Finding the Perfect Breast Pump for You: A Nourished Guide
At Nourished, we’re all about supporting you through your breastfeeding journey—whether you’re pumping occasionally, heading back to work, or just need a little extra help. With so many breast pumps out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the different types of breast pumps and the pros and cons of each. With this info, you’ll be ready to choose the best pump for your lifestyle!
Manual Breast Pumps:
Best for moms who will only need to pump occasionally.
What It Is: A manual breast pump is a simple, hand-operated device that lets you express milk by squeezing a handle or lever. It’s great for moms who need a low-tech, low-cost option.
Pros:
Budget-Friendly: Manual pumps are typically the most affordable option.
Ultra-Portable: Lightweight and easy to carry around—perfect for moms on the go!
Super Simple: With no cords or complicated settings, it’s easy to use and clean.
Cons:
Takes Time: Since you’re manually pumping, it might take a little longer to get the job done.
Requires Effort: Pumping can be tiring, especially if you need to pump often.
Not Ideal for Heavy Pumping: If you plan to pump frequently or need to express a lot of milk, a manual pump might not be the most efficient option.
2. Electric Breast Pumps
Best for moms who plan to pump daily while primarily feeding at the breast.
What It Is: Electric pumps are powered by electricity (or rechargeable batteries) to help express milk quickly and efficiently. You can get single or double electric pumps, where the double option pumps both breasts at the same time.
Pros:
Quick & Efficient: Electric pumps are fast and help you express more milk in less time—perfect for busy moms!
Hands-Free Power: The pump does most of the work, leaving you free to multitask while you pump.
Customizable Settings: Many electric pumps let you adjust the suction and speed to match your comfort and milk flow.
Cons:
Price: They can be pricier than manual pumps, especially for high-end models.
Bulkier: While still portable, electric pumps are a little heavier and require a power source, so they’re not quite as convenient for super on-the-go moms.
More Parts to Clean: With more components, electric pumps can require a bit more maintenance when it comes to cleaning.
The Ideal electric pump will have:
The ability to double or single pump
Suction of 250mmHG or higher
2 phase cycles
A closed system
A long warranty on the pump motor
3. Hospital-Grade Breast Pumps
Best for moms who plan to exclusively pump or a helpful temporary option for initiating or boosting milk supply.
What It Is: Hospital-grade pumps are the most powerful and efficient options available. They’re often used in hospitals or rented by moms who need extra help with milk production, like those with low milk supply or medical concerns.
Pros:
Maximum Efficiency: These pumps are incredibly powerful and can express large amounts of milk in less time, making them ideal for frequent pumping.
Designed for Low Supply: If you're having trouble with milk production, hospital-grade pumps can be a game-changer in helping you maximize your output.
Multiple Users: Some hospital-grade pumps are designed to be used by multiple people (with proper sanitation), making them a great rental option if you're only pumping temporarily.
Cons:
Cost: While renting a hospital-grade pump can be more affordable, purchasing one is a big investment.
Less Portable: These pumps are heavier and bulkier, making them a bit less convenient for everyday use.
More Complex: With more settings and parts, they can be overwhelming for new moms or first-time pumpers.
4. Wearable or Hands-Free Breast Pumps
Best for moms who plan to pump occasionally after milk supply has been well established (after the first month).
What It Is: Wearable breast pumps are changing the game for busy moms. These compact, discreet devices fit right into your bra, letting you pump hands-free without being tethered to a machine.
Pros:
Hands-Free & Discreet: You can pump while doing pretty much anything—whether it’s working, cooking, or playing with your little one!
Totally Portable: No cords, no tubes—these pumps are perfect for moms on the go.
Convenient: These pumps are super easy to wear, so you can pump discreetly, even in public.
Cons:
Pricey: Wearable pumps are generally on the more expensive side due to their high-tech design and convenience.
Less Powerful: While they’re super convenient, wearable pumps may not have the same suction power as hospital-grade or electric pumps.
Small Capacity: Because of their compact size, the milk collection containers are often smaller than other pumps, meaning you might need to pump more frequently.
Choosing the right breast pump is all about what fits your lifestyle and needs. At Nourished, we’re here to help you every step of the way—whether you need advice on the best pump for your schedule, tips for successful pumping, or just someone to talk to about your journey.
The key is to find a pump that works for you. Whether you go for the simplicity of a manual pump, the power of an electric or hospital-grade model, or the convenience of a wearable pump, you’re doing an amazing job nourishing your baby!
Have questions about which pump is best for you? Don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here to support you!