Types of breast pumps: Which breast pump is best for your needs?

Wondering how to choose a breast pump? You may choose to use a breast pump over breastfeeding for different reasons. And some common factors to consider when choosing the right breast pump include:

• Frequency of use
• Cost
• Noise
• Speed
• Portability
• Ease of cleaning
• Pumping style
• Comfortability
• Suction strength and frequency
• Open vs. Closed system breast pumps (whether there is a barrier between the pump and your expressed milk)

Picking a breast pump: Breast pump types and parts

A breast pump is composed of several parts. Some of the main parts that come with most breast pump types are:

• Breast shield (flange): Cup that fits over the nipple
• Handle (on manual pumps only): Squeeze to begin suction
• Pump: Creates a vacuum for drawing out milk from the breast
• Milk collection container: Reusable container that collects milk
• Valves and membranes: Create suction and control where milk ends up when the handle is squeezed

Breast pump types: When to purchase a breast pump

Don’t feel like you need to buy a breast pump right away – wait until you need one to ensure you choose to best type that suits your needs. While this may differ from person to person, a breast pump might be beneficial at these stages:

• Third trimester: At this stage, you may want to familiarise yourself with the pump before your little one arrives. Having the breast pump ready a little in advance can also allow you to be prepared if your baby arrives prematurely or has difficulty latching. If you intend to purchase a breast pump on insurance, it may take a couple of weeks for the paperwork to be processed.
• First week post-partum: It is completely normal to find that your breast and nipple size have changed after pregnancy.¹ Therefore, waiting a couple of days after birth can help you and your lactation consultant more accurately determine the correct flange size and type of breast pump that works for you.
• Situational needs: A breast pump can become more necessary based on situational needs such as a return to work.

Now that you understand the basic components of a breast pump and when to purchase a breast pump, let’s explore the main types of breastfeeding pumps to choose from:

• Manual breast pump:

If you want to know how to select a breast pump, a manual (or handheld) breast pump is typically the simplest and budget-friendly option. It works by repeatedly squeezing a handle to create suction, which helps express milk from the breast.

A manual breast pump may be a good choice if you want to:

• Express milk occasionally, rather than pump every day

• Relieve full or engorged breasts while you are out and about

• Prepare the occasional bottle feed for your baby

• Use a quiet pump, without relying on a motor or charging

• Carry a lightweight, portable pump in your changing bag

• Choose a lower-cost breast pump compared with electric or wearable options

Most manual breast pumps are single pumps, meaning you express from one breast at a time. Some double manual pumps are available, but single manual pumps are generally more common and are often chosen for occasional expressing.

When picking a breast pump, a manual breast pump can be a great option for some as they are typically quiet, easy to carry around and a lot cheaper than other breast pump types. You may also opt for a manual breast pump if you need to quickly relieve the breasts while on the go or for the occasional bottle feed.

Depending on how often you plan to use a breast pump, manual pumps tend to take a lot longer to express milk than other models and will require more effort on your part. Therefore, it is not usually recommended for those who pump exclusively.

• Electric breast pump:

For mothers looking for answers as to how to pick a breast pump, many land on the electric breast pump. Electric breast pumps are used quite differently to manual pumps, as they are powered by a motor that creates suction and does the hard work for you.

An electric breast pump may be a good choice if you want to:

• Express milk regularly or build up a milk supply
• Pump more efficiently than with a manual breast pump
• Reduce hand effort while expressing
• Choose between single or double pumping, depending on your routine
• Pump at home or in private at work
• Switch to exclusive pumping

Electric breast pumps can be sold as battery-powered, rechargeable or with AV cables – depending on the model you choose. They can also be found as single or double pumps.

When exploring the different types of breast pumps, electric breast pumps are often favoured for their convenience and efficiency. Typically, battery-powered or rechargeable pumps are more portable, allowing you to pump on the go. You may have a preference for electric breast pump types if you pump exclusively and regularly.

You can also find high-quality models like the Philips Avent Electric Pump that use Natural Motion technology to mimic a baby’s sucking motion, stimulating the breast to express just like a baby would.

On the other hand, some electric breast pumps can be noisier and a little pricier than manual breast pumps. Fortunately, a lot of insurance plans cover breast pumps, so be sure to check with your insurance provider to get more details.

• Wearable breast pump

A wearable breast pump, also known as a hands-free breast pump, is a modern, discreet option for parents wondering how to choose a breast pump. Like an electric breast pump, it uses a motor to create suction and express milk, but it is designed to sit inside your bra so you can pump with more freedom and flexibility.

A wearable breast pump may be a good choice if you want to:

• Pump hands-free while getting on with everyday tasks
• Express milk discreetly at home, at work or when you are out and about
• Save time compared with more traditional pumping routines
• Pump wherever you go, without needing to stay in one place
• Fit pumping around a busy schedule, especially if you are returning to work, caring for other children or travelling

The Philips Avent Natural Care Wearable Breast Pump is designed to be discreet, lightweight and wearable, helping you pump wherever you go. It mimics your baby’s drinking rhythm for effective pumping* and is twice as fast as most other wearable breast pumps**, making it a practical option for parents looking for efficient, hands-free expressing.

Key features include:

• SkinSense silicone shield, which softly shapes around your breast for a comfortable fit
• Wide range of sizes, designed to fit 99% of women***
• Transparent cups and integrated inner light, helping you see your milk flow and check correct nipple placement
• Spill-free cap, designed to help keep milk safely contained and collect every drop
• Discreet, wearable design, so you can pump more confidently at home, at work or on the go

Wearable breast pumps can be more expensive than some manual or standard electric breast pumps, but many parents find the flexibility, comfort and time-saving benefits worthwhile.

If you want a pump that helps you express milk while freeing your hands and your time, a wearable breast pump like the Philips Avent Natural Care Wearable Breast Pump may be a suitable option.

With that, you now have everything you need to choose the right breast pump that best suits you and your baby. Remember that picking a breast pump is a personal decision and that what might work for one person may not work for another. If you find it difficult to decide, consider reaching out to a lactation consultant or healthcare provider who can help you make an informed decision that best meets your needs.

*Effectiveness is related to the technical performance of the product.

** Reference to pump suction frequency.

*** based on our complete range of breast shields and inserts