Best Breast Pump – The Advantages of Breastfeeding
While you’re pregnant with a new baby on the way, you’ll have time to decide on many needed items for your little one. You will also make a decision to either breast feed or use formula. If you chose breastfeeding, it’s one of the best things for you and your baby. And although it’s fun to pick out bottles, bedding, a bassinet, room decorations, and more, finding the best breast pump is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Many moms choose breast feeding for the benefits natural mother’s milk provides. A breast milk pump is essential for collecting baby milk for when you’re not with your baby, for freezing so there will be plenty when you go back to work, and for those who have light eaters and they need to keep breast milk flowing. It also allows dad to give the baby a bottle with breast milk to help in bonding with the baby.
Breast milk is the best way for your baby to get all the nutrition they need. It has natural occurring antibodies to combat illnesses such as ear infections and it is found to reduce illness later on in life like asthma, diabetes, leukemia, high cholesterol, and other ailments. Some medical agencies feel feeding breast milk may reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. Breast milk is easier to digest, making babies less troubled by gas and colic. And, breast milk may be responsible for higher IQ levels and cognitive function.
With all these benefits, beast milk is a perfect option for your baby. Having a breast milk pump makes it an even better decision by providing ways to collect, store, and promote your milk. Enjoy the rest of this article and our TOP PICKS for breast pumps so you can make an educated decision about which pump will work the best for you.
Read also:
Best Breast Pump For The Money
1. Best Choice – NatureBond Silicone Manual Breast Pump
This NatureBond Silicone Manual Breast Pump is a simple and natural way to pump and save your breast milk hands free! Using manual pressure, you create suction pressure that stimulates milk production.
This is the best natural pump that also catches any breast milk leaks to help you save each drop of precious milk for your baby. The flange is soft and comfortable to help make breast milk pumping problem free and includes a unique silicone, red stopper or ‘stick’ that allows compression from pumping to ensure air-tight pressure. The pumping operation is safe and leakage is virtually nonexistent.
We love the luxurious pink velvet carry pouch and there is also a dust cover lid and the entire product is packaged in an air-tight package to ensure your pump is germ free. This is a great product!
2. Spectra Baby USA – S2 Plus Premier Electric Breast Pump
Spectra Baby USA created this S2 Plus Premier Electric Breast Pump with lots of great features to ensure moms feel confident they have chosen a well-designed breast pump. The S2 Plus makes life easier so you can enjoy time with your baby instead of stressing over breast milk production. The S2 is a completely sealed system having a physical barrier between your milk and the actual pump for hygiene and to help protect the motor. Use the S2 as a double pump if you need to and enjoy the suction strength that can reach 250mmHg.
The digital controls allow you to easily set the pump to emulate the right speed and pumping rhythm that is best for you. Suction can also be adjusted in the let down mode. This pump is designed with a timer and a convenient night light.
WHAT WE LIKE
- Spectra Baby USA is owned and run by Registered Nurses, Board Certified Lactation Consultants, and more importantly… by MOMS
- Closed pumping system keeps tubing dry
- Customizable Settings
- Digital controls with flexible touch button
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE
- The attached tubing can become loose and cause suction loss.
3. Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
This Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump is perfect when you have occasional times away from your baby and only need a simple, manual breast milk pump. It’s lightweight for easy pumping and uses 2-Phase expression technology to allow proper pumping rhythm.
The soft ergonomic handle swivels so you can position it where it allows you to be comfortable and this pump is compatible with PersonalFit breast shields so you can purchase the size that fits you the best.
The package includes the manual pump, 2 5ounce bottles, a bottle stand to help when filling the bottle with milk, a nipple collar, cap, and 2 membranes. This is a portable and quiet way to pump breast milk.
WHAT WE LIKE
- 2-Phase Expression technology
- Compatible with PersonalFit breast shields
- Soft-touch, ergonomic swivel handle
- Whisper quiet operation for enhanced privacy
- One hand operation
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE
- Customers complained about the pump losing suction too quickly.
4. Medela Pump In Style Advanced Double Breast Pump
The Madela Pump in Style is a double pump that’s been created for moms who have to pump milk several times a day. It uses 2-phase expression technology with an easy to reach let down button and it allows you to extract more milk is less time. The maximum comfort vacuum works during the expression phase to help you get the most milk in each sitting.
This pump comes with a well-designed microfiber bag that the pump is built into and everything you need to pump when not at home fits. There’s a battery compartment that takes 8 AA batteries so when you don’t have a place to plug the pump in you can run it off the batteries.
A cooler bag with ice packs that can be pre-frozen will fit 4 bottles of breast milk, keeping your milk cool and fresh. The bag also has bottle holders so you can pour breast milk in without spills and a place to store tubing. This pump comes with 24mm, small breast shields and other sizes can be ordered from Medela. This is a fantastic complete pumping system!
WHAT WE LIKE
- 2-Phase Expression technology with one-touch let-down button
- Pump is built into a stylish microfiber bag
- Additional battery pack when electricity is not available
- Removable cooler bag with contoured ice pack
- Portable and discreet
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE
- Several customers had a problem with the motor losing its power after a short time.
5. Philips Avent Manual Comfort Breast Pump
Philips Avent created this manual breast milk pump to be portable and easy to take on the go. It was designed to allow you to be comfortable and at ease so you can produce milk without being anxious, which can inhibit milk production. You can sit straight up and your milk will flow right into the bottle. No need to lean forward to lean over the pump with its ergonomic design and the soft cushioning massages your breast to help with milk flow.
This pump has only a few parts making it easy to clean; an important part of breastfeeding and pumping milk. Philips includes a natural bottle with a breast-shaped nipple to help your baby take to the bottle easier. And with the uGrow app, you can not only track your baby’s feeding times, you can get advice and information to help you with breast feeding.
WHAT WE LIKE
- More comfortable pumping position due to unique design
- Soft massage cushion to help stimulate milk production
- Easy to clean
- Includes a Phillips natural bottle
- Download uGrow app to keep track of feedings
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE
- Does not have an interchangeable breast flange so you can only use the size it comes with.
Type Of Breast Pumps
The first breast milk pumps were available on the market in 1991 and were electric pumps. Today there are two main types and many options to consider. Which pump you decide on has to do with your personal preferences and what you’re comfortable using. Moms all have their own special needs and so does each baby. There are two main types we will look at.
Manual Pumps
Manual means no batteries or electricity so you’ll have to squeeze the pump repeatedly to create suction. How much you hand strength you put into it determines how much milk you can express. These are certainly not as easy to use as electric or battery, but they are much smaller, quieter, and are a great option for traveling. They are also sufficient if you don’t need to pump breast milk often.
Electric Pumps
Many mothers with newborns prefer an electric milk pump. These have many more options such as adjustments to the speed and suction. If you need to pump milk faster like being at work or needing to get to an appointment, you can purchase a double electric pump that will extract milk from both breasts at the same time like the Medela Pump In Style Advanced Double Breast Pump. Many electric models are also battery powered. Just be sure if you’re using batteries, you have extras or there is an outlet nearby.
Choose The Right Breast Pump
Before deciding which breast pump to buy for yourself, you must be completely confident that the breast pump you desire to purchase can fulfill your breastfeeding needs and provide you with ease, comfort and convenience as well as a happily satisfied baby.
This selection will require that you browse through breast pump types, brands and websites. It is also a good idea to visit a couple of stores selling breast pumps and examine their products in person; sometimes what you see online may prove to be different in reality.
One factor that can greatly help you in making this vital decision is breast pump comparison because by comparing different pumps you can learn about the pros and cons of each pump and to what extent each pump fulfills your need.
Comparing breast pumps is made easier when you narrow down your options to a few breast pumps, each of which has functions and features that meet your demand.
For many people, getting a pump within their budget is an important issue; the good news is that now many brands produce a variety of manual and electric breast pumps so you can always find a pump that suits your needs and budget.
You can also make a mental estimate of how much you are willing to spend on a pump since doing this will make your breast pump search easier and less time consuming.
There are some websites and brands that advertise unique functions that they claim are definitely worth the extra money but don’t forget, that function may not necessarily be the one you need.
Buying a breast pump that is completely worth your money and time can actually make the experience of breast pump search a whole lot enjoyable.
Another very important factor that should be settled before you start searching is why exactly it is you need a breast pump since some mothers may require a pump only to encourage a good milk flow.
So, determine first what features and functions you want from a breast pump. If you are expecting to pump only infrequently, it is possible for a manual pump to do the job.
Otherwise, if you know you will need to pump milk frequently, perhaps daily or even more often, you’re probably better off considering an electric breast pump.
If you’re unsure what exactly you require, you can also browse through different types of pumps to get a rough idea of what is available by reading reviews.
Some breast pump necessities include portability, adjustable suction and breast shield sizes.
Comparing a few options that you are considering can bring forward features and functions that each pump may possess or lack and depending upon your need for that feature, you can narrow down your options further till you finally decide your pick.
It is ultimately up to you to decide how much you are willing to spend on increasing the comfort level of the breast pump.
Don’t discard an option just because of what you see about it online; if you are seriously willing to consider a pump be sure to investigate further by discussing with your pediatrician, reading online reviews, browsing through breast pump comparisons and talking in person to other mothers who might have used it.
Options To Look For In A Breast Pump
Suction Settings
In order to be a successful breast milk extraction session, the pump needs to have settings for two modes to properly mimic a baby sucking milk. One mode will perform rapid suction to stimulate milk production and a slower suction that will match the baby’s deeper suction. These two phases help more breast milk to be produced and will be better at relieving milk from full breasts. One of our TOP PICKS provides this setting, the Spectra Baby USA – S2 Plus Premier Electric Breast Pump.
Weight Of The Pump
The weight of the pump is important as you not only use it every day, but tote it around on errands, bring it to work, or use it for travel. A milk breast milk pump that weighs upwards of 5 pounds would become heavy when packed in a diaper bag, your purse, your backpack, or even your briefcase! It will also become a nuisance while you’re pumping milk if you have to hold it. The less the pump weighs the better.
Comfort And Safety
An uncomfortable pump could cause sore nipples or worse, could damage breast tissue. The fit of the flanges or breast shields are important. These are the soft, cone-shaped cups that fit over your breast and cover your nipples. Flanges come in different sizes and include the depth of the nipple tunnel. Standard sizes range from 21mm for small and up to 36mm for XXL. A breast milk pump that allows you to change out the flange for different sizes makes it easier to find the right fit.
The silicone material the flange is made of is important. This needs to be 100% Food Grade quality and BPA free. The Center for Disease Control, CDC, recommends cleaning your electric or manual pump after every use. It’s essential to keep the parts clean and be sure there is no breast milk left on any of the surfaces. Germs could grow and cause a baby to get an infection. Whichever pump you purchase, be sure you’re comfortable with cleaning it on a regular basis. Our TOP PICK is dishwasher safe and can take temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for sterilization.
Warranty
Check the manufacture warranty as you will be using your breast milk pump on a daily basis or at least a regular basis. When you spend the money on an electric pump with more options, you want to know the company will back up your purchase. It’s also good to find out if the company offers replacement parts in case of breaks. As a note; the user manuals for these products we reviewed included educational information about breast feeding and helpful tips and hints!
Knowing You Made The Best Decision For You And Your Baby
We’ve provided information on breast feeding your new little addition to the family in hopes of helping you make a good decision on what the best breast pump is for you. Breast milk is always the most natural way to feed your baby the proper nutrition at their most important growth stage. And although you may want to breast feed your baby each time, there will be circumstances where you will need to pump milk and store it for later use.
Learning about our TOP PICKS in breast milk pumps has equipped you to buy the one that fits you and your baby’s individual needs. You can feel safe and confident when purchasing one of the products we reviewed here!
