Choosing a breast pump can be an overwhelming process, especially when there are so many to choose from! Before we get started, keep in mind there is a good chance you can get a breast pump covered through your insurance. If you happen to be an Illinois or Wisconsin resident, click here and let NEB Medical Services check your benefits and help you get a breast pump!

Before diving into all the different types, features, and brands, there’s one important thing every mom should know: there is no single best breast pump for everyone. The “best” pump is the one that fits your body, your lifestyle, and your unique breastfeeding journey. What works beautifully for one mom might feel completely wrong for another—and that’s totally okay. Throughout this guide, keep in mind that choosing a pump is a personal decision. The goal isn’t to find the most expensive or most popular pump; it’s to find the pump that will support you and your goals.

Start With a Quick Self-Assessment

Before comparing features, it helps to get clear on your own needs. Take a moment to honestly answer these questions—your answers will point you toward the right pump for your life:

  • How often will you be pumping? Will you be pumping occasionally to build a small stash, or exclusively pumping several times a day? Occasional pumpers may do fine with a manual or silicone pump, while frequent pumpers will want a durable double electric or hospital-grade pump.
  • Where will you be pumping? At home in a comfortable, private space? In a car during a commute? In a shared office or on the go? Your environment matters when it comes to choosing between a plug-in pump, a battery-powered pump, or a discreet wearable.
  • How much time do you have to pump? If you’re squeezing in sessions between meetings or on a lunch break, an efficient double electric pump that expresses both breasts at once can save you precious minutes.
  • Do you have any special circumstances? If you’re managing a low milk supply, flat or inverted nipples, a premature baby, or latch challenges, a hospital grade pump (and support from a lactation consultant) may serve you far better than a basic model.
  • What’s your budget, and what does your insurance cover? Many pumps are covered through insurance, so it’s always worth checking your benefits before purchasing out of pocket.

There are no right or wrong answers here—just the answers that are right for you. Every mother is different, and your ideal pump reflects your individual situation.

Different types of breast pumps

  • Manual breast pumps – These pumps require no electricity and allow for clean, portable, and quick pumping sessions.

 

  • Personal double electric breast pumps – These pumps run on electricity, which comes from either a main source or batteries (some of which are built-in, rechargeable batteries or USB). They are single-user pumps and are made to withstand one pumping journey. They also express milk quickly from both breasts at the same time, making them an ideal choice for working moms or those who need to express milk regularly and efficiently.
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  • Silicone breast pumps (also known as a milk catcher) – This is a small silicone bottle that suctions to the breast and almost effortlessly collects breast milk while nursing. A really great brand to check out is Haakaa.
  • Multiuser hospital-grade pumps – These pumps are made with very durable motors. They are heavy-duty pumps with closed systems, making them safe to be used by multiple users for many years. Hospital-grade pumps are double electric pumps, which means they efficiently express milk from both breasts at the same time. Your insurance company may cover the rental charge for this pump; call your insurance provider to verify coverage for E0604.
  • Wireless/ hands free pumps – These breast pumps are modern and new to the market. The wireless pump is completely tube-free and simply sits right in your bra. Unlike a double electric pump, this pump is sold as an individual unit and only pumps one breast at a time. There is an option to purchase two units, but that does come with a hefty price tag. The convenience and size of this pump are fascinating; at the same time, unless you are an experienced breast pumping mom with an established milk supply, you may want this pump as a back to your standard double electric.

It’s always best to start with a brand-new breast pump. If a friend offers you her old breast pump, kindly decline the offer. Although it’s a kind gesture, using a handed-down pump or the same pump for multiple years is only going to do you a disservice in the future. The motor inside breast pumps wears out over time, and a weak motor in a breast pump inevitably will lead to poor suction. The combination of a weak motor and poor suction will convert to poor milk transfer from the breast, which unfortunately will lower your milk supply and trigger premature supplementing and confidence issues.

Here are several characteristics to consider when choosing a breast pump.

Strength
You will often hear moms talk about the strength of the pump, but what she is really trying to consider is the strength of the motor inside the pump. All breast pumps come with a warranty on the motor, and the warranty is basically going to tell you how long the manufacturer will stand behind the pump and the motor performance. Anything beyond that warranty date will not be insured. Therefore, to guarantee you are getting the most strength out of your breast pump, start with a brand-new pump!

Suction
Breast pump suction level is measured in mmHg, or millimeters of mercury, the standard unit of measuring vacuum pressure. All personal double electric pumps (and hospital-grade) have comparable mmHg levels, providing good amounts of suction for mom. The best suction will be achieved when the pump and the parts are connected securely. Click here to read a detailed article on the importance of valves and suction.

Open vs. Closed system
A closed system breast pump has a barrier in between the milk collection kit and the pump mechanism, while an open system does not have a barrier of any kind. There is a small chance milk could enter the mechanism and/or the tubing and start to mold. Medela personal pump breast pumps are still operating with an open system. I know mothers have been happily pumping with the Medela for decades, but the small risk is worth mentioning.

Portable and Discrete
The size and weight of the breast pump matter. As a quick example, the Spectra S2 is a much larger and LESS discreet pump than the tiny and wearable BabyBuddha. There is no correlation between size and power. If you commute to a job on a train, for example, it might be best to get a wearable or smaller pump. Or, you can always get two pumps! Leave one at work and keep one at home.

Noise level
The noise levels of the pumps vary significantly! If you end up pumping while taking a conference call or on a commute, you might want to consider a quiet pump. Do your research or simply let our customer service team help you!

 

Power source: Not all pumps require a traditional wall outlet as the power source. Some pumps come with the option of using a rechargeable battery, inserting double AA batteries or even using a USB charger. It is very important to consider if this will impact your pumping sessions and choose a pump that has options you like.

Ease of Assembly, Use, and Cleaning

This is a factor that’s easy to overlook but incredibly important—the FDA actually recommends considering it before you buy. A pump with lots of small parts can be frustrating to put together, especially when you’re sleep-deprived and pumping in the middle of the night. Ask yourself: How many pieces does this pump have? How complicated are the instructions? How easy will it be to take apart, wash, and reassemble several times a day?

Some questions worth thinking about:

  • Are the instructions clear and simple to follow? Confusing directions can lead to improper assembly, which affects suction and milk output.
  • How many parts need to be cleaned after each session? Fewer parts generally mean less time spent washing and sterilizing.
  • Are the parts dishwasher-safe or easy to hand-wash? This can make a big difference in your daily routine.
  • Can you easily find and order replacement parts? Parts like valves and membranes wear out over time and need replacing.

A pump that’s simple to assemble, use, and clean will make your pumping journey far less stressful—and that’s worth a lot.

 

Features
Every breast pump on the market has unique features and adjustable controls which allow you to find your comfort level while pumping. We have a helpful page of informational videos demonstrating how to use each of our pumps. Click here to check it out!

Technology- Smart pumps
The Lansinoh Smartpump is considered a smart pump because they sync to apps through Bluetooth. The apps automatically track the date/time and duration of pumping session as well as how much milk you pumped. The apps can store diaper output info and other personal info! This is good to have on hand for pediatrician appointments and for lactation appointments. The Medela app also offers a membership program that gives you instant access to live lactation consultants, day or night in real time.

Replacement parts
Medela is easily found in several big-name box stores. Most other pump brands are not so easily found, but replacement parts can be ordered directly from their websites.

Breast Shield (flange) Size offerings and inserts. Keep in mind, breasts change shape and size throughout pregnancy and nursing journeys. Making sure to find the correct flange size while pumping is very important. Keep in mind, some pumps provide you with two different flange sizes and some only provide one. If you own a pump that only comes with one flange size and it’s not fitting, don’t freak, you can always purchase different flange sizes on the manufacturer’s website. Click here to read a very informative article on flange size.

Talk to a Lactation Consultant or Health Professional

One of the most valuable steps a mom can take—both when choosing a pump and throughout her breastfeeding journey—is connecting with a qualified health professional, such as a Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). These experts do so much more than help you pick a pump.

A lactation consultant can help you:

  • Determine which pump fits your specific needs, especially if you have special circumstances like low milk supply, flat or inverted nipples, or a baby in the NICU.
  • Find your correct flange size, which has a huge impact on comfort and milk output.
  • Troubleshoot latch and supply issues so you can meet your feeding goals.
  • Adjust your pumping routine as your baby grows and your needs change.
  • Offer encouragement and reassurance during a journey that can feel overwhelming at times.

Many hospitals, pediatrician offices, and community health centers offer access to lactation consultants, and some are even covered by insurance. If you’re feeling unsure about which pump to choose, reaching out to a professional is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby.

Practical Shopping Tips Before You Buy

A little preparation before purchasing can save you from buyer’s remorse. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind while shopping:

  • Ask to practice assembling a display pump in-store. If you’re shopping in person, ask an associate if you can handle a display model. Putting the pump together yourself gives you a real feel for how easy (or complicated) it will be day-to-day.
  • Read the instructions before you buy. Many manufacturers post their user manuals online. Reviewing them ahead of time helps you understand what you’re committing to.
  • Know that most stores will NOT accept breast pump returns. For health and safety reasons, breast pumps are generally non-returnable once opened. This makes it even more important to do your research up front and choose carefully.
  • Check your insurance coverage first. Before spending money out of pocket, see what pumps your insurance covers. Many moms are surprised to learn they qualify for a free pump.
  • Read reviews from other moms. Real-world feedback can reveal things about noise level, comfort, and ease of cleaning that product descriptions don’t mention.

Because you typically can’t return a pump, taking a little extra time to make an informed choice is well worth it.

Remember: The Right Pump Is a Personal Choice

If you take away just one thing from this guide, let it be this: there is no single best breast pump for every mom. The right pump for you depends on how often you’ll pump, where you’ll be pumping, how much time you have, any special circumstances you’re navigating, and what fits your budget and lifestyle. A pump that a friend raves about might not be the right fit for you—and that’s perfectly normal.

Trust yourself, ask questions, lean on the support of a lactation consultant, and choose the pump that helps you meet your goals. You’ve got this, mama.

 

This blog post has been brought to you by Neb Medical Services.
Neb Medical Services provides families with high-quality, insurance-covered breast pumps, maternity accessories, and nebulizers straight to your doorstep. NEB Medical has been in business for fifteen years and is conveniently located in the Chicagoland area. If you are an Illinois or Wisconsin resident, see if you qualify for a free breast pump!