An important part of my breastfeeding experience is the ability to express milk for my baby. I find one challenge of breastfeeding is the need for your baby to constantly be near to you, which is not always possible especially if you are returning to work!
The advantages of expressing breastmilk are that it can relieve some of the stress associated with breastfeeding. Having stores of expressed milk can really help if you are separated from your baby, which may occur if baby needs to spend time in NICU or you return to work.
For us, it also allows me to have some independence because my partner is able to feed baby as well, which is also a valuable part of his bonding experience.
Please note!
It is important for me to note that the WHO recommendations about breastfeeding advise exclusive breastmilk for all babies until the age of 6 months.
This means milk should be received directly from the breast without the use of bottles or formula. There are also many ways for partners to bond without the need to give a bottle, so don’t feel that you have to express for their benefit.
There are many pumps on the market, and I own 3 different options myself! I recorded this video to review each, and explain what I consider the benefits and drawbacks of different types of pump.
Im so grateful to Stacey Zimmels (Feeding and Swallowing Specialist Speech Therapist and trainee IBCLC) for contributing to this post. You can find her on Instagram , Facebook and her website www.feedeatspeak.co.uk
Choosing a pump
When choosing a breast pump, you should consider what your pumping needs/requirements are. Here is a brief overview of the different types of pumps and why you may choose each one to help you to make your decision. There are many different brands on the market each offering slightly different variations.
Milk collecting pumps
- These are placed on the opposite breast while you are feeding your baby and they use suction to collect the milk that is released from the let-down which is being stimulated by your baby feeding at the other breast.
- They only collect the first milk (foremilk) as opposed to a whole feed. This is fine to give as an occasional bottle for a thriving baby but shouldn’t be used to feed or top up a baby regularly.
- They can be a cheap and easy way of building up a small supply of expressed milk for occasional use.
Manual pump
- These pumps are operated by hand. They have a lever which you squeeze. They are cheap and good for occasional pumping. They are also portable, light and quiet. They can be quite tiring on your hands.
Electric pump
- These pumps are mains operated or battery charged pumps which use a motor to pump milk. They can be more effective at removing milk than manual pumps. They usually have variable settings which allow you to be responsive to your body.
- They come as either single or double pumps. Double pumping is much more time effective.
- Electric pumps would be recommended if you are considering pumping at least daily. They can be noisy, bulky and expensive.
- Hands free, lightweight and portable electric pumps are now on the market and can be a good option for mothers who struggle to find the time to sit and pump and want to be able to pump on the go.
Hospital grade pump
- Hospital grade pumps are the strongest pumps with the most powerful motors and are ideal for mothers who are pumping to establish a supply or are exclusively pumping. They can be rented so can be a good short-term option for example if you are building a supply for returning to work or if you need to pump if your baby is premature and unable to feed from the breast.
Closed system and open system
- If you buy a pump second hand or borrow from a friend it is important to identify if the pump has an open or closed system. Open system pumps are designed for single baby/mother use and shouldn’t be reused for a subsequent child, passed on, sold on or shared. Closed system pumps have a barrier to stop milk leaving the milk collecting tubes and contaminating the main pump parts, which is why they can be used by multiple women.
- All hospital grade pumps are closed system and some electric pumps are too. Check the manufacturers details for information. If you are buying/borrowing a closed system pump you will need to buy a new collection kit (shields, bottles and tubing).
My pump reviews
1. Medela Swing Maxi Double
This is a more traditional electric pump and comes as a double version to allow you to pump both breasts at the same time! This makes use of the let down reflex on both sides, maximising the milk expressed for efficiency.
It comes with 2 breast shields that each attatch to a bottle and connect to one pump. The pump can be connected to the mains, or used with the rechargable batteries. I used this exclusively with my first baby, spending 10-15 minutes pumping twice per day (morning and evening) as part of my daily routine.
It works well at getting good volumes quickly. However, with so many tubes and shields and valves to clean, its tricky to clean and sterilise.
The newest version is slightly slimmer than the one I have, but it is still difficult to use with any clothes on. Therefore if you are taking this pump out (eg to work) you will need to use a cover or private room if you wish to be discreet.
2. Pumpd by New Editions*
Milk collecting pumps are brilliant to use on the go. They are great to avoid wasting those precious drops of milk from your other breast when your let-down reflex is triggered.
I have tried out both the Haaka and Pumpd silicone pumps and was so pleased with the volume of milk I could get! They take a bit of fiddling at first to get the suction right. However, once you get the hang of it then you will find it super easy and convenient! There’s no wires, bottles or valves to worry about – just a single piece to clean.
When your baby suckles on the breast, the muscles that cause milk release contract the ducts on both breasts at the same time. Attaching a manual milk collecting pump with suction can allow you to catch those drops of milk. Then continued suction will keep the milk flowing from that breast.
It may not be as efficient as the electric pumps, but if used regularly can get good volumes of milk. This means you shouldnt need to spend time on the sofa doing additional pumping sessions. This is especially useful if you have other children and don’t have time to pump at leisure!
3. Elvie electric wearable pump*
The Elvie has been hugely popular since its launch, and with good reason! I was lucky to be gifted one to try (as part of separate work I was doing with them) although I want to be clear that I had absolutely no obligation to share!
I absolutely LOVE it ever since first getting it out the box as it was so easy to set up, sterilise and use. It easily gave the volumes I need (I like to express 1-2 bottles of 150ml per day) without needing to sit on the sofa for extra pumping sessions. This is because I can use the pump either whilst feeding on the other side or on-the-go anywhere!
The main benefit of this pump is that it is small, compact and quiet. This means it is so discreet, you can slip it into your bra and no-one knows you are wearing it! I use it around the house while playing on the floor with my daughter, cooking dinner or doing some housework. This means I dont feel like I’m losing any time in an already busy day!
Some users have reported some issues with leaks, but I find that as long as I ensure the position is correct when attatching the device, no milk leaks out.
The main disadvantage I can see is that it is an expensive device. However, I think this can easily be the only pump you own. If you are going back to work, or likely to be away from your baby and needing to express regularly whilst out and about, this is the only choice on the market right now!
Use this link and the code BROOKE15 for 15% off your new Elvie pump! *
Comparing the options:
Here is a comparison table I made of my pumps. Of course there are many other models on the market, so I would love to hear if there are any that you loved or hated!
* I recieved this product as a gift, with no obligation to share. This post is not sponsored but affiliate links are used.