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

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:

1. 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. Manual breast pumps work by the user repeatedly squeezing the handle to create suction – this should help draw out milk.
   
   Manual breast pumps usually come as a single pump, meaning milk can only be expressed from one breast at a time; however, nowadays you can often find double pumps on the market, allowing you to draw from both breasts at a time.
   
   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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   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.
   
   
3. Hands-free breast pump
   
   Also referred to as a wearable pump, a hands-free breast pump is a modern and more discreet option for those wondering how to choose a breast pump. Similarly to electric breast pumps, hands-free breast pumps feature a built-in or external motor unit that creates suction and expresses milk. They can also be found as single or double pumps.
   
   The most notable feature of the hands-free breast pump is that most models are made to fit into your bra, making them a more discreet and convenient option if you’re looking to pump in and around the house or at work.
   
   Models like the Philips Avent Hands-free breast pump offer a range of Skinsense^TM silicone breast shields and nipple inserts that fit 99% of nipples*, for a comfortable yet effective grip. It also has a quiet external motor and pumps up to 85 times per minute to mimic your baby’s sucking rhythm, for effective pumping**, making it twice as fast as most other wearable pumps***.
   
   Hand-free pumps can be on the pricier side than most other models but make up for it with their valuable time-saving benefits. With models like the Philips Avent Hands-free breast pump, you can go about your day-to-day tasks without interruption while you pump, allowing you to free up more time to spend on essential self-care.

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. 

* Based on our complete range of breast shields and inserts.
**Effectiveness is related to the technical performance of the product.
*** Reference to pump suction frequency.