Understanding Your Pump

The most frequently asked questions from our community that I get are often related to breast pumps!

What type of pump should I get?
What is your favorite wearable or portable pump?
Do I need more than one pump?

Figuring out what type of pump you need for your specific situation can be overwhelming. I know there are so many options, but I’m going to clear up as much of the confusion with pumps that I can, give you some honest reviews, and offer a few things to consider when purchasing a pump.

Let’s dive in!

The different Types of Pumps

There are so many pumps out there, and I know it can get confusing and overwhelming trying to pick one and figure out what you need. Let’s start with some basics and go over the 5 types of pumps:

MANUAL

Handheld
Use of manual lever to express milk

HOSPITAL GRADE

Industrial-sized pump found in hospitals
Can be rented
Helps bring mature milk in quickly
Assists women who are having breastfeeding issues
Helps with separation of mother and child (NICU)/prematurity/multiples

regular

AKA Double electric pumps
These are medium-sized pumps
Usually free through insurance
Some may need to be plugged in

PORTABLE

Small pumps, usually palm-sized
Do not need to be plugged in/portable
Attach to a collection chamber via tubing

wearable

Entire pump and collection chamber sit in the bra
No tubing or bottles hanging off chest

So, what type of pump should I get?

In general, this question is pretty hard to answer, because everyone’s needs are different! However, there are some general pointers I can give you.

Ideally, I would recommend that everyone always plan on having a regular, double electric pump on hand, esp since you can get it free through insurance.

When you’re pregnant and inquire about a breast pump via insurance, they’ll send you a list of pumps they cover the cost of. Most regular pumps (some even cover full or partial costs of more popular “wearable pumps) are covered by insurance, but check with yours to find out. There are also companies like Edgepark Medical Supplies or Babylist Health, where you can enter your insurance info and they take care of all the leg work for you (getting RX from your doctor, talking to insurance, sending it to your doctor, etc).

What are hospital grade pumps for?

Hospital grade pumps (see my important post on these here) are industrial-size pumps that are usually available in the hospital or can be rented out through hospitals/medical supply companies. These pumps have a strong motor and can help in a multitude of situations. They can help bring in milk initially, help keep or increase supply for some women who may be having problems with baby nursing at breast, separation between mother and baby (NICU), congenital anomalies that make nursing challenging or not possible. These pumps are multi-user pumps, but you get your own single-user, brand new sterile pump kit to use. Even though a lot of pumps tout themselves as being “hospital grade” - they’re not!

What types of portable & wearable pumps do you recommend?

First, it’s important to note that portable pumps are NOT the same as wearable pumps!

I recently wrote a big post comparing 4 popular wearable pumps - you may be surprised to find that the most expensive isn’t always the best!! Check out all my findings on my wearable pump comparison blog post.

Check out my list of the best bras for wearable pumps.

*NOTE that wearable pumps (where the entire machine and collection chamber is in the bra) typically don’t fully empty the breast for most women, so it shouldn’t be used as a primary pump for women who are pumping 3+ times a day. This can leave milk in the breast consistently, which could lower supply over time. They are a great option for “as needed” hands-free pumping, or being on the go!

Portable pumps have become all rave recently!

They allow you to pump while moving around, which brings so much freedom. Portable pumps are small, but can be mighty. They also have tubing connected that connects your flanges or collection cups. There are multiple different portable pumps, and finding the best one depends on what your body responds best to. Strong suction, vibration, shorter softer pulls, etc are all factors, because we are all different!

Portables are a great alternative if you don’t want to be plugged into the wall (stationary), but also don’t want to risk supply. Many are small, but mighty! Check out my post comparing a multitude of popular portable pumps here— it’s huge!