A SHORT STORY ON BREAST PUMPS
The quick and dirty:
Best overall pump: Spectra
Best wearable: Elvie
Budget friendly: MomCozy
You will likely use the electric most often, and you can also get this through your insurance! (Ask your OB for the insurance form, or call your insurance provider directly and ask about their policy for breast pump coverage).
Electric pumps are larger, hospital grade machines that aren't easily portable. You'll use this one at home for the majority of your pumping.
With my first baby I used the Medela electric because of all the marketing around it. A great lactation consultant and a ton of research lead me to the Spectra for my second baby and its AMAZING. Much more comfortable and much more output of milk.
The Spectra is a hospital-strength pump delivering big power with way less bulk and noise. Digital controls let you adjust speed and suction to customize output. There's a rechargeable battery that lasts up to three hours, so you're not always stuck to an outlet while pumping. (S1)
Moms also report loving the extras like the timer and nightlight for late-night pumping sessions and that the pump remembers your exact settings from your last session and automatically reverts to those the next time you turn it on.
The main differences between the S1 and S2 are battery. The S1 has a built in battery so that you don't need to be plugged into the wall while pumping.
The battery life is about 3 hours.
With the S2, you will need to be plugged into the wall while pumping.
To make pumping easier, I recommend getting the LaVie pump strap to hold your pump in place.
I also recommend getting the SkipHop caddie. You can keep your pump, flanges, pump spray, water, and snacks all in one place and it even has a nightlight built in.
Portable/Wearable:
A portable/wearable pump is one that will fit inside your bra, and the pump itself will be really small and compact.
This is for when you're on the go or need to pump in public under your shirt. (unlike the electric pump, where the flanges and bottles wouldn't fit under your shirt).
The Elvie Stride is shaped like a boob, so you can literally put it in your bra, anywhere, anytime and pump away. Its nearly silent, ultra lightweight, and allows you to be totally hands free. I love this because I can throw this bad boy in a sports bra and pump while doing anything: dishes, driving, shopping, carrying the babies around.
This has a battery life of about 2 hours.
The MomCozy is overall the highest rated budget wearable option. There are small, individual motors on each side, so the design is different than the Elvie but moms report that the MomCozy is convenient, extracts a good amount of milk, and doesnt break the bank. The MomCozy also fits into your bra for an easy pumping session on the go.
Most moms report that the Elvie Stride is more comfortable, quieter and more discrete. However, that comes with a price tag about double that of the MomCozy.
Note: Many moms will notice a difference in output when using a hands-free pump versus a traditional pump; so in a perfect world you'd have both. The Spectra (or other traditional pump) for at home/uninterrupted pumping sessions, and the wearable pump for on the go, or when at home and you need to multitask. Your main pump should be a hospital grade electric pump for maximum milk production and extraction. A wearable/travel pump is not meant to be your main source of pumping.
Manual:
A manual pump like the Medela
Harmony is one that you physically pump with your hand. I tried this a few times and even with a great flow and high supply I could never get it to work comfortably. This is for the "once in a while" pumper.
The Haakaa is a silicone one piece pump that collects milk using its own suction. Lots of moms will put it on while their baby nurses on the other side to gain a few ounces and increase production.
Important:
For any breast pump, you will want to be sure to measure for the right flange size. Measure your nipple in millimeters at the widest part (typically the base). Measure both breasts as you may need two different sizes. If you aren't sure, your lactation consultant will be able to easily tell you your proper fit. The correct flange size makes the pumping session both more comfortable and more efficient since it stimulates the breast more effectively.
The flange mimics a proper breastfeeding latch. Too large, and the areola gets compressed, causing the milk to get stuck prior to release. Too small can pinch and cause discomfort, and less milk extraction.
Please take note that all of the products/services I recommend in this guide are ones I have personally verified and/or use myself. If you do shop through any of the links in this guide, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.