keep everything centered). I was able to pump comfortably for 10 minutes without any issues – no hand cramping at all – and when I checked at the end how much I pumped with the manual – I got 1 ounce more on the manual pump side than the Spectra side.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

“This product sucked. I got it as a backup to my Medela hand pump. And the suctioning on it was awful. Usually, within a minute with the Medela, I get around an ounce or more, but with this product, I could barely get less than an ounce within three to five minutes. Worst purchase I’ve ever made.” – Reviewer on Target.

Best Single Electric Pump

MC rated as “Best Single Electric Breast Pump”

Nuk Expressive

Key Features

Weight: 1 lb

Pump Type: Single electric

Batteries: Yes, uses three AA batteries or one 1.5V battery

Portability Options: Yes, it’s light and uses batteries

Pump System: Closed

Grade: Not hospital grade

Settings: Eight suction levels and four cycle modes

Display: None

Pump Strength: Up to 240 mmHg

Pump Controls: Dials

Noise Level: Noisy

Warranty: One year

Bottles and Accessories in Box:

One (5-oz) breast milk container
One silicone nipple size 1 (slow flow)
One collar
One cap
One seal disk for storage
One container stand
One voltage adapter
One extra silicone valve

Bag and Cooler: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

It’s small and portable.
It uses a hygienic closed system.
It uses batteries so you can bring it anywhere.
It has many suction levels and a letdown mode.

Cons

It’s just a single pump.
It’s a bit noisy.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“My milk is not in yet, but it still gets the pre-milk out very well. I get about an oz in 10 minutes or so. It has a strong suction to me.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

Negative Reviews

“I tried the pump, and it has such low suction it took significantly longer than a hand pump to empty the breast. I ended up using my hand pump while in the park because this was so slow. The more you use it, the less suction it has. What a waste of money.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

Best Wearable (Hands-Free) Pump

MC rated as “Best Wearable or Hands-Free Pump”

Willow Generation 3 Wearable Double Electric Breast Pump

Key Features

Weight: 5.59 lbs

Pump Type: Single and double electric, wearable

Batteries: Yes, built-in and rechargeable last up to five sessions

Portability Options: Yes, the pumps have batteries and can fit inside your nursing bra

Pump System: Closed

Grade: Comparable to hospital-grade

Settings: Seven suction levels (includes a sensitivity setting)

Display: None, but can connect to a smartphone app

Pump Strength: Up to 245 mmHg

Pump Controls: Buttons and through the app

Noise Level: Quiet

Warranty: One year

Bottles and Accessories in Box:

Two Willow Pumps
Two (24mm or 27mm) flanges
Two Flex Tubes
Twenty four (4 oz.) spill-proof breast milk bags
Charger
Two cleaning brushes

Bag and Cooler: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

Wearable breast pump
Connects via Bluetooth to the Generation 3 Willow app for monitoring the amount of pumped breast milk
Spill-proof cups that can be used in any position

Cons

It’s more expensive than most breast pumps.
The cup size might be too small for your pumping session, so you might need to stop mid-session to pour the milk out.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“The Willow LITERALLY saved my breastfeeding journey, and I am forever grateful. It’s also the only pump I’ve tried that empties my breasts fully, and I’ve been able to increase my supply with this pump!” – Reviewer on the Willow Pumps website.

Negative Reviews

“Unfortunately, this pump takes me more time to use, and my output is significantly less than with a traditional pump. Getting into “expression” mode can take me upwards of 5 minutes (and you can only put on one pump at a time), so sometimes it is a full 10 minutes before I’m even expressing.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

Most Affordable Electric Pump

MC rated as “Most Affordable Breast Pump”

BellaBaby Double Electric Breast Pump

Key Features

Weight: 2.6 lbs

Pump Type: Single and double electric

Batteries: Yes, it uses one lithium-ion battery with up to three hours of battery life.

Portability Options: Yes, it’s small and uses batteries.

Pump System: Closed

Grade: Hospital

Settings: Four modes and nine levels of suction, including massage and letdown

Display: LED

Pump Strength: Up to 300 mmHg

Pump Controls: Digital buttons

Noise Level: Noisy

Warranty: One year

Bottles and Accessories in Box:

Two milk collection bottles
Two pieces of milk storage bag adapters
Ten pieces of storage bags
Two flanges
Two massage pads
One set of tubings

Bag and Cooler: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

It’s cheaper than most electric pumps but is lightweight and portable.
It’s compact and light.
The batteries last for up to three hours.
You can directly pump your breast milk into storage bags.

Cons

Some moms complain that the pump’s suction is too strong.
It can be noisy.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“Amazing. My favorite pump of all time, and I’ve tried several.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

Negative Reviews

“The least suction power I’ve ever used in a breast pump. I’m very disappointed. I couldn’t even get more than a few drops out using the highest mode. Waste of money.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Most Comfortable Pump

MC rated as “Most Comfortable Breast Pump”

Philips Avent Comfort

Key Features

Weight: 2 lbs

Pump Type: Double electric

Batteries: No

Portability Options: It’s not portable

Pump System: Closed

Grade: Not hospital grade

Settings: One stimulation mode and three expression settings

Display: None, just buttons

Pump Strength: Up to 128 mmHg

Pump Controls: Buttons

Noise Level: Noisy

Warranty: Two years

Bottles and Accessories in Box:

Two (4-oz) milk collection bottles
Two sealing disc for milk storage
Two extra soft newborn flow nipple
Two spare diaphragms
Two travel covers
Two breast pump bodies
Four breast pad sample packs (two day pads and two night pads)
One tubing
Two 22mm standard size cushions

Bag and Cooler: Handy travel bag

Pros & Cons

Pros

Lightweight, portable pump
Flanges come with built-in massage cushions for comfortable breastfeeding sessions.

Cons

It’s noisy.
Milk collection bottles are small, so you might need to stop mid-session.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“I like this pump overall. It’s easy to use, expresses milk efficiently, and is kinder on the breasts when compared to Ameda.” – Reviewer on Phillips Avent’s website.

Negative Reviews

“Poor ability to suction, have to hunch forward and hold them tightly in place making it difficult to change the settings because I can’t let go to do so. Leaks while pumping while pouring while feeding the baby.” – Reviewer on Amazon

Quietest Breast Pump & Best Value For Your Money

MC rated as “Best Value for Your Money” and “Quietest Breast Pump”

Spectra S2 Plus

Key Features

Weight: 3.3 lbs

Pump Type: Single and double electric

Batteries: None

Portability Options: Not portable

Pump System: Closed

Grade: Hospital grade

Settings: 12 suction levels with a letdown mode and expression mode.

Display: LCD

Pump Strength: Up to 270 mmHg

Pump Controls: Buttons

Noise Level: Quiet

Warranty: Two years

Bottles and Accessories in Box:

Two 24mm Spectra breast flanges
Two 28mm Spectra breast flanges
Two Spectra tubing
Two Spectra duckbill valves
Two Spectra backflow protectors
Two Spectra wide neck storage bottles
One Spectra 12-Volt AC power adapter

Bag and Cooler: Sold separately: tote and cooler

Pros & Cons

Pros

Strong but quiet pump.
The massage and expression modes can help you pump more milk volume.
Many pumping moms say this pump gave them the best pumping experience.
It’s among the most popular breast pumps in retail.
It’s also among the top choices as a free breast pump from insurance.
Readily available from most medical supply companies.

Cons

It doesn’t have batteries.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“I was so close to switching over to formula because the pump I had before did nothing for me & I have to head back to work soon. I’m 2 1/2 months in now, and I don’t see our journey ending anytime soon solely because I’m able to provide her with breast milk now while I work full time.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

Negative Reviews

“Poor suction. I ordered this pump over the Medela pump because it offered a closed system. I should have gone with the Medela pump instead. The suction isn’t very strong, and it only fits their bottles which can’t be sterilized. They will melt and deform. Go with Medela.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

Simplest Manual Pump

MC rated as “Simplest Manual Pump”

Haakaa Breast Pump

Key Features

Weight: 0.24 lbs

Pump Type: Manual, single

Batteries: None

Portability Options: Lightweight and portable

Pump System: Closed, direct

Grade: Not hospital grade

Settings: None

Display: None

Pump Strength: Not rated

Pump Controls: None, just the suction pump

Noise Level: 100% silent

Warranty: One year

Bottles and Accessories in Box:

Pump with a built-in 4-oz milk collection container

Bag and Cooler: None

Compatibility: Ladybug milk collector cup

Pros & Cons

Pros

One-piece pump with no separate parts to clean
Affordable and easy to use
Silicone one-size-fits-all flange

Cons

It’s not as powerful as an electric pump.
It doesn’t promote faster milk flow.
No adjustable suction.
No extra flange sizes.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“Over the first 24hrs of having this, I’ve pulled over 10oz of otherwise wasted milk! I can’t believe how well it works!” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

“I thought this would work to use on one side while I fed the baby on the other. But it actually just made my nipples really sore, worse than if I just pumped with my electric pump.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Best Pump Accessories

MC rated as “Best Pump Accessories”

Freemie Next Generation Cups

Key Features

Weight: 0.05 lbs

Pump Type: Single or double

Batteries: Not applicable

Portability Options: Light and portable

Pump System: Closed

Grade: Not applicable

Settings: Not applicable

Display: Not applicable

Pump Strength: Not applicable

Pump Controls: Not applicable

Noise Level: Not applicable

Warranty: 60 days

Bottles and Accessories in Box:

Two 25mm breast flanges
Two 28mm breast flanges
Two cups parts
Two valve bases
Two barriers
Three duckbill valves
Three lengths of tubing
One tubing y-connector

Bag and Cooler: None

Compatibility:

Ameda Purely Yours, Ameda Finesse
ARDO Calypso
BabyBuddha
BellaBaby Duo Pocket, Bellababy Duo Rechargeable
Evenflo Deluxe Advanced
Freemie Liberty and Independence
Lucina Melodi Prime
Motif Duo, Motif Luna
Philips Avent
Spectra M1, S1, S2, S1 Plus, S2 Plus, 9 Plus

Pros & Cons

Pros

It’s compatible with many breast pumps.
It’s a closed system.
It’s discreet.

Cons

It’s small.
You might need to remove cups to pour collected breast milk at mid-session.
It should be used in one position (upright), so the milk won’t spill.
You can’t use it while lying down or reclining.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“The best pumping accessory yet!!! This is my second go at breastfeeding. Although this time was successful getting my LO to latch, I’m an FT working mom with a commute. Therefore I need to pump.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

“My milk was low, my breast had sharp stabbing pains that would wake me in the night, and I had many blocked ducts. I’ve since stopped using them completely, and things are getting back on track.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Does Pumping Ruin Your Breasts?

A breast pump is designed to collect your breast milk without causing permanent damage to your nipples or breast. If you’re feeling pain, it may be a good idea to change the breast shield or flange size to something that fits you better.

How to Measure Breast Shield or Flange Size

Different brands might have different ways to determine the sizes for the breast shields or the flanges. But here’s the general rule:

Measure the width of your nipple’s base (in millimeters).

Then use this as a guide to find your size:

The base of nipple width is approximately 16mm to 18mm = 21mm breast shield
The base of nipple width is approximately 18mm to 21mm = 24mm breast shield
The base of nipple width is approximately 21mm to 25mm = 28mm breast shield

Note that your nipple size may change during your breastfeeding journey, so keep the other breast shields included in the breast pump box if you need them later.

How Do I Choose A Breast Pump?

Did you know that you may get a free breast pump via insurance?

Medical supply companies such as Aeroflow and Edgepark can help you get the pump you need. Depending on your policy, you might be eligible for a double electric breast pump.

If you want ‘upgraded’ pumps such as Elvie or Willow, you might need to pay the price difference from what your insurance will pay for.

Is Spectra Better Than Medela?

There are many types of breast pumps, even from the same brands.

For example, Medela sells the following: Medela Freestyle, Medela Pump in Style Advanced, Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow, Medela Symphony, Medela Harmony Manual, and Medela Freestyle Flex.

Meanwhile, Spectra sells the following: Spectra S1 Plus, Spectra S2 Plus, Spectra 9 Plus, Spectra S3 Pro, and Spectra Synergy Gold.

As you’ve read above, there are also other pumps from other brands.

You can ask a lactation consultant for recommendations or pick your own pump, considering these factors:

Cost
Weight
Noise or sound
Closed system vs. open system
Frequency of use
Lifestyle needs
Hands-free options or wearable breast pumps
Special features
Power source
Portability
Accessories
Cleaning
Ease of use
Warranty
Product recalls

Summary & Recommendation

Breast pumps are created differently, with different specifications. So, one pump that works for other moms might not work for you or might not be enough to meet your needs.

It’s up to you to pick the breast pump that suits your needs, but here are our recommendations:

Best All-Around Breast Pump