Choosing a Breast Pump

The following is supplementary text to “Chapter 8: Pumped Milk Feeding” of the Fed Is Best Book. It provides examples of different breast pumps but does not discuss or endorse any specific brand.

There are many breast pumps on the market to choose from. Thanks to the U.S. Affordable Care Act, since late 2012, private health insurers have been required to cover breast pumps to expectant mothers without a co-pay. However, health insurance companies may choose which breast pumps to cover, which means you should check first with your insurer what pumps they will cover.

When choosing a breast pump, you should consider your practical needs. Will you be staying at home or will you return to work after maternity leave? Do have risk factors for low milk supply and need a higher quality pump? Do you plan to pump only occasionally? Does your home and/or work life require you to constantly be up and on the go?

Once you have considered your individual circumstances, start researching the types of pumps that will meet your needs and your budget. The following a list of the basic types of pumps available and what situations they are most useful for.

Want to learn more about this topic?

Do you want to learn more about breastfeeding while ensuring safe and adequate feeding?

Dr. Christie and board-certified lactation consultant Lynnette Hafken have just released the online Fed Is Best Breastfeeding Course, where they discuss all the things that you will not hear from a breastfeeding book or class. In it they include secret tips and tricks that you normally have to pay hundreds of dollars to learn about, for the same cost of a hospital breastfeeding class. Click below to get in on the training!

Types of Breast Pumps

Hospital grade breast pumps ($1,000–$2,500 to purchase, $60–$75/month rental)

“Hospital grade” double breast pumps are durable, closed system pumps that prevent backflow of milk and contamination of the motor so that multiple users can use it with personal pump kits. They have adjustable suction strength and speed and include a stimulation cycle. The smoother change between minimum and maximum suction (the suction curve) can be more comfortable than that of consumer grade pumps. These pumps are recommended for those who are completely or mostly pump dependent or are at risk for or currently experiencing milk supply problems. Because of their high cost, most people rent hospital-grade pumps. One strategy is to rent one in the early phase of breastfeeding when you are trying to establish your milk supply, then purchase a single-user double-electric breast pump later on.

Single user, consumer grade, double-electric breast pumps ($150–$300)

These portable pumps are available through most health insurance. Most have adjustable suction strengths and frequency and can include a stimulation cycle. But they may be noisier and have less smooth suction curves. While they may provide lower strengths than hospital grade pumps, for some, they may be adequate for increasing milk supply. For those who directly latch with established milk supplies, they are more than adequate.

Learn more about pumped milk feeding and pumping in these articles: Signs of a HUNGRY Newborn, Breast Pumping Accessories, Proper Handling of Human Milk

Battery powered and portable ($40–$200) breast pumps

These pumps are portable, easy to use, and may be double or single pumps. They are less expensive and may have less powerful or adjustable suction settings. They are suitable for those with established milk supplies or want to maintain a partial supply but may not be as effective for increasing milk supply.

Visit our Helpful Baby Feeding Tools Page for more pump recommendations.

Wearable breast pumps ($70–$500)

These are ideal for mothers who work on their feet for long periods without predictable breaks. They can be worn hands-free and are held in place with a bra. They have adjustable pumping strengths and speeds and include a stimulation cycle. They have reusable or single use bags and may have connected smart phone apps. When they work well, mothers describe them as “game changing.”

Unfortunately, some with abundant supplies have reported leakage. Others report feeling they were not discreet enough. They are the most expensive consumer grade pumps, as are their parts and collection bags, and most insurance companies do not fully cover them (as of the publication of this article). Some report that they are not as effective as wall-powered double-electric pumps in expressing milk fully.

Learn to make your own pumping bra in this article: How to Make a Pumping Bra

Manual breast pumps ($30–50)

Manual breast pumps pump one breast at a time, are portable, and are best for occasional use. They are not typically used for frequent or exclusive pumping due to their inefficiency. They can be useful for unexpected engorgement while away from home or for power outages. Occasionally a mother has reported getting more milk from a manual pump; this is atypical, so it is better to start with a double electric pump if increasing milk production is your primary goal.

Visit our Helpful Baby Feeding Tools Page for more pump recommendations.

Passive “pumps” ($25–50)

Passive pumps provide no active suction. They are made of silicone and collect milk that leaks from one breast while a the baby is nursing on the other. It can also be used to collect milk on the other breast while pumping with a single battery powered breast pump (since it often needs to be held in place unless your breast anatomy is such that suction can be maintained by the device). This reduces waste from leakage.

Learn more about pumping and how you can do it easier: Breast Shields or Flanges, How to Make a Pumping Bra, Pumping Breast Milk at Work