The Breast Pump.

Desiree Bobby
4 days ago
7 min read

Choosing a breast pump is a topic that many parents suddenly find themselves grappling with. Perhaps because you're about to give birth. Perhaps because you want to combine breastfeeding with work. Or perhaps you simply want some flexibility.

And then you open Google… and you see dozens of models, prices, systems and opinions.

Manual breast pump, electric pump, double pump, wearable, hospital grade... It's a lot.

That's why it's good to know: choosing a breast pump doesn't have to be complicated. It's especially helpful to first take a moment to consider your situation.

In this article, I'll explain the different types of pumps available, their differences, and what to look for to help you make the right choice for you.

There is no such thing as the best breast pump.

The best breast pump is the one that suits your reason for pumping.

Some parents pump occasionally, for example, to give a bottle. Others pump daily because their baby is in the hospital or because they're going back to work. And still others pump temporarily to help stimulate milk production.

The more often you pump, the more important comfort, efficiency and quality become.

When choosing a pump, it helps to first consider one simple question: where will you mainly be pumping?

The location makes a big difference in your needs. If you only pump at home, you can focus primarily on power and efficiency. But if you also want to pump at work or while traveling, discretion often becomes more important.

Situation	What is most important then?	What do you pay attention to when making your choice?
Home alone	Maximum power and output	A powerful electric pump, comfort, efficient pumping
At home and at work	Discretion + ease of use	Silent model, hands-free option, easy to put on and take off
Occasionally (occasionally)	Simple and practical	Manual breast pump or budget wearable as an addition

Pumping at work often requires a little more preparation than at home.

Not just for practical reasons, but also because you need to feel comfortable and relaxed. This is more important than you might initially think. Read more about how this works in "The Invisible Side of Breastfeeding."

A traditional electric pump can be very effective, especially when used with a pumping bra, but it usually requires you to partially expose your upper body. This can be uncomfortable for some parents, especially outside their familiar surroundings.

That's why most mothers at work these days prefer an in-bra pump, which you can wear discreetly inside your bra. How discreetly this is varies by model: smaller, round wearables are often less noticeable than larger ones. The noise level also plays a role. Some pumps are almost whisper-quiet, while others are clearly audible, which can be distracting in a quiet work environment.

And finally, where you pump makes a big difference. A separate, enclosed pumping room often provides peace and privacy. But if you're pumping in a shared space, a quiet and discreet pumping experience often becomes even more important.

What types of pumps are there?

First of all, there are two types: a manual pump and an electric pump.

Manual breast pump

A manual breast pump is a manually operated pump without a motor. It's convenient for short-term use, for example, in the first few days after birth for extra stimulation.

If you want to express a full feed, it often takes 15 to 30 minutes per breast . This makes hand pumping time-consuming. It's also physically demanding, making it an unsustainable solution for most mothers who pump regularly.

Benefits of manual pumping

light and compact
cheap
handy for occasional use

Disadvantages

labor-intensive and injury-prone
less suitable for frequent pumping

Recommended at

Short term use

Medela Manual Breast Pump

The Medela manual breast pump is a great choice if you only want to express occasionally and prefer to keep things simple. It's operated entirely manually, without a motor or batteries, making it quiet, compact, and easy to carry. Ideal for occasional pumping, to relieve some pressure, or as a practical backup to an electric pump. Its simple design makes it quick to clean and ready to use.

The other option is an electric pump.

The pump uses a motor to express milk. This allows for more efficient pumping and better alignment with the body's natural hormonal response. Electric pumping can be done on one or both sides.

If you're only going to pump a few times, a single pump might be sufficient. But if you also want to use the pump when you go back to work later, for example, a double pump is almost always more convenient.

Because you pump both breasts simultaneously, a full pumping session often only takes 15 to 30 minutes . This saves time and physical strain compared to single-sided or manual pumping.

Advantages of electric pumping

time-saving
stronger hormonal response
often better milk production

Disadvantages

more expensive

Recommended at

full-time or frequent pumping
work and pumping

When we talk about electric breast pumps, there are roughly two types: electric pumps with an external motor and hands-free pumps where the motor is located in the breast shell.

Engine outside the shell:

In these models, the motor is separate and connected to the cups in your bra via thin tubes. There's usually more room for a larger motor.

Advantages:

Stronger suction: The motor can be larger and work more efficiently.
Lighter on the breast: the cup itself is much less heavy.
Often quieter: the engine hangs loose (often on trousers or bag).
Larger capacity: some also have double pumps with good output.

Disadvantages:

Not 100% wireless: there are hoses running to the motor.
Carrying an extra part: you have to clip the engine somewhere or put it down.

Elvie Stride

The Elvie Stride is a great choice if you want hands-free pumping but need a bit more power and efficiency. Unlike fully wireless wearables, the Stride's motor isn't located in the shell itself, but outside the cup, connected by tubing. This keeps the weight lighter in your bra and allows the motor to operate more stable and powerfully. It feels like a good compromise: you have the freedom of an in-bra pump, but with performance closer to a traditional electric pump. A full battery lasts about 3 hours.

Engine in the shell:

With these pumps, the motor is integrated directly into the breast shell. This reduces space and generally has a less powerful motor.

Advantages

Completely wireless: you don't have to worry about anything hanging around you or being clipped to your pants.
Pump without noticing: fits in your bra, ideal when you're on the go or at work.
Easy to carry: all-in-one system, no loose hoses or motor.

Disadvantages

Heavier on the chest: can feel a bit tight during longer sessions.
Smaller motor = less suction power: sometimes slightly less efficient than larger motors.
A little more noise (with some brands).
Smaller reservoir: often max. 120–150 ml per breast.

Premium options

Elvie Pump

The Elvie Pump Designed for mothers who value discretion, comfort, and mobility above all else. Everything is integrated into the cups you wear inside your bra: no external motor, no tubing, just a completely cordless pump that gives you maximum freedom of movement. It's also virtually silent, making it convenient to use at work or on the go.

The app lets you easily adjust settings and track your pumping sessions. This makes Elvie Pump a smart, premium solution for daily pumping, prioritizing convenience and quietness. A full battery provides up to 2.5 hours of pumping time. It has a 150ml reservoir.

Medela Motion Inbra

The Medela Motion InBra is often slightly stronger and more efficient than the Elvie Pump, which can be helpful if you pump daily or want to further support your milk supply. It can also be a little more audible, though both models are still very quiet and designed to be worn discreetly in your bra, even at work or on the go.

What many parents also appreciate about the Motion InBra is its simplicity: no apps, complicated menus, or unnecessary features, just a reliable pump that does what it's supposed to. A full battery gives you up to 2.5 hours of pumping time. It has a 150ml reservoir.

Budget options:

Evite

The Evite A wearable breast pump is an excellent choice if you're looking for an affordable, hands-free solution without compromising comfort or performance. This pump fits discreetly in your bra and operates quietly enough for use at home or on the go. It has multiple suction settings so you can tailor your sessions to your comfort level, and the battery lasts long enough for multiple pumping sessions per charge. On a full charge, this pump pumps for up to 2 hours. It has a 180ml reservoir.

Momcozy M6

The Momcozy M6 is a strong choice if you're looking for a hands-free pump that feels a little more powerful and refined in the mid-range segment. It fits comfortably in your bra and is designed for efficient pumping, even if you pump more frequently. The pump has multiple settings and rhythms, allowing you to tailor it to your body and preferences.

In terms of sound, the Momcozy M6 is often slightly quieter and more discreet than the Evite , which can be beneficial if you also want to pump at work or in quiet spaces. The battery lasts long enough for multiple sessions, and a full charge provides approximately 2 to 3 hours of pumping time. It has a 150ml reservoir.

Second hand or a new pump?

A used pump can be a great way to save money, especially if you expect to pump only temporarily or occasionally. At the same time, hygiene and reliability are especially important. Therefore, always choose new attachments, tubes, and bottles to avoid the risk of cross-contamination or the transmission of bacteria and viruses.

Also, carefully check that the pump is still in good condition and that all parts are complete and working properly. With electric pumps, suction can diminish over time.

It's also a good idea to check your health insurance: reimbursement usually only applies to new pumps purchased through certified providers. This can sometimes make a new pump more financially attractive, with a warranty and added security. Check your policy terms and conditions.

Which pump is right for you?

We've now discussed the key differences between the various pumps and listed a few great models. But choosing can be a personal decision. If you need some help figuring out which pump best suits your needs, you can check out the decision tree I've included as a PDF. It will guide you step-by-step to an option that suits your needs.

Conclusion

Ultimately, pumping is more than just choosing a device. It's a way to create space for your rhythm, your body, and your baby, during a period that's already so full. There's no perfect pump for everyone, just one that suits your days, your needs, and your life. Whatever you choose, it should feel right. It should be practical. And above all, it should help you navigate this phase with confidence.

Love,

Bobby