Types of Breast Pumps and When You’ll Need to Use One
Let’s talk about breast pumps. Here I will cover why you may choose to pump, the different types of breast pumps, and some extremely helpful tips I wish someone would have told me sooner. This will give you a baseline understanding to then do research on each type of pump so that you can choose the best breast pump for you and your needs.
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Why do I need a breast pump?
There are several reasons you may choose to pump throughout your feeding journey. Below are example use cases of various pumping scenarios.
Increasing Your Supply
Your baby is increasing their intake from the bottle and you need to up your production to meet your baby’s needs
You want to increase your supply to build a freezer stash
Building a Freezer Stash
You want to build a freezer stash in preparation for returning to work or other planned time away from your baby
Personal Preference
You prefer to exclusively pump and feed your breast milk to your baby through a bottle
You want to share feeding responsibilities with your Dad or another caregiver
Latching Challenges
Your baby has trouble latching and you need to feed a bottle instead of feeding baby straight from breast
Some babies who are born prematurely or are ill may not be able to breastfeed directly. In this situation you may pump to provide breast milk for your baby through a bottle or syringe.
Maintaining Your Supply
You have a low milk supply so you pump whatever amount you are able to and use formula to supplement the rest of your baby’s feeding
Your baby is not breastfeeding frequently because of an illness or growth dip, so you pump to help maintain your supply until your baby increases their intake again
Returning to Work
You need to pump to replace your baby’s breastfeeding sessions while you are at work
Relieving Engorgement
Your breasts are overly full so you pump to relieve discomfort from a clogged duct and prevent issues such as mastitis (breast infection).
Different types of breast pumps
The three categories of breast pumps are manual pumps, electric pumps, and battery powered pumps (also called hands-free wearable pumps). Manual pumps express milk using a lever or handle, while electric pumps are operated through a power outlet, and battery powered pumps utilize a rechargeable battery. I personally own a manual breast pump, a double electric breast pump, and a hands-free wearable electric breast pump. While I love all three for different reasons, it’s definitely not necessary to have more than one. The following outlines the main differences between an electric breast pump, battery powered breast pump, and manual breast pump.
Manual Breast Pump
These pumps work by placing the pump over one breast and using the lever or handle to create suction and express milk.
Manual pumps are the most cost efficient, compact, and portable type of pump. I recommend the Lansinoh manual breast pump.
Manual pumps are great secondary pumps when you want a back up option to throw into your diaper bag or car.
Double Electric Breast Pump
Electric pumps are powered by an electric outlet. Some are also powered by a rechargeable battery, like the Spectra S1 that I have. Electric breast pumps are designed for single or double breast expressing.
Double electric breast pumps are the most popular option for a primary pump and are designed to closely mimic your baby’s suction making them the most reliable for maintaining and emptying your breast milk supply.
Hands-Free Wearable Battery Powered Breast Pump
These pumps have a rechargeable battery, which allow you to be completely hands-free while pumping.
A lot of wearable breast pumps, like the Elvie and Willow, are advertised as being discreet because you don’t have to have your boobs out or deal with the tubing that comes with traditional breast pumps. These pumps are placed directly into your bra.
What’s the best breast pump?
I see a lot of first time Mamas ask this question and the answer is that there isn’t one. The best type of breast pump for you is really dependent on your lifestyle and how you plan to use the pump. I prefer a double electric breast pump as my primary pump and generally recommend others do the same as I find these are the most reliable for optimal breast milk output. However, there are certain situations where you may not need this pump. If you plan to exclusively breastfeed then a manual pump might be sufficient for you. Or if you don’t get time in your work day to sit down and pump then a hands-free wearable pump might be the best option to maintain your supply. Now that you understand when and why you may need to pump and the different types of breast pumps available, you can do your own research on breast pumps and choose the best option for you.
How to get a free (or lower cost) breast pump
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health insurance companies are required to provide a breast pump and related supplies to expecting and breastfeeding moms. However, because exact coverage for type and cost of pump is not dictated by the ACA, coverage varies greatly plan by plan. This is why it's important for you to do your due diligence in checking your personal health insurance coverage for a pump, so that you can maximize your benefits and get the best breast pump for you. In the Baby Prep Toolkit I give you the exact questions to ask your health insurer so you’ll know when and how to order your breast pump.
How to use your breast pump
Does using a breast pump sound a little intimidating? There is a bit of a learning curve to using a breast pump. Before your baby arrives you need to order your breast pump, typically during your third trimester, and have a basic understanding of your breast pump. With my first baby, I did zero pumping preparation before my baby was here apart from ordering my breast pump, and that really bit me in the booty. My daughter was born with jaundice and had trouble with latching - a common breastfeeding challenge, and then I was readmitted to the hospital with postpartum preeclampsia. I needed to start pumping and feeding my daughter with a bottle way sooner than I expected and I had no clue how to use my pump or how long to pump and how to establish a routine. So now this is something I tell every first time mom to prepare for before baby is here! Things happen, all the time, and it’s better to avoid the added stress during postpartum.
In the Baby Prep Toolkit, I cover:
Understanding your pump parts and how they work
How your breast pump works
When and how to establish a pumping routine
When each pump part needs to be replaced
How to care for your pump
How to safely store and prepare your pumped breast milk
And more baby prepping guides and checklists
