Best Breast Pumps: guide to buying the right breast pump for you

There are several reasons why a breastfeeding mom decides to pump at some point. For example, it can happen because the baby has problems latching on to the breast correctly, or because the mother goes back to her work or because she too has to be away for a while and someone has to breastfeed her baby instead of her. But it also happens when the mother produces more milk than the baby takes and needs to empty the breast frequently, to avoid discomfort, engorgement or possible mastitis .

In these and other cases as well, the breast pump is and remains one of the great allies of mothers who want to continue feeding their baby with breast milk despite the difficulties.

Buying guide for the best breast pumps

On the market you can find many models of breast pumps, all excellent, but the problem is figuring out which one is the best? The best pump is the one that best fits a mother’s lifestyle and budget, and does her job well.
Therefore, before choosing which breast pump to buy, it is better to ask yourself some questions, for example:

1. how often do you think you need to pump your milk? Every day or just occasionally?

   If you’re likely to pump your milk daily , consider getting an electric breast pump especially since they’re quicker and less tiring to use. And if you want to save even more on time, a double breast pump can be useful, capable of extracting milk from both breasts at the same time.
   However, if time isn’t an issue for you because you’re at home and only plan on pumping occasionally , then a manual breast pump is almost certainly the best option. Even if at the beginning you have to get a little carried away.

2. how much can you afford to spend?
   

   If you are looking for an inexpensive breast pump , then you have to go for a manual breast pump which, as it has no technological parts, is certainly less expensive. At the other end of the spectrum are the expensive electric breast pumps that dominate in comfort and state-of-the-art features.
   Between these two extremes, however, there are many good breast pumps that can meet your needs without breaking the bank.

3. which brand to choose?
   

   The brand is not essential but is generally synonymous with guarantee, safety and assistance. When you buy a high-quality breast pump made by reputable companies, you can rest assured that the product is free from BPA or harmful substances . Furthermore, a breast pump usually needs related and compatible accessories (containers, bottles, teats, bottle warmers) which a renowned company can guarantee.
   Among the main brands in the breast pump market are Medela, Philips, Nuk, Chicco, BebéConfort.

4. which features do you prefer?
   

   The best breast pump for you is also the one that meets your needs within these characteristics:
   • Power source: does the breast pump need a power source to function? It runs on internal batteries or the batteries are supplied in an external package. Do you use rechargeable or disposable batteries? Choose the right one for you.
   • Parts in contact with milk : how many parts should I wash after each use? Are they easy to disassemble and wash? The fewer pieces you have to wash, the faster you will do.
   • Pump weight : if you work and have to carry around a breast pump every day, a light, quiet and portable breast pump might be right for you.
   •Portability: Some pumps work even if mom has other duties, while others require you to sit near a power source. It might not seem like a necessity at first, but imagine 12 months of draft in the same spot and you’ll be glad you decided to buy a portable one right from the start.

Best breast pumps, here are some models

The breast pumps available on the market are typically divided into 3 categories :

1. Manual Breast Pumps: Some moms prefer to control the pump speed themselves rather than relying on the motor. In addition, the manual breast pump also works anywhere and anytime, eliminating the need for a power source or batteries.
2. Single electric breastpumps : Electric breastpumps do not require “hand power” to control the pump lever, leaving your hands free to massage your breasts or do other things.
3. Double electric breastpump – allows you to express milk from both breasts simultaneously and this cuts pumping time in half. Double pumping has also been shown to increase milk production. This type of pump is considered by many to be one of the best pumps available.

Read more→Manual or electric breast pump?

In light of these recommendations, we have identified some models that are considered among the best breast pumps.

1. Philips Avent breast pump

If you have decided that the best breast pump for you is a manual breast pump, the Philips Avent manual breast pump is certainly a great choice. Small, light, handy and easy to wash, it has been designed to allow milk to be expressed even from a comfortable and relaxed position. The massaging pads then gently stimulate the milk to flow and the petal structure is designed to reproduce the baby’s suction.
You can read our review here → tools that are used in breastfeeding

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2. Medela manual breast pump

Another excellent manual breast pump is Harmony by Medela (a guarantee in terms of breast pumps). It is compact and ultra light and the 2-Phase Expression Technology of the handle allows you to mimic your baby’s natural sucking rhythm. Furthermore, the innovative oval cup, soft and flexible, adapts perfectly to the breast, and being rotatable, it allows you to always express the milk in your favorite position. Easy to assemble, disassemble and clean.

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3. Philips Avent electric breast pump

As in the manual breast pump, the massaging pads are also found in the Avent Electric Breast Pump , which give a sensation of warmth and the petals that mimic the baby’s sucking in order to stimulate the flow of milk in the most natural way possible. You can choose 3 types of extraction to get the best flow. It is silent, easy to assemble and to clean.

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4. Nuk electric breast pump

Nuk Moon is an ultra-compact electric breast pump, small, easy to handle and easy to clean and assemble. It features a discreet and ergonomic silicone suction cup (one size fits all) for easy adaptation to most breast sizes. Its suction power is adjustable in 2 intensities and works in 2 sequential phases (stimulation and extraction).
It has good value for money.

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5. Medela electric breastpump (single and double)

Among the best electric breast pumps, I cannot fail to mention Medela, a breast pump highly appreciated by mothers (you can also guess it from the numerous positive reviews).
The characteristics of the cup (oval, soft, rotatable) and the bottle are more or less the same as the Medela manual breast pump, but in this case the pumping mechanism is electric. The 2-Phase technology imitates the natural sucking of babies, there are 11 adjustable power levels and it works with batteries or with an adapter.
Depending on the needs, both single and double models are available.

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6. Willow, wearable breast pump

Willow is an innovative wearable breast pump. There are no wires and inconveniences are reduced to zero (or almost) While you wear it and while it’s working you can continue to carry out your activities at home or at work. You no longer need to withdraw while Willow does her work. The components in contact with milk can be easily washed in the dishwasher.

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However, these are just some of the best breast pumps that can be found on the market and I have given you some good advice to choose, among these or others, the right breast pump for you.
Don’t forget that if you are undecided, you can also ask for advice from mothers who have had this experience before you.