Choosing a breast pump: manual or electric?
Manual, electric, wearable or hired: the kinds of breast pump side by side, and what to look for in the breast shield, the noise and the parts.
The manual pump
A manual pump works with a lever you squeeze yourself. It is small, quiet, needs no power and is usually the cheapest. Manufacturers mainly suggest it for occasional pumping. There are also silicone collectors you put on the other breast while feeding.
The electric pump
An electric pump uses a motor. You set the suction and the rhythm; many pumps start with a quick stimulation phase and then switch to a slower rhythm. There are single pumps for one breast and double ones for both at once.
Check whether the pump runs on a battery or only on mains power, how heavy it is and how much noise it makes, if the manufacturer states it in decibels.
The wearable pump
A wearable (or ‘hands-free’) pump sits entirely in your bra: the motor and the collection cup are in one shell. You can walk around with it. The cups are smaller than bottles, and the manufacturer states how much they hold.
Hiring a pump
A hospital-grade pump is a heavy-duty electric pump you hire by the week or month, for example from a home-care shop or your health fund’s loan service. Whether your health insurer or fund pays towards it varies; ask.
Breast shield size
The breast shield is the funnel that sits on your breast. Manufacturers make them in sizes in millimetres, for example 21, 24 or 27 mm, and often have a sizing chart. Check which size comes with the pump and whether other sizes are sold separately. A lactation consultant can help find the right size.
What else to compare
A closed system has a barrier between the milk and the tubing or motor, so no milk gets into the tubing. Manufacturers state it when their pump has one.
Look at the parts as well: valves and membranes wear and are replaced as the manual says. It helps if they are sold separately and easy to get. And check whether the pump’s bottles fit your other bottles, teats and steriliser.
Help with breastfeeding
How often and how long you pump is personal. For questions about breastfeeding, you can turn to the consultatiebureau, a lactation consultant (IBCLC), Kind en Gezin or ONE. LeBaby compares products and gives no medical advice.
Common questions
Is an electric breast pump better than a manual one?
They suit different use. A manual pump is small, quiet and cheap, handy for now and then. An electric pump, especially a double one, is faster if you pump often. Advice for your situation comes from the consultatiebureau or a lactation consultant.
Which breast shield size do I need?
Manufacturers give sizes in millimetres and often a sizing chart. Check which size comes with the pump and whether you can buy other sizes separately. A lactation consultant can help measure.
Can I hire a breast pump?
Yes, a hospital-grade pump can be hired, for example from a home-care shop or your health fund’s loan service. Whether your insurance pays towards it depends on your policy; ask.
Keep looking
LeBaby doesn’t test products. This guide sets out what the standards and manufacturers say. Always follow the manual of your own product.
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