Which Breast Pump Should I Buy?

Pumping breast milk

As an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), I field tons of questions. One of the most common and frequently asked questions is: “Which breast pump should I get?” First, I want to let you know that your insurance has to cover one breast pump per the Affordable Care Act. So if cost is a factor, you want to make sure you make that choice a good one. 

Pumping is not a required part of breastfeeding. In our country, I work with a lot of parents who will be pumping as part of their journey. This is usually because they are returning to work sometime in that first year. Others will want to pump so that others can feed their baby a bottle, even if they aren't returning to work. Pumping is often needed if there are latch issues, a preterm baby, or a baby requiring a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) stay. 

When choosing a breast pump, you’ll want to consider your needs. If you aren't nursing your baby and trying to build your supply solely with a pump, it is especially important to choose a pump that lives up to the task. You’ll want a pump with a good motor, good suction, and a reliable track record. This will be a table pump, not a wearable pump. 

There are endless choices out there in this category, but not all are created equal. I’m going to list a few options here that I have seen work well for my clients in building a solid milk supply. This list is not exhaustive.

Spectra S1 or S2

Spectra Synergy Gold Double Adjustable Breast Pump

Medela Symphony (Rental option)

Ameda Platinum (Rental Option)

Unimom Opera

If you are looking for a second pump to use on the go and you aren’t looking to build a supply, you can consider a wearable pump. You can use these pumps after your milk supply is already established. Many parents are interested in the wearable pump options to give them more flexibility. These are great if you want to pump and be able to do other things at the same time. Some parents can use them at work, although some will still want a more powerful option to keep up milk supply while transitioning to work. Think of the wearable pumps as the occasional pump. Most parents will express less milk from these pumps compared to their table pump (if it's a good one). This is due to a combination of factors: Smaller motors, more challenging flange fit, and the fact that you are not relaxed but may be moving around while pumping. 

Here are some good options for the wearable category. Some have cups with the motor inside, and some have a small outside motor. (This can be attached to a belt, etc.). This list is not exhaustive. 

Baby Buddha 2.0 

Pumpables Advanced Genie 

Eufy (warming feature, charges in the case)

Willow 3.0 (Leakproof with bags)(Hard to learn)

Mommed S21 pump (~$100)

Size 15mm Flange

We can’t neglect to mention flange fitting when we talk about pumping. If you have a great pump but you are pumping with the wrong size flange, you will likely express less milk, and you may have pain, which will also lead to a lower supply. Keep in mind that some parents don't have pain, but they do have less milk due to the wrong size. Because they aren't experiencing pain, they don't know this.  They may end up with a low milk supply, which can lead to cessation of breastfeeding. Getting a proper fit is essential for everyone. This consultation with an experienced IBCLC takes about 20-30 minutes, and you will be trying on several sizes and shapes that are close to your fit to find the perfect size. It should be completely pain-free to pump. If you are doing this on your own, you’ll want an accurate flange fitting guide, and then you’ll need to order 3-4 sizes to try at home yourself. 

www.babiesincommon.com

Flange FITS Guide

The ultimate guide to pump flange fitting for those who are pumping human milk and want to find complete comfort, yield more milk and pump more efficiently. These are updated recommendations that challenge the traditional recommendations but this “new” way to do flange fitting is what is revolutionizing pumping for parents and for professionals who work with pumping parents!

You’ll often hear this misleading buzzword related to pumping. Companies advertise their pump as “hospital grade” or “hospital strength”. There is no definition for these terms recognized by the FDA. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-know-when-buying-or-using-breast-pump

Pumps can have a closed system or an open system. A closed system does not allow the milk to back up into the motor or tubing. 

Pumping is very individual. If you find a pump that works for you, but it isn't what your friend uses or is not the top recommended pump, that’s ok. You are looking for pain-free pumping with a healthy milk supply. 

If you need advice or assistance with pumping or flange fitting, reach out for a consultation. If you think your milk supply is low, reach out as early as possible to get support. You deserve to have a good experience. 

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Cathy Walker, MA, RN, IBCLC