Choosing the Right Breast Pump for Your Journey

Scotty Thomson providing instruction on setting up a breast pump.

There are so many pumps on the market now that it can be difficult to figure out what is best. There are several factors to consider when choosing a breast pump. Some women plan to exclusively latch and never give a bottle, and therefore never really need to pump. Others may decide they do not want to latch or can’t latch and will be exclusively pumping. Other mamas may produce a very small amount of milk, and others produce way too much milk.

Understanding Breast Pump Features and Insurance

Whichever category you fall into, it is important to get the right pump for your situation. There are a few high-grade pumps available on the market these days, and they are covered by insurance. There are a few that have backflow protectors on them, which keep milk from entering the pump, like the Spectra and the Motif. Other pumps may have a good motor and suction but not have the backflow protector, and therefore milk can get up into the motor. There are some that historically don’t remove milk well and are uncomfortable for most women.

The Evolution of Pumping Technology

Whether you plan to pump just for an occasional bottle or you plan to exclusively pump and never latch, having a reliable pump with a comfortable suction is important. I have seen most pumps available on the market. The most popular ones are the Spectra and Motif. I remember a time when Medela was the only pump available. Now there is so much competition it’s hard to know which one is best. Not all pumps marked hospital grade are adequate to set up a good milk supply.

Finding Quality in a Competitive Market

Whether you plan to pump just for an occasional bottle or you plan to exclusively pump and never latch, having a reliable pump with a comfortable suction is important. I have seen most pumps available on the market. The most popular ones are the Spectra and Motif. I remember a time when Medela was the only pump available. Now there is so much competition it’s hard to know which one is best. Not all pumps marked hospital grade are adequate to set up a good milk supply.

Establishing Your Milk Supply

Setting up a milk supply isn’t always easy. It requires frequent pumping (at least 7-8 times a day to start), a comfortable fit, and a strong enough suction. Some women will produce a huge amount of milk and have an easy time pumping, while others will have a lower supply and not respond well to a breast pump. Until you have a baby and try, you don’t really know what category you fall into, so I usually recommend going with a high-quality breast pump that is easy to use and clean.

When looking at a “wall” pump, the Spectra S1 and S2 pumps seem to be the best for most women and are covered by insurance. Motif is very similar, but recently I had a mama try both of the pumps, and she was able to pump more with the Spectra and said it was more comfortable. Others have used the Medela pump and will get the same amount of milk, and others report it is not as comfortable. Reaching out to a qualified International Board Certified Lactation Consultant before you order your pump can help decrease confusion about what pump is best for you and your situation.

Real-World Insights on Wearable Pumps

I had the benefit a few years ago of working with a group of 6 nurses who were all pumping with wearable breast pumps at the same time. I spoke to all of them and realized a few had traded pumps to see which ones they liked the best. Each mama had different-sized breasts, different elasticity, and different milk supplies.

Talking to them gave me insight into the pumps and provided me with some essential information. Not everyone liked the same pump or got the same amount with the wearable. And there were a few that made a point of using the Spectra or Medela because they got twice as much milk when pumping with a traditional pump.

Tips for Success with Wearables

The biggest takeaways with the wearable pumps were to find the right flange, wear a supportive bra so the pump doesn’t pinch your nipples as it gets full of milk, use the right settings for your milk supply, and pump a little longer. The most popular pumps were the Elvie Stride, Elvie, Mom Cozy M5 and M6, the Willow Go, and Willow. I have had women successfully use a Lansinoh wearable as well as the Motif.

Every year, there seems to be a new pump and new breastfeeding gadgets. It is hard to keep up with all of the new apparel out there for breastfeeding mamas. At the end of the day, milk supply is dependent on milk removal and the frequency of milk removal. It is a supply and demand process. The more often and more efficiently you remove the milk, the more milk you will make.

Prioritizing Comfort and Proper Fit

Pumping like latching should not be painful. If you are experiencing pain when pumping, if your nipples are compressed or cracked, it is important to find the right size flange and settings for your pump. And just like bottles, there isn’t one pump that is best. It is important to find the breast pump that best fits your breast shape and size.

For help choosing a breast pump prenatally, please consider making a prenatal breastfeeding appointment. At the very least, please attend the free monthly Prenatal Breastfeeding Class offered at Gulf Coast Lactation to learn more before choosing your pump.