The 5 Best Breast Pumps

The Best Breast Pumps

Most Efficient Breast Pump

Spectra S1 Plus

Measured Suction	250 mmHg
Measured Milk/Min i	0.55 oz
Suction Settings	12
Power Source	Rechargeable Battery
Available Flange Sizes	20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 32mm

The Spectra S1 Plus is a popular choice with thousands of breastfeeding moms across the country. Whether it is top marks in our testing or independent user reviews, everyone agrees that it is a comfortable and efficient pump. One of our lactating testers said, “I loved this pump, it was comfortable and pumped so quickly I was done in half the time.” I regularly recommend it to friends and family looking for an easy-to-use, effective, and quality pump. With a rechargeable battery, you can pump wherever and whenever. This pump has a strong, adjustable suction featuring 12 suction levels and different speeds, which makes finding a comfortable setting easier. In our tests, it pumped 0.55 ounces of milk per minute. It is also pretty quiet, with a measured decibel reading of 44.5 dB in our tests.

This machine is bulkier and heavier, weighing 2.9 lbs, which may not suit those seeking compact and lightweight. Our lab tester, Gena, stated, “The S1 is more substantial; while it is great sitting there, I am not a fan of carrying it.” If weight is a concern, a wearable like the Baby Buddha and the Elvie Stride, weigh less than a pound. Being able to wear your pump can help increase opportunities for pumping because you don't need to remain seated or connected to an outlet. Also, the Spectra S1 Plus has a rechargeable battery, making it more portable than the Spectra S2 Plus, which requires an outlet. Budget-conscious buyers might hesitate due to the higher price. However, the Spectra S1 offers superb pumping efficiency and extras like a nightlight, timer, bottle holder, and memory function, making it worth the investment. If those don't convince you, being pain-free with less frustration should.

Read more: Spectra S1 Plus review

Best Budget-friendly Pump

Baby Buddha

Measured Suction	290 mmHg
Measured Milk/Min i	0.45 oz
Suction Settings	14
Power Source	Rechargeable Battery
Available Flange Sizes	21mm, 24mm, 28mm, 32mm

The Baby Buddha is well-liked for its compact and lightweight design. It weighs 0.8 lbs, making it one of the lightest in our tests, and its lanyard-style design provides a higher degree of mobility. With better comfort and 14 customizable settings, many lactating parents felt it was a good pick for efficiency and comfort. Our tests showed an average expression of 0.45 oz/min. Compared to the Elvie Stride, which only expressed 0.12 oz/min. Our lactating tester, Veronica, noted, “I wasn't rushing to pump again after being engorged.” The rechargeable battery has one hour of pumping and can be used while charging. Our tester states, “I found the Buddha latched well, with fewer adjustments for the best performance.” It also has a relatively wallet-friendly price.

Some of our lactating moms found the suction power too strong during the letdown phase, which can be uncomfortable for sensitive breasts or nipples. Alternatively, the Spectra S1 Plus has adjustable suction levels for comfort needs. Also, the Baby Buddha is louder than some wearables, with a decibel reading of 42 dB compared to 40 dB for the Momcozy S9. Our tester noted, “I think it is more obvious than a vibrating phone alert.” It also only measures time in minutes. Considering that some competitors don't measure the time, this is better than nothing. Overall, the Baby Buddha pump delivers a solid performance at a budget-friendly price.

Read more: Baby Buddha review

Favorite Wearable Breast Pump

Elvie Stride

Measured Suction	170 mmHg
Measured Milk/Min i	0.12 oz
Suction Settings	2 modes and 10 suction levels per mode
Power Source	Rechargeable Battery
Available Flange Sizes	21mm, 24mm, 28mm

The Elvie Stride has a standout wearable design that fits inside your bra. This allows for hands-free pumping in a lightweight unit that measured 0.8 lbs in our tests. One user even wore it during a long bike race! The pump is extremely quiet, with a decibel reading of “LO,” providing discreet pumping. Our tester noted, “The Elvie was really quiet; I could barely hear it over the ambient office sounds.” It offers two modes and 10 suction levels per mode, so you can cater to your comfort needs. It is battery-powered with two hours of pumping on a single charge, making it a good workday pump mate. It comes with an app that allows you to track your pumping sessions and control the pump remotely to limit the number of times you have to reach inside your bra to press a button.

Some users report that it is uncomfortable for their body shape. One of our lactating testers reported, “I couldn't get a consistent latch once the canal was wet.” While the app provides useful features, it relies on a device connection, and this may not be ideal for those who prefer a standalone pump without setting up an app. It also wasn't as efficient as competitors in our tests, showing an average of 0.12 ounces of milk per minute. The Baby Buddha expressed 0.45 oz/min on average. The Elvie is also somewhat expensive. However, the Elvie Stride offers convenience and customization, which may be attractive for those seeking a hands-free pump, and the lower efficiency and higher price might be worth it if you need an on-the-go pump.

Read more: Elvie Stride review

Best Manual Breast Pump

Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump

Measured Suction	200 mmHg
Measured Milk/Min i	0.28 oz
Suction Settings	2
Power Source	Manual
Available Flange Sizes	21mm, 25mm, 30.5mm, 36mm

The Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump is a budget-friendly, straightforward pump best suited for occasional use. It's handy if you don't require an electric pump but need help with plugged ducts or engorgement. Once your baby transitions to fewer nursing sessions, this manual pump can relieve discomfort during longer breaks between feedings. It has a two-mode operation, offering both letdown and expression modes. The kit includes a 5 oz storage bottle with a stand and two ComfortFit flanges in sizes 25 mm and 30.5 mm. In our tests, we expressed 0.28 ounces of milk per minute on average. This is about the average for the group and better than the Medela Harmony with Flex, which only expressed 0.13 ounces per minute during our testing.

Manual pumps might be physically demanding for users with physical limitations. Our tester reports, “I only got a small amount expressed with each pump; it was exhausting.” Also, it only pumps one breast at a time, so it takes longer to express both breasts. An electric pump, like the Spectra S1 Plus, is better for building milk supply and daily use. It boasts expressing 0.55 oz/min in our tests. Overall, the Lansinoh is excellent for a silent manual pump. It is a helpful tool for moms who need a simple solution; as one tester said, “I liked getting relief from engorged breasts without setting up the electric pump.”

Read more: Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump review

Notable: Passive Letdown Collection Container

Haakaa Gen 1

Measured Suction	n/a
Measured Milk/Min i	0.19 oz
Suction Settings	1
Power Source	Manual
Available Flange Sizes	30mm

The Haakaa Gen 1 is not an award winner, but it is an option we think fills a niche many women might not know about. Since it isn't like a traditional breast pump, it didn't perform well in testing. However, it can still be a useful tool and inventive solution for passive breast milk collection. Made from soft silicone, it attaches to your breast and works with one long suction pull. The Haakaa works well for moms with a strong letdown and issues with leaking. In our tests, it expressed 0.19 oz/min, with a high of 4 oz over 20-minutes. It's also a valuable addition for those who can easily hand-express breast milk. It's a breeze to clean with only 1 part, and many moms appreciate collecting extra milk. Our lactating tester remarked, “I thought it was great for helping capture milk I'd otherwise lose.” It is easy to use away from home with a silent operation, a weight of 0.2 lbs in our tests, and no need for electricity.

The Haakaa can loosen if it isn't attached well or your baby kicks it, which might result in spilled milk. Most users report that the suction keeps it in place most of the time. Our testers said, “I don't think the Haaka is great for bigger breasts, as it struggled to stay put.” Other users had trouble coordinating it with a breastfeeding baby. While it might require some trial and error, most felt that mastering the Haaka was worth the effort. Overall, we think this affordable device is great for abundant milk production or for those interested in passively collecting milk while nursing.

Read more: Haakaa Gen 1 review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	78	Spectra S1 Plus Most Efficient Breast Pump	$216
	74	Spectra S2 Plus	$172
	73	Baby Buddha Best Budget-friendly Pump	$210
	69	Elvie Stride Favorite Wearable Breast Pump	$270
	65	Medela Pump In Style with Max Flow	$261
	64	Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump Best Manual Breast Pump	$33
	64	Momcozy S9 Wearable Breast Pump	$120
	60	Medela Harmony with Flex	$42
	50	Haakaa Gen 1 Notable: Passive Letdown Collection Container	$23

How We Tested

Since launching BabyGearLab, we've purchased and tested over 25 different breast pumps. In this update, we've included the best and most popular pumps. Over several months, we subjected each pump to rigorous testing, assessing efficiency, comfort, ease of use, portability, hygiene, and more. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, we enlisted help from breastfeeding moms who used each pump extensively and provided valuable feedback from their firsthand experiences. We combined our hands-on and lab testing findings to create a complete picture of each breast pump's strengths, weaknesses, and pumping performance.

Our testing of breast pumps is most heavily weighted on Efficiency and Comfort, as we believe these factors impact your satisfaction with a breast pump more than the others. Our complete set of 5 test metrics and their weighting include:

• Efficiency (35% of overall weighting)
• Comfort (25% weighting)
• Ease of Use (15% weighting)
• Portability (15% weighting)
• Hygiene (10% weighting)

Our exhaustive and detailed testing process provides you with the critical information needed to make a well-informed decision. We meticulously examined various metrics and completed more than 25 individual tests per breast pump. With test results and breastfeeding mom input, we score and rank products to award our top picks.

We tested multiple types of breast pumps, including:

• Double electric pumps — The most common type of pump, offers two collection vessels and allows for faster electric pumping of both sides simultaneously.
• Portable/Wearable — A double electric pump you can wear while doing other tasks.
• Manual — Single-sided, simple hand pump for occasional pumping to relieve engorgement or prevent leaking
• Passive collection — Passive collection device that creates soft suction to collect milk from one breast while you pump or feed your baby with the other breast.

Why Trust GearLab

Our breast pump review at BabyGearLab is led by Dr. Juliet Spurrier, our founder and mom-in-chief. As a mother of two, Dr. Spurrier combines her personal experiences as a breast pump user with her qualifications as a board-certified pediatrician and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to shape our review testing standards and product selection.

Other contributing team members include, me, Senior Review Editor Wendy Schmitz and Molly Bradac. I am a mother of two who breastfed my children and tried multiple pumps while navigating the challenges of being a working mother and maintaining a milk supply. Spoiler alert… I still struggled, a lot (it's normal).

Molly has over 15 years of experience as a professional nanny and newborn care specialist. Her background also includes lactation education and support for breastfeeding moms. Molly leverages her knowledge and expertise to contribute valuable insights to our breast pump review. In addition to our team, we gathered feedback from pumping mothers who generously shared their thoughts and firsthand experiences with each pump. Gena Bradshaw rounds out the team. As a Senior Review Analyst, Gena brings years of testing experience and knowledge to the review, developing our pumping efficiency tests and more.

Analysis and Test Results

I considered test results, personal experience, and feedback from our team lactating test moms, and reports from users online when choosing award winners and scoring. I also included advice from lactating professionals and medical doctors like our own founder, Juliet Spurrier, MD. Our assessment involves analyzing efficiency, comfort, ease of use, portability, and hygiene.

What's the Best Value?

Breast pumps span a range of prices. If you anticipate regular pumping, I believe the best value is a quality pump that consistently delivers performance and comfort, like the Spectra S1. It's more expensive, but it strikes a balance between efficiency and comfort, providing an excellent value for years. I think it can last through multiple babies and years of use with little maintenance and thoughtful care. If your budget won't allow for the Spectra or you have other goals, the Baby Buddha is a wearable, efficient, and budget-friendly pump. It doesn't match the Spectra S1 Plus' performance, but its affordability and convenience make it appealing if you prioritize portability and budget. If you anticipate pumping only occasionally, the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump will do. It is an effective way to express breast milk without breaking the bank.

Pumping Efficiency

Efficiency focuses on how many ounces of milk a pump can express. While every mom's milk production varies, some pumps are stronger and more consistent, resulting in faster milk expression. You want an efficient pump to keep your pumping time as short as possible.

Finding a pump that works well and expresses a significant amount of milk in a short period of time is the key to success. I never found the sweet spot in pumping because my first pump didn't have enough settings, and my second pump was too uncomfortable to pump for very long.

The Spectra S1 Plus was an impressive performer during testing, producing an average of 0.55 ounces per minute. The second most efficient is the Baby Buddha, with an average of 0.45 ounces per minute. The worst efficiency in the electric pump group was the Elvie Stride with a measured test average of only 0.12 ounces per minute. The Elvie had some latch issues with lactating users struggling to keep it in place, indicating it might not be ideal for all breast shapes and sizes.

The Lansinoh Manual is the top-performing manual pump, with an average of 0.28 ounces per minute, significantly better than the lowest electric pump. It lags behind most electric options for speed and efficiency, and you can only pump one side at a time, but it performed well.

Lactating Mother Feedback

We gave lactating mothers the pumps to test hands-on and provide efficiency feedback. While all mothers' milk production and pumping are different depending on the time of day, demand, and more, we believe it is important to use the machines in the real world. I think it is important to understand the real-world experience of ordinary moms to get the complete picture on which pumps are the best.

Our lactating testers reported that the most efficient pumps were the Spectra S1 Plus and the Spectra S2 Plus, with the Baby Buddha close behind. The least efficient electric pump was the Momcozy S9 with the manual pumps at the bottom. While this varies somewhat with our simulated bottle efficiency testing, it aligns close enough that I think both support the results of the other when you understand that individual results vary because every woman is different. There is no doubt that the Spectra makes a strong case for number one.

Comfort

When evaluating breast pumps, comfort closely follows efficiency as a crucial consideration. I did not think pumping was fun or relaxing, and it has a learning curve (sometimes a steep one). You aren't likely to do it if it hurts; I didn't. It doesn't have to hurt to work, and pain is an indicator that something isn't right.

Several factors contribute to comfort, including the availability of multiple flange sizes (because every boob is different), and the presence of adjustable suction and pump settings. Every mom's unique anatomy and sensitivity play a role in the comfort equation. Therefore, my goal is to identify the key components that I believe increase the likelihood of a comfortable experience for a wide range of users based on feedback from real moms who've been there and pumped that.

Fit and Flange

A workhorse pump should be tolerable and relatively comfortable for those pumping regularly to establish a milk supply. It shouldn't cause discomfort or pain during or after use.

Flanges are the funnel-shaped parts you position over your breast, centering on the nipple, connected to a collection container. The pump uses suction to draw the nipple into the flange to express the milk. Since nipples, areolas, and breasts vary in shape and size, having the right fit is crucial. Flanges that don't fit right can lead to discomfort, pain, chafing, bleeding, or even infection. Problems with pumping can lead to problems breastfeeding if you aren't careful. Flanges often come in a variety of sizes and different material types, but most pumps only provide a few sizes with your purchase.

Our lactating testers report that the most comfortable are the Spectra S1 Plus and Spectra S2 Plus. This is somewhat surprising because the flanges are plastic as opposed to silicone. However, they offer 24mm and 28mm flanges in the box, and you can purchase 20 mm and 32 mm, and the adjustability is high. The Lansinoh Manual is the most comfortable non-electric option. It comes in two flange sizes and is what the company calls “ComfortFit,” which includes a silicone rim lining. The worst option is the Haakaa Gen 1. It is a one-size-fits-most, and our testers felt it was more of a one-size-fits-a-few. The flange is stiff, and it didn't latch well, which caused pinching.

Suction Adjustability

Having lower levels of suction or various suction patterns can make pumping more comfortable and sometimes more efficient. Those with more suction settings performed better.

Both Spectra pumps and the Baby Buddha come in second, with 2 modes and 14 settings for the Buddha, and 5 speeds at 12 different power levels for the Spectras. I think this kind of variation potential increases the odds of finding the exact suction level, speed, or pattern that feels just right (Goldilocks has entered the chat).

Overall Comfort

A workhorse pump should be relatively comfortable when pumping regularly to establish or bank a good milk supply.

Both the Spectra S1 Plus and Spectra S2 Plus earned top marks as the most comfortable pumps. While the breast flanges are plastic, they fit well without pinching, and the pumps have a wide range of power levels and speed cycles, with modes for massage and expression. Our lactating tester moms noted that the Spectras most closely mimic the natural feel of a breastfeeding baby. The Haakaa Gen 1 ranks low in the comfort metric. The cushy silicone material is a one-size-fits-all 30mm flange that might not work for all breast shapes and sizes. The Medela Harmony with Flex also falls short. The pump has a single 24mm flange, and our search for other sizes proved fruitless.

Efficiency vs Comfort

While comfort is super important, you don't want to sacrifice efficiency for comfort. Conversely, you don't want to sacrifice comfort for efficiency.

Efficiency vs Comfort

Product	Efficiency	Comfort
Spectra S1 Plus	9.0	8.2
Spectra S2 Plus	9.0	8.2
Baby Buddha	8.0	6.8
BellaBaby Double	7.0	7.4
Medela Pump in Style	7.0	6.4
Elvie Stride	6.0	6.2
Momcozy S9	5.0	6.6
Lansinoh Manual	5.0	5.6
Medela Harmony Flex	5.0	4.8
Haakaa Gen 1	3.0	2.2

The goal would be to consider both attributes and find the most efficient and comfortable pump. Pumping shouldn't be painful, and it shouldn't take forever. The Spectra S1 Plus is one of the most comfortable and efficient.

Ease of Use

When you rely on a breast pump, having one that's effortless to use is crucial. You want something you can get started swiftly and be done with quickly. We examined the pump's interface and features, running various tests to gauge its user-friendliness.

Ease of Use

Product	Interface	Features
Baby Buddha	7.0	9.0
Elvie Stride	9.0	7.0
Spectra S1 Plus	8.0	8.0
Spectra S2 Plus	8.0	8.0
Medela Harmony Flex	9.0	6.0
Lansinoh Manual	9.0	5.0
Medela Pump in Style	5.0	9.0
Momcozy S9	7.0	5.0
Haakaa Gen 1	9.0	1.0
BellaBaby Double	4.5	4.0

We preferred those with obvious icons and clear settings that are easy to duplicate when you find the best setting for you. While bells and whistles can be fun, like a nightlight or carry bag, they don't do anything to help manage pumping. The goal is to find the pump that offers the features you need in a way that is easy to utilize.

Both Spectra pumps rank well with a screen that provides feedback on the settings, time, and more. You also don't need to cycle through the settings if you bypass yours; you can go back instead. Plus, they remember your settings for next time! The Baby Buddha is also a standout for ease of use. While its interface isn't our favorite, thanks to lots of scrolling, it does have useful features like a timer, carry bag, and a way to store pumped milk.

Overall Ease of Use

The manual pumps in our review, the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump and Medela Harmony with Flex, score high in this metric. They don't have complex interfaces or systems to learn, sparing users from the learning curve that comes with feature-packed electric pumps. However, neither will be the right choice for regular and consistent pumping of any real volume.

The Haakaa Gen 1 doesn't come with instructions, but it's relatively straightforward. This all-in-one design is incredibly simple to use since it has no interface, no assembly, and nothing to plug in.

The Elvie Stride is another notable contender for ease of use. It only has a few intuitive buttons, and the accompanying app is user-friendly, allowing you to keep track of time, set levels, and monitor milk volume. We appreciate that you can change the power level without cycling through the multiple settings. The user manual includes easy-to-follow instructions and detailed images. Unfortunately, avoiding messes with the Elvie is tricky; some parts lack a firm connection or secure feeling.

Portability

Portability is an important factor if you're considering using your pump at work or during travel. We considered the pump's weight, number of accessories, and size to determine how convenient it would be to carry the kit around.

Portability

Product	General	Weight & Size	Acoustics
Haakaa Gen 1	10.0	10.0	10.0
Elvie Stride	9.0	8.0	9.0
Medela Harmony Flex	9.0	9.0	8.0
Momcozy S9	9.0	7.0	8.0
Baby Buddha	8.0	8.0	4.0
Lansinoh Manual	9.0	9.0	2.0
Medela Pump in Style	7.0	5.0	4.0
Spectra S1 Plus	6.0	3.0	7.0
BellaBaby Double	7.0	6.0	2.0
Spectra S2 Plus	2.0	3.0	7.0

We also included information on whether it needs a power source and how loud it is when pumping, as these factors can limit when and where you can pump.

There's a new trend in breast pumps toward mobility with hands-free pumping and rechargeable batteries. The Momcozy S9 Wearable Breast Pump and Elvie Stride fit this trend. These pumps fit inside your bra, allowing you to move around while pumping. They offer convenience for working moms on the move who can't sit to pump. The Elvie Stride is remarkably quiet, has tubes, and can be easily clipped to clothing or a fanny pack. On the other hand, the Momcozy is tube-free, and while slightly louder, the noise difference is minimal. Both are easy to transport. Wearable pumps are not for every mom, but they offer a solution if you don't want to be tethered to one spot while pumping.

Thanks to its lanyard, the Baby Buddha is also hands-free. However, some users find the system to be clunky, given the dangling bottles and tubes. Although it is hands-free, you need to pay attention to avoid tangles when multitasking during pumping sessions, and you'll need a pumping bra to hold the collection bottles in place. We think these are minor trade-offs for the added convenience of hands-free pumping. It is important to note that while it is hands-free, it is not discreet like the Elvie or Momcozy.

The Spectra S2 Plus didn't score well in this metric. Although it shares a similar size and shape with its sibling, the Spectra S2 Plus relies on an outlet for power, while the Spectra S1 Plus comes with a rechargeable battery offering up to three hours of cordless operation. This distinction can be a determining factor for those who require an away-from-home pump where an outlet might not be in the pumping area.

Acoustics

During our portability assessment, we tested the noise levels at the maximum suction for each pump because loud pumping sounds can hinder relaxation, which is helpful to milk production. We also considered whether any unusual or strange noises were coming from the pumps. In general, quieter breast pumps are preferable.

The Haakaa Gen 1 earns a top spot in this submetric due to its silent operation, primarily attributed to its no-motor design. The Elvie Stride also stands out for its remarkably quiet operation. During testing, it had a low vibrating sound that resembles a gentle “shhh,” but it's so quiet and unobtrusive that louder background noises can easily mask it, offering a quiet and discreet pumping experience.

The Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow had more noise-related observations during usage. It produced a thumping noise along with a rattle. The noise level of most electric breast pumps can fluctuate depending on the suction intensity and cycle speed, and for the Medela Pump in Style, the pump's highest sound reading was measured at 59 dB. This noise level is equivalent to the sound level of a conversation, moderate rainfall, or a refrigerator's hum. While not obnoxious, it's certainly noticeable and one of the louder options we tested. While the Baby Buddha had no unusual noises during operation, it was noticeably loud.

Both Spectra contenders are relatively quiet in operation and emit a noise similar to a purring cat, with a noticeable click at the end of the suction motion. It's low-pitched and not disruptive. Our measurements show that the noise level falls within the 44 dB range during testing.

Overall Portability

Keeping it simple makes a pump uber portable, but keep in mind that it can limit how and when you pump, and going non-electric can reduce your milk production due to a lack of demand.

The Haakaa Gen 1 earned the highest score for portability due to its minimal, incredibly light design. It was followed by the manual pump contenders, the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump, and Medela Harmony with Flex. These options have fewer, easy-to-carry parts and are relatively quiet during operation. The Elvie Stride is a winner for electric pumps, but it could be more of a hassle if you don't need to move while pumping. If you can sit for 20 minutes pumping in a comfortable space, then the Baby Buddha would be a go-to as it is battery operated, comes with a carry bag, is fairly quiet, and weighs less than a pound. That said, if you mostly pump at home, the Spectra S1 Plus is super efficient and has a rechargeable battery, so your session could potentially be shorter and not require an outlet.

Hygiene

Maintaining hygiene is essential, as it directly impacts the quality of your milk. While evaluating hygiene, we considered the number of parts, accessibility of the parts, and whether tools like a baby bottle brush are required. We strongly recommend a closed system pump because it's designed to prevent contaminants from entering the tubing, which connects to the motor. This can create a risk for germs or bacteria to grow.

Most pumps are average when it comes to hygiene. This is mainly because they have closed systems and share similar cleaning methods. Only a select few slightly outperform the group, but for different reasons.

The Haakaa Gen 1 has an open system, and the silicone material can attract hair and lint, but it's the easiest pump to clean. It's one-part, all-in-one design is as straightforward as possible and requires nothing more than a standard bottle brush.

The Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump has a closed system, a handful of parts to clean, and is dishwasher-safe for added convenience. The pump's components are accessible, especially the wide-mouth bottles, which can be scrubbed using a bottle brush to remove milk residue.

The Spectra S1 Plus and Spectra S2 Plus are equipped with eight parts each, more than most competitors. Cleaning them isn't particularly challenging, but reassembling the system is time-consuming.

The Medela Harmony with Flex also has several pump parts, and this posed a challenge when it came to reassembly. It was somewhat challenging for a manual pump. Also, the small o-rings used in this pump are easy to misplace, and without them, the pump doesn't work.

How to Pick the Best Breast Pump

Choosing the right breast pump can be a challenging decision. Even if your seasoned friends swear by their favorites, it's essential to recognize that your pumping journey may differ. I did not like the pump my sister swore by, and struggled with regular pumping because it hurt.

Pick a Type

Breast pumps fall into two main categories: manual and electric. Each type has its own pros, cons, and costs to consider. In the following sections, I will explore both types to help you determine which one best meets your unique needs. Sometimes, a combination of both is the most practical approach.

Manual Pumps

Manual breast pumps require the user to do the work and only express one breast at a time. They work by using a flange and a lever that you squeeze and release to create suction. These pumps are great for infrequent pumping. Manual pumps can be handy for travel, quick relief from engorgement, or to address temporary leaks. They are less expensive than electric pumps and are easy to transport. You can take them in your purse when you're going out.

Electric Pumps

Electric breast pumps operate using a motor that's powered by electricity. Some electric pumps offer innovative designs with rechargeable batteries, allowing you to move while pumping. They are available in single (pumping one breast at a time) or double (pumping both breasts simultaneously) versions. If you ever need to pump only one breast, most pumps can easily convert a double pump into a single. Electric pumps are known for their power and consistent pumping rhythm, making them effective and efficient. This efficiency helps maintain a good milk supply and saves time. If you find yourself needing to pump frequently, especially if you're a working mom or exclusively feeding your baby with expressed breast milk, investing in a double electric pump is a good idea.

Home or Away

Pumping away from home is probably best completed using an electric pump, as it is fast and easy to do multiple times a day. However, if you need a quick manual expression for relief, then an electric pump might be overkill. Alternatively, pumping at home with a manual option can be exhausting if you hope to get a significant amount of milk.

How Often

The daily expression really requires a high-quality electric pump. This allows for regular pumping without a hiccup and multiple settings to find the right one with the most effective suction.

Conclusion

Selecting the best breast pump for you is a personal journey influenced by budget and unique needs. Between our breast pump selection, test results, and detailed information, I believe you can find the perfect pump. By streamlining the pump selection process and making it stress-free, you can return to caring for your baby.