As the adage goes–breast is best. But any mom knows she will need a good pump to help her as she feeds her baby. Using a breast pump allows you to store milk in the freezer and introduce breast milk through a bottle so your partner can provide for your infant. If you eventually need to return to work and want to keep breastfeeding, pumping can help you keep up your milk production, and it allows you to feel close to your child even though you’re apart.
So what are the best breast pumps on the market? When making your purchase, there’s much to consider–price, type, ease of use, and more. Read our guide to decide on the best breast pump for you.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Breast Pump
If you’re looking for a quality pump, you’ll want to consider a couple of factors–type, price and ease of use. When it comes to pumps, there are three types–hospital grade, which, as the name suggests, are used at the hospital after delivery to help moms develop their milk supplies. These pumps aren’t easy to transport, nor are they cheap. However, they’re heavy-duty and can process a lot of milk. There are also electric pumps that plugin and manual pumps that require hand expression.
Price is always a consideration when buying a new product. Some pumps are costly and can be rented. Others are more reasonably priced. Ease of use is the final Factor to consider when buying a breast pump. Some will require complex instruction to work, while others will be simple. It’s up to you to decide which is the best fit.
The Best Breast Pumps
Many health insurance plans cover a breast pump. Often plans are particular about what kind of pump is provided. So it might be wise to call your insurance company for more information before you purchase a separate pump.
1. Spectra S1 Plus Double Electric Breast Pump
Electric Pump
This electric pump offers a powerful suction while being incredibly quiet. It includes a rechargeable battery for portable pumping and weighs three pounds, making it easy to travel. It also comes with two bottles, two duckbill valves, two backflow protectors and four flanges.
2. Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
Manual Pump
This is a great budget pick if you’re looking for a manual pump option. The Medela Harmony is lightweight and portable, offering a great backup option for an electric pump. It comes in a six-piece set, including a bottle, connector, pump breast shield and accessories. All parts are easy to hand wash or put in your dishwasher.
3. Medela Symphony Breast Pump
Hospital Grade
If you’re looking for a hospital-grade breast pump, the Medela Symphony is one of the best options on the market. It mimics a baby’s natural sucking to allow better milk flow as you pump. At $2,000, this pump is pricey, but the good news is you can rent the machine. However, you’ll still need to purchase the Symphony Double Pumping kit to get all the required accessories.
4. Elvie Wearable Double Electric Breast Pump
Hands-free Pump
This hands-free pump is designed to slip into your bra, line up with your nipple and collect milk. The idea is you can pump on your own terms–at work or on the go, without being bound to a chair. The pump is less than a pound and is super quiet. You can connect to an app to track your data and use it as a remote for the pumps. With the pumps come four bottles and lid, four breast shields, two charging cables, two bra adjusters and two carrying bags.
5. Medela Swing Breast Pump
Portable Pump
The Medela Swing portable pump is more affordable than the Elvie option. However, it’s only a single pump option, so you won’t be pumping quite as efficiently. But it could prove to be a reliable portable option if you’re looking to add a pump to your daily routine. The kit additionally comes with two bottles, a neck strap so you can carry the pump hands-free and a breast shield.
What’s the Best Breast Pump for You?
Finding the best pump for you depends on a variety of factors. You’ll want to determine what type you’ll need, the ease of use and your overall budget. What pump do you think you’ll get?
