Finding the Best Breast Pump: The Definitive Guide

Finding the best breast pumps is just like finding a needle in the haystack. No matter how much we research, we will never know until we use the product itself. So, I hope to aid you in your search for the best breast pump that suits different individual. From the many breast pumps reviews, I have narrowed them down to four categories, namely manual breast pump, single electric breast pump, budget professional-grade double electric pump and professional-grade double electric pump.

Best Manual Breast Pump – Medela Harmony

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For moms who pump occasionally, I would recommend that you do not splurge so much on a professional-grade pump. Instead, it would be advisable to get a manual breast pumps. Experts have noted that Medela Harmony does an adequate job of expressing the occasional bottle of milk or relieving engorgement. Small, light, portable and convenient, it is inexpensive especially since you do not need to replace any electrical parts that might break down. However, if you plan to pump long-term, a manual breast pump might not be suitable as you can only express milk from one breast at a time and it is quite tiring if you have to express a few times a day.

Best Single Electric Breast Pump – Medela Swing

Price: $139.81 & FREE Shipping. FREE Returns on Amazon
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As a small electric pump, Medela Swing is recommended for occasional use to replace a few feedings. If you dislike the extra work of expressing manually, this is a good alternative. Some parents even say that they prefer Medela Swing over bulkier professional-grade breast pumps because they are easier to carry, easier to use (battery operated available) as well as efficient to use. However, just like a manual pump, Medela Swing lacks a double pumping option which means that you would have to pump each side separately. However, as mentioned in the first sentence, Medela Swing is designed for occasional pumping and hence will not be a problem if you are not into frequent pumping.

Best budget professional-grade double electric pump – Ameda Purely Yours

Price: $129.99 & FREE Shipping. FREE Returns on Amazon
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Constantly getting positive reviews, Ameda Purely Yours is a top-rated professional-grade double breast pump. The exceptional and special feature that distinguishes this pump from other professional-grade pumps is the contamination-free collection system. Other similar pumps such as the Medela Pump in Style, have open collection systems. This difference means that for the Ameda Purely Yours, there will not be any amount of milk that will condense or find its way into the pumping mechanism. This, in itself, will ensure the safety and hygiene of Ameda Purely Yours pump since it eradicates the possibility of disease-causing organisms like bacteria or fungi which can grow inside the mechanism if there is condensation in it. Hence, mothers who use Ameda Purely Yours need not worry about contamination of later batches of milk and do not need to worry about sterilizing the tube. This is because the close collection system (a silicone diaphragm) acts as a barrier between the pump tubing and the breast flange. With such innovative feature, it kills two birds with one stone: hygiene and time-saver!

If you feel like spending less, you can purchase the pump separately from the bag. This in itself makes it a good value for a professional grade pump. Generally comfortable and efficient, this pump is ideal if you are not exceptionally well endowed.

Best professional-grade double electric pump – Medela Pump in Style Advanced 

Price: $244.50 & FREE Shipping. FREE Returns on Amazon
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This pump is by far the most recommended breast pump by not only mothers but also lactation experts. Overtaking the long-standing favourite (Pump in Style Original), it is perfect for all (Even for mothers who have trouble expressing milk or have larger nipples). With its 2-phase expression pumping to mimic a baby’s natural nursing pattern, this pump brings a new meaning to the word comfort. In the first phase, the pump copies the baby’s initial rapid suckling pattern to stimulate milk flow. After two minutes, it switches to the expression mode where the slower stronger and deeper setting is to promote more efficient milk collection. However, there are some mothers with multiple or delayed let downs who commented that they preferred the customizable settings of the Pump in Style original breast pump than that Pump in Style Advanced. Besides that, the only downside to this edition is the user-unfriendly bag. Overall, I would say that this pump is a worthwhile investment especially for full-time working moms because it constantly delivers without fail.

Thus in retrospect, breast pumps from Medela and Ameda do cost more than other brands. However, experts and experienced parents commented that they are well worth it for their efficiency, comfort and durability. Lactation experts have recommended that mothers who want to improve a low milk supply or have babies who have trouble latching on would benefit from a full-size professional-grade breast pump. They are also perfect for moms who need to pump several times a day for a long period of time. By purchasing full-size professional-grade electric pumps, you can save more time in the long run since they allow moms to collect milk from both breasts simultaneously. Although they are larger and heavier than manual or small electric versions, double pump can be helpful in stimulating the let-down reflex.

Having said that, to be fair, individual comfort varies with different breast pumps. These top four breast pumps are just a brief guide. I have written four full reviews on all the four pumps (listing both the advantageous and disadvantageous in great detail). So, read on and make your pick!