We all know about the benefits that breastfeeding has for babies, but did you know that breastfeeding actually lowers the chance of breast cancer recurrence for moms? If you’re expecting a bundle of joy and aren’t so sure if breastfeeding will fit in with your lifestyle, especially if you plan to go back to work after giving birth, consider pumping.
You’ll need to find the right breast pump to help get the job done, and we’re here to help you choose the right one.
Why not invest in a high quality breast pump? It’s worth it, says Lisa Hartmann, BSW, IBCLC, an expert and specialist in providing new moms with breastfeeding techniques.
“Go for one of the name brand, hospital-grade pumps and don’t buy them second hand,” she suggests. With that in mind, here are the top five breastfeeding pumps on the market – and breast pump reviews based on professional and user feedback.
If you’re looking for the best electric double or single breast pumps, look no further! Here are breastfeeding pump reviews on six of them:
Spectra S2 Double Electric Breast Pump
Available in the United States since 2013, this breast pump quickly gained popularity with its closed system, making it easier to clean with high motor performance.
Pros
- Comfortable: This one got great breast pump reviews. In fact, moms rated it most comfortable. That’s right: you won’t flinch using this pump, which is comparable to baby sucking action.
- Quick and Quiet: Moms say this is one of the breast pumps because it is the most efficient and the least interruptive during family time.
Cons
- Items sold separately: For those working moms, all supplies such as a tote or carrier, car adapter and ice packs are sold separately, which could be a hassle.
- Limited Supplies: The breast shield only comes in smaller sizes so for those moms with larger cup sizes, you may have to buy a larger shield.
Where to Buy: Purchase on Spectra Baby USA’s website.
Price: $210-$259
Medela Pump in Style Advanced (PISA)
Costing a little more than the Spectra S2, the PISA is currently the best selling and most durable machine on the market. Let’s see why users are so amazed!
Pros
- Stronger Letdown/Expression: With stronger stimulation, you are sure to express the most breast milk with each pumping session. Some moms even say they can exclusively pump using the Medela.
- Convenient: Suitable for traveling, this is available in three different style bags, and you can pump anywhere using batteries or an outlet.
Cons
- Open System: Make sure you are wide awake when using this pump. Due to the open system, there will be additional cleaning and sterilizing to prevent contamination of the parts.
- Heavy to Tote: This kit is eight pounds, which can be a lot on a new mom to haul around.
Where to Buy: Visit Medela’s website to find the nearest local or online retailer or stop by your local Target store
Price: $269.99 at Target
Ameda Purely Yours Double Electric Pump
This portable, lightweight breast pump weighs just over a pound is the cheapest of the three – with fewer parts for easier assembly. Let’s see what moms have to say about this breast pump.
Pros
- Hygienic: With its diaphragms and silicone tubing, this is one of the breastfeeding pumps – sure to prevent contamination of your precious breast milk.
- Great Customer Service: Need a replacement pump or part? Most customers say they were impressed with the next-day delivery.
Cons
- Loud: Don’t think about pumping around your sleeping little one! This pump is a noisy machine and many moms say they use a blanket to muffle the sound.
- Weaker Suction: Want to produce more breast milk to feed your growing baby? Many moms say they didn’t express the most milk when using this pump.
Where to Buy: Visit the Ameda website to find the nearest local or online retailer
Price: $179.99 at Target
Can’t afford the high cost of an electric pump? Or maybe you’re looking for a more discreet, on-the-go breast pump to throw in your purse. Check out breastfeeding pump reviews on these two manual breastfeeding pumps.
Medela Harmony Manual
This manual breast pump is mostly known for its efficiency, comfort and easy usage. Let’s find out why mothers flock to this manual pump first!
Pros
- Two-Phase System: Resembling that first fast and light suckle of a newborn, this pump stimulates the milk ejection reflex to get your milk flowing maximizing your output.
- Quick Assembly: Designed for the occasional pumping, you can easily throw it into your tote and quickly whip it out to relieve engorgement.
Cons
- Labor Intensive: Yes, it’s effective but you many moms say they have some hand or wrist soreness after a 10-15 minute pumping session.
- Single Pumping Action: Try doing this twice. With this pump, you can only pump one breast at a time.
Where to Buy: Stop by your local Babies R Us to purchase this pump
Price: $41.99 at Babies R Us
Philips Avent Manual Comfort Breast Pump
With its comfortable design, this nature-inspired manual breast pump is easy to use and includes a new natural bottle and nipple. Let’s see why this is one of the breast pumps that moms rave about.
Pros
- Comfortable: With its soft gel massage cushion, this pump is sure to bring relief to sore breasts.
- Efficient: Many moms praise this pump for its suction helping to produce the most breast milk per session.
Cons
- Loud: After much usage, many moms report a loud, squeaky noise coming from this pump.
- Leakage: Bring a towel! Some moms say while pumping, this manual breast pump may leak your golden breast milk.
Where to Buy: Visit the Philips website to purchase this pump
Price: $44.99
For more on the benefits of breastfeeding and information on how it reduces breast cancer recurrence, see the June issue of Metro Parent.
Have a favorite breast pump? Tell us in the comments section.
This post was originally published in 2015 and is updated occasionally.
