Choosing the Best Breast Pump: Everything You Need to Know

I remember being overwhelmed with options when trying to pick the best breast pump when I was pregnant with my first baby. I clearly remember standing in the baby shop, staring at shelves filled with breast pumps, feeling completely lost. I had no idea which one was right for me. Can you relate? I’m here to help. In this post I’ll help you figure out which breast pump is best for your unique situation. We’ll cover different types of breast pumps, what to consider when choosing one, and which ones might suit you best.

When Should You Buy a Breast Pump?

Lots of mums wonder if it’s better to get a breast pump before baby is born or wait until after. Getting one before your baby arrives can be good if you think you might have breastfeeding challenges or need to pump early on. It lets you learn how to use it and makes sure you’re ready. But waiting until after your baby is born lets you see how breastfeeding goes first. You can then decide based on your experience and what you need. Some mums never need to use breast pump at all! The best time to buy depends on what works best for you and your situation.

Choosing the Right Breast Pump for You

When you’re picking a breast pump, think about what you need. Do you plan to pump every day or just sometimes? If you’re going to pump a lot every day, you’ll need a strong, reliable pump. But if you’ll only pump occasionally, like for a night out every now and then, a simpler option might be enough. Also, think about how long you’ll use it. Will it be for a few weeks, or do you think you’ll need it for many months?

Why Choosing the Right Breast Pump Matters

If you do need a pump, choosing the best breast pump for your situation is important because it can make a big difference in how well breastfeeding can keep going. A good pump can help you make enough milk for your baby and makes pumping easier and more effective. This way, your nipples are less likely to hurt. It might even save you from wasting money on a pump you don’t really need. Taking time to find the right pump can make breastfeeding easier and more enjoyable for you.

Types of Breast Pumps

There are different types of breast pumps, each made for different needs. Here are some options:

Manual Breast Pumps

Also known as hand pumps. These are good if you don’t pump often and are usually cheaper. They’re quiet and easy to carry around, but they can be tiring if you need to pump a lot.

Electric Breast Pumps

These are great if you pump a lot. Depending on the brand and model, they can pump milk from one breast or both at the same time, which is faster. They cost more but can save time and effort. There are different types available – some are better for occasional use, others are better for more frequent use.

Wearable/Hands-Free Breast Pumps

These are a fairly new type of pump and good for busy mums. You wear them in your bra, so you can move around while you pump. But the motors sometimes aren’t as strong or durable as standard electric breast pumps. They’re more expensive but can be worth it for the convenience they offer.

Which Pump is Best?

Like I said earlier, the best breast pump depends on your needs. Picking the right breast pump depends on your needs.

Manual Pumps (hand pumps)

• Best for short-term, occasional use
• Okay for long-term, occasional use
• Not recommended for frequent use or exclusive expressing
• Example brand/model: Ardo Amaryll Start, Ameda One-hand manual
• Example situation: Full and uncomfortable breasts – pumping can relieve pressure.

Electric Pumps for Occasional Use

• Best for short-term, occasional use
• Okay for long-term, occasional use
• Not recommended for frequent use or exclusive expressing (feeding baby pumped milk by bottle only, never at the breast)
• Example brand/model: Ardo Calypso Single, Ameda Purely Yours
• Example situation: You or your baby are in the hospital for a short stay – pumping helps keep your milk supply up when you can’t be together for every feed. Or you want to store milk in the freezer for emergencies.

 Electric Pumps for Frequent Use

• Best for short-term and long-term, frequent use
• Not recommended exclusive expressing unless supply is already well established.
• Example brand/model: Ardo Calypso Double Plus, Ardo Alyssa Double, Ameda Purely Yours Ultra
• Example situations: Baby is born early or has trouble feeding – pumping lets you give your baby milk. You need to pump often to keep your milk supply up. Or you’re going back to work – pumping allows someone else to feed your baby while you’re away.

 Wearable/hands free pumps

• Best for mums who are always on the go and need to pump discreetly
• Great for both occasional and frequent use
• Not recommended for exclusive expressing, or boosting or establishing your milk supply because they’re not the most efficient at emptying your breasts well.
• Example brand/model: Elvie, Willow
• Example situation: Busy lifestyle – these pumps fit inside your bra, letting you move around and do other tasks while pumping.

Hospital Grade Electric Pumps

• Best for short-term and long-term, frequent use, and exclusive expressing
• Expensive, but much more efficient and durable.
• Example: Ardo Carum, Ameda Platinum
• Example Situation: – Increasing milk supply – some mums need to pump to make more milk, or to start making milk again after stopping breastfeeding.

 (Note: the brands listed here are examples, not recommendations. I do not endorse any particular pump brands or models).

What about Haakaa pumps?

The Haakaa breast pump is a simple silicone bulb pump. They can be helpful, but you do need to be careful how you use them. Using this kind of pump can lead to breast or nipple damage, making too much milk (this sounds good, but comes with health risks!), or taking milk your baby needs which can lead to baby not growing well. Check out this blog post for more info: What Breastfeeding Mums Need To Know About The Haakaa

Pumping Takes Practice: Tips to Get Started

Pumping breastmilk can take some practice. Don’t worry if it feels tricky at first. I’ve got tips to help you out in this blog post: Pumping Breastmilk 101: Get More Milk With Less Hassle! Remember, every mum’s journey is unique, and you’ll get the hang of it with time.

There’s no one right pump for everyone. Choosing the best breast pump depends on your individual needs and lifestyle. Whether you need a manual, electric, or wearable pump, there’s an option out there for you. Remember, investing in the right pump can make your breastfeeding journey much smoother.

If you have any questions, feel free to DM me on Instagram. I’d love to know what you took away from this post! Happy breastfeeding! ❤️

P.S. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about which other breastfeeding products you need to have ready before baby arrives, download my free Breastfeeding Essentials Guide For Mums-To-Be. 

References:

Australian Breastfeeding Association. (2023). Choosing a breast pump. https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/choosing-breast-pump