Best Breast Pump: Evaluating the Best Options for Your Needs

The unit introduces two Spectra Baby models: S1 (blue) and S2 (pink). They are both amazing electric breast pumps.

S1 costs a little bit more than S2, but it provides the option of using battery power instead of a power cord. Although this is only a small difference between the two models, a rechargeable battery set is of great help when you’re always on the move and lack time to charge.

Both of the two products impressed me a great deal because of their long-lasting durability. Their lifespan can reach up to several months or even years.  They also operate very quietly when pumping milk from your breasts.

Moreover, the pumping is very smooth and effective, which is an important factor when it comes to buying breast pumps. With its excellent massage feature, I have rarely heard any complaints about the unit’s performance.

S1 and S2 both weigh less than 3 pounds, so you don’t have to worry about carrying heavy machines with you all the time. With the S2 breast pump, you can either milk one breast at a time or both of them at once.

One of the most outstanding features of these electric breast pumps is that they come with a closed system, which is designed to prevent your milk from flowing into the actual motor. This is a safer and more hygienic option in case you decide to lend your breast pump to someone else.

Besides, a timer and a night light are included in the pump, which are such a great help for waking up in the middle of the night for feedings. It also reminds you of the time to release your milk supply.

The only letdown of these models is the bottles because they’re not of high quality and pretty cheap. But it won’t be a big deal since you can replace them with other, more premium bottles.

In general, the Spectra S1 and S2 stand out for everyday use and show off their superiority in terms of comfort, convenience, and silent operation.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

The Medela Pump in Style works exceptionally well in terms of providing efficiency and value.

This useful set comes with a tote bag, 5-ounce Medela high-quality bottles, 24 mm or 27 mm breast shields, a cooler bag, an ice pack, a rechargeable battery, and an adapter.

There are two sizes of breast shields: 24 mm and 27 mm, included in the set. Thus, women with large breasts should try them on before deciding to opt for extra-large protectors.

The biggest plus of the Medela breast pump is that it comes with a tote bag, along with the kit and accessories, making it easier for working moms to carry everything from one place to another. Besides, a cooler and ice pack are excellent “sidekicks” to offer moms the freedom to pump when they travel.

But the battery feature may be a problem to some moms who are always on the move, so consider opening your purse for a car charger. This is also an open pumping system, so be sure to clean every tube carefully to avoid the growth of bacteria.

Perhaps the most annoying thing about this product is the leakage of milk out of the flanges, and the fact that you have little control over the pumping.

Overall, a significant number of mothers and I enjoy the fantastic performance of Medela Pump in Style. You should think about equipping yourself with one before going back to your likely crazy-busy working life.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Who thought a manual pump involves tons of work, including lots and lots of pumping? Think again, moms! With this unit from Haakaa, there is no pumping whatsoever and 100% zero work. You will still end up with a considerable amount of milk in the end of your usage, however.

Made from 100% food-grade silicone, this breast pump attaches to your breast and collects milk by suctioning without the use of hands or a power source. Moms only need to turn the product on while their baby is feeding on the other side.

When you’ve finished using it, and your milk flows from both of your breasts, the Haakaa pump will allow the free breast to catch the extra 2 or 3 ounces which would have been wasted.

Besides, Haakaa pumps are exceptionally convenient for travel because they are compact and lightweight. Also, it’s easy to keep the unit clean since there is hardly any small parts left for cleaning.

For mothers who show high demand for milk pumping, this silicone breast pump can get them to earn an extra 4 ounces every day only by attaching it to their breasts. No pumping efforts involved!

Being the cheapest breast pump on the list, you can hardly expect any discomfort and lots of manual pumping work.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Unless you have a plan for intensive use, you might skip this breast pump because of its price, as it is perhaps the most expensive on the list. It makes use of the best two-phase expression technology from Medela to allow free flow of milk.

Unlike standard pumps which take a lot of time to remove your milk, this unit works its magic by extracting your milk adequately. That’s such a big deal since you are likely a regular user and feel like you’re spending half of the day attached to your breast pump.

Moreover, you can express milk from both of your breasts at once using this unit. It also comes with a closed pumping system to allow an amount of liquid flow into the tube and motor. Thus, the risk of your baby being exposed to harmful bacteria and viruses in the breast milk can be reduced significantly.

However, the Symphony pump needs plugging in to operate and is heavy, like most other hospital-grade breast pumps. Mobility is not a strong point of this product, so you should avoid buying it if you travel a lot and have no time for in-home pumping.

Another thing you should keep in mind is that you need to buy the double pumping set separately since the original one doesn’t include it. But if you can afford this expensive pump, you will hardly encounter any difficulties while using it.

In general, the Medela Symphony is one of the most effective hospital grade breast pumps on the market. Any moms who are lucky enough to use it are likely to appreciate its impressive comfort and efficiency.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Philips Avent manual breast pump has a small and full bottle attached to the pump instead of the longer and thinner ones from other brands, ensuring more milk capacity. Another thing that captures moms’ attention is that the pump is compatible with different bottles and milk carriers from Philips.

Made from BPA-free plastics, this breast pump causes no concern over any health problems as well as works along well with sore or flat nipples. Even though it’s a manual pump, instead of feeling the strain in your hands like with some other low-quality products, the pump provides comfort when used due to the soft gel pad.

The Philips pump’s lightweight and compact size has won me over! You can carry the pump wherever you go and operate smoothly with only one hand. This pump also comes with a soft massage cushion to encourage the milk’s flow.

Last but not least, a lot of busy-working mothers will be more than happy to know that this device can be sterilized by putting it inside a microwave or dropping into boiling water, saving a reasonable amount of time.

Nevertheless, the issue of milk dripping from the cushion is what some mothers have complained about most. Thus, you may need to position yourself upright to prevent that from happening.

If you have no problem with the milk flow as well as the manual nature of the pump, the Philips Avent breast pump will meet your requirements when traveling or working far away.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Overall, this manual breast pump might be an ideal choice for first-time mothers who are looking for affordable options. You can also use it as a replacement in case something goes wrong with your main machine.

The Medela Harmony is compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to carry around in your purses or bags. Besides, since you operate them manually, these manual breast pumps don’t create any sound, making it perfect for pumping secretly during lunchtime at your office.

Although the unit includes a soft and baby’s mouth-shaped 24 mm breast shield, other shields from Medela are also suitable for use, which means you can create the most relaxing pumping experience for yourself. Even better, this pump is one of the low-budget devices on the list.

Also, the pump makes use of the two-phase expression system, generating a sufficient amount of milk without irritating the breasts. First, use your thumb to pump hard to let the fluid flow out. Then, when the flow becomes stable, switch to the handle.

However, some moms may encounter problems with the pumping due to their poor milk flow. Consider skipping this product and move to another one with a better suction feature.

Last but not least, the Medela Harmony consists of several removable parts so you can clean them with ease.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

The Lansinoh Signature matches the description of mid-range price and good quality that you can trust. You get the best out of your money with many attractive benefits - a hospital-grade closed system with a simulation phase for ensuring hygiene, customized suction level, and a compact kit with every accessory you may need. Besides, it comes with fewer removable parts, meaning you don’t need to spend tons of time cleaning it.

A lot of moms are falling in love with this pump because it offers three different types of pumping, the most famous two of which are stimulation and expression. It comes with a double pump with a backflow cap, helping to prevent the milk from finding its way into the tubes.

Another excellent addition is the Lansinoh storage and carry bag. The bags help to store the pumped milk until it’s ready for feeding.

If you have been hurt, both mentally and physically, by a poor-quality breast pump before, Lansinoh will heal your wounds by focusing more on massage-like suction. Many first-time mothers are happy to tell me that they have had no difficulty using this unit.

However, the most significant defect of this pump is its unstable suction. Moms with steady milk flow may not benefit from this.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Among Medela pumping units, the Sonata Smart stands out as the best breast pump for keeping track of your baby’s growth and pumping sessions right on your smartphone.

Sonata is a double electric model with a powerful two-phase expression technology and various rhythms designed to imitate the different stages of breastfeeding.A rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a small alarm will remind you of weak batteries.

This device is small and light and surprisingly silent for its powerful hospital-grade suction. Many women feel that their milk supply increased significantly and they can pump more when using the Sonata Smart pump.

The only drawbacks of this breast pump are its high cost and inconsistent performance. Although the pump’s efficiency is impressive, it sometimes breaks down and requires a complicated fix.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Bellema is a fantastic choice for an advanced electric breast pump. I’m so impressed with how compact and lightweight it is, as well as its versatile price. Thanks to the pump’s nine suction levels (Seriously! Nine levels?), you can surely find your most relaxing mode.

Besides, Bellema comes with two bottles and 4 oz. nipples, together with the bottle adapter, allowing users to use the pump with both Avent and Medela bottles.

This is a small but lovely feature because most of the mothers have owned for themselves the bottles of these two famous brands. Thus, there is no need to waste more money on buying other unnecessary items.

For these reasons, it’s also a fantastic “sidekick” for working moms!

Several electric breast pumps have short power cords, meaning you need to sit close to a power outlet to perform any pumping. In contrast, Bellema’s pump comes with a longer cable, helping you to find a more comfortable spot for charging.

Moreover, it’s favorable due to a closed pumping system with separate left and right controls, where you can choose different pumping speeds for each of your breasts.

Not to mention the 14-ounce weight that makes bringing this pump along to your workplace a piece of cake. Even though you still hear a slight vibration from the pump, it offers considerable quiet operation that doesn’t interfere with your work. Besides, the pump’s easy installation saves you loads of valuable working time.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

 What To Consider Before Buying A Breast Pump?

Type

First and foremost, you should ask yourself which kind of breast pump you need for your use: a manual one that you can use as a backup when directly breastfeeding your baby, or an electric and hospital-grade one for regular use?  Make sure you know what your requirements and priorities are before opening your purse. 

Comfort

Comfort is the second most crucial factor after deciding on your type. What offers the most comfortable experience is breast shields. This depends on the size of your nipples, not your breasts.

Cost

Budget no doubt plays an indispensable part in the decision-making process. Most of the breast pumps I’ve introduced to you come with a reasonable price for modern moms. But if you’re looking for a more premium experience, I’ve also listed several pumps with better value for your budget choices.

Mobility

Are you going to use your pump only at home? Do you travel a lot? These questions are of great importance before making any purchases. If you decide to move or go back to work right after, you should consider my suggestions for portable pumps.

Easy installation and cleaning

You don’t want to worsen everything by paying for a breast pump with over-complicated operation. The best pump needs to be easy enough to install and clean.

Double or single pump

Some moms prefer pumping one breast while their baby is feeding on the other, while others feel comfortable pumping both their breasts at the same time. If you’re a busy working mom, it’s advisable to go for a double electric breast pump for efficiency and time saving.

Now, let’s move on to some outstanding reasons why mothers should buy the right breast pump for themselves from the get-go.

Why Do You Need A Breast Pump?

There are five popular reasons for why you might need an excellent breast pump: 

●    You face difficulties establishing normal milk flow

●    Traditional breastfeeding isn’t ideal since your baby hasn’t learned how to suckle yet

●    Moms who are going back to work lack the time to breastfeed their babies manually. In this case, you should be sure to have available breast milk in storage

●    Doctors advise you to avoid manual breastfeeding because of health problems

●    You need a more convenient and mobile way to feed your infant

The above are the five most common reasons why you would prefer using a breast pump over relying on formula or traditional breastfeeding. Regardless of your reasons, the cost of a breast pump is considerably cheaper than depending on a recipe every time. Thus, it’s a money-saving option!

The Bottom Line

When it comes to affordability and functions, the SPECTRA USA S1 & S2 is my favorite breast pump of 2019 because of these impressive and prominent features:

●    Lightweight and compact design for convenient mobility

●    Available rechargeable battery and power cord

●    Effective suction performance

●    Utmost comfort and flexible adjustments for moms to choose their most suitable pumping mode

●    Silent operation 

●    Better price than other breast pumps on the market

●    Single or double breast pump at a time

●    Premium extra accessories recommended by experts in the field

Regardless of whether you’re about to use the pump occasionally or regularly, the S1 and S2 models will assist you in achieving your goals. You will witness how well your baby grows in no time thanks to the high-quality and freshly-pumped breast milk.

Raising your children by breast milk is a crucial part of every child’s early stages, and a breast pump can create a big difference between a hurtful failure and a happy success. I know the task of choosing one suitable for your needs can be quite a challenge, since there are a myriad of breast pumps out there, but think of how you can benefit by buying the right one. 

To those who have experience in the field of breastfeeding, it’s your turn to share some tips and wise words with the many first-time mothers doing their best for their children. If so, don’t hesitate to share and tell us what you think in the comments below!