No matter where, when, or how often you pump, there's a manual breast pump or an electric breast pump to fit your needs. We analyzed reviews in the BabyCenter Community and used our editors’ research to discover moms' most-recommended breast pumps. Read on to find out which breast pumps moms think are the best for work, the easiest to use, and more.
Moms love Spectra pumps because they're portable, very quiet, and lightweight, and they offer exceptional technology. The Spectra S1Plus has a plug and a rechargeable battery, which is helpful if you don't always have an outlet nearby when pumping. It's a closed system, which is more hygienic because the tubing stays dry and doesn't need to be cleaned. The Spectra closely mimics the experience of breastfeeding with a massage mode that simulates a baby's natural sucking and adjustable suction levels to create a natural flow of milk. Moms also love the nightlight on this pump for late-night pumping sessions that won't wake your baby or your partner.
The company's warranty only applies to products purchased through Spectra directly. If you buy your pump from another retailer, it won't be covered by the manufacturer's warranty and will be subject to the return and exchange policy of that retailer.
"This is the best pump ever. It's the reason I was able to build my supply from 1 ounce a day to more than 20 ounces. The speed and suction power are both adjustable, and when you find the setting that's right for you, you're able to get much more than with other pumps."
"I've tried several pumps over three babies, including a hospital-grade pump, and finally the Spectra. This is easily the best pump out there. It's an incredible pump and a value for the price. What I love most is how comfortable it is!"
The Haakaa is a favorite among moms and lactation consultants because it's easy and effective. It uses simple suction to express milk, so you don't need to pump it – just attach it to your breast, squeeze once or twice, and milk starts dribbling out. While breastfeeding on one side, many moms like to attach the Haakaa to their other breast to catch milk letdown that would otherwise go to waste. The Haakaa is made of a food-grade silicone that's safe for moms and babies. Since it's one piece, it's a snap to clean: just put the Haakaa in boiling water for two to three minutes. Moms also swear by the Haakaa to clear clogged ducts: Fill the bottom with warm water (not too much, so you're still able to attach it) and a tablespoon of Epsom salt. Attach the Haakaa to the affected breast, and the combination of warm water, Epsom salt, and suction can clear the clog.
The Haakaa has an open top, so you can't use it to transport your milk unless you buy an upgraded model that includes a lid or stopper. Otherwise, you'll have to transfer your milk to a separate storage container.
"I love my Haakaa pump. I use it while nursing or immediately after, and it pretty much does everything itself just with the suction, though sometimes I have to manually pump it to get it going. It's super easy, and I love how little there is to wash."
"I got one for my second baby and it was a game-changer! I produced a lot of milk, so while my son was nursing on one side, I would suction the other side. The letdown would give me a few ounces, then I would nurse him on that side after. No engorgement, no waste, and no pain! Anyone I know who's pregnant and planning to breastfeed gets one as a gift from me."
The workhorse pump for generations of moms went through a substantial update in 2020, and Medela's classic two-phase technology is now souped up with what Medela calls MaxFlow: tiny vibrations that are designed to more closely mimic the vigorous sucking a real infant starts with when nursing (i.e. the first phase). The result, tests show, is more milk in the bottle per pumping session. Other great updates: this Pump in Style version is lighter (just over a pound) and easier to carry, and if you use Medela-brand connectors, the new system is a closed one: moisture can't get into the tubes, and thus you don't need to wash them after each use.
The MaxFlow vibration system can feel shaky and sound loud, especially if you rest the pump on a hard surface while the pump is vibrating. In addition, though the older Pump in Style was available as a single electric pump, this pump only comes in a double version.
"Medela just released a new pump that has a closed system and it’s only 1.18 lbs... also it’s hospital grade, has MaxFlow technology, and PersonalFit breast shields."
Manual pumping shouldn't be painful. This pump from Lansinoh has a smart, ergonomic handle that will help keep your hand from cramping up. It's compatible with Lansinoh's milk storage bags and bottles, and includes two sizes of flanges (the part that goes over your breast) to ensure a comfortable fit for anyone. The kit comes with a bottle and a nipple, too.
You can only pump one breast at a time, so it takes longer to empty both breasts. This pump is better for occasional use or travel.
"The Lansinoh pump works very well. I use it if my baby sleeps through a night feeding and I feel engorged, since it's much quieter than an electric pump and I don't have to wake everyone up."
"The Lansinoh manual pump is my favorite – it's comfortable and I get the most milk from it. It's perfect for travel, or if my baby only nurses on one side I can pump on the other."
The Willow is a hands-free, wearable pump with no cords, tubes, or bottles. The Willow boasts that it lets moms pump anywhere, in any position – even while lying down or practicing yoga. The pump fits inside your bra and can be set to one of seven levels of suction. With the Willow app, you can track volume, view history, and receive personalized tips. The rechargeable battery lasts all day or up to five pumping sessions. The Willow collects your milk in storage bags inside the pump unit, and it's easy to remove the bags and store them in the fridge or freezer.
Some moms say the Willow is difficult to position properly and constantly flashes error messages. Also, the Willow milk storage bags and reusable containers only hold 4 ounces of breast milk. (If you pump more than that, the pump will automatically shut off.) You have to buy storage bags separately, and the cost can add up.
"It is a game-changer! I love my Willow!"
"I can pump while fixing breakfast for my toddler, getting dressed, feeding the dogs, and making coffee. The morning routine is much smoother."
This little number from Ameda is small, super light (half a pound!), and portable. It has a power adapter and rechargeable batteries that will last for two hours, so you can use it on the go. You can customize the suction and speed, and use it as a single or double pump. The Mya has a fully closed system, so breast milk can't back up into the tubing and pump. And it comes with 5-ounce bottles and caps.
Some moms report that the suction power isn't as strong with this pump as it is with its competitors.
"I was looking for a travel pump that I could bring to work and use while traveling. The Ameda Mya is so easy to carry around that I also throw it in my purse when I go shopping or out to lunch. It's made such a difference, as I don't need to race back home every three hours."
"It's very discreet and I feel like I could use it in the back of a car or on a plane if need be. For such a small device, it really gets the job done quickly but painlessly."
A bargain at under $100, this pump offers a high level of customization. There are three pumping styles (short and quick, moderate, long, and slow), and for each, you can choose from eight different levels of suction, allowing you to control your experience precisely. The style and suction level are also displayed on the pump's backlit LCD screen, which includes a timer, so you know how long you've been pumping – no need to pull out your phone or keep an eye on a clock.
Some moms say that this pump loses suction over time.
"I have a double Lansinoh: I've been very happy with it and have used it with all three of my babies. I'm a stay-at-home mom and I used it to help relieve engorgement and to store a little extra milk."
"The Lanasinoh double pump is great. There are lots of different settings for comfort and it's pretty quiet."
Reclaim your freedom with this innovative wearable pump, which fits inside standard nursing bras, can be controlled with phone or with push buttons on the unit, and basically allows you to waltz around silently pumping as you go about your daily life. The Elvie app monitors your milk volume and tracks your pumping history, and the smart Elvie bottles detect when they're full, and pause the pump to prevent overflow.
Some moms say that the bottles' sensor is overly sensitive, and pauses too soon.
"It can be kinda tricky and hard to see if your nipples are in the right spot (not up against the sides or crooked) but once you get it fitted on right, it's freaking genious and awesome!"
"I honestly never use my Spectra anymore. I can hold her, clean the house, walk the dogs, pump in the car...it's honestly made pumping a lot less miserable and I would 100% spend the money for it again."
You can start pumping breast milk immediately after birth if you need to – for example, if you're exclusively pumping, or if your baby is unable to nurse. If that's not the case, many lactation experts recommend waiting a few weeks before you start pumping to make sure that you and your baby develop a solid breastfeeding routine first. Many moms find that around 4 to 6 weeks is a good time to start pumping and storing milk.
You may be wondering how to use a breast pump. They can seem complicated and intimidating, but you'll figure it out quickly. Read your pump's manual, watch a video on how to pump, and try it. You'll get the hang of pumping after the first few times, and after a week, you'll feel like a pro.
If you'll be pumping more than once a day, an electric breast pump is probably your best option. These allow you to pump both breasts at once, and they empty your breasts quickly and effectively – which will help you keep your milk supply up over time.
If you'll pump once a day or less, a manual breast pump may do the trick. These have no motor, so you'll be doing the work of pumping (unless you have a pump that uses natural suction to pull milk from your breast). In general, manual pumps only pump one breast at a time and take longer to use.
The top thing to consider when choosing a breast pump is how often you'll use it and why. If you're exclusively pumping and bottle-feeding, or working outside the home full-time, you'll likely want a double electric breast pump. If you'll pump less often – say once a day so your partner can give your baby a bottle – then a manual pump that empties one breast at a time may suit your needs.
Beyond that, consider what's most important to you in a pump. Do you need a lightweight pump that's easy to bring with you? A wearable pump so you can get things done while pumping? A quiet pump so you can pump while making calls?
Borrowing a friend's pump or buying one used isn't a good idea. Breast milk can carry bacteria and viruses that can contaminate pumps and pass an infection to you and your baby.
Since droplets of milk can get into internal pump parts, using your own collection kit doesn't necessarily make them safe to use. Also, hand-me-down pumps may not be as effective because motors lose their strength and the seals deteriorate over time – problems that may lead to a loss of suction.
Pumps designed for multiple users, like rental pumps and hospital pumps, are designed to prevent breast milk from getting inside the pump. As long as you use one with your own collection kit, they're safe – but check the packaging or call the manufacturer. If a pump is designated as "single-user,” only one person should use it.
Clean pump parts after each use by washing them in a clean bowl with hot water and dish soap. Scrub, then rinse parts with fresh water and allow them to air dry on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel. You may also be able to clean parts by putting them in the dishwasher in a closed-top basket. (Check your pump's manual for specific instructions.)
Don't clean the tubing in an electric pump unless breast milk gets into it. You may see small water drops in the tubing after you pump. If that happens, just turn the pump back on for a few minutes to dry the tubes out. If you see milk in the tubing, check the manual for cleaning instructions, and let it air dry before reattaching it to your breast pump.
Insurance companies are required to cover a breast pump for each pregnancy, but coverage can vary widely depending on your insurer and plan. Some cover hospital-grade pumps, others do not. Some pay only for a pump rental, others give you the pump outright. The covered pump may be manual or electric, and you may receive it before or after birth.
Some insurers require additional steps, such as getting a prescription for your preferred pump from an ob-gyn, or specifying which vendor you must buy your pump through. The only exception is "grandfathered" individual plans (so not ones you’d get through your employer) that don't have to cover "pre-existing conditions," so they can opt out of breast pump coverage.
How will you know what coverage your plan offers? There are two ways to go: the first is to use a breast pump vendor that interfaces with your insurance on your behalf to help you reduce costs, such as Aeroflow. Getting a pump through Aeroflow is a three-step process:
If you'd rather handle the process yourself, it starts with a phone call or email. Contact your insurance provider and tell them you want a breast pump, then get the answers to the following questions:
Once you have the answers to these questions, you'll move forward with these steps.
Whew! It's an exacting process, and some busy new moms-to-be may feel overwhelmed looking at that to-do list. But since breast pumps have been covered more routinely by insurance, there has been a 10 percent uptick in breastfeeding duration amongst the eligible population. So we're going to say that it's worth it!