Skip intro? See The Top 10 Best Breast Pumps 2021
With so many breast pumps available on the market, deciding which one to choose can be daunting. Whether you express your breast milk every day or occasionally, this guide will help you find the right one for you and your baby. Picking a double electric breast pump might not be your top priority when you are pregnant – and that is perfectly fine. While you will probably buy a lot of baby accessories and equipment before the birth of your baby, it pays to wait a bit when it comes to choosing the best electric breast pump.
There is no doubting the fact that it is important to be prepared and it is also good to familiarize yourself with different breast pumps in advance but it is only after the birth of your baby and you know the situation of your breastfeeding that you will know your requirements. The needs of every mom and baby differ and these needs are subject to change in the course of your expressing and breastfeeding journey. Let’s start by looking at the types of breast pumps available on the market.
Contents
- Types of Breast Pumps
- How to Choose the Best Breast Pumps
- The Top 10 Best Breast Pumps
- #1 Spectra Baby USA S2 Plus Premier Electric Breast Pump
- #2 Medela Freestyle Breast Pump
- #3 Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump
- #4 Medela Sonata Smart Double Electric Comfort Breast Pump
- #5 Medela Symphony Breast Pump
- #6 BellaBaby Double Electric Pump
- #7 Medela Harmony Breast Pump
- #8 Philips AVENT Manual Comfort Breast Pump
- #9 Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump
- #10 Philips Avent Double Electric Breast Pump
- Conclusion
Types of Breast Pumps
Manual vs. Electric Breast Pump
Manual breast pumps such as the Philips AVENT Manual Comfort pump are a great lightweight and convenient option for moms and can really work well for a backup or second pump. They are also cheaper than electric models. However, because of the strain these pumps can have on your hands manual breast pumps are best for moms who plan on using the pump infrequently.
Electric breast pumps such as the Medela pump in style advance starter are ideal for moms who plan to pump regularly. These pumps allow for milk expression from both breasts at the same time decreasing the time you spend pumping. Most of the double electric breast pumps available on the market are also adjustable to be used as a single pump when desired. Several of these electric pumps come with the option of a rechargeable battery making pumping on-the-go incredibly convenient.
Single vs. Double Breast Pump
Single electric breast pumps are ideal for expressing regularly while double electric breast pumps are more convenient for expressing simultaneously – whether for medical reasons or when you just returned from work. Double breast pumps help to reduce the time you spend expressing and it tends to deliver more milk on average than when you pump from each breast in turn.
Hospital Grade Electric Breast Pumps
For those moms having trouble nursing during the first few weeks after giving birth, a hospital-grade electric breast pump is an ideal option. This type of breast pump has a rapid suck and release cycle that can draw milk from the breast at the same rate as a nursing baby. They are also usually stronger than most electric pumps. They are very durable and can express milk up to 8 times a day. Hospital grade pumps are very pricey, so they are often rented.
Benefits of Using Breast Pumps
There are many benefits of breastfeeding but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Sometimes, you may want to breastfeed your baby but your baby may be available directly. This is using a breast pump and expressing breast milk can be of importance. Here are the benefits of using breast pumps.
Convenience
Using a breast pump will ensure your baby gets the best in nutritional feeding all the time while also giving you more flexibility. You may want to go back to work, you may want to treat yourself to a night out, or your partner may like to get involved more in feeding your baby – expressing milk makes all that easy for you.
Premature Babies
If your baby is born sick, too early, or has other medical condition and they can’t take the breast directly, expressing your milk can avail your baby the full benefits of breast milk. Pumping during these periods will ensure your breasts are emptied adequately, and it also helps to keep your supply up.
Difficulty Latching on
If your baby is finding it hard to latch on, expressing can help to reduce the need to rely on baby formulas. You can also ask your midwife for extra help if you are finding it difficult to get your baby to take your breast.
Increasing or Maintaining Supply
Using pumps can help to increase and maintain your breast milk supply. This can be especially useful for those having troubles providing enough milk to satisfy their baby’s daily feed. If you have more than one baby, increasing your supply will also ensure you have a regular supply.
How to Choose the Best Breast Pumps
The first step in determining which breast pump is right for you is deciding how you plan on using a breast pump. Will you be transporting a breast pump back and forth from home to work or school? Do you plan on using a breast pump for an extended amount of time? How portable do you want your breast pump to be? All of these are questions you must ask yourself when choosing a breast pump. Here are some other important things I want you to look for.
Safety and Hygiene
One of the most important features to look for when buying the best breast pump is the ability to clean it and have it stay clean. Most top rated breast pumps come with either a closed system or an open system, so it is very important to know the difference. There is a barrier between the tubing and the breast milk with a closed system – this helps to prevent the milk from entering the pump.
On the other hand, there is an opening between the tubing of the pump and where the milk is passing into the bottle with an open system. An open system increases the risk of viruses, mold, or bacteria growing within the tube. There is the possibility of the breast milk splashing or getting sucked into the pump or into the tubing where you can’t fully clean it out. This could contaminate the breast milk.
Available Flange Sizes
Another very important feature to look for when purchasing a breast pump is the availability of multiple breast flange sizes. Flanges are the cups that go over the breast and they come in direct contact with the body. These cups size holes differ and it is important they correctly fit the nipple properly. Every woman has different breasts and nipples size and there is no one size fit all for all moms. A mom may require different flange size throughout her pumping year since her breasts will have a change in shape and size. If the flange size doesn’t fit properly, you may feel discomfort while pumping and you may find it difficult expressing your milk. Ensure you buy a pump that has multiple flange sizes so you can always get a proper fit.
Settings and Control
When choosing a breast pump, look for one with two separate controls – one for suction and the other for speed. Having the ability to control suction and speed can give you a great experience while pumping. This can help to maximize breast milk production in the least amount of time. A breast pump with 32 settings will be more efficient and easier to use than those with only 5 settings. You may want to simulate the way your baby sucks as much as possible while pumping. When you have control over the suction strength and speed, it can make the whole experience more efficient, easier, and more enjoyable for you.
Warranty
One last important item to consider when choosing a breast pump is the warranty that will accompany your pump. All breast pumps will come with a warranty through the manufacturer, however, the details of each warranty will vary from pump to pump. Look at the length of the warranty as well as what parts are covered.
The Top 10 Best Breast Pumps
#1 Spectra Baby USA S2 Plus Premier Electric Breast Pump
This electric breast pump is designed specially to bring soothing confidence to every nursing mom’s breastfeeding journey. You can use this unit either as a single or double pump.
This is a closed system pump that has a letdown mode. This ensures the milk stays only in the parts of the pump it should. It helps to eliminate the risk of bacteria or mold tainting your milk without even knowing it. It also has adjustable settings for speed and suction.
You can adjust the suction both at the expression mode and letdown mode. The Spectra S2 offers its users a quiet pumping experience. This unit has a massage mode you can use to kick things off. This helps to stimulate your letdown mode so your body can realize it is time to let the milk flow. It features a nightlight that helps you see what you are doing when in the dark.
Advantages:
- “It performs quietly”
- “Reasonably priced”
- “The closed system makes it good for hygiene purposes”
- “Customizable settings”
- “BPA/DEHP free”
Disadvantages:
- “Not battery compatible”
- “You have to buy the kits in full instead of just the parts you need”
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
- “It is very quiet and also comes with a nightlight has two settings”
- “It helps to increase supply while pumping”
#2 Medela Freestyle Breast Pump
This is a small double electric pump that can easily become a hands-free unit. This pump allows you to move around freely while pumping since it is both cord and battery powered. This Medela double breast pump has a letdown button that signals your body when milk needs to flow. It has a 2-phase expression technology that creates a powerful suction and you can adjust the levels from 1 to 9. It has a pumping timer that helps you to keep track of your sessions.
The memory button helps to save your favorite settings. The backlit digital display in this unit can help you to control and personalize your pump sessions. Although this pump might feel a bit gentle for some women, it gives them freedom from being tied to a stationary machine. The Medela Freestyle breast pump comes with ice packs and a cooler bag so you can use it when you are outside the house.
Advantages:
- “It is lightweight “
- “It provides true mobility for on the go moms “
- “It comes with ice bags and cooler bag “
- “Easy to use”
- “Rechargeable”
- “Digital display & timer”
Disadvantages:
- “Pricey”
- “It can be limiting to attach to an outlet all the time”
- “Some reviews report it takes them some time to put the parts together”
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
- “Great for busy moms”
- “It doesn’t have to be plugged in and it is easy to use and clean”
#3 Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump
This is the best pump for nursing moms with twins and large breasts. For those women with larger chests and bigger than average nipples, buying the extra-large breast shields separately can make this pump work efficiently. The Medela Electric Breast Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump kit comes with two breast shields size – 24 and 27mm. You can also move this pump from one place to another with ease since a carry all tote bag is attached to it.
This unit also has built-in bottle holders that help to prevent spills. It has an incredible suction strength that helps to keep your supply up. The 2-phase expression technology helps you to produce more milk in less time. This breast pump is also adjustable for those who prefer a lighter touch. It has a long-lasting battery pack that allows you to pump anytime and anywhere. This model also comes with ice and cooler packs great for providing moms with freedom when they are out and about.
Advantages:
- “Easy to clean”
- “Strong suction feature”
- “Replacement parts are easy to find “
- “It comes with a stylish microfiber bag”
- “Double pumping kit”
- “Easy to assemble”
Disadvantages:
- “It is not ideal for moms on the go as it is a heavy pump”
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
- “It is a great deal as you would get a portable pump, ice pack, power plug”
- “It is quiet but not silent”
#4 Medela Sonata Smart Double Electric Comfort Breast Pump
The Sonata breast pump has all the features you would look for in a double electric pump. It is designed with the convenience and comfort of your baby in mind. The perfectly pure closed system design helps to prevent milk back up – this keeps the pump clean and safe. It features a tool that helps you track your baby’s pumping season output and growth on your smartphone.
This is a sturdy unit with different rhythms and 2-phase expression technology that is designed special to imitate the slower and beginning progression of breastfeeding. It has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and an alarm that pings to remind you when the battery goes low. The Sonata is lightweight and small and it is surprisingly quiet for its hospital grade capability. This pump can help nursing moms increase their supply as it allows you to pump more. It has an adjustable timer that helps you balance your busy life.
Advantages:
- “Compact and small “
- “It extracts high volumes of breast milk “
- “It helps to monitor your feeding patterns “
- “User friendly and simple to operate”
- “Discreet and ultra quiet”
Disadvantages:
- “Some reviewers report it has a short operating life”
- “Some of the parts are hard to clean”
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
- “It is super quiet and hospital grade”
- “It allows you to pump in those places where electric outlets are not an option”
#5 Medela Symphony Breast Pump
This is the best hospital-grade breast pump, and it is made for intensive use. The 2-phase expression technology helps your milk to flow freely. You might want to try this model if normal pumps are taking too long to remove your milk; this is because it is specially designed to express your milk faster. You can either use this breast pump to express milk from both breasts simultaneously or from one breast at a time.
It features two separate membrane units that make it easy to and convenient to switch between single and double pumping. This Medela Double Electric Breast Pump has a closed system that ensures you won’t get any backflow of the milk into the motor or tubing. This helps to reduce the risk of your baby ingesting nasty bacteria or mold along with the breast milk. The Symphony breast pump contains a chip that helps to store your information for future use.
Advantages:
- “This Medela Double Electric Breast Pump runs quietly”
- “Durable and long lasting”
- “It has a sanitary, closed system”
- “Easy to clean”
- “Unique overflow protection”
Disadvantages:
- “The collection bottles and other items are sold separately “
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
- “This pump is great if your doesn’t latch”
- “It will help to keep your supply up and it is less noisy”
#6 BellaBaby Double Electric Pump
This breast pump is a “pain-free” option for most nursing mothers – it has a quality motor that helps to reduce noise to the minimum so you don’t have to worry about your baby waking up. It has silicone petals that are softer on the skin and mimics the gentle sucking motion of the baby. There are different settings from 1 to 9 for your baby’s comfort.
This breast pump has three different sucking modes – normal, frequency conversion, and continuous. This allows you to choose the intensity and speed that suits you best. It has a pre-stimulation level that helps you let down comfortably with no discomfort. The built-in large capacity battery in this unit makes it easy to use anywhere without plugging in. The BellaBaby pump is a safe, lightweight breast pump that is approved by the FDA. The kit also comes with some milk storage bag adapters.
Advantages:
- “Adjustable suction levels”
- “Lightweight”
- “Freedom to snuggle your baby while pumping”
- “Good for travel“
- “Easy and convenient to operate”
Disadvantages:
- “Some reviewers reported it has a loud sound”
- “It doesn’t work well for a larger bust”
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
- “It is small and compact yet powerful”
- “It has a good battery life”
#7 Medela Harmony Breast Pump
As a breastfeeding mom, only you can provide what’s best for your baby. This is a manual pump that is designed for occasional use. The Medela Harmony is great as a backup to your Medela double electric pump. Harmony’s small and lightweight design makes it easy to transport.
This manual breast pump does not make any noise so they are ideal for pumping discreetly at work. Although this pump comes with a 24mm nipple shield, other Medela breast shields can also fit on this model. Harmony is the only manual breast pump with research-based two-phase expression technology proven to produce more milk in less time. The soft touch and ergonomic swivel handle makes pumping comfortable. Harmony is perfect for occasional time away from your baby. It allows you to stay connected by providing what is best for your baby even when you are not there.
Advantages:
- “Easy to assemble”
- “Simple to clean and easy to use”
- “Small and lightweight”
- “Affordable”
- “Ergonomic swivel handle”
Disadvantages:
- “It may lose suction over time”
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
- “It works great and it is small enough to throw in a diaper bag”
- “You can easy hold this unit and pump with the swivel handle”
#8 Philips AVENT Manual Comfort Breast Pump
Philips AVENT manual pump is the best portable breast pump. There is a small, wide bottle attached to this unit rather than the long, thin one common with other portable pumps. One other thing you might appreciate with this pump is that it is compatible with other Philips AVENT milk storage containers and bottles.
It has a small, compact size that makes it easy to position and use even if you want to use one hand to operate it. The angled neck in this unit works with gravity to allow the breast milk to flow into the bottle directly. This would ensure you avoid strain on the lower back as you don’t have to lean forward. The soft massage cushion is designed to help stimulate milk flow. You can sterilize this unit in the microwave or by simply dropping it in boiling water. Its compact and lightweight design allows you to express on the go.
Advantages:
- “It has a design that is easy on the back as it doesn’t require you to lean forward”
- “Easy to clean”
- “Soft massage cushion”
- “Affordable”
- “Compact and lightweight design”
Disadvantages:
- “You need to press it hard against the breast to form a vacuum”
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
- “It is portable and comes with all the items you will need to feed your baby”
- “It requires little effort to express large breast milk quantities rapidly”
#9 Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump
This is a one-piece breast pump that serves as a manual breast pump and a milk collector. The Haakaa breast pump is made from 100% food grade silicone material, so it is safe for you and your baby. It draws milk out effortlessly once you suction it to the breast.
This breast pump is completely hands-free so you don’t have to squeeze it repeatedly to draw out milk and very easy to clean since you won’t have to fiddle with any parts.
It is small and discreet, so it allows you to express without the fuss and noise of an electric pump, can fit perfectly into any baby bag or handbag making it perfect for long trips, car rides, or planes. This unit can accommodate different breast sizes and it can collect up to 4 ounces of milk at one time. It has a silicone flower stopper that provides an airtight seal which helps to prevent spills or leaks.
Advantages:
- “No spare parts at all”
- “Easy to use”
- “Compact”
- “Dishwasher safe”
- “Soft and comfortable”
Disadvantages:
- “It is not good for emptying the breast fully”
- “The small base makes it easy to tip over and spill already collected liquid”
- “The measurements are not accurate”
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
- “It is great for oversupply and catching letdown”
- “Simple and effective”
#10 Philips Avent Double Electric Breast Pump
This is an easy-to-use breast pump with a good suction strength. This device closely mimics a baby sucking actions and can generate a more discrete pumping so you will be assured that you will have a comfortable pumping experience while using it. There are several customized settings on this model that allows you to modify it to exactly how you like it. This pump has an off/on button and three expression settings that allow you to choose the suction strength that is most comfortable for you. Unlike other breast pumps, this model is quiet to use and very easy to assemble.
Although it doesn’t have a backlit or digital display, it is still easy to use in a dimly lit room. The washable parts of this unit are easy to clean and sterilize either in the dishwasher or by hand. This double breast pump comes with a motor unit, two breast suction kits, two tubes storage bottles, bottle bases, nipple set, power adapter, and a user manual.
Advantages:
- “Compact and lightweight design”
- “Very good suction strength”
- “Portable”
- “Easy to use”
Disadvantages:
- “You have to plug this unit to an electrical power source”
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
- “It can help to increase milk production while also reducing time and effort you need to pump”
- “It is close circuited so milk will never come near the mechanism”
Conclusion
Our top pick for the best breast pump is the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump. This pump has all the features to allow you to have a wonderful breastfeeding and nursing experience.
Every woman has a different body, so your needs and preferences are unique. Thanks to technology, breast pumps keep getting better every year so you have plenty of options to choose from.
I hope this guide helps you find the top breast pump for you and your baby.
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Last updated : 12/2021
Last update on 2021-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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