How to choose the right breast pump as a new mum

Choosing the right breast pump can feel overwhelming with the huge amount of options available to us. Whether you're planning to pump occasionally or exclusively, finding a pump that fits your lifestyle and needs is one of the most important parts of your expressing and breastfeeding journey. In this blog, I'll explore the different types of breast pumps—hospital-grade, wearable and manual—and help you understand the benefits of each when expressing breast milk.. I'll also provide examples of popular models to consider.

Understanding your needs

Before looking at the types of pumps, take time to consider your personal situation and pumping goals. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• How often will you be pumping? If you’re returning to work or plan to pump exclusively, a more powerful pump might be necessary.
• Where will you be pumping? If you need to pump on-the-go or in different locations, portability is key.
• What’s your budget? Breast pumps vary widely in price, and it’s important to find one that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
• Do you need a hands-free option? If multitasking is a priority, wearable or hands-free pumps could be beneficial.

Hospital-grade breast pumps

Hospital-grade pumps are the heavyweights of the breast pump world. They are designed for frequent, long-term use and are particularly beneficial in the following scenarios:

• Establishing breast milk supply: Ideal for mums with preterm babies or those struggling to establish or maintain milk supply.
• Exclusive pumping: If you plan to pump exclusively, these pumps provide efficient, reliable performance.
• Shared use: Often used in hospital settings, these pumps can be safely shared with proper sanitisation between users.

Benefits of hospital-grade pumps

• Powerful and efficient: They offer stronger suction and are designed to mimic a baby’s natural sucking rhythm more closely, which can help increase and maintain milk supply.
• Comfort and durability: Built for frequent use, these pumps are usually more comfortable for extended sessions.
• Dual pumping: Most hospital-grade pumps allow for double pumping, which saves time and helps stimulate more milk production. We know that double pumping increases supply and is the most effective way to express your breast milk.

Popular hospital-grade models

• Medela Symphony: Known for its efficient and comfortable performance, the Medela Symphony is a popular choice for many mums who need a reliable, high-performing pump.
• Spectra S1: The Spectra S1 offers hospital-grade performance with the added convenience of a rechargeable battery, making it more portable than traditional hospital-grade models.

Wearable breast pumps

Wearable pumps are the epitome of convenience for busy mums. These pumps fit inside your bra, allowing you to pump discreetly and hands-free. They are often silent, or very quiet. They are ideal for:

• On-the-go pumping: Perfect for mums who need to express their breast milk while doing other tasks or who travel frequently.
• Discreet pumping: If you need to pump at work or in public, wearable pumps offer a low-profile solution.

Benefits of wearable pumps

• Hands-free convenience: Wearable breast pumps allow you to pump while going about your day, from working to caring for your baby.
• Discreet and quiet: These pumps are designed to be worn under clothing and operate quietly, making them ideal for discreet use.
• Portable and lightweight: Most wearable breast pumps are compact and easy to carry, perfect for mums on the move.

Popular wearable pump models

• Elvie breast pump: Known for its sleek design and silent operation, the Elvie Pump is the choice of many mums.
• Willow breast pump: Another top contender in the wearable pump category, the Willow wearable breast pump provides the same hands free portability and ease of use as the Elvie.

Manual pumps

When to choose a manual breast pump

Manual pumps are simple and cost-effective, making them a good option for occasional use or as a backup. Many mums find that they actually gain more milk per expressing period from a manual pump than they do from an electric pump. Consider a manual pump if you:

• Pump occasionally: Ideal for mums who don’t pump frequently and need a reliable backup for unexpected situations.
• Prefer portability: Manual breast pumps are lightweight, easy to sterilise and easy to transport, making them a great option for travel.

Benefits of manual pumps

• Affordability: Manual pumps are generally more affordable than electric or hospital-grade pumps.
• Quiet and discreet: They operate silently, which can be beneficial for discreet pumping in quiet environments.
• Control: Manual pumps allow you to control the suction and speed, which some mums find more comfortable.

Popular manual breast pump models

• Medela Harmony: A manual pump that’s known for its ease of use and efficient milk expression.
• Lansinoh manual pump: Offers comfort and reliability, making it a great choice for occasional pumping needs.

There are also many generic manual breast pumps on the market- it's important to note that these are generally available for every budget. The one I keep in my kit was an extremely inexpensive model.

Additional tips for effective breast milk expressing

Regardless of the type of pump you choose, integrating some additional techniques can enhance your pumping experience:

• Power pumping: This technique (if needed) mimics cluster feeding and can boost your supply. Try pumping for 20 minutes, resting for 10, and repeating this cycle for an hour.
• Natural galactogogues: Incorporate foods like oats, moringa and leafy greens into your diet to naturally boost your milk supply.
• Hand expressing and breast massage: Use these techniques before, during, and after pumping to help stimulate milk flow and ensure your breasts are fully emptied. Let's not forget that before breast pumps, manual hand expression was how women expressed breast milk.

Creating a pump-friendly environment

When choosing a pump, also consider the environment where you’ll be using it, especially if you’re pumping at work. Here are some tips:

• Privacy: Ensure you have a private, quiet space to pump. Ideally, this should be a designated lactation room or a private office.
• Storage: Have access to a fridge or use a cooler bag with ice packs to store your expressed milk safely.
• Know your rights: Check your local laws and workplace policies regarding breastfeeding and pumping. In the UK, employers are required to provide suitable facilities for breastfeeding mothers to rest and, ideally, a private space to pump.

Selecting the right breast pump depends on your individual needs, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you opt for the performance of a hospital-grade pump, the convenience of a wearable pump, or the simplicity of a manual pump, the key is to find what works best for you and your baby. If you would like any more information on breast pumps and using them, remember to reach out to a lactation consultant near you.

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