The Best Breast Pumps, Tested by Parents and Their Hungry Babies

Whether you want silent and wearable, or big with a mighty motor, we found the right pump for every situation.

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Collage of Philips AVENT Double Electric Breast Pump

Parents / Kristin Kempa

Despite the fact that breast pumps all work in relatively the same fashion—apply suction to breast, express milk—there are myriad mechanisms, motors, shapes, and sizes to make those basics happen. The parent’s lifestyle, existing milk supply, their baby’s age, how often they need to pump, and other factors go into making different devices suit different folks. To help narrow down those choices, we’ve tested 31 different breast pumps in action, considering factors just like those to come up with our ultimate list of the best breast pumps for parents.   

“Breast pumps are not one-size-fits-all,” says Chrisie Rosenthal, IBCLC, director of LC content and programming with The Lactation Network. When choosing a breast pump, she advises parents to think about how often they'll be pumping, whether they have challenges with milk supply, their pumping goals, their jobs and what pumping at work will look like, and whether they have other children at home. 

In general, Rosenthal says that most parents will do well with any high-quality double electric pump available through their insurance. “Pumps have come a long way over the last few years,” she notes. And since they’ve become so specialized, you can look at the pump’s different modes, suction power, ease of use, comfort, portability, size, hands-free capability, and how much noise it makes before making your selection.

Our team fed their babies while evaluating pumps for all of those factors to find the best breast pumps for commuters, multitaskers, parents with low supply, parents overflowing with milk, and more.

Our Favorites

Best Overall: Spectra S2 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump

Spectra S2 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump for Baby Feeding

Walmart

Why We Like It: This pump checks all the boxes: It’s quiet and lightweight, has powerful suction and customizable settings, and is easy to use and clean. 

But Take Note: The pump motor is lightweight, but it’s still large, so it’s not convenient for carrying around or doing other tasks like walking. 

More than one parent on our team has said the same thing of the Spectra S2: “This pump has it all.” We appreciate the double electric pump’s customizable settings, effective suction, quiet sound, built-in timer, and backlit screen that makes pumping at night or in dimly lit spaces so much easier. The backlight is a small thing that we were surprised to find made a big difference. (If you’ve ever pumped at 2 a.m., you get it.) 

The pump comes with a screen display and several buttons, so it can look intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of the buttons—including a cycle button, light button, suction button, and power button—we found it very simple to use. We also came to realize that because of all those options, this machine is pumping out more milk, more comfortably. It has a massage mode and can reach hospital-grade suction (measuring 270mmHg). Like most of the pumps on this list, it has a closed system, which means the milk goes straight from breast to bottle, and none of it gets into the tubes. The pump is quite light for its larger size, and the attachments are easy to clean. But the parts don’t break down into individual pieces, so if you plan on traveling with this pump, you’ll need a large bag to stash it all. 

The Details: 

  • Pump type: Double electric 
  • Battery: None
  • Weight: 3.3. pounds
Spectra S2 Plus Breast Pump

Parents / Abby Mercer

Best for Zoom Calls: Elvie Stride Breast Pump

Elvie Stride Pump

Amazon

Why We Like It: It’s wearable and passes the “Zoom test” with flying colors: It’s so quiet that you can use it under a dark shirt during a meeting, and no one will know you’re pumping. 

But Take Note: Assembly can be tricky because all of the pump parts must be cleaned and dried thoroughly between pumping sessions. 

When you hear “Elvie,” you probably think of the very popular cordless wearable Elvie, but the Elvie Stride is different—it’s still wearable, but it has two short tubes that connect the wearable breast shields to the separate motor. The breast shields collect milk inside the wearable design that tucks into your shirt or bra, just like the original Elvie, but the connecting tubes go to an external motor that gives the Stride its pumping power. This pump has enough suction to classify as hospital-grade, which means more milk production in less time—a gift no nursing parent will take for granted. The motor is still wearable and battery-powered, so it can go anywhere as you hang it around your neck like a lanyard, tuck it in your pocket, or clip it to your bra or waistband. One tradeoff comes with the wearable cups: It can be tricky to pour the milk into new containers without spilling some of that liquid gold.

With the milk collected within the wearable breast shields, it’s difficult to see how much milk you’re actively pumping, but the connected app on your phone does monitor active milk levels, as well as your pumping history. You can also program the pump, turn it on and off, and switch between 20 different pumping modes through the app. We found the milk output to just as good as with the other top pumps we tested. 

While the pump is rechargeable and includes USB-charging cords, it doesn’t come with a wall charger. Another small annoyance is that you do have to let the parts dry completely between sessions, or you won’t get a good seal.

If you notice some retailers list Elvie Stride and others Elvie Stride Plus, the Plus comes with a carrying bag, wet bag, and insulated bag with an ice pack.

The Details: 

  • Pump type: Double electric wearable (hospital-grade)
  • Battery: Built-in rechargeable battery; 3-hour charge
  • Weight: 1.2 pounds

Easiest to Clean: Spectra 9 Plus Portable Rechargeable Breast Pump

Spectra 9 Plus Portable Rechargeable Breast Pump

Spectra

Why We Like It: With essentially only two parts to wash and sterilize, this one ranked high for easy assembly and cleaning. 

But Take Note: It’s a loud pump, so it didn’t pass the Zoom test. Additionally, it only comes with one flange size and no clip for the motor. 

We ranked this double electric pump the best for cleaning for a few different reasons. One, the silicone membrane on the pump flanges never actually comes into contact with your breast milk, so you don’t have to wash and sterilize them every single time you pump. And two, it’s a closed system, so you pump directly into bottles that attach right to the pump, so those tubes stay clean. Cleaning pump parts is one of the most onerous tasks of feeding babies, so just having two parts to tackle comes as such a relief.

This requires a pumping bra to hold it in place if you want a hands-free experience, but it’s powered through a portable motor which does make it useful for multitasking. You can tuck the motor in your bra, let it hang, or hold it. (We did wish it came with a clip like the Elvie Stride.) Even with a streamlined and lightweight design, we gave this pump high marks for suction with 10 different levels. We did notice during testing that the suction improves when the motor is plugged in, rather than battery powered. Either way, the motor was a little too loud to use discreetly on a call.

The Details: 

  • Pump type: Double electric, portable
  • Battery: Rechargeable and AC adaptor 
  • Weight: .5 pounds
Spectra 9 Plus Premier Portable Rechargeable Breast Pump

Parents / Maggie Badore

Best for First-Time Pumpers: Lansinoh Smartpump 3.0 Rechargeable Breast Pump

Lansinoh Smartpump 3.0 Rechargeable Breast Pump

Walmart

Why We Like It: It’s hospital-grade and comes with everything you need to start pumping successfully. 

But Take Note: It comes with a lot of parts and has a distinct and loud “pumping” sound when in use. 

If you’ve never used a breast pump before, the Lansinoh 3.0 might be a little visually overstimulating at first, because it comes with a lot of parts. However, each part is designed with a specific and helpful purpose, and when you take a closer look, you’ll see it’s color-coded to be quite user-friendly. For instance, the diaphragms are purple, and the duckbills an opaque, so you can distinguish them from each other, which makes assembly and clean-up easier as you move through your pumping journey. 

You also get pretty much everything you need to get started: a cooler for transporting, nipples to feed your baby right from the included bottles, and three different size breast flanges (22 mm, 28 mm, and 30.5 mm), which is a huge advantage because 1) most pumps only come with only two sizes and 2) the right flange fit is crucial to getting a good suction and thus, better output. The 3.0 also comes with the very helpful feature of being able to pump directly into Lansinoh storage bags, so you can stash your milk immediately. And if you’re a high producer, you can buy larger bags so you don’t have to switch bags or bottles halfway through pumping, which is a big plus. 

First-time pumpers and veterans alike can lean into the “smart” part of this pump, the Lansinoh Baby app. You can use it to control the pump (adjusting mode and suction), track how much you’ve pumped, and also keep an account of your baby’s feeding schedule and diaper changes. 

And how about the most important feature, how it actually pumps? Our editor who used this brand-new pump is a veteran pumper herself, and she was initially skeptical of it due to its considerable weight and apparent complexity. But after weeks of testing, she wound up preferring the Lansinoh above other pumps because of its efficient letdown mode, the secure fit of the flange, and the fact that its sucking strength isn’t uncomfortably strong but still quite effective.

The Details: 

  • Pump type: Double electric portable
  • Battery: Rechargeable with AC power adapter
  • Weight: 4.62 pounds

Best to Catch Letdown: Haakaa Manual Breast Pump

Haakaa Manual Breast Pump

Amazon

Why We Like It: The Haakaa is effortless to use, doesn’t require any equipment or electricity, and can be used to catch overflow milk or anytime you don’t want to bring an electric pump. 

But Take Note: The seal can be broken fairly easily if you’re not paying attention. It’s also a pretty hard pump to hide if you’re trying to be discreet. 

Powered solely by suction, rather than a motor or manual pumping action, the Haakaa seals to your breast, and vacuum action then works its magic. We felt the Haakaa was best used at the beginning of the breastfeeding journey when you might have extra milk as your supply adjusts—you can pop it on one breast to collect the letdown while your baby nurses on the other side. This means none of that valuable milk goes to waste (especially if you freeze it for later), and it makes things considerably less messy. The single-piece pump collects up to 4 ounces of milk at a time.

If you’re using it for full pumping, you might want to keep an eye on the seal to make sure it doesn’t come dislodged, because we found that can happen without really noticing. And though it’s completely silent, you can’t hide this device under a shirt if you want to be discreet. But for the very low price point and the fact that the whole pump can be tossed right in the dishwasher (yes, you read that correctly!), it’s a great addition to your feeding journey. 

The Details: 

  • Pump type: Manual suction
  • Battery: None
  • Weight: 5.6 ounces

Best Manual: Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump 

Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump

Amazon

Why We Like It: It’s incredibly easy to use and great for travel. 

But Take Note: Your hand will get tired after a session, and there’s no way to hide this pump while using it. 

You can’t get much simpler than this pump: iIt requires no charging, no electricity, and no special accessories other than your hand to control the suction. We loved that we could toss the Harmony in our luggage or bag for easy traveling, and the suction power is totally controlled by how hard and fast you press the handle. In fact, some of us who haven’t had luck with electric pumps have much better experiences with the complete control of a manual one. 

It’s also such a relief that you get everything you need to pump, right out of the box, including a 5-ounce bottle, lid, and 24mm breast shield. It also comes with a stand, which is great to have while we prep a storage container for the milk or prepare to pump the other side. No spilled milk here!

All that said, your hand will get tired after a full session of pumping—there’s no way around that—and, of course, there’s no option to hide it under your shirt or use it hands-free.

The Details: 

  • Pump type: Single manual 
  • Battery: None 
  • Weight: 9.3 ounces

Most Comfortable: Babyation The Pump

Babyation The Pump

Babyation

Why We Like It: We found the innovative design of this pump to be incredibly comfortable. Big plus: You can pump while lying down. 

But Take Note: It’s expensive, has disposable tubing that needs replacing every 24 hours, and comes with a steep learning curve. 

The Babyation pump is an all-in-one device, with everything you need in one spot: a cooler, bottle holder, pump motor, and storage for all the parts you need. There’s also an accompanying app that lets you see how much you’re pumping, your milk history, program custom pumping settings, and control your live pumping. 

We appreciated both the streamlined design and how comfortable it was—the lightweight silicone breast shields are the only part you need on your body while pumping. One parent loved the “minimalist” flanges and called the pump a “game-changer.” They’re small, don’t require a bra to use hands-free, and you can even pump while you lie down and doze off. You feel less like a factory cow without those bottles hanging off of you, and at the end of the day, you’ll only have the flanges to clean and sterilize. 

Those great flanges come at a cost, however. Unlike the other standard electric pumps on this list that have closed system tubing (where the milk goes into a container and bypasses the tubes, which stay dry), the Babyation pumps milk from the flanges through the tubes and into containers held in the pump case. And because it’s impossible to clean those tubes after use, you have to replace them every 24 hours. The disposable tubing costs about $35 every 20 days, and if tossing them sounds like an environmental disaster, you have to request a special recycling bag from Terracycle and ship them back in pre-paid packaging. 

If you’re used to other pumps, there’s a learning curve to using this one, and the flange sizing requires some trial and error. This pump also costs considerably more than the others on the list. But because you can replace the tubing, flanges, and milk containers, the pump itself is safe to use-second hand, if you want to resell it or pass it on to a friend.

The Details: 

  • Pump type: Double electric, open system
  • Battery: Rechargeable 
  • Weight: 4.8 pounds

Best Backup: Medela Pump In Style With MaxFlow

Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow Electric Breast Pump

Amazon

Why We Like It: It’s a simple, straightforward pump that has all the basics and is easy to transport. 

But Take Note: It has the basics, but it’s also just the basics—it doesn’t come with any extras or exceptional functionality that would make it a top pick for a primary pump. 

This pump does the job, but it lacks some helpful features like a timer, dual controls, or a light, and it has only minimal settings and adjustability. We did appreciate the straightforward design and no-fuss use, as well as the included milk cooler bag and portable battery pack that made pumping on the go easy. 

It also seemed comparable to our favorite pumps for milk output, though it wasn’t as comfortable as other options out there, as we found the flanges and collection bottle a little bulky. We also did find that the pump is a bit too noisy to use during a meeting. 

The Details: 

  • Pump type: Double electric portable
  • Battery: Rechargeable battery pack
  • Weight: 1.18 pounds

Best for Commuters: Philips AVENT Double Electric Breast Pump

Philips AVENT Double Electric Breast Pump

Amazon

Why We Like It: It’s very lightweight and includes silicone inserts that fit inside the breast shields for added comfort. 

But Take Note: There are a lot of parts, and we found the battery didn’t last the full four hours it’s supposed to. 

We were impressed by how tiny and light (3 pounds!) this pump is. You can easily fit the entire pump motor in a small bag—yet it’s still very durable. That means we have no worries about tossing it in our bag for a commute or a longer trip. We also love the included belt to which you can clip the pump motor, allowing for mobile pumping, as well as the silicone inserts that make pumping super comfortable. 

One drawback we discovered during testing is that the battery did not hold a charge as long as we needed it to for a full day of pumping, so a recharge was necessary after about three pumping sessions. If you have access to an outlet, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Because this doesn’t feel as strong as other electric pumps we tested, we recommend it as a portable travel option, not your main, everyday pump.

The Details: 

  • Pump type: Double electric portable
  • Battery: Lithium-ion batteries (included); 4-hour charge
  • Weight: 3 pounds

Best Hospital-Grade Portable: Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump

Amazon Spectra - S1 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump for Baby Feeding

Amazon

Why We Like It: It’s a reliable, effective hospital-grade pump with a battery that holds a good charge.

But Take Note: It’s loud, a bit bulky, and not convenient for someone who wants to move around while pumping. 

Think of the Spectra S1 Plus as the workhorse of breast pumps: it’s been around for a while and is more than capable of handling pumping `round the clock. You will get hospital-grade powerful and effective suction for reliable milk output (though not quite as powerful as the non-portable Spectra S2, according to our editors who have used both). As far as comfort goes, it’s on par with most double-electric pumps. 

It’s a loud pump, and like the Spectra S2, the pump motor itself is bulky. You could technically hold the pump and carry it around or maybe even stick it in a backpack, but it’s not the best choice if you want to be mobile. We think of this battery, which held its charge for several hours, as something that will free you up to use it anywhere in a given room, rather than being tethered to the wall by an outlet. 

The S1 is easy to operate, and though we were slightly annoyed by the fact that it doesn’t default to letdown mode when you first turn it on, you can save your favorite settings. It also comes with two different breast shield flange sizes. It’s not going to be covered by all insurances, but it’s considerably less expensive than many others that offer hospital-grade power.

The Details: 

  • Pump type: Double electric portable
  • Battery: Rechargeable
  • Weight: 3 pounds
Spectra S1 Plus Double Electric Breast Pump

Parents

Best for Multitaskers: Elvie Wearable Double Electric Breast Pump

Elvie Pump (Double) Smart Wearable Electric Breast Pump

Why We Like It: With the motor and milk collection built right into a shell that fits in your bra, the Elvie is the only completely cordless and wearable pump on this list. 

But Take Note: It’s not covered by all insurances, and suction power can vary for some people. 

For some parents, the Elvie is essential to keep them pumping while doing everything else necessary to raise a child. The wearable pumps let you be completely hands-free and mobile because all of the parts, from milk collection to the battery to the motor, are built into each breast shell. 

Some of us were even about to give up on pumping until finding this option. You can wear the Elvie to pump while feeding your baby, changing the baby, holding the baby, doing the laundry, cooking, or driving the car. 

We found this pump to be very intuitive to put together and use. We also love how discreet, durable, and lightweight it is. We may have even pumped at the movie theater, and no one else was the wiser. The pump automatically monitors your output and will stop when you reach its maximum capacity of 5 ounces per shell. Elvie’s customer service is also very responsive if you run into any issues with your pump. 

The one caveat to consider with the Elvie is that some parents—especially those with larger breasts or nipples—may not find the pump to be the best fit. Breast milk output does depend on a secure fit, so the output may vary for some people. The pump is also quite expensive, but if your other option is giving up pumping or breastfeeding, the cost may be worth it.

The Details: 

  • Pump type: Wearable 
  • Battery: Rechargeable, lasts 2.5 hours
  • Weight: 7.9 ounces

Easiest Wearable: Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump

Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump

Amazon

Why We Like It: It’s lightweight, has “just right” adjustable suction settings, and has only three parts to put together.  

But Take Note: It didn’t pass the Zoom test and could audibly be heard on a phone or video call. 

Like the Elvie Stride, the Medela Freestyle is a wearable, portable hospital-grade pump that has outside tubes that connect to an external monitor. In testing, setup was a breeze because of the three-part design for each side: First, you line up the membrane onto the breast shield, then you snap the breast shield into the cup. An audible “snap” into place lets you know the cup and shield are secure, and you’re ready to start pumping with no fear of spilled milk. Once you start pumping, the transparent cups let you confirm everything is working and see how much you’re getting out.

The ease of setup also translated into ease of use. We also found it lightweight and comfortable. Our editor even forgot she was pumping while wearing it. One more “easy” score for us: You can sterilize the parts in a Medela microwave bag.

As far as drawbacks to consider, there were some isolated technical issues with the LCD monitor misfiring, and overall, we did find this pump to be too loud to comfortably pump discreetly. 

The Details:

  • Power type: Double electric wearable
  • Battery: Rechargeable 
  • Weight: 2.29 pounds

Our Testing Process

Twelve real-life pumping parents on our staff tested all of the breast pumps on our list, comparing and contrasting the features of each pump against each other to see how they held up to the competition. Other editors who previously used these pumps also weighed in with their experiences, to get a more complete picture.


We asked each parent to consider the following factors for each pump they tested: 

  • The comfort of the pump
  • How much milk they were able to pump and how long it took
  • How easy the pump was to set up and use
  • How portable the pump was
  • Whether it would pass the “Zoom test,” i.e. if you could comfortably use it on a Zoom call without muting yourself
  • The cost of the pump in comparison to its features

For more information on choosing breast pumps and milk storage safety, we interviewed Chrisie Rosenthal, IBCLC, director of LC content and programming with The Lactation Network, which connects families with insurance-covered breastfeeding support including lactation consultations and breast pumps. We also spoke to Rebekah Scroggy, RN, CLC, Ceres Chill expert lactation consultant and a breastfeeding manager with Louisville’s health department, for further insight. 

Other Notable Breast Pumps

We also tested the breast pumps below, but they didn’t make the cut for our favorites for a few different reasons. 

  • Momcozy S12: This wearable pump has good suction, but it isn’t as user-friendly as the other pumps we tested, and the fact that it requires part replacements every two months is a big drawback. Plus, parts aren’t dishwasher or sterilizer-safe, which makes cleaning a pain. 
  • Willow 3.0: We wanted to love this pump, but it just didn’t perform as well as we’d hoped. It’s loud, yielded less milk than almost every other pump we tested, it was difficult to clean, and we weren’t a fan of the plastic waste it creates with the disposable milk bags. 
  • Evenflo Advanced Double Electric: Aside from being awkward to carry around thanks to the lack of a handle, this pump also did not appear high-quality and was difficult to clean. We also found it didn’t have a strong enough suction to produce a good milk output. 

Factors to Consider When Shopping for Breast Pumps

Type of Pump

The type of breast pump you choose should meet your needs, whether you’re exclusively pumping, have a low supply, need a pump that travels well, or just want something occasional when the baby falls asleep after just one breast. Here are the types of breast pumps available:

  • Double pump: A double pump is one that can pump both breasts at once. 
  • Single pump: A single pump comes with only one pump and can empty only one breast at a time. 
  • Wearable: This means that your breast pump can be attached to your body, usually through a pumping bra that holds the shields in place, to allow you to pump hands-free. Some wearable pumps, like the Elvie Stride, also have a cord or tubes to the milk collection containers and/or the motor. 
  • Cordless: A cordless wearable pump, on the other hand, like the Elvie Pump, has no tubes or cords at all. All the pump parts, including the breast shields, milk collection containers, and motor are contained in one unit with no cords that you have to wear. 
  • Hospital-grade pump: Technically speaking, this is supposed to refer to the powerful pumps, like the Medela Symphony, that you’d rent rather than buy, because they cost thousands of dollars and can be used by more than one person at a time. These are great for people with low supply, and you can see them in work lactation rooms if you’re lucky. Lately, some higher end pumps, like the Spectra S2, have been advertising their pumps as having “hospital-grade” or “hospital-strength” suction. 
  • Closed system: A closed pumping system has a built-in barrier between the milk collection parts of the pump and the pump’s motor, and sometimes between the breast shield and the milk tubing. This prevents any potential cross-contamination, such as the milk flowing into the motor, or any debris or bacteria from getting into the milk. Some pumps with closed systems may also be safe to use with multiple users, provided that all the pumping parts in contact with the milk can be swapped out between users. 
  • Open system: An open system in a pump means there is no barrier between the milk collection parts of the pump and the motor, so it may potentially be cross-exposed. 
  • Electric pump: An electric pump uses electricity, either from a wall outlet or a battery, to power the pump’s suction. 
  • Manual pump: A manual pump has no electricity and is either hand-powered with a lever that you compress to create suction or through the use of a suction seal applied to the breast. 
  • Portable pump: A portable pump is designed to be more lightweight, is battery powered, and comes with options like a handle or travel bag, so you can take it on the go.  

Comfort

Comfort is key when using a breast pump. Not only is it crucial to feel reasonably good when spending hours of your life pumping milk for your baby, but pain could also be a sign that you’re using the wrong size flange or your nipple is not aligned properly—both of which could decrease suction and milk output. “If you are experiencing pain or bloody nipples, that is a big red flag to reach out to an IBCLC or lactation specialist to get some help,” explains Scroggy. “You might need to get your nipples sized for a different flange size.”

It’s also important to remember that more suction does not always equal better, says Rosenthal. “Many parents think they will get more pumped volume if they increase the vacuum suction,” she says, but instead of more milk, you could just end up with sore nipples. 

Instead of cranking the suction up, choose the setting that is the highest and most comfortable for you. “If it hurts, turn it down,” Rosenthal says. 

Efficiency

Again, comfort is key to helping you pump in an efficient manner. The more relaxed and comfortable you are, the better your milk can let down too. There are features on breast pumps that can help you pump more efficiently, like different expression and stimulation modes, but every person’s pumping pattern will be different.

Other things to look for: the ability to swap out flange sizes as needed and to replace parts like valves and diaphragms, because staying up-to-date on pump maintenance can help with efficiency, says Rosenthal. 

Ease of Use

As Rosenthal pointed out, not all breast pumps are built alike. Some may have more pieces and assembly, while others are more straightforward. Nearly every pump will come with detailed instructions and plenty of support, like video tutorials or customer service to help you learn, but you can also choose a simply-designed pump if that’s your preference. 

Portability

The environment you’re pumping in will also be a factor in its ease of use: If you have to pump at work, on the go, or travel a lot, a portable pump is a must. Portability also means different things to different people, so choose features that make the most sense for you: Do you want a higher-grade pump but don’t care how much it weighs? Do you want lightweight and hands-free? Or do you want something completely wearable? 

Noise

Some electric breast pumps can be noisy and have a distinct rhythm. One of our editors said her pump sounded “like someone in very thick corduroy pants walking around at different speeds.” If that’s a problem for you or you’re hoping for a more discreet option to use at work or during meetings, consider a breast pump that’s been tested specifically to pass the “Zoom test,” i.e. you can get through a Zoom meeting without anyone realizing you’re pumping.

Cost or Insurance Coverage

Under the Affordable Care Act, all insurance plans must cover the cost of a breast pump. The guidelines on what kind of pump your insurance will actually cover do vary. Some plans may only cover rented units, while others will provide you with one to keep. 

Other guidelines may include manual vs. electric, when you can apply for it, how long you can keep it, the freedom to purchase your own and get reimbursed for any cost difference, or if you must choose a covered pump only. Some insurances may also require a doctor’s note to approve the pump for any special circumstances, such as if you or your baby have a condition that requires a special pump. 

The bottom line is, know what your insurance covers so you can then choose a pump accordingly because you are entitled to one under federal law. 

How to Use Breast Pumps Safely

Using a breast pump might seem pretty straightforward, but there are some safety tips to keep in mind, for both you and your baby.

1. Use the right size flange.

The right size flange (the part of the pump that is in direct contact with your breast and has an opening for your nipple) is crucial to getting a good fit and seal. Without the right size flange, pumping can be painful, damage your nipple, and even significantly decrease your output. 

Use the pump’s flange sizing guide to determine your correct size. If the pump does not include your correct size, you can order it separately. Rosenthal also points out that pumping parents may also need different size flanges for each breast, and they may need to size up or down as their baby gets older. There are also pump inserts and specialty flanges for unique situations, so if you have any concerns, special circumstances, or are struggling to find the right flange fit, she recommends working directly with a lactation consultant. 

2. Get to know your pump before your baby is born.

Strapping on a pump at 3 a.m. for the first time and trying to decipher instructions when you’ve just given birth and are half-asleep is probably not the best plan to set you up for successful pumping. (Ask me how I know this.)

Instead, Rosenthal recommends getting as familiar as possible with your pump ahead of time, so you’re well acquainted with the pump’s parts, how to assemble it, and how to charge and clean it. The user manual, the pump manufacturer's website, YouTube videos, and a certified lactation consultant can all be great resources when it comes to learning about your pump. 

3. Don’t over-pump 

Once you have your pump in place, you may be tempted to build up the biggest stash of stored breast milk ever. But Rosenthal says that’s not necessary for most families, and over-pumping can lead to multiple issues including oversupply, sore nipples, and exhaustion. 

Instead of focusing on building up a giant supply, she recommends initially pumping enough just to be a few bottles ahead. Then, when you need to build up a larger store for work or travel, meet with your lactation consultant about four weeks ahead of time to create a plan and discuss how much breast milk you actually need to save up. 

4. Follow the pump’s cleaning guide.

To ensure your breast pump is being cleaned the right way, it’s best to follow the pump manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing the pump and pump parts. For instance, some pump parts will specify they can only be hand-washed, while others are dishwasher and sterilizer-safe. 

If you don’t follow the specific instructions to your pump and sterilize a part that’s hand-wash only, for instance, you run the risk of breaking the pump part or causing a malfunction in use. Scroggy explains that there are three main ways to sterilize your breast pump parts: cold sterilization, UV sterilization, and heat sterilization. But no matter which method is recommended for your pump, she notes you should wash your hands before handling any of your pump parts. Keep a close eye out for signs of wear on parts that might need to be replaced.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has detailed guidance on how to hand-wash and sterilize your pump.

5. Brush up on storage tips. 

While you should always follow CDC’s guidelines for storing breastmilk in a fridge or freezer or at room temperature, Scroggy says parents can remember the 4-4-6 rule to simplify storage: breast milk is good for four hours on the table, four days in the fridge, and six to 12 months in the freezer. 

Rosenthal also recommends the following tips for storing milk:

  • Date your breast milk containers and use the oldest milk first. 
  • When using frozen milk, check to be sure it doesn’t have an odd or bad smell before giving it to your baby. 
  • When using storage bags, freeze them lying flat, so they take up less space in your freezer, then transfer them to a freezer shelf (not a door) for more temperature stability.

Your Questions, Answered 

When should I get a breast pump from my insurance?

You can technically request a breast pump from your insurance anytime during your pregnancy, but your insurance company may ask you to wait until your third trimester. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also points out that most breast pumps have limited warranties, so you don’t want to order too early and risk your warranty expiring before you have a chance to use it. You can also get a breast pump after your baby is born, but Rosenthal highly recommends getting your pump before your baby arrives, so you have adequate time to learn how to assemble it and use it. 

When should I start pumping?

The ACOG does say that some parents may start hand-expressing milk even before their baby is born, but pumping during pregnancy could cause contractions to start, so if this is an option you’re thinking about, be sure to talk to your doctor first. Once your baby is born, you can start pumping as soon as you would like, although if you can, it’s usually most effective to have your baby nurse from the breast as much as possible to establish your milk supply. (In most situations, a baby is going to be more effective than a breast pump!)

How can I pump to increase my milk supply?

You can add both nursing or pumping sessions to try to increase your milk supply. Breast milk works in an “on-demand” fashion, so your body will produce more milk as needed. However, it’s usually best to get your supply established as early as possible instead of trying to increase the supply later. If possible, nurse your baby as often as you can right after birth to establish a supply, then add additional pumping sessions later. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends pumping in between nursing sessions to increase supply. 

According to Rosenthal, as long as you are using a high-quality electric pump correctly (that includes making sure you have the right size flanges for your nipples!), the pump itself should not be a factor in a low milk supply. What's more important is addressing the origin of supply issues and working with a lactation consultant as needed who can help you make a plan to increase your supply. 

And if you know you have a low milk supply, Scroggy also notes that it may be worthwhile to stick to a traditional pump instead of a wearable one as your primary pump. “For some low supply parents, the wearable pump might not be strong enough to use as their sole pump,” she explains. If you can only get one pump under insurance or will only be using one pump, a wall-outlet pump may be better for any parents with supply issues. 

That being said, not every pump will work the same for every person, so experiment with what works for you. “Just like how each baby is different, each pumping journey will be different,” Scroggy says.

Who We Are

Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN, is a labor and delivery nurse turned writer and a mom of five who has spent many a year jamming to the sweet, sweet sounds of a breast pump rhythm. Why is it so catchy though?

Additional reporting by Kate Silver
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Sources
Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How to keep your breast pump clean.

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Proper storage and preparation of breast milk.

  3. How to prepare for breastfeeding in the month before birth. ACOG

  4. USDA. Low milk supply.

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