Best Breast Pump 2017 – Buyers Guide and Reviews

Breast pumps can come in handy when you have a new baby and have already established a breast feeding routine, or would just like to nourish your baby with breast milk. Using a high quality pump can ensure that you get more milk to store and keep up with the baby. It is also essential that you choose a pump that provides comfort, is affordable and can provide the mother with an efficient and effective way at expressing milk for the needs of her child.

Best Breast Pumps: Top 5 Comparison

BREAST PUMP	OUR RATING	POWER / PORTABILITY	PRICE
Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump	5/5	Battery Pack (8 AA batteries) allow you to pump anywhere
Spectra Baby USA S2 Double/Single Breast Pump	5/5	AC Adapter
Philips AVENT Double Electric Comfort Breast Pump	4.9/5	AC Adapter
Medela Freestyle Breast Pump	4.8/5	Rechargable battery for easy pumping anywhere
Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump Starter Set	4.5/5	Ac Adapter

Why Would You Need a Breast Pump

Wondering if you really need a breast pump? If you want to exclusively provide your baby with breast milk due to it’s many benefits, a pump can come in handy. Having a higher grade pump to produce more milk is ideal for those that want to create a “stash” to keep in the freezer for when you’re away or when the child starts sippy cups. Additionally, those returning to work may not be able to breast feed still, so a pump can help provide milk to the baby while you’re away. A reliable, hardworking pump can be a working mom’s BFF. Keep this in mind before returning to work without finding the best breast pump for you.

Choosing a breast pump however, does not have to be hard. Going with some of the top choices on the market is a great way to start. Word of mouth and asking for friend’s opinions is also ideal, but remember that everyone is different and the way we produce milk is also different. Consider factors that each pump provides and go with the one that looks the most appealing to you and the needs you have. You should always shop around to find which one is obtaining the highest reviews, while also ensuring that you look into all of the features, pros and cons that each breast pump can provide the user with.

As a quick reference, here are some general guidelines for choosing the right breast pump:

• Comfort – pumping shouldn’t have to be uncomfortable. With the correct sized flanges and a comfortable pull, you can find that pumping is easier than you thought.
• Budget – how much do you have to spend on this breast pump? Of course, you do not want to sacrifice the quality of the pump for a lower budget.
• Features – what does the pump come with? Do you have to purchase extra accessories for the pump?
• Convenience – can you take the pump with you when you go to work conveniently?
• Quality – the quality standards of the breast pump are something that everyone should look into. You want a brand that you know and trust and is reputable. You don’t want to ‘test’ an expensive pump you’ve never heard of before.
• Type – the type of pump is going to make a big difference, as well. Whether you choose an electric, manual, double or single; they all provide different benefits from one another and different benefits for you when looking for a quality pump to use on a daily basis.

Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with On the Go Tote

This is a high quality Medela pump that provides the mom with style when bringing it with her on the go. With multiple suction strengths, you can find the one that works the best with you.

With a knob that adjusts the suction from a slower, less demanding suck to a deep suction power that is more like a baby that is latched on. It also provides the same suction rhythms that a baby would give, mimicking the suckling so that the milk will easily come out.

Plug into the wall or use the battery pack that is included while on the go. Easily store the milk inside the cooling bag provided. The comfort flanges on the pump are ideal for those moms that need to pump several times a day and need something more comfortable to use for each and every pump session.

One of the biggest factors of this pump is that it is extremely quiet. When you’re trying to pump in a quiet setting, you do not want the hum of the pump to be overbearing. This pump can be used discreetly, wherever you have to pump so you do not have to worry about a lot of noise during use.

Medela is a top name in the breast feeding industry and one that is well trusted by moms everywhere, making it an ideal high quality product to use for your breast feeding needs. Check Lowest Price

Pros

• Traveling case
• Easy to adjust dial
• Convenient product
• Additional supplies
• Double pump
• Battery and wall outlet operated
• Quiet operation
• Helps express milk faster with one button let down technology

Cons

• Expensive
• Doesn’t come with many storage items
• Not as comfortable as other options
  

Spectra Baby USA S2 Double/Single Breast Pump

This pump looks like it’s from the future and provides the suction power you need to really think that is where it is from.

With a high quality feel to it, you can express milk in a matter of minutes. The comfortable flange provides the mom with a comfort suction piece that will not cause pain during pump sessions, especially those moms that pump often.

Unlike some of the pumps out there, this one has a quiet operation that you will not hear when it is in use. Easily pump anywhere without anyone knowing or hearing.

The design of the pump provides the user with a handle, back light and timer so that you can pump at any time, even in the middle of the night. The closed system is healthier for baby and mom when it comes to pumping in a more hygienic way.

Fully customize the pump to your body. This helps your let down happen and helps you fully extract all of the milk so engorgement and blocked ducts do not happen.

The convenience of this pump makes it a great pump to keep on your side table or even on your desk. No one would know it was a breast pump if the flanges are not connected to it, which makes it ideal when you want it to fit in and not stand out. The fact that it doesn’t come with a carrying case though might make it more for a stay at home, or at work type of pump. Check Lowest Price

Pros

• Easy to use design
• Ideal price
• Bottles come with nipples for ease of feeding
• There is a let down mode, as well as a pull mode
• Quiet function
• Night light and timer built in
• Fully customizable
• Closed system
• Comfortable to use

Cons

• Only one pump is provided
• Doesn’t come with many supplies
• Doesn’t come with carrying case
• Less known brand

Philips AVENT Double Electric Comfort Breast Pump

Philips AVENT is a well known company providing high quality baby items, which makes it ideal to purchase a breast pump from.

The carry case makes it easy to bring with you to wherever you want to pump, so you can pump on the go. However, you have to be next to a plug in order to have the pump work since it does not support battery operation.

The price is one of the best for a double pump, which makes it ideal to purchase. The easy to use dials and buttons make it worth your time. However, with only three settings, you might find that some of them might not work with your body and lactation.

Philips AVENT has made numerous products for babies and their pump seems to provide even more benefits to the nursing mother and baby. The ease of use makes this one of the best pumps on the market. With quick push buttons, you can easily choose which one works with your body.

One of the biggest benefits that comes with this breast pump are the gel flanges that you can add to the pumps. This provides additional comfort, support and cushion when pumping, especially for those that pump a lot. Pump in comfort, style and affordability with this pump. Check Lowest Price

Pros

• Carry case included
• Double pump
• Well known brand
• Comfortable gel cushion flanges
• Ideal price
• Easy to use

Cons

• Only 3 expression settings
• Not battery operated
• Not very quiet
• Doesn’t come with many accessories
  

Medela Freestyle Breast Pump

The Medela Freestyle breast pump provides the ultimate in suction power when on the go or right at home when trying to express milk.

The dial is not very customizable, but it still provides different modes so you can choose which works the best with your body. The battery in the system allows you to easily pump on the go without having to worry about not being able to have an outlet handy.

Slip the compact sized pump inside the carry case while on the go and discreetly carry it with you since the bag looks like a purse.

Enjoy the freedom of being able to pump on the go and place the milk inside the bottles that come with the system and then inside the container with the ice pack to keep the milk fresh until you get home. This is a nice addition to the pump that other pumps do not come with and that you’d have to purchase additionally to the pump.

The backlight and timer provide the perfect combo when pumping anywhere. Keep track of how long you pump for, while also being able to pump at night in dimly lit areas.

With many features, this pump provides the nursing mom with a lot of options for expressing milk wherever she chooses to go. Use the accessories that comes with it, use the high quality suction power and ensure that you express as much milk as possible with this choice of high quality breast pump. Check Lowest Price

Pros

• Convenient
• Comes with carry case
• Battery and outlet operated
• Completely compact
• Memory, timer and backlight functions
• Comes with many accessories
• Double pumps

Cons

• Price is on the high side
• Small screen
• Not very customizable

Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump Starter Set

When pumping it is important to consider all that comes with an advanced set besides a heavier suction that provides the user with a better pumping experience overall because it has a stronger suction power than most electric pumps.

Medela is a reputable brand, so you can expect great results from the Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump Starter Set. This starter set provides the user with a strong suction that you can customize to your body.

If you want extra accessories or a bag to hold the breast pump items in, you will have to purchase them separately but this pump does close up and comes with a carry handle. However, the flanges and bottles do not fit within this case.

Use the double pump to express 18% more milk than you would with a single pump. This has been shown in studies to be one of the best ways to pump. When you have a comfortable area to pump in, you’re in the optimal area when using this pump to express as much milk as possible.

The flanges are a bit harsh and can pinch, so gel pads to fit inside the flanges are recommended when you’d like to have a more comfortable fit. Another con of this product is that it is a bit louder than some might like it to be. This can be distracting when you’re trying to pump in the work place and do not want to make too much noise while doing so. For the price though, it is a pump that cannot be beat. Check Lowest Price

Pros

• Many packages to choose from
• Affordable price
• Strong suction power
• Compact design
• Choice between batteries or outlet
• Completely adjustable suction
• Double pump
• Reputable brand
  

Cons

• Have to purchase bag and accessories separately
• Flanges are not too comfortable
• Not too quiet

Types of Breast Pumps

There are numerous types of breast pumps that you can choose from. With everything from medical grade breast pumps to electric and manual; you have to consider which one is going to provide you with the most benefits, as well as effectiveness for milk expression. Each type of pump comes with benefits and features you wouldn’t be able to get with others.

Medical Grade Pumps

Medical grade pumps are ideal because they have a stronger suction and can suck more milk out, however you generally do not purchase these ones but rent them. They cost in the thousands to purchase outright, which might be ideal if you’re going to be using it for all of your children in the coming future. This type of pump can be rented from medical facilities and other outreach programs that help moms that wish to nurse and pump.

Personal Electronic Pumps

Personal electric pumps provide the user with a way to express milk much easier than if you were to use a manual one. The electric pumps use the electric power to suction the milk from the breasts in a much easier, more convenient and efficient way. They’re highly recommended for breast feeding mothers that will end up switching to a pump.

Manual Pumps

Manual pumps can be ideal in a pinch, but they generally do not express as much milk since they’re not as effective at providing a strong suction. This suction power is essential for expressing milk. Manual pumps should always be thoroughly thought about before purchasing to find out if this is the best solution for the mother and her breast feeding needs. Not only that, but your hand might get tired if you’ll be pumping a lot.

Double Pump

A double pump is a pump that is used for both breasts, instead of just pumping one at a time. It has been shown that when both breasts are stimulated with the suction, it can actually generate more milk in the long run, providing the mother with an easier way to gain the milk she needs to sustain her child’s appetite, especially as they grow.

Single Pump

A single pump is a pump that only provides suction to one side, and then the mother will have to switch over the pump to the other side in order to extract the milk from that side. This is a great way to go in order to save some cash, or just to have a quick way to express milk if you’re not a full time pumper, since this still extracts milk but not as effectively or efficiently as a double pump would