Is it good to use a breast pump?

Using a breast pump can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, such as allowing your partner, family, or friends to feed your baby with a bottle. A breast pump can also be used when going back to work after maternity leave, choosing to exclusively pump, stocking your freezer with breast milk, or increasing your milk supply .

When should I start using a breast pump?

“After about 2-3 weeks postpartum, when your milk supply has leveled out and engorgement is less, you can start to use a breast pump,” says Jonsson. However, there are situations where immediate use of a breast pump is required. For example, if your baby is born early or has an illness that prevents them from eating, you should use a pump given to you by the hospital so that your baby can be fed your breast milk. If you plan to be away from your baby, such as going back to work or traveling, you may want to start pumping a few weeks ahead of time so that you get used to the process and your baby learns to drink from a bottle.

How often should I pump and for how long?

In general, pumping as often as your baby typically eats should encourage your body to make enough to feed your baby. For example, if a newborn baby eats every 2-3 hours, you can pump that often to keep up with the demand. “To start a pumping routine, try breastfeeding on both sides and then once baby is done eating, attach the breast pump and pump for a few minutes,” says Jonsson.

How to get a breast pump through insurance

Dealing with your health insurance provider can be a complicated process, but requesting your breast pump doesn’t have to be. The first thing you’ll want to do is contact your insurance company to find out what types of breast pumps it covers, where to get one, and if you need a prescription. You should also ask if you can access your pump before your baby is born and if you have the option to upgrade or rent your pump if desired.

The 12 Best Breast Pumps, Tested and Reviewed by Verywell Family

A good breast pump can be a nursing mom’s best friend. Not only will it help you feed your baby and store valuable breast milk, but it will also provide much-needed relief to full, engorged breasts. While medical and other reasons may make it necessary to feed an infant formula, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you feed breast milk to your baby exclusively for about six months after birth. This can be done via the breast or with the help of a breast pump, depending on your lifestyle, needs, and preferences.

When shopping for a breast pump, you should pay attention to the type, suction level, and how basic or advanced its features are. You should also decide if you want a pump that’s portable and quiet—if you plan to use it at work, for example. If you have health insurance, we recommend researching the type of pumps covered by your plan so you can take advantage of this benefit.

To find the best breast pumps, we talked to lactation consultants, parenting editors, and experienced moms who are nursing or have breastfed their children. We then researched dozens of breast pumps and picked the top 27 electric, battery-powered, and manual breast pumps that fit our experts' criteria to test. We sent the pumps to seven parenting editors who were breastfeeding and/or pumping to feed their littles.

For more than six months, our editors have used the breast pumps on a daily basis, taking note of their durability, noise level, portability, and how long it takes them to clean and assemble the pump. We will continue to update this list as we gain further insights into the pumps' durability and long-term effectiveness. Another reason to trust our picks? A board-certified lactation consultant from our Review Board closely reviewed this article for information on the differences between the different types of breast pumps, how to select the best one for your needs, and how to use them.

What to Look for in a Breast Pump

Type

There are three types of breast pumps on the market today: manual, battery-powered, and electric.

Manual Breast Pumps

These pumps are operated by squeezing them with your hand to create a pressure that extracts milk. Manual pumps are fairly simple and straightforward to use and are much less expensive than other pumps.

Both the Haakaa Silicone Breastfeeding Manual Breast Pump and Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump are great options from our list. They're good to have as a backup pump or to help clear clogged ducts and milk blebs. While you can use them on both breasts interchangeably, manual pumps are meant for only one user and should never be shared, as they can potentially harbor infectious particles.

Battery-Powered Breast Pumps

These use batteries (instead of electricity) to power the pump. While the suction is usually not as strong as electric pumps, battery-powered pumps tend to be smaller and are a good choice for travel since they don't require an outlet.

The Spectra S1 Plus Double Electric Breast Pump was quite powerful despite being battery-powered. However, it wasn't quiet, and we wouldn't use it during a Zoom call. The Philips Avent Electric Double Breast Pump With Travel Bag is a quieter option, but its rechargeable battery didn't last long and took four hours to charge. Alternatively, the Momcozy S12 Pro, our pick for Best Wearable Pump, takes just 90 minutes to charge and has a suction force of up to 300 mmHg.

If you plan to purchase a battery-powered pump, we recommend that you look for one that is rechargeable, lasts for at least three pumping sessions, and has relatively strong suction.

Electric Breast Pumps

These are the most powerful and effective pumps. They are available in a wide range of price points and have varying styles and features. Electric breast pumps are a great option for parents who plan to pump often or exclusively.

Out of all the pumps we tested, our pick for Best Overall Pump is the Spectra S2 Plus Double Electric Breast Pump. This electric pump is easy to use, has a strong suction level, and has features that are customizable to each user. It also has single and double-pumping capabilities and offers a closed system for a genuinely hygienic experience.

Understanding the Term 'Hospital-Grade' Pump

When it comes to electric pumps, you may see the phrase "hospital grade" and assume that it means the pump is safer, of higher quality, and more effective. However, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognize the term "hospital grade," and it is more of a marketing strategy to advertise the effectiveness of a particular pump.

That said, there are breast pumps that are provided to parents by a hospital, such as when their baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). These pumps are specifically designed for multiple users and ensure that breast milk never touches the parts of the pump that are shared (the pump itself).

Suction Level

The suction level of a pump tells you how powerful it is when extracting milk. Similar to a blood pressure monitor, a breast pump’s suction level is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The breast pump on our list with the strongest suction level is the Elvie Stride Plus Hands-Free Electric Breast Pump, our top pick for Best Hands-Free Pump.

However, a powerful suction level does not always indicate that it’s the best pump. Our Best Overall pick is the Spectra S2 Plus Double Electric Breast Pump, which has a suction level of 270 mmHg. When choosing a breast pump, it’s important that you consider the suction level alongside its other features to make sure it works for your individual needs.

Portability and Noise

Whether or not a pump is portable can be a determining factor for many parents. If you plan to go back to work after maternity leave and need to pump during the workday, you’ll want a breast pump that is convenient to pack up and carry. Our pick for Best Portable Pump is the Philips Avent Electric Double Breast Pump with Travel Bag because of its size and how easily it fits into a small bag.

While a noisy pump may not be a deal breaker, it certainly matters if you plan to pump at work or next to your partner in the middle of the night. Electric pumps tend to be quieter than battery-powered pumps, but the quietest pump on our list is the Haakaa Silicone Breastfeeding Manual Breast Pump, which makes virtually no sound whatsoever. We also like the Elvie Stride Plus Hands-Free Electric Breast Pump because it contains tiny pumps known for their limited sound. The Elvie Stride is so quiet that we’d even use it in a movie theater.

Ease of Use

If a breast pump is difficult to use, chances are you won't use it often. While there will be a learning curve with every pump, some are steeper than others and may take some trial and error before you get the hang of them.

One of the best things you can do if you're having trouble with your breast pump is to contact the manufacturer. Medela is known for its award-winning customer service and can be reached at (800) 435-8316. You can also submit a question to a Medela Board-Certified Lactation Consultant for assistance with your breastfeeding concerns.

The second part of learning how to use your pump is learning how to clean it. Some pumps have more parts than others, making them more time-consuming to clean.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends rinsing, washing, and sanitizing all pump components that come in contact with the breast or the milk. In addition to the CDC guidelines, you should also refer to your pump's manufacturer's instructions.

Insurance Eligibility

As a result of the Affordable Care Act, your health insurance plan should cover the cost of a breast pump. However, your plan may have specific guidelines on the type of pumps that are covered, when you’ll receive one, and how long you can keep it if you plan to rent one.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Spectra S2 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Evenflo Deluxe Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Wearable:

Elvie Wearable Double Electric Breast Pump at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Hands-Free:

Momcozy Hands-Free Breast Pump at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Hands-Free Runner Up:

Elvie Stride Pump at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Rechargeable:

Spectra S1 Plus Double Electric Breast Pump at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Manual:

Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Easy to Use:

Spectra 9 Plus Breast Pump at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Basic:

Medela Pump In Style With MaxFlow at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Portable:

Philips AVENT Double Electric Breast Pump at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

What to Look For
Our Picks
We Also Tested
How We Tested
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.9

Walmart

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

4.2/5
Ease of Use

4.5/5
Portability

3.5/5
Value

5/5
Noise

4.5/5

Pros

Built-in nightlight and timer
Strong suction
Quiet enough to use on a Zoom call

Cons

Backflow protector is confusing to assemble
Not convenient for travel due to large size

The Spectra S2 Plus is hands down the best breast pump we've ever used. It's our top choice because it's easy to use, has a strong suction level, and its massage and expression modes are customizable to each user. It also has single and double pumping capabilities and offers a closed system for a truly hygienic experience.

Although this pump is on the larger side, we were pleasantly surprised to find that it's easy to carry. It only weighs 3 pounds, but since its parts don't break down much, we wouldn't recommend traveling with it unless you're okay with carrying its large bag.

Despite its size, the Spectra S2 Plus is very quiet. In fact, we could easily use it during a Zoom call for work and still be discreet while doing so. It's also really comfortable to wear and very easy to clean.

While assembling the breast attachment was a breeze, setting up the backflow protector was challenging since we had trouble distinguishing between the various parts. However, it has various helpful features, including a timer and a nightlight, which we ended up loving and using often.

Price at time of publication: $160

^{Key Specs:
Type: Double electric | Product Weight: 3 lb | Suction Level: 270 mmHg | Cleaning Instructions: 1. Disassemble shields, flanges, and valves 2. Rinse with cool water 3. Wash in warm, soapy water 4. Rinse in hot water 5. Air dry on a clean paper towel}

4.2

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

5/5
Ease of Use

3.3/5
Portability

1/5
Value

4.2/5
Noise

4.9/5

Pros

Comes preassembled with tons of accessories
Top-rack dishwasher safe
Can run on electricity, batteries, or with car adapter

Cons

Suction not as strong when using batteries

Aside from the price, our favorite thing about the Evenflo Deluxe Advanced pump is that it comes preassembled. The fact that we weren't fumbling around trying to figure out the parts was incredibly helpful and is a bonus for parents in the early postpartum days.

While its settings are limited compared to other pumps, the Evenflo Deluxe is very straightforward to put together and operate. However, when it came time to apply the flanges, we found that it required a bit of trial and error. We had a hard time determining if they were centered, and not doing so made them uncomfortable to wear. We also wish that this pump came with duckbill valves because we found that these increase the overall output of breast milk.

If pumping on the go is important to you, the Evenflo Deluxe Advanced includes a variety of accessories to help you. It comes with a tote bag, a small cooler, ice packs, and storage bottles with nipples. It also has multiple power options, including electricity, batteries, or a car adapter, but we found that it works best when plugged into the wall.

Overall, we think this pump offers an outstanding value. It's an excellent option for pumping at work and is a one-stop shop for someone who wants a budget-friendly and reliable pump. It's especially helpful for someone new to pumping, as it comes preassembled, has loads of accessories, and is easy to use.

Price at time of publication: $150

^{Key Specs:
Type: Double electric | Product Weight: 1.05 lb | Suction Level: 250 mmHg | Cleaning Instructions: Place on top rack of dishwasher or 1. Disassemble pump 2. Rinse with cool water 3. Wash in warm, soapy water 4. Rinse in clean water}

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4.7

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

5/5
Ease of Use

5/5
Portability

5/5
Value

4.6/5
Noise

4.8/5

Pros

Fits discreetly inside your bra
App monitors duration and output in real time
Quiet enough to use in a movie theater

Cons

Less powerful than pumps that use an AC adaptor
Included bottles are smaller than we’d like

We couldn’t love the Elvie Wearable Breast Pump more than we already do. We think it’s a great option for a commuting, working parent who needs a way to pump during Zoom calls or while running errands. Although it’s more expensive than other pumps, we prefer it to other similarly priced products and highly recommend it if you can get on board with the cost.

The Elvie is different from other hands-free pumps because it fits inside your own bra and has no wires, tubes, or batteries. It charges via a micro-USB cord and syncs with an app to track your pumping duration, output, and personalized settings like the brightness of the pump lights. However, the downside of not being plugged into a wall is that it’s less powerful than other pumps. Despite this, we feel the Elvie yields a decent amount of breast milk comparable to other hands-free pumps.

Although we wish the bottles were larger (they’re only 5 ounces), this pump made up for it by making it convenient for us to pump on the go. It’s extremely portable and weighs less than 1 pound. All in all, it has a total of five parts, which also makes it easy to clean. It’s simple and intuitive to assemble, too, and we are big fans of its beautiful packaging.

Best of all, the Elvie is super quiet. This is because it contains tiny Piezo pumps known for their low power consumption, quick response, and limited sound. In fact, its audible hum is so faint that we’d feel comfortable using this pump while sitting in a movie theater.

Price at time of publication: $550

^{Key Specs:
Type: Double electric | Product Weight: 14.82 oz | Suction Level: 220 mmHg | Cleaning Instructions: Place on top rack of dishwasher or 1. Rinse with cold water 2. Wash in warm, soapy water 3. Wipe with a clean cloth 4. Rinse with cold water}

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Amazon

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Pros

Double-sealed flange to prevent leaks
Strong suction
Large, LED panel is easy to see
Collection bottles have a convenient pouring spout

Cons

Not discrete; appears bulky under clothing
Measurements are hard to view on collection bottle

Upon opening the Momcozy S12 Pro, we were thoroughly impressed with all of its included accessories, ranging from bra strap extenders to extra valves and a cleaning brush. Setting up this pump was easy, but only after we thoroughly read the instructions and paid close attention to inserting the flanges correctly to prevent leaks. We also like the large LED display, which was perfectly visible while using the pump and is a bonus for nighttime pumping.

Our overall experience with this pump was positive, starting with its strong suction, which produced a good amount of milk in our first pumping session. In fact, the pump is so strong that we didn’t need to attempt anything past level one.

The S12 Pro is highly portable. Since it’s a wireless pump, we found it light enough to carry in a daily bag and get a pumping session in while doing chores around the house. Although it’s relatively quiet, it looks pretty bulky under clothing and would definitely be detectable during a Zoom call.

When it came time to empty the milk, the pouring spout on the bottles made it easy to transfer the contents without spilling. However, we had a hard time reading the measurements on these bottles, so we always had to use a separate container.

The parts of this pump are made from silicone and polypropylene. In theory, this makes the S12 Pro a durable product; however, certain pieces need to be replaced every other month, which can become costly over time. We also wish that we could sanitize this pump in the microwave or bottle sterilizer, but the manufacturer advises against it.

Overall, we recommend this pump because it’s portable, has strong suction, and costs much less than other wearable or portable pumps. We also appreciate its collection of accessories, which were helpful in determining our flange size and adjusting our bra to accommodate this pump.

Price at time of publication: $170

^{Key Specs:
Type: Double electric | Product Weight: 3.3 lb | Suction Level: Up to 270 mmHg | Cleaning Instructions: 1. Rinse with cool water 2. Wash in warm, soapy water 3. Rinse with hot water 4. Air dry on a clean paper towel}

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4.3

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

3.8/5
Ease of Use

3.5/5
Portability

3.8/5
Value

4.5/5
Noise

5/5

Pros

Strongest suction of the pumps on our list
Great for wearing around the house
10 intensity levels for stimulation and expression

Cons

Breast milk may spill when taking the pump off

As the name implies, the Elvie Stride gives moms the freedom to walk around with confidence while discreetly pumping breast milk. Similar to its sister pump, the Elvie Wearable Double Electric Breast Pump, the Stride is small enough to fit inside your own bra and syncs with an app to track your pumping duration, output, and personalized settings.

However, the major difference between the two is that the Stride isn’t considered a “wearable” pump—but it is considered a “hands-free” one. This is because the Stride has tubes that connect the cups to the motor, which can be worn around your neck or clipped to your waistband. You can also choose from 10 different intensity levels in both the stimulation and expression modes.

Another significant difference is that the Stride has a suction level of 300 mmHg, which stands for millimeters of mercury and is the standard unit of measurement for pressure in medicine. Despite having a robust motor, the Stride is very quiet, and we would definitely wear it during a Zoom call.

Using the Stride is slightly different than the Elvie Wearable, too. It takes some trial and error to center it just right, and we found ourselves spilling some breast milk when taking it off. We also realized that while using the Stride is a discrete process, we needed privacy to apply and remove it—which wasn’t always feasible. Ultimately, this is one of the primary reasons we decided not to test the Stride while working in an office.

Another factor that contributed to us not testing this pump at work is the cleaning process. Elvie emphasizes letting the diaphragm air dry to avoid malfunctioning, which sometimes took hours to do and wasn’t always practical. However, we think this pump is fantastic for wearing around the house because it allowed us to do chores, cook, and unload the dishwasher while wearing it.

Price at time of publication: $270

^{Key Specs:
Type: Double electric | Product Weight: 2.5 lb | Suction Level: 300 mmHg | Cleaning Instructions: Place on top rack of dishwasher or 1. Rinse with cold water 2. Wash in warm, soapy water 3. Wipe with a clean cloth 4. Rinse with cold water}

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4.2

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

3/5
Ease of Use

4.2/5
Portability

2/5
Value

4/5
Noise

2/5

Pros

Three hours of use per charge
Strong suction
Showed no wear and tear after months of use

Cons

Too noisy to use during a phone or Zoom call

For being a portable pump, the Spectra S1 Plus is surprisingly powerful. Its rechargeable battery takes three to four hours to reach its full capacity and provides up to three hours of use. On average, we found that this pump produced a letdown in 2-3 minutes and completely emptied the breasts in 12-15 minutes.

However, this pump isn’t the quietest of the bunch. We tested it while making a phone call, and the person on the other end clearly heard it. It also has a lot of suction and speed options, which felt overwhelming at first, but with the help of a lactation consultant, we were able to find the right settings and save them for future pumping sessions.

In terms of durability, you can bet that the S1 Plus will hold up. After using it for five months, we found no visible signs of wear and tear. Although you can technically walk around with it, we don’t think the S1 Plus lends itself to mobility due to its overall size.

What the S1 Plus lacks in portability and discretion, it makes up for in durability, battery life, and suction strength. It is efficient, reliable, and an excellent option for both working and stay-at-home parents.

Price at time of publication: $216

^{Key Specs:
Type: Double electric | Product Weight: 3.3 lb | Suction Level: 280-300 mmHg | Cleaning Instructions: 1. Rinse with warm water 2. Soak in hot, soapy water 3. Wash with a clean cloth 4. Rinse with cold water 5. Air dry on clean towel}

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Verywell Family

4.9

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

5/5
Ease of Use

5/5
Portability

5/5
Value

5/5
Noise

4.8/5

Pros

Lightweight, great for travel
Compact and low cost
Easy to assemble and clean

Cons

Can be tiring for hands

We brought this handheld pump along during an extended overseas trip during our testing period. We loved that it was easy to transport, small enough to fit in our luggage, and we didn't have to worry about bringing outlet converters. We used this pump nearly every day for a few months and had a great experience.

Although not entirely discreet, the Medela Harmony can easily be hidden under a nursing cover. You can use it while breastfeeding or in between feeding sessions to boost your milk supply. We especially liked that it gave us the freedom to pump without being tethered to an outlet and that it has a closed system to prevent spills.

Although this pump has an ergonomic handle, it still feels tedious to use after a while. However, we think that its effectiveness, portability, and lack of need for electricity make up for the tiredness in our hands. Plus, the Harmony only has six parts, which makes it easy to assemble and clean.

Although it makes a slight sound when squeezing the handle, we weren't bothered by this pump's noise level at all. Another cool feature we didn't have a chance to test is using Amazon Alexa to troubleshoot breast pump and feeding issues, a service developed by Medela's team of board-certified lactation consultants.

Ultimately, we think the Medela Harmony is a great pump. We recommend it for parents who want to skip the fancier pumps, would like to have a backup, or need something low-cost and compact for travel.

Price at time of publication: $29

^{Key Specs:
Type: Manual | Product Weight: 9.3 oz | Suction Level: N/A | Cleaning Instructions: Place on top rack of dishwasher or 1. Separate parts and rinse 2. Wash in warm, soapy water, making sure to remove milk residue 3. Dry completely before assembling or putting away}

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4.5

Spectra

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

5/5
Ease of Use

5/5
Portability

4.5/5
Value

4.2/5
Noise

3.8/5

Pros

Fits in your hand
Comes with a rechargeable battery
Easy to assemble and clean

Cons

Noisy; can’t be used during a Zoom call

Using the Spectra S9 Plus couldn’t be easier. We were able to use it right away without any troubleshooting, and assembling and sterilizing it were straightforward, too. After reading the instructions, we experimented with the controls and settings, which were simple and intuitive.

Even on the lowest level, the S9 Plus' suction was quite strong, especially when plugged into the wall. Unlike other pumps, it starts in an expression or letdown mode (as opposed to a massage or stimulation mode), but there are multiple massage modes to choose from should you wish to start in a gentler setting. We also appreciate its transparent flanges, as they made it easy to confirm that milk was being expressed.

Regarding portability, the S9 Plus ranks relatively high in our book. Its hand-held motor is about the size of a standard business envelope and weighs just 8 ounces. However, we were disappointed that it didn’t fit into our pockets or have some sort of clip to attach to our waistband.

Simply put, the S9 Plus takes the guesswork out of pumping. While its motor is noisy and it can’t fit in your pocket, it won us over because it’s easy to use, has strong suction, and is a breeze to clean.

Price at time of publication: $164

^{Key Specs:
Type: Double electric | Product Weight: 8 oz | Suction Level: 260 mmHg | Cleaning Instructions: 1. Rinse with warm water 2. Soak in hot, soapy water 3. Wash with a clean cloth 4. Rinse with cold water 5. Air dry on clean towel}

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4.6

Amazon

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Pros

Easy-to-use interface
Comes with tons of accessories
Performance is comparable to fancier pumps

Cons

Makes a whistling sound when in use

If the thought of apps and wearable pumps sounds overwhelming, the Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow is an excellent choice. Its interface is super simple and has just four buttons, allowing you to turn it on, move to the letdown phase, or adjust the suction power.

Despite its basic configuration, the Pump in Style's performance was on par with other pumps we tested. However, its functionality could be updated with features like a timer, light, or dual controls. We also didn’t like how bulky it looked when the bottles and flanges were connected.

When testing this pump, we noticed that it made a lot of noise, which varied from whistling to wheezing. If you’re pumping at home, this probably wouldn’t be a deal breaker, but we don’t see this pump being suitable for use during a Zoom call.

While there aren’t any bells and whistles to this pump, the simple design made the Pump in Style very convenient. Although it’s on the pricey side, it comes with many accessories, including extra bottles, a cooler, and a carrying tote. Overall, we think it’s a good option for a first-time parent learning the ropes of breastfeeding or wanting to have a second pump to leave at the office.

Price at time of publication: $260

^{Key Specs:
Type: Double electric | Product Weight: 1.18 lb | Suction Level: 295 mmHg | Cleaning Instructions: Place on top rack of dishwasher or 1. Rinse with cool water 2. Soak in warm, soapy water 3. Wash with a clean cloth 4. Rinse with cold water 5. Air dry on clean towel}

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4.2

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

3.5/5
Ease of Use

4.5/5
Portability

5/5
Value

3.8/5
Noise

4.6/5

Pros

Pump and accessories fit in small bag
Flanges are lined with a soft, silicone cushion
Quiet enough for a Zoom call

Cons

Charge only lasts for 3 pumping sessions

If we had to choose three words to describe this pump, they would be small, portable, and comfortable. To give you an idea of its size, we were able to fit this tiny pump and all of its accessories into one small bag. So if you’re looking for a breast pump to bring to work or on your next vacation, the Philips Avent Electric Pump is it.

Our favorite feature is the silicone cushions that come with the breast shields. We loved using these and wished that every breast pump had them. It’s also a fairly quiet pump, and we’re confident it could be used during a Zoom call.

This pump will meet your needs as long as you have access to an outlet, as it runs on a rechargeable battery that will only sustain you for up to three pumping sessions. Although the display indicated how much battery remained, we wouldn’t recommend it as your primary option because it took four hours to charge.

We were surprised at how many parts it has for being such a small pump. Although it wasn’t difficult to set up, it was time-consuming to do so. We also felt like the battery wasn’t strong enough, even on the highest setting, and that it wasn’t the most effective pump in the bunch.

Price at time of publication: $270

^{Key Specs:
Type: Double electric | Product Weight: 3.42 lb | Suction Level: 270 mmHg | Cleaning Instructions: Place on top rack of dishwasher or 1. Rinse with hot water 2. Wash with mild dish soap 3. Rinse thoroughly}

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Babyation

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Pros

Flanges are comfortable and discreet
Can be used while lying down
Entirely self contained

Cons

Steep learning curve
Tubes need to be replaced daily

In our opinion, The Pump by Babyation is totally disrupting the breastfeeding space. It’s innovative, stylish, and by far the most comfortable pump we’ve tried yet. This is mainly due to its flanges, which are no larger than the diameter of a golf ball and are made from silicone.

Compared to other flanges we tested, we think The Pump’s are the most akin to breastfeeding. Although this is a battery-powered pump, Babyation’s patented technology “mimics how babies suckle,” according to the manufacturer—and we agree. It’s also quiet enough that we think it could be used while on a Zoom call.

In addition to the flanges, we appreciate The Pump’s streamlined design. It syncs to an app that can control your pump remotely, track how much milk you’ve expressed, and determine your overall breast milk inventory. Also, we think the fact that this pump can be used while lying down is a game changer, and we were mesmerized by the way breast milk flowed through the tubes right before our eyes. After a month of use, it appeared pretty durable, and we especially liked that every single item—including our freshly pumped milk—fits inside a carrying case that is a cross between a picnic basket and a Caboodle.

While The Pump is cutting edge, it did have a bit of a learning curve. It was especially challenging for us to figure out how to use the battery, connect the posts, and determine our flange size, and it took us 20 minutes to set up on our first successful pump. Also, the tubes must be replaced daily due to hygiene reasons, which can be costly over time. That said, we firmly believe that after a few more iterations, The Pump will be poised to challenge the breast pump marketplace.

Price at time of publication: $499

^{Key Specs:
Type: Double electric | Product Weight: 4.8lb | Suction Level: 250 mmHg | Cleaning Instructions: 1. Rinse with cool water 2. Wash with mild dish soap 3. Rinse thoroughly with hot water}

4.5

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

4.5/5
Ease of Use

4.6/5
Portability

5/5
Value

5/5
Noise

5/5

Pros

Small, silent, and inexpensive
Only one piece to use and clean
Can help treat clogged ducts

Cons

Can fall off and spill if not watched closely

The Haakaa Manual Breast Pump is effective and easy to use, and we found it to be especially helpful for parents first learning to breastfeed. All we had to do was place it on our breast while nursing our baby, squeeze it once, and watch the breast milk collect in the pump's base.

Setting up the Haakaa was a straightforward process. Everything we needed was in one piece, and no parts, cords, batteries, or apps were involved. It required a little trial and error on our part to find the right angle, and we had to watch it constantly to make sure it didn't lose suction and fall off—something that can happen as it gets heavy with milk. We also found that your baby may accidentally kick it off your breast while nursing if you're not careful.

Although the Haakaa is small and easy to transport, it's not discrete. However, it's very durable, and we saw no signs of wear and tear after using it on and off for 11 months. We highly recommend it to catch extra milk and for parents to use during the first few months of their breastfeeding journey.

Price at time of publication: $13

^{Key Specs:
Type: Manual | Product Weight: 3.87 oz | Suction Level: N/A | Cleaning Instructions: Place on top rack of dishwasher or rinse and wash with warm, soapy water}

Verywell Family

How We Rated Breast Pumps

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best breast pumps we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These breast pumps are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great breast pumps, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These breast pumps are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend breast pumps with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

We Also Tested

Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump: We liked how easy it was to use this pump and found ourselves doing so in the middle of the night, first thing in the morning, and while on the go. However, we had a hard time positioning it and didn’t like that it makes a squeaking noise when in use and has to be completely disassembled to clean.
Willow Go Wearable Electric Breast Pump: Although this pump has a strong suction for its price point, it’s very loud and felt quite heavy for a wearable breast pump. Unfortunately, we found out the hard way that breast milk can leak from the pump if you bend over while wearing it.
Willow 3.0 Breast Pump: We appreciate that this pump is sleeker, quieter, and feels higher quality than the Willow Go; however, assembling it was difficult. We aren’t fans of the plastic bags it uses, either, as it makes transporting milk challenging and is far from eco-friendly.
Spectra Synergy Gold Breast Pump: Our lactation consultant recommended this pump to us, and we found it to be solid and dependable. However, the bottle-to-flange size ratio is uneven, which causes them to tip as you collect more milk. It’s also quite large and doesn’t come with a carrying case, rendering it challenging to transport.

How We Tested the Best Breast Pumps

To determine which breast pumps we should test and the specific qualities we should pay attention to, we consulted with Certified Lactation Consultant Deborah Erin Guerriero, RN, BSN, IBCLC. We also spoke with Brianna Jonsson, a Certified Lactation Educator Counselor and mom of four children who has breastfed for eight years, about the benefits of using a breast pump and how doing so can be helpful. We also relied on the expertise of our team of knowledgeable parenting editors who have breastfed their children and have years of experience researching breast pumps and other baby gear.

After carefully analyzing the different breast pumps available on the market, we narrowed our list down to 27 top-rated products and sent them out to seven of our editors who were breastfeeding at the time. As part of the test, our editors unpacked the breast pumps and recorded how long it took them to assemble, disassemble, and reassemble them. During the testing period, they pumped at least every two to three hours and once at night for about 15 minutes per session, recording how much time it took to trigger a letdown and how much milk they collected. They also took detailed notes on how comfortable it was to use the pump and what it was like to transfer the breast milk once their pumping session was complete. In addition, they paid attention to how quiet, durable, portable, and easy to clean each pump was.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it good to use a breast pump?

Using a breast pump can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, such as allowing your partner, family, or friends to feed your baby with a bottle. A breast pump can also be used when going back to work after maternity leave, choosing to exclusively pump, stocking your freezer with breast milk, or increasing your milk supply.
When should I start using a breast pump?

“After about 2-3 weeks postpartum, when your milk supply has leveled out and engorgement is less, you can start to use a breast pump,” says Jonsson.
However, there are situations where immediate use of a breast pump is required. For example, if your baby is born early or has an illness that prevents them from eating, you should use a pump given to you by the hospital so that your baby can be fed your breast milk.
If you plan to be away from your baby, such as going back to work or traveling, you may want to start pumping a few weeks ahead of time so that you get used to the process and your baby learns to drink from a bottle.
How often should I pump and for how long?

In general, pumping as often as your baby typically eats should encourage your body to make enough to feed your baby. For example, if a newborn baby eats every 2-3 hours, you can pump that often to keep up with the demand. “To start a pumping routine, try breastfeeding on both sides and then once baby is done eating, attach the breast pump and pump for a few minutes,” says Jonsson.
How to get a breast pump through insurance

Dealing with your health insurance provider can be a complicated process, but requesting your breast pump doesn’t have to be. The first thing you’ll want to do is contact your insurance company to find out what types of breast pumps it covers, where to get one, and if you need a prescription. You should also ask if you can access your pump before your baby is born and if you have the option to upgrade or rent your pump if desired.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Laura Lu, MS, is an experienced health writer who has a Master of Science degree in Health Communication. Her work has appeared in publications like The New York Times, Media Psychology, Brit+Co, and Parents.com, to name a few. She has two young children, both of whom she breastfed by exclusively pumping using a Medela pump.

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