Finding the Perfect Breast Pump: A Comprehensive Guide
As a new mother, I spent countless hours nursing and pumping breast milk for my little one. During this time, I couldn’t help but wonder what makes a great breast pump, whether wearable options are worth the investment, and why some pumps come with a hefty $500 price tag. To answer these questions, I embarked on a journey to test nearly a dozen popular pumps, and I’m excited to share my findings with you.
Best Portable Pump: Pumpables Genie Advanced
The Pumpables Genie Advanced is a versatile pump that can be used as a single or double electric pump. It allows you to record pumping sessions with your programmed preferences and comes with a clip and lanyard for easy wearing while pumping. The standout feature, however, is the “Liquid Kit” shield kit, which includes a flange and bottle combo for pumping breast milk. Although it has several pieces that aren’t dishwasher-friendly, the soft shield cover makes it the most comfortable pump I tried. Pumpables will also prompt you to choose your shield size before checkout, ensuring a more comfortable and effective pumping experience.
The Best Budget-Friendly Pump: Imani i2
For those on a budget, the Imani i2 is an excellent choice. While it lacks the fancy features, apps, or screens found in other pumps, it performs exceptionally well for its price point. The cups and shields are lightweight and comfortable to wear, and I experienced similar milk output compared to more expensive pumps. You can also purchase it as a single pump for even greater savings.
Best Wearable Pump: Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump
The Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump is a more affordable option compared to other popular wearable pumps like the Elvie, while still offering similar features and a great pumping experience. The reusable cups are easy to see while pumping, allowing you to monitor your progress, and the pieces are large and dishwasher-safe. You can also purchase more reusable cups separately if needed.
Most Advanced Pump: Willow 3.0
If you’re looking for the most advanced pump on the market, the Willow 3.0 is the way to go. It suctions itself onto the breast to create a latch, tracks the exact number of ounces being pumped, and automatically switches from stimulation to expression based on your body’s letdown. While it comes with a higher price tag of $550, the Willow 3.0 offers the closest experience to having your baby latch on and start drinking.
Best Overall Pump: Spectra S1 Plus
The Spectra S1 Plus is a reliable, powerful portable pump with a long battery life and a cute light blue color. The small screen is easy to read, and it features buttons to switch between modes and power levels. It also has a night-light and is quiet enough to discreetly pump in the same room as a sleeping newborn. While it’s not as portable as some other options, it’s small enough to balance on the arms of a lounge chair or a small bookshelf opening while pumping in the living room.
Best Portable Pump With Wearable Cups: Elvie Stride
The Elvie Stride offers the best of both worlds for those who want wearable cups that can be used with any bra without sacrificing tubing or external controls. It’s comfortable to wear, and the rotating base on the cup allows you to change the angle of the tubing to fit your top and bra. The pump base is lightweight and comes with a clip for easy wearing on your clothes. Keep in mind that while the Stride comes with a couple of shield sizes, the company won’t prompt you to check your size before making your purchase, so you may need to order additional shields if you suspect you’re a nonstandard size.
Easiest Pump to Clean: Medela Freestyle
The portable Medela Freestyle impressed me with its minimal parts and easy-to-clean design. The pump parts that come into contact with breast milk are dishwasher safe, making cleaning a breeze. The pump itself is small and lightweight, with a rechargeable battery that lasts for several pumping sessions. It also comes with a handy tote bag for easy transport.
Choosing the right breast pump can make a world of difference in your breastfeeding journey. Whether you prioritize portability, comfort, affordability, or advanced features, there’s a pump out there that will meet your needs. For more information on what type of pump you might want, what hospital-grade suction means, which kind of breast pump is best for you, and whether insurance will cover your pump, check out our comprehensive guide on how to choose a breast pump.
4 Comments
Oh, finally, they’re focusing on making life a tad easier for the mamas!
Looks like breastfeeding’s going high-tech in 2024, can’t wait to see the tech wizards’ work on this one!
Breast pumps in 2024 leveling up – about time technology caught up with motherhood needs!
Wow, 2024 is shaping up to be the year of convenience for new parents, huh