Best electric breast pump for working moms

Q: Which breast pump is best for first time mom?

Healthline Parenthoods picks of the best breast pumps.

BabyCenter selects products based on the research of our editors and the wisdom of parents in the BabyCenter Community. All prices and details are accurate at the time of publication. We may earn a commission from shopping links.

Table of Contents Show

What type of breast pump should I choose?
What should I look for in a pump?
How we chose the best electric breast pumps
Can I buy a used pump?
Which breast pump is best for first time mom?
How can a working mom increase breast milk?
Can moms pump at work?
Do you need a breast pump if you are a stay at home mom?

If you’re planning to breastfeed, chances are that you’ll want a breast pump to help you on your journey. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, they’re covered by insurance and free to each new mom.

Breast pumps can be helpful in many different situations. Deedra Franke, RN, BSN, IBCLC, and a lactation consultant at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, says that a breastfeeding mom will need a pump anytime she needs to express milk.

For instance, she may be returning to work, may have reason to be away from her baby for an extended time, or she may just want someone else to feed the baby. Some moms even exclusively pump to feed their babies, in which case a reliable pump is a necessity.

What type of breast pump should I choose?

There are two main types of breast pumps: manual and electric.

Both have their pros and cons. As Franke explains, a manual pump is a single pump (it pumps only one breast at a time) that operates by hand, without the use of a battery or plug-in power.

Meanwhile, an electric breast pump has a motor, just like other appliances in your house like a blender or a vacuum. Some electric breast pumps are single, others are double and give you the option to pump both your breasts at once. Some electric breast pumps operate on batteries (rechargeable or not), some need to be plugged into a power source, and still others can go either way.

Either type of breast pump, manual or electric, can allow you to efficiently pump breast milk to use for feedings, can help increase your milk supply, and can help provide relief from engorgement when you’re away from your baby.

But if you’re going to be pumping regularly, an electric pump is your best option. They do the work for you and can quickly and effectively empty your breasts which will help keep engorgement at bay and help keep your supply up over time. But let’s talk about the specifics: what are the differences between manual and electric breast pumps?

Electric breast pumps

Electric breast pumps are much more effective at expressing breast milk and emptying the breast.
Some electric pumps are designed to mimic a baby’s sucking patterns with short, quick sucks to trigger letdown, then slower, deeper sucking patterns which may make pumping more comfortable and help some produce more milk.
You can use electric pumps to pump one or both breasts at once.
Electric breast pumps generally weigh in at 5 pounds or less and often come with a carrying case.
Some electric pumps come with bottles and cooler bags with cold packs so you can keep your milk fresh while on the go.
Some pumps come with rechargeable batteries, while others have a cord that plugs into the wall (which can limit your movement while pumping).
Wearable breast pumps fit inside your bra and silently pump while you go about your day.

Manual Breast Pump

There are two types of manual breast pumps: a hand pump and a suction pump.
Manual hand pumps are made of rigid plastic and have levers or handles that you squeeze to provide suction and pump out milk. Suction pumps are made of silicone and use vacuum suction to remove milk from your breasts.
Each are great for moms on the go, but each is most commonly used to relieve engorgement or catch letdown on one breast while nursing from the other.
Manual pumps are typically not as effective as electric pumps in emptying the breasts, so are often used as a supplement to an electric breast pump.

What should I look for in a pump?

There are a couple “must haves'' when it comes to breast pumps. The first two non-negotiables are that it has to be comfortable and easy to clean. Here are some of the features Franke recommends.

Portability: “A portable pump (one that is lightweight and easy to carry) is important for a breastfeeding mother who must leave home but still needs to express milk,” says Franke. The more you drag your pump around, i.e. from home to work and back, the more this feature will matter with you, whether you choose a lightweight pump or one that comes in some type of convenient carry bag.
Sound: “All pumps make some sounds when they are in use. Some are quieter than others,” says Franke. “Some women choose a pump based upon the noise level they feel comfortable with.” Consider whether the spot where you’re nursing is soundproof, or whether the noises your chosen pump makes might make you self-conscious about pumping.
Affordability: “In my experience, women choose a pump to use by what their insurance covers, or the amount of money they want to spend for a pump,” says Franke.
Ease of use: Pumps have to be easy to use, and must fit into a mom’s lifestyle, says Franke. Consider whether a wearable type that allows you to walk around might suit you best, or whether you’d prefer the routine of sitting and taking a break to pump.
Bonus features: Franke says this isn’t a major selling point for pumps, but some women like a pump that comes with a travel bag and ice bags, or features that make the pump particularly easy to carry or keep clean.

If you’re not sure what pump to choose, a certified lactation consultant can help you sort through the options and find one that works for you.

How we chose the best electric breast pumps

Although each person shopping for a pump will have different needs in terms of budget, portability, ease of use, and so on, certain pumps become popular for a reason: They simply work better than competitors, or have a unique blend of features that makes them stand out.

So the first part of choosing the best electric breast pumps involved tuning into parent chatter about pumps. We asked the parents in our own network what worked for them, searched decades of posts in BabyCenter’s Community for positive electric breast pump mentions, and carefully examined online reviews to find which models rose to the top.

Once we had a list of likely suspects, it became a matter of winnowing it down to the pumps that are effective, fairly priced, easy to find, and easy to use. Keep reading to find our favorite double electric breast pump, and the top breast pump at a budget-friendly price. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for breastfeeding comfort, look no further than our favorite breastfeeding pillows and nipple creams.

Moms love Spectra pumps because they're portable, they're very quiet and lightweight, and they offer exceptional technology. The Spectra closely mimics the experience of breastfeeding, with a massage mode that simulates a baby's natural sucking and adjustable suction levels to create a natural flow of milk. It can be used as a single or a double and is super lightweight, weighing in at only 3 pounds, even though it's a hospital-grade pump (which means it has a stronger motor and stronger suction than many competitors). Moms also love the nightlight on this pump for late-night pumping sessions that won't wake your baby or your partner.

Heads up

Some moms said the duckbill valve sometimes falls off mid-pump, which can be super annoying because you have to stop pumping and fish it out of the milk to reattach. One solution is to have lots of spare valves on hand and replace it often so it maintains suction.

Moms say

"This is the best pump ever. It's the reason I was able to build my supply from 1 ounce a day to more than 20 ounces. The speed and suction power are both adjustable, and when you find the setting that's right for you, you're able to get much more than with other pumps."

"I have the Spectra S2 and LOVE it. I don't have experience with any other pumps but I have 0 complaints about this one and it came highly recommended by the LCs and nurses when baby was born."

"The suction on this pump is comparable to the cost-prohibitive hospital-grade pumps, which I tried during lactation consultation visits. There's a stimulating letdown setting, and then the regular setting where you can adjust both suction and speed. It's pretty quiet; my coworkers say they never notice it. I even make calls at work with it on. I highly, highly recommend it!"

Specs

Includes 2 24-millimeter Spectra breast flanges, 2 28-millimeter Spectra breast flanges, 2 Spectra tubes, 2 Spectra duckbill valves, 2 Spectra backflow protectors, silicone membranes, 2 Spectra wide neck storage bottles, and Spectra 12-volt AC power adaptor
Closed system with backflow protection
Works as a single or double pump
Weight: 2.9 pounds

Dr. Brown’s is a trusted brand when it comes to feeding babies, and the Dr. Brown’s Customflow Double Electric Breast Pump is a solid choice when it comes to electric pumps. The pump fits standard Dr. Brown’s bottles, so you can pump directly into the bottles and add a slow-flow nipple for immediate feeding, or use the storage caps to transport your milk safely. It’s a portable and lightweight option with a built-in timer and pause button that lets you stop and start pumping on your own time.

Heads up

The flanges are made out of silicone and can get a bit tacky after a while. Things like lint or hair can stick to the outside of the flange.

Specs

Includes pump, AC power adaptor, milk storage bottles, nipples and storage caps, and two 25mm SoftShape Shields
Closed system
Works as a single or double pump
Weight: 1.9 pounds

Discreetly pump anywhere with the Lansinoh’s Smartpump, which has eight adjustable hospital strength suction settings so you can fine-tune your own pumping session. It connects to Lanisoh’s Baby 2.0 app so you can time your pumping, track which breast you’ve pumped from and when, and see your pumping history, which is a real helper when you’re trying to calibrate supply. You can pump directly into Lansinoh breast milk storage bags, and this pump comes with a tote bag, and a breastmilk cooler bag, at a fraction of the price of the other options on the market.

Heads up

This pump can be used while plugged in, but if you want to use it on the go, 6 AA batteries are required.

Specs

Includes 1 Smartpump 2.0 Double Electric Pump unit, 2 ComfortFit 25mm flanges, 2 ComfortFit 30.5mm flanges, 2 flange bodies, diaphragms and diaphragm caps, 2 white valves, 2 5-ounce breastmilk storage bottles, 2 bottle holders, 2 breastmilk storage bottle lids, 1 slow flow NaturalWave nipple cap and collar, tubing and connector set, tote bag, breastmilk cooler, ice pack, and AC power adapter.
Closed system
Connects to the Baby 2.0 app via Bluetooth
Weight: 1 pound

The be-all and end-all pump for generations of moms went through a substantial update in 2020, and Medela's classic two-phase technology how boasts what Medela calls MaxFlow: tiny vibrations that are designed to more closely mimic the intense sucking a real infant starts with when nursing (i.e. the first phase), before the slower sucks after letdown, which the Pump in Style also copies. This Pump in Style version is also lighter (just over a pound) and easier to carry. It has a power cord and a battery adaptor so you can plug it in or take it on the go, and comes with a stylish carrying case, cooler bag, and ice pack to keep everything fresh.

Heads up

It's a good idea to get a pumping bra to use with the Pump in Style since the flanges are known to disconnect if they aren’t held into place. A pumping bra would solve for this and allow your hands to be free while pumping.

Moms say

"I have both Pump in Style and Lansinoh and Medela gets about 1-2 more ounces out than the Lansinoh. It’s easier to use the Medela since it doesn’t have a lot of crazy settings like the Lansinoh or maybe it’s just me but Medela was definitely easier to use."

"I love it. I have access to a hospital grade pump at my job and the Medela Pump in Style gives me the same output!"

Specs

Includes the pump, four 5-ounce bottles with lids, 2 bottle stands, 2 21-millimeter PersonalFit Flex breast shields, 2 24-millimeter PersonalFit Flex breast shields, 2 breast shield connectors with membranes, complete tubing set, cooler bag, cooling element, microfiber bag, battery pack, and power adaptor
Closed system
Works as a single or double pump
Weight: 1.18 pounds

Elvie is a hands-free, wearable pump with no cords, tubes, or bottles. The pump and milk container is in one unit that's so small that it fits inside a nursing bra, and it's completely silent. The pump operates in two modes – simulation and expression – and can be customized with seven different intensity settings. Two sizes of breast shields are included, and a third is available to purchase separately. The battery can be fully charged in two hours, and the pump can be connected to the free Elvie Pump app to monitor milk volume in real time, track pumping history, and control the pump remotely.

Heads up

The maximum the milk container can hold is 5 ounces, so if you pump more than that you'll need to empty it mid-session. Also, though the Elvie is expensive, you can buy a single Elvie pump rather than a double for about half the price.

Moms say

"I love the Elvie! There's a learning curve, only because it's so different. Learning how to get my nipple in the cone took a few tries. I've worn the Elvie around the house and on walks in the neighborhood. I haven't had issues with spills, and it's easy to visually check how full it is."

"I have an Elvie pump and I love it! I have large breasts and it works for me as long as I have a supportive nursing bra to tuck it into. It's super quiet and I get pretty good output."

Specs

Hands-free and wearable
Fits inside a standard nursing bra
Recharges in two hours
Connects to a free app to monitor and track sessions, and to control the pump
Weight 7.9 ounces

The wearable pump revolutionized the breast pump world, and the Willow Go is arguably the favorite on the market. It is a cord-free, hands-free, small and mighty wearable pump that fits discreetly in your bra. Even though it is small, it doesn’t skimp on power with a hospital-grade suction in a sleek, wearable design. The battery life will last all day (up to 5 pumping sessions) so you can pump anywhere at any time. The latest interesting twist: the pump connects wirelessly to the Willow Go app to keep track of your pumping sessions.

Heads up

The pump only holds 5 ounces, but you can purchase 7-ounce containers separately.

Moms say

"I have the Willow Go!! I bought it to use while out and when I go back to work. It doesn’t empty me like my Spectra does, but it does the trick. Super easy to use, clean, and not extremely loud."

"I don't have time to be sitting in a chair tied to a breast pump. This pump allows me to continue my life while pumping. It's quiet, discreet, and leak-proof."

Specs

Includes 2 pumps, 2 24-millimeter flanges, 2 21-millimeter flanges, 2 container backs, 2 container bowls, 2 pump diaphragms, 2 duckbill valves, 2 USB charging cables.
Closed system
Fits inside your bra
Weight: 5 ounces

Bring the hospital grade suction home with the Ameda Mya Joy PLUS breast pump. It’s a thoughtfully designed pump that is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand or throw in your diaper bag, with the versatility of a long-lasting, rechargeable battery. It’s strong and gets the job done with 6 levels of stimulation and 12 levels of expression and is one of the quietest models on the market.

Heads up

We recommend having a second set of rechargeable batteries on you, just in case.

Moms say

"I ended up with the Ameda Mya Joy Plus & I love it. For it to be so small, it performs as well as the Ameda Platinum hospital pump."

Specs

Includes the Ameda Mya Joy PLUS breast pump, AC power adapter with USB-C cord, Dual HygeniKit Milk Collection System, 25-millimeter and 28.5-millimeter CustomFit Flanges, 2 extra valves and diaphragms
Closed system
Works as a single or double pump
Weight: 8 ounces

Get hands-free convenience without the high price tag with the Momcozy S12 Breast Pump. It has two modes with nine levels that mimic how a baby breastfeeds in order to optimize milk production. Each charge can go for around 80 minutes, or 2-4 pumping sessions before you have to plug in again. It is quiet and fits in your bra with no wires or cords, so you could be pumping without anyone ever knowing.

Heads up

It is a 6-ounces capacity, but the best-recommended capacity is only 4 ounces.

Moms say

"I have the Momcozy S12. It's a little loud but I love it. It’s half the price of Willow/Elvie and so convenient. I’ve seen no drip in supply and I use all the time now."

Specs

Includes 2 pumps, 2 24-millimeter flanges, pump-related accessories, charging cable, and 2 bra adjustment buckles.
Works as a single or double pump
Closed system
Weight: 12.8 ounces

Quiet, portable, and discreet describes the Motif Duo Double Electric Breast Pump. Weighing in at less than half a pound, it’s a great lightweight option for traveling, working or multitasking. It lasts 2.5 hours between charges with a quiet motor and easy-to-read LED screen, all of which offers you quality and convenience all in one pump.

Heads up

The Motif Duo Double Electric Breast Pump is a great travel pump, but it doesn’t have the high suction levels that some of the other options on this list have.

Specs

Includes the breast pump, 2 24-millimeter breast shields, 2 180-milliliters milk collection container sets, 2 bottles with nipples, 2 valves, 2 tubing, and a power adaptor
Closed system
Works as a single or double pump
Weight: 8 ounces

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, you could be eligible for a free breast pump! It’s best to check in with your insurance plan since what is - and what isn’t - included varies from plan to plan. Some plans require you to get your pump from specific vendors, or maybe you need a prescription first. Since there are so many variables, it’s best to just give your insurance company a call to find out exactly what you need to know in order to get your free pump. Be sure to ask the following questions:

Do you cover the cost of buying or renting a breast pump?
Are the costs covered with no cost-sharing?
Do I need a doctor’s prescription?
What pump will you pay for?
Where can I get the breast pump?

Can I buy a used pump?

Besides hospital systems designed for many users over time, breast pumps are considered a single-user personal medical device: no sharing with friends or purchasing used. Yet you can reuse a closed system pump, for a second child, or a third child if the pump is holding up. But what are “open system” and “closed system" pumps?

Open system

The open systems allow milk to get into the mechanical space of the pump and can grow bacteria or mold.
There is no way of cleaning or disinfecting these pumps to make them safe.
Contaminated breast pump parts can contaminate breast milk.

Closed system

Closed systems have a barrier between the motor and the milk, which prevents milk from entering into the pump motor.
This eliminates the risk of bacteria and mold growth.
These systems are the only safe systems you can use second hand.
If you choose to reuse a closed system, you should get new parts (tubing, valves, membranes, and flanges). They’re cheap and should be replaced frequently anyways.
Hospital grade pumps are designed to be rented and shared, and are safe to use.

Which breast pump is best for first time mom?

Healthline Parenthood's picks of the best breast pumps.

Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump. ... .

Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump. ... .

Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump. ... .

Willow Wearable Breast Pump. ... .

Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump. ... .

Medela Pump In Style Advanced On-the-Go Tote. ... .

Medela Symphony Double Electric Breast Pump..

How can a working mom increase breast milk?

In the evenings and on the weekends, breastfeed baby on command. Not only will this help increase and maintain your supply, but it will also allow for the mommy/baby bonding time that you miss out on during the workday. Increasing your protein intake and staying hydrated has been proven to help a mother produce milk.

Can moms pump at work?

Under the law, employers are required to allow eligible employees reasonable break time to pump whenever needed. Employers are also required to provide eligible employees with a private place to pump—space that is shielded from view, free from intrusion, and NOT in a bathroom.

Do you need a breast pump if you are a stay at home mom?

A critical reason why a lot of stay at home moms need breast pumps is that it helps relieve engorgement. Depending on your milk supply, it may be totally necessary for you to have one so that you can pump while you are not breasfeeding the baby, helping alleviate engorgement of your breasts.