No, it’s not some kind of torture equipment: a breast pump is a handheld device that allows breastfeeding mothers to extract milk to feed to a baby via a bottle. They’re invaluable in a number of situations: relieving engorgement, feeding twins or premature babies, boosting milk flow, keeping supply levels up during times where feeding is tricky (for instance, when a baby is still trying to get the hang of it) and helping mothers continue feeding without formula once they go back to work.
Today’s pumps are designed to be discreet, quiet and comfortable. They’re easy to clean and maintain, and are getting smarter and more compact, with newer digital models adding support for mobile apps. You can buy a manual or electric pump (which usually come with a battery option), and there are both single or double pumps, too.
If you’re not sure which you need, then see our Buyers’ guide below for guidance on which is best for you.
How to buy the right breast pump for you
How close is it to breastfeeding?
Obviously you can’t imitate the real thing, but most electric pumps operate with a two-phase programme that mimics the natural feeding patterns of a baby: the first stimulates flow until the ‘let down’ reflex kicks in; the second emulates the longer sucking motion of the baby at the breast. It’s worth waiting a minute or two until you feel the change take place.
Which one is best for me?
That depends when and how you will use it. If it’s for when you go back to work, where will you be expressing? If it’s a very quiet office and the only private space is within earshot, you’ll be looking for something quiet – maybe even a manual. Or if you need to maximise your time away from your desk, consider a double pump. Perhaps you’d rather go to a toilet cubicle to be alone – in which case, you’ll want something that takes batteries.
Or perhaps it’s just for those times when your baby doesn’t feed regularly enough, for example, during illness, when sleep is the main priority. A single electric or manual pump would be enough to keep things flowing.
How much do you want to spend?
If money’s tight, get a manual – it’s the cheapest, and requires no batteries or motor – but it is harder work. At the other end of the spectrum are the double electric pumps, which can save you some very precious time.
Troubleshooting tips
Always check your position before you begin and look for items of clothing that may be trapped under the shield. Leaning forward minimises mess and can help with production levels, but it’s no longer necessary using today’s models. Electric pumps are always more powerful when plugged in, so before relying on batteries, always check for a power socket in the vicinity. If the sound of the motor changes during the feed, check for loose clothing or kinks in the tubing.
Cleaning
Using a bottle brush and soapy water, wash, rinse and sterilise the relevant parts along with your bottles. Transport the parts in a sealed container, such as a zip-lock bag. Keep the milk refrigerated until needed (two days maximum), or invest in some storage bags and freeze until a later date. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
The best breast pumps to buy
1. Medela Harmony: the best manual pump for expressing on the go
Price when reviewed:£25
For those times when you need portability, quietness and discretion, a manual pump is invaluable. The Medela Harmony is probably the smallest on the market and fits into any handbag, glove box, or even an anorak pocket. The rigid breast shield is comfortable to use, as you’re in control of the speed.
The handle on the Harmony is a little stroke of design genius. It has just the right spring action to make pumping a gentle experience and swivels round 360 degrees to work at any angle. It offers two speed settings: push the top and get a short, gentle suction to stimulate flow; push the handle in for full expression once let-down kicks in.
Key specs – Type: Two-phase expression; Weight: 140g (including stand)
2. Nuby Natural Touch: The best single electric pump under £100
Price when reviewed:£90
The Nuby Natual Touch won silver in the Prima Baby & Pregnancy Awards last year, and it's easy to see why.
While the base unit certainly isn't the smallest or lightest on the market, it offers the widest range of adjustability, with five settings for both speed and suction so you can really customise it to be comfortable for you. It really is more comfortable than most, too: the hard breast shield has a soft silicon cover to cushion the breast, which almost makes expressing a joy. Almost.
Quiet and discreet, a digital clock display counts down from 30 minutes to keep track of how long you've been in the bathroom. The bottle comes with a lid for storage and a wide teat for feeding, which is ideal if you have a newborn and want to minimise the risk of any latch confusion in the transition between bottle and breast.
For under £100, it's a reasonably priced addition to the market, and very good value for money.
Key specs – Type: Two-phase expression, battery and mains operated, digital display; Weight: 721g
3. Lansinoh Single Electric: The best single electric pump for taking out and about
Price when reviewed:£100
The Lansinoh single electric shares all the same excellent qualities as the pricier double version below. There are three options for both speed and suction, which means you can adjust it to maximise your comfort levels. Like the double, the breast shields have a soft silicon ring around the outside to make them kinder to the soft breast tissue underneath.
But there's more to this pump than comfort: it's also smartly designed. It's powerful and therefore productive, yet at 481g, weighs less than many others on the market and is therefore ideal to take on trips away without getting weighed down. A digital display keeps track of how long you've been expressing, so you can scroll through the news or pick up your favourite book without having to watch the clock.
Key specs – Type: Two-phase expression, battery and mains operated, digital display; Weight: 481g
4. Lansinoh 2-in-1 Electric: The best double electric pump under £150
Price when reviewed:£150
Lansinoh, the makers of the revered Lanolin nipple cream, have outdone themselves with this brilliant double pump. It’s quiet, powerful, inexpensive and very well designed. It also comes with two sample milk storage bags and a discreet black shoulder bag.
This is a breast pump from a brand that knows about the female body. Firstly, the breast shields come in two sizes and have rubber padding around the edge, which feels kind to the soft tissue underneath. It’s quiet, simple to assemble and easy to clean. Both expression phases (check out our Buyer’s guide for more info) allow you to specify the length and frequency of the pumps along with the power levels – which are displayed clearly on the digital display.
All this goes together to make the 2-in-1 Electric the most adaptable double breast pump on the market. Highly recommended.
Key specs – Type: Two-phase expression, digital display with time counter; Weight: 630g
5. Medela Swing Maxi: The best double electric pump over £200
Price when reviewed:£240
Probably the most established brand for breastfeeding mothers, Medela’s iconic Swing design has remained unchanged since it was first launched in the 1960s. It won Gold last year in the Prima Baby & Pregnancy Awards, which just goes to show that it’s still a force to be reckoned with
The Swing Maxi was born long before the age of digital displays, and breast pumps have since moved on in terms of what facilities they offer and how adjustable they are. The Swing Maxi’s lack of a display means you have to keep track of how long you've been pumping, and what power setting you have it on. But these are minor drawbacks really, because in terms of effectiveness, comfort, ease of use and compactness, it still competes with the best on the market.
Medela’s Swing Maxi double pump is certainly at the higher end of the market in terms of price, but you're looking for quality, durability and classic design, you won't regret spending the extra.
Key specs – Type: Two-phase expression; Weight: 649g
