Breast Pump

The Ultimate Guide To The Best Breast Pump For Working Moms

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Overview

Are you a breastfeeding mom who finds pumping sessions at work extra challenging? You’re not alone, mama.

Whether you have to go to your workplace or work from home, you’re entitled to take a break from your job to express milk.

That’s your right as a breastfeeding mom under the Affordable Care Act. You’re even entitled to a free breast pump through insurance, too. The breast pump you can get will depend on your insurance policy.

Depending on your workplace and job, you might need a portable breast pump or a wearable pump for discreet, hands-free pumping. But if you work from home, you may opt for double electric hospital-grade breast pumps that may be more powerful yet only work while plugged in.

With so many options out there, how should you choose the best breast pump for working moms to suit your needs?

We’re here to help you, mama.

In this ultimate guide to the best pumps for working moms, we review several breast pumps that you might find useful in expressing breast milk for your baby even while you’re busy at work.

Best Breast Pumps for Working Moms

What factors are you looking for in a breast pump for working moms?

As a busy working mom, you might want a pump that’s portable, wearable, and discreet, so you can pump quietly at work.

While you’re entitled to a pump break, it’s still nice to be able to do it quietly in private.

We grouped these pumps according to type (manual, portable double electric, and wearable) because that’s a big factor in making the right choice for a pump you can use at work.

The price can also be a big factor for many moms, so we arranged these breast pumps according to price (from the cheapest to the priciest), too.

Manual Breast Pumps

Double Electric Breast Pumps

Portable

Not Portable

Wearable Breast Pumps

Continue reading to learn more about these pumps to find the best one for working moms like you.

HaakaaAMAZON BUTTONTARGET BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Weight: 0.24 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: It’s small and easy to bring around.
  • Pump Type: Single, manual
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Settings: It’s a one-piece suction pump with a one-size-fits-all silicone flange. There are no settings; you squeeze the suction pump to make it work.
  • Noise Level: Silent

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It’s quiet and portable.
  • It’s cheap and can easily fit in your bag.
  • It’s an easy-to-use one-piece pump made from food-grade silicone.
  • It doesn’t require a power source to pump your milk.

Cons

  • It only uses suction for manual pumping.
  • It’s not as powerful as electric pumps.
  • You manually adjust the suction strength according to how hard you squeeze the pump.
  • The pump itself catches and collects your breast milk. So, even if it’s a closed system, this section might be prone to contamination.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

The Haakaa is a truly genius idea. I love it so much I bought two!” – Reviewer on Haakaa’s website.

Negative Reviews

I used it for two months, and it falls off now. So I tried to contact customer service, and they just gave me the runaround.” – Reviewer on Haakaa’s website.

Lansinoh ManualWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTONTARGET BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Weight: 0.75 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: It’s light, small, and portable.
  • Pump Type: Single, manual
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Settings: It’s a manual pump with stimulation and expression modes.
  • Pump Strength: Up to 250 mmHg
  • Noise Level: Silent

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It’s cheap, silent, and portable.
  • It has fewer parts to clean. Despite being a manual pump, its suction strength can reach up to 250 mmHg.

Cons

  • You need to use a lever to operate the pump.
  • Though some moms think it’s fine to use a manual pump for occasional pumping or to deal with engorgement, it can be tiresome if you use this for regular pumping sessions.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

The pump was easy to put together. Also, it doesn’t hurt the hand as much as I thought it would. The cost was also a benefit.” – Reviewer on Lansinoh.

Negative Reviews

Terrible. I have other pumps that work great. This one doesn’t do anything. I get no milk when this one is used.” – Reviewer on Lansinoh.

Medela HarmonyEBAY BUTTONTARGET BUTTONWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Weight: 0.9 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: It’s portable but doesn’t need batteries.
  • Pump Type: Single, manual
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Settings: 2-phase expression technology with a manually controlled vacuum using the ergonomic swivel handle
  • Noise Level: Silent

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It’s quiet, easily fits in your bag, and doesn’t require batteries.
  • It has PersonalFit Flex breast shields for a better fit and can be used with other Medela bottles. So, it can be a handy backup to your other electric Medela pumps.

Cons

  • It’s designed as backup or for occasional use only.
  • The handle tends to pop off if the suction becomes too strong.
  • The seal tends to decrease suction strength after a few uses.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“This is the BEST manual pump! With three kids, I’ve tried tons of pumps. With this one, I am able to completely empty in less than five minutes.” – Reviewer on Target.

Negative Reviews

This worked ok on one breast but lost suction when I tried to pump the second breast.” – Reviewer on Target.

BellaBaby Double Electric Breast PumpAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Weight: 2.6 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: The lithium-ion rechargeable battery can last up to three hours.
  • Pump Type: Single and double electric
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Settings: Four modes (includes massage and letdown), and nine levels of suction
  • Pump Strength: Up to 300 mmHg
  • Noise Level: Noisy

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It’s cheaper than most electric pumps, yet it’s compact, lightweight, and portable.
  • Its batteries can last for up to three hours.
  • You can also express your breast milk directly into milk storage bags.

Cons

  • Some moms reported that the pump’s suction is too strong, and it hurts their nipples.
  • It’s a noisy pump.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

Amazing pump, especially when you’re on the go. I took this pump to work. I love it.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

Negative Reviews

I like this because it’s small and not noisy, but the “massaging” pads suck. They get milk trapped underneath, and they somehow lose some suction power when using them.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Spectra S2spectra s2EBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONTARGET BUTTON

  • Weight: 2.0 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: None
  • Bag and Cooler: Sold separately: tote and cooler
  • Pump Type: Single and double electric
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Settings: 12 vacuum suction levels, with letdown and expression modes
  • Pump Strength: Up to 270 mmHg
  • Noise Level: Quiet

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It’s a strong (up to 270 mmHg) yet quiet pump.
  • It can be converted into a hands-free pump if you wear a pumping bra.
  • The letdown and expression modes can help establish your milk supply and express more milk.
  • It uses BPA-free plastics (no harmful bisphenol-A chemicals).
  • It’s readily available from most medical supply companies like Aeroflow and Edgepark as a free breast pump through insurance.

Cons

  • Although you can use it hands-free to work, it still needs to be plugged in because it doesn’t have batteries.
  • You need to buy the tote and cooler bag separately.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

This pump is not only much more powerful but also more comfortable and easy to use. I also love that it’s a closed system.” – Reviewer on Spectra Baby USA.

Negative Reviews

Works great, and we bought two (one for work and one for home), but one stopped working after two months, and Spectra isn’t willing to help. Their response was to buy another power adapter (which didn’t help) or buy another pump.” – Reviewer on Spectra Baby USA.

Ameda FinesseWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Weight: 1.1 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: It uses six AA batteries. But these are sold separately 
  • Bag and Cooler: It comes with the Dottie tote bag and Cool’n Carry cooler bag with three ice packs. This cooler bag can fit six milk collection bottles and ice packs.
  • Pump Type: Single and double electric
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Settings: 32 fully customizable options for multiphase pumping
  • Pump Strength: Up to 250 mmHg
  • Noise Level: It uses quiet technology for discreet use, even during double pumping.

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It’s an affordable pump that comes with a tote and cooler bag useful for pumping and storing your breast milk at work.
  • It’s a lightweight pump that uses Natural Rhythmic Waveform and ComfortFlow technology that simulates your baby’s suckling in natural breastfeeding to help you produce more milk.
  • It’s discreet.

Cons

  • There’s no display for the settings.
  • It doesn’t have a built-in battery pack. It uses six AA batteries instead.
  • Suction strength is only 250 mmHg, and there’s no button for the letdown/expression mode.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

I love it! I had so much difficulty and pain with the very expensive Willow pump I used.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

Every time I use it, my nipples get super sore — horrible product. DON’T BUY THIS.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Spectra S9AMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTONTARGET BUTTON

  • Weight: 0.5 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: The built-in batteries can last up to 1.5 hours.
  • Bag and Cooler: None
  • Pump Type: Single and double electric
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Settings: 10 suction levels with letdown and expression modes
  • Pump Strength: Up to 260 mmHg
  • Noise Level: Louder than other Spectra pumps

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It’s among the lightest portable breast pumps (0.5 lbs) currently available.
  • Even if it’s small, it’s still powerful (up to 260 mmHg).

Cons

  • Its batteries can only last for 1.5 hours.
  • It’s noisier than other Spectra pumps.
  • You can’t adjust the suction speed, only the suction level.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

I use this as a primary pump because I’m able to walk around and get stuff done while I pump.” – Reviewer on Target.

Negative Reviews

This pump sucks. It takes too long to empty my breast, and it’s loud. Only used it a couple of times, and it already lost its strong suction.” – Reviewer on Target.

Motif DuoWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Weight: 0.6 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: The built-in batteries can last up to 2.5 hours.
  • Bag and Cooler: Multi-Pocket Maylilly or Motif backpack
  • Pump Type: Single and double electric
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Settings: 10 expression modes and 10 massage settings, with memory
  • Pump Strength: Up to 250 mmHg
  • Noise Level: Quiet

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It’s a portable breast pump that only weighs 0.6 lbs.
  • It has 10 massage modes and 10 expression modes.
  • It has an LCD display with a backlight.
  • The built-in pump battery can last up to 2.5 hours.

Cons

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

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

Love this pump!!! It doesn’t hurt like my old pump. The speeds are great; settings are super, super easy. I also love how lightweight and portable it is.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

Negative Reviews

The suction is so low I can only use it as a single pump. It still doesn’t pump as good as my plug-in one. The tubes come detached easily, so I can hardly move around while pumping. Also, the battery dies fast. I have to charge it after I pump every time.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

Philips AventEBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONTARGET BUTTON

  • Weight: 2 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: None
  • Bag and Cooler: Handy travel bag
  • Pump Type: Double electric only
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Settings: One massage mode to stimulate milk flow and three expression settings
  • Pump Strength: Up to 128 mmHg
  • Noise Level: Noisy

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It’s a lightweight pump with a closed system.
  • It’s rated as the most comfortable pump and comes with built-in massage cushions for comfortable breastfeeding sessions.

Cons

  • It’s loud.
  • It’s not a powerful pump and can only reach up to 128 mmHg.
  • It doesn’t have batteries. You can still use this at work, but it has to be plugged in.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

Compared with others, it’s great that you don’t have to hunch over to let the milk flow into the bottle – what a relief!” – Reviewer on Philips Avent website.

Negative Reviews

I started using the pump and had nipple pain. The shells were too small. I ordered and tried the larger size shells and even tried the pump without them, and it still did not fit. This pump caused damage to my nipples.” – Reviewer on Philips Avent website.

Ardo Calypso Double PlusWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Weight: 3.2 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: Six AA batteries required
  • Pump Type: Single and double electric
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Settings: 64 total settings, with independent vacuum and cycle adjustments
  • Pump Strength: Up to 240 mmHg
  • Noise Level: Silent

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It’s a silent pump.
  • There are three different breast flange sizes included in the box.
  • This pump has a total of 64 different settings and combinations for suction strength and frequency.

Cons

  • There’s no pre-programmed letdown button.
  • Some moms complain that its suction is too weak.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

I love that you can increase and decrease the suction and the cycle to your comfort and to stimulate let down! Parts are easy to clean.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

This is the worst pump you can possibly buy. The pressure and what not constantly changes, making it painful to use the pump because it will go from a weak pump to a really strong yank.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Spectra S1AMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTONTARGET BUTTON

  • Weight: 2.42 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: The built-in batteries can last up to three hours.
  • Bag and Cooler: Sold separately: tote  and cooler
  • Pump Type: Single and double electric
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Settings: 12 vacuum suction levels, with letdown and expression modes
  • Pump Strength: Up to 270 mmHg
  • Noise Level: Quiet

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It’s a quiet pump with long battery life (up to three hours).
  • This pump remembers your custom settings, has an LCD screen with a nightlight and timer.
  • It’s a strong pump.
  • It’s the portable version of the popular Spectra S2.

Cons

  • It has a bulkier design than other portable breast pumps.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

I love how portable and lightweight the pump is. It’s fairly easy to use once you become familiar with the cycles and suction power settings.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

Negative Reviews

Spectra S1 is not more efficient at removing the milk. It hurts nipples (nipples look purple after 5 minutes of pumping regardless of the setting), the manual is terrible (it’s very unclear and does not specify whether the bottles can be boiled to sterilize, it is unclear about the settings), and it’s bulky (can’t clip it to your pants and do other things while pumping).” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

Hygeia EnjoyeEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Weight: 2.8 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: It comes with a rechargeable battery pack for eight AA batteries (sold separately) that can last for four hours of pumping.
  • Bag and Cooler: A tote and a cooler are included in the box.
  • Pump Type: Single and double electric
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Settings: Adjustable suction strength and speed
  • Pump Strength: Up to 250 mmHg
  • Noise Level: Loud

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It comes with a tote and cooler to store your milk at work.
  • The rechargeable battery pack uses eight AA batteries, sold separately.
  • When fully charged, you can use these optional reusable lithium-ion batteries for four hours of pumping.

Cons

  • It’s loud and only has a few customization options.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

Hygeia is the best! Works great at pumping my milk without hurting me. It has adjustable speed and strength settings.” – Reviewer on Lucina Care.

Negative Reviews

I’m consistently struggling to get milk out even though my breasts are full of milk. I’m literally able to manually express more milk in less time than this pump.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Medela Freestyle FlexWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONTARGET BUTTON

  • Weight: 5.09 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: It has a built-in lithium-ion battery that can last up to two hours.
  • Bag and Cooler: Tote bag and cooler
  • Pump Type: Single and double electric
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Settings: It uses 2-phase expression technology that mimics your baby’s sucking rhythm while you breastfeed.
  • Pump Strength: Up to 250 mmHg
  • Noise Level: Quiet

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It’s a quiet pump.
  • It has an LCD screen and can be connected to the MyMedela smart app for milk collection monitoring.
  • The built-in lithium-ion pump battery can last up to two hours.

Cons

  • It’s expensive.
  • It costs over $100 more than the popular Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow Technology which is also portable.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

It’s so gentle and comfortable, and I love how easy it is to maneuver!” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

Negative Reviews

Anything that touches the screen alters the screen. So if you’re on an L4 pumping, all of a sudden, let down mode could go on. Or you’re suddenly at an L7.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

Medela SonataEBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Weight: 2.2 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: It has 1.5 hours of battery life between charges
  • Bag and Cooler: Black bag
  • Pump Type: Single and double electric
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Settings: It uses 2-phase expression technology to promote more milk flow.
  • Pump Strength: Up to 250 mmHg
  • Noise Level: Quiet

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It’s Medela’s most quiet pump with a closed system.
  • It uses 2-phase expression technology to help you collect more milk volume.
  • The closed system that prevents backflow to the tubings is more hygienic than the open system used in the Pump in Style Advanced.
  • It has a bag that can fit the pump and milk collection system for pumping on the go.
  • It uses fewer pump parts for simple assembly and use.
  • It connects with the MyMedela app, a breastfeeding tracking app on your smartphone, so that you can have a personalized pumping dashboard.

Cons

  • It’s an expensive pump.
  • Many moms comment that they get the same amount of milk or even more from less expensive pumps.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

Love this pump! The battery lasts through three 30-minute pumps, and it is a very strong system with good service.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

Negative Reviews

The battery lasts maybe two twenty-minute sessions, and the replacement parts are expensive, especially if you end up replacing things per the manual.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

WillowWILLOW BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Weight: 5.59 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: The built-in rechargeable batteries can last up to five sessions.
  • Pump Type: Single and double electric
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Settings: Seven suction levels (includes a sensitivity setting)
  • Pump Strength: Up to 245 mmHg
  • Noise Level: Quiet

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It’s a quiet and discreet pump that can work unnoticed under your clothes.
  • The built-in batteries can last up to five sessions on a single charge.
  • It connects to a Bluetooth app to monitor the amount of milk inside the container.
  • The spill-proof cups allow you to pump in any position.

Cons

  • It’s more expensive than most double electric breast pumps and isn’t fully covered by most insurance policies.
  • The milk collection cup might be too small (only 4 oz). So you might need to stop in the middle of a pumping session to pour the milk out.
  • There’s only one charger that comes with the box, but there are two pumps to charge. So, you’ll need to buy an extra charger so you can recharge both pumps simultaneously.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

The Willow has been a complete game changer! I’m now able to care for two children, get housework done and run a small business, all without being tied down multiple times a day!” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

Negative Reviews

I receive countless Flex Tubes issues at each pumping session and usually have to switch to the bags to get my pumps to work. I also experienced leaks twice last week, even though I know I assembled my pumps correctly.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

FreemieAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Weight: 0.5 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: The rechargeable battery pack can be charged with a micro-USB and AC adapter.
  • Bag and Cooler: Carrying bag
  • Pump Type: Wearable double pump
  • Pump System: Open
  • Settings: 100+ different adjustable suction and speed settings
  • Pump Strength: Up to 280 mmHg
  • Noise Level: Quiet

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It’s a discreet, wearable pump that’s lightweight and easy to use.
  • It has 100+ different settings to help you find the best one for expressing more milk.
  • It’s quiet.
  • It’s cheaper than the Elvie and Willow Pump.
  • It can carry up to 8 oz in the collection cups.

Cons

  • It’s a less hygienic open-system pump.
  • The battery only lasts for one hour.
  • You can’t return the item once you open the box.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

I love the pump! It definitely isn’t something that folks will not notice.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

Negative Reviews

The cords are so stinking long, though, that you get caught on a ton of stuff and if your boobs are bigger than a B cup (pre-baby), then good luck hiding the fact that you’re pumping from anyone.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.

Elvie PumpWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONTARGET BUTTON

  • Weight: 0.5 lbs
  • Portability/Batteries: The built-in batteries can last up to 2.5 hours after a two-hour charging time (via micro-USB).
  • Bag and Cooler: One carry bag for each pump/hub
  • Pump Type: Single electric breast pump (if you only buy one hub) or double electric (if you buy two hubs)
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Settings: Seven intensity levels, with automatic switching from stimulation mode to expression mode
  • Pump Strength: Up to 220 mmHg
  • Noise Level: Quiet

Why It’s Good for Working Moms

  • It’s a quiet, wearable pump that you can wear under a standard nursing bra.
  • It automatically switches from massage mode to expression mode.
  • It connects to the Elvie app for tracking your pumping sessions and remotely controlling the pump.

Cons

  • It’s an expensive pump. 
  • Many double electric breast pumps are much cheaper than this single pump.
  • You need to wait at least 60 minutes before you can use the pump again.
  • Although quiet, its light can be visible from beneath your clothes.
  • You can opt to get two hubs to pump both breasts simultaneously, but that will cost you a total of $499.99.
  • It’s considered an upgrade. You can’t get this breast pump for free, but your insurance might let you pay the difference from the price of the pump they’ll cover.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

I have to say it was really nice to be able to put it in your bra and not have to worry about it. That was really good.” – Reviewer on Elvie’s website.

Negative Reviews

Very disappointing. I could not get any suction with this pump.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Why Do Moms Need A Breast Pump?

Every mom’s situation is different, but you might need a breast pump because:

  • A lactation consultant suggested that you get one to help in establishing your milk supply.
  • You need to collect breast milk for your baby even if you’re busy working or doing chores.
  • You want to maintain your milk supply, but your baby can’t or won’t nurse.
  • You need to express your milk while you’re on a trip.
  • You’ll be away from your little one for an extended time.
  • You need to deal with engorgement.
  • You’re an exclusive pumper who prefers to give your baby expressed milk in a bottle.

When Can I Use A Breast Pump?

There’s no specific time to start pumping, but lactation consultants recommend trying to establish lactation by first trying to breastfeed your baby before using a pump.

But some moms find it easier to establish their milk supply with the help of a breast pump.

Your baby needs milk soon after birth. But if you’re having trouble breastfeeding, the hospital might provide you with a breast pump for temporary use.

Because you can actually get a free breast pump through insurance, many moms suggest getting one before your due date.

Components Of A Breast Pump

  • Pump motor and source
  • Breast shield or flange
  • Milk collection kit (bottle or milk storage bag)

Types Of Breast Pumps

  • Manual pumps
  • Single electric breast pumps
  • Double electric breast pumps
  • Hands-free wearable pumps
  • Hospital-grade pumps
  • Battery-operated pumps
  • Open-system pumps
  • Closed-system pumps

Factors In Choosing The Best Breast Pump For Working Moms

  • Portability
  • Weight
  • Functions
  • Pump efficiency
  • Suction strength and variability
  • Discrete features (loudness)
  • Hygiene
  • Availability of replacement parts
  • Cost
  • Durability
  • Comfort
  • Frequency of use
  • Insurance coverage
  • No product recalls

How Often Do Working Moms Need To Pump?

Your pumping schedule should be within the same times that your child usually feeds.

During the first weeks, you might need to pump four times within an 8-hour work day. But this will gradually adjust to around two to three times. The schedule might be different for every mom, but you can add a fourth pump if you’re working over eight hours.

Does Pumping Ruin Your Breasts?

Ideally, a breast pump should never ruin your breasts. If pumping hurts your breasts and nipples, you might need to change the flanges or adjust the settings to a more comfortable fit.

Remember that a stronger suction isn’t always better.

What Breast Pump Do Lactation Consultants Recommend?

Every lactation consultant may have a different opinion over the matter. But they may recommend a breast pump that can accommodate double expression. This way, pumping can be faster. (1)

If you’re also nursing and pumping, then a single pump makes sense.

Summary & Recommendation

Which Breast Pump Gets Most Milk?

In choosing the best breast pump for working moms, you might realize that one pump may be best for one mom but not for another. That’s because every working mom’s situation is unique.

If you’re a mom who’s working from home and wouldn’t mind a breast pump that’s not portable, then these might be the best choices for you:

If you prefer the manual breast pumps, then these two can be a great choice:

If you need a portable electric pump to bring to work and pump on the go, these breast pumps might be ideal for you:

If you want pumps that you can wear for discreet pumping at work, then you might want to pick these pumps:

 

 

REFERENCES

(1) https://www.breastfeedingcenter.org/blog/2021/5/28/choosing-your-breast-pump-a-complete-guide-by-natasha-dodge

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