Lets Talk About Breast Pumps!!!
Hey there, parents! Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, pumping can sometimes feel overwhelming with all the options out there!
If you plan to use a pump, it’s important to think through how and why you’ll be pumping, as your individual needs will help determine the best type of pump for you. Start by considering how long you’ll be away from your baby and how often. Will you only need to pump occasionally—for example, for a date night or a short outing—or will you be separated from your baby daily for work or school, adding up to 40 or more hours a week? These different situations call for different levels of pump efficiency, comfort, and durability.
If your baby was born prematurely, has feeding challenges, or is temporarily unable to feed directly at the breast/chest, you’ll need a Multi-user rental pump designed to establish and maintain milk supply. For parents who plan to pump regularly but not exclusively, a personal use Primary double electric pump often provides a good balance of convenience and performance. If you’ll only be pumping occasionally, a manual pump or wearable pump may be all you need for flexibility and short-term expression.
When choosing a pump, also consider your lifestyle, comfort, and setting—for example, will you have access to power outlets, refrigeration, and private pumping spaces, or do you need something lightweight and portable? Thinking through these details will help you select a pump that truly supports your goals, comfort, and milk supply.
Finding the right pump isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Everyone responds differently to electric pumps because our bodies are all unique. The science behind pump technology aims to mimic how babies feed at the breast, but here’s the catch: babies have their own styles! They suck at different intensities and speeds, so what works for one might not work for another.
There are a few different types or groups of pumps out there. Let’s break them down!
“Hospital-Grade Pumps”/Multiuser Heavy Duty Rental Pumps:
When looking for a pump, you may come across the term “hospital grade.” It’s important to know that this term is not defined or regulated by the FDA, so it doesn’t have a standardized meaning. Many manufacturers use “hospital grade” as a marketing term to suggest strength or quality, but in reality, what truly matters is whether a pump is designed and approved as a multi-user or rental-grade pump.
A multi-user pump has a closed system with a barrier that prevents milk or moisture from entering the motor or tubing, allowing it to be safely shared between users when each person has their own personal collection kit. These pumps are built for durability, frequent use, and strong suction consistency—making them ideal for parents establishing milk supply in the early days, or supporting a baby who isn’t nursing effectively.
In contrast, most personal-use pumps are designed for a single user and have motors that may wear out more quickly with frequent, long-term pumping. So, while “hospital grade” might sound impressive, the key distinction is whether the pump is truly a multi-user system and whether its suction pattern and strength match your individual pumping needs.
Multi user pumps are typically more expensive than personal use pumps so most parents rent them over buying them. There are several reasons why you would want to use one of these pumps. They are ideal for establishing or maintaining a milk supply, especially for NICU/premature infants.
To rent one of the pumps, click on the pictures !
We offer local delivery and pick up. We are located in Johns Creek, Georgia. We deliver to Johns Creek, Duluth, Norcross, Suwanee, Cumming, Alpharetta, and surrounding areas. We highly recommend doing a flange fitting/pump consultation with an IBCLC who is trained in flange fitting. Read more about the importance of flange fittings here!
- Medela Symphony: This option is commonly used in hospitals; The Symphony's powerful yet gentle suction and adjustable settings make it an excellent choice for both new and experienced parents.
- Ameda Pearl: This pump features advanced technology with a user-friendly design to support parents in their feeding journey. Its CustomControl™ feature allows for personalized speed and suction settings making it a great choice for busy parents.
- Unimom Opera: Known for its quiet operation and a lightweight design, this is another solid choice for establishing milk supply. A great feature is its dual motor customizability, with ability to adjust variable suction strength and cycle speeds on each side.
- Spectra Gold: This pump uses independent adjustability with dual motors allowing adjustable suction levels and cycle speeds on both sides, for a highly personalized and comfortable pumping experience.
Understanding Personal Use Pumps: Primary vs. Secondary
Choosing the right pump can make a big difference in your feeding experience. This quick guide will help you understand the difference between primary and secondary pumps—so you can decide what fits your needs best!
Primary Pumps
What they are:
Heavy-duty pumps designed for regular, long-term, or exclusive pumping. Can be single or double electric, meaning you can pump one or both sides at a time time. We typically recommend using a double pump to cut down on time. If you are an exclusive pumper or working parent here are some top picks for you
Key Features:
- Stronger motors with consistent performance
- Designed for frequent use (multiple times a day)
- Often larger models (some are portable with rechargeable batteries)
- More effective at building and maintaining milk supply
Best for:
- Exclusive pumping
- Returning to work and pumping daily
- Babies in the NICU or those who aren’t latching
- Pumping during the early weeks to establish supply
Examples:
- Unimom Opera: It is a multi user pump but its a great personal pump too, some insurances will cover this pump. Known for its quiet operation and a lightweight design, this is solid pump choice for and exclusive pumper or working parent. A great feature is its dual motor customizability, with ability to adjust variable suction strength and cycle speeds on each side.
- Spectra S1 and the Spectra S2: Known for their consistency, excellent suction and quiet operation, these pumps are fantastic for daily use and very popular choice, S1 (blue) has a rechargeable battery, and the S2 (pink) needs to be plugged in to wall when using, otherwise they are identical in features and function.
- Spectra Gold: This pump offers efficient pumping, dual motor customizability, with ability to adjust variable suction strength and cycle speeds on each side. This pump is great but does not have a rechargeable battery so will need to be plugged in to wall when using.
- MotIf Luna
Portable primary personal use pump options: are smaller but still do a great job! Here are two popular options:
- Baby Buddha: Compact and lightweight, it offers powerful suction (THIS PUMP IS NOT for sensitive nipples) and an intuitive design that makes pumping easy.
- Pumpables Genie Advanced: This customizable pump is user-friendly and known for its comfort, making it ideal for various pumping needs.
Secondary Pumps
What they are:
Lightweight, small pumps for occasional or on-the-go use.
Key Features:
- Compact, often wearable or battery-operated
- Convenient for travel or errands
- Typically not strong enough for long-term exclusive pumping/NICU parents/back to work parents.
- May have fewer settings or weaker suction
Best for:
- Occasional pumping
- Backups or travel use
Examples:
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Medela Harmony (manual). This is a great pump for occasional use and is super portable! They’re quiet and easy to clean, making them a handy option for parents needing an occasional pump session and is a very affordable option.
Tip from Your IBCLC:
Most families benefit from having both:
A primary pump for reliable daily use, and a secondary pump for flexibility when you’re out and about.
How to get a pump through insurance
The Affordable Care Act requires that health insurance companies cover breast pumps, so check with yours to determine what coverage you have for pumps. Most insurance companies will pay for a good, basic double electric pump. You can only get 1 through insurance so be sure to choose wisely. If you want an upgraded version or a multiuser pump, you may have to pay extra for it. Most insurance companies will fill your prescription for a breast pump after about 27 weeks. It’s helpful to have your pump before you deliver, if you are planning on exclusively pumping or just to have in case you need it. You may need to get a prescription from you provider. So call your insurance company to determine what is covered and when and how you can order one!
Here is a list of a few DME (durable medical equipment) companies that supply pumps that use your insurance benefits. You can typically choose from a selection of pump choices that are covered by your insurance or you could pay to upgrade to a better pump and have it shipped directly to your home.
Pumping can sometimes feel like an art form!
Here are some tips to help you master it:
Choose the Right Pump:
Research and select a pump that fits your needs, whether it’s a manual, double electric, or wearable pump. Not all pumps work for everyone, if you are having trouble finding a good pump, reach out to a lactation consultant who is knowledgeable on pumps and get recommendations based on your needs.
Proper Flange Fit:
This is VERY important. I cannot emphasize this enough!! Ensure that the flange fits well. A proper fit can prevent discomfort and improve milk extraction and supply. Reach out to our lactation consultants if you need help!
Get Comfortable, Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Find a cozy comfy spot to pump. Bring a pillow, a snack, and eyour favorite drink to keep you relaxed and energized.
Relax and Unwind:
Stress can hinder milk flow. Try deep breathing, listening to your favorite music, singing, or humming, visualizing your baby or looking at pictures or videos of your baby. This helps you release oxytocin, the hormone that allows your milk to flow!
Use a Pumping/feeding-Friendly Bra:
A good nursing or pumping bra can make all the difference especially making it easier to pump hands-free and stay comfortable.
Once you’ve pumped how do you store it safely?
Label and Store Properly: Use clear labels on your milk storage bags with dates and amounts. Follow proper storage guidelines for safety.
Milk Storage Guidelines:
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Freshly pumped milk can sit out for up to 4 hours.
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Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Milk can be frozen for up to 6 months (12 months in a deep freezer).
Be Patient: It may take time to adjust to pumping. If you are pumping for the first time after exclusively feeding at breast or are switching from one pump to another it can take your body a couple of pump sessions to respond to the change. If things don’t go perfectly at first, don’t get discouraged—keep trying! If you need help reach out!
Monitor Your Supply: Track your pumping sessions and milk output to help identify patterns and ensure your supply is adequate.
Connect with Support: Join a breastfeeding or pumping group or consult with an IBCLC for personalized advice and encouragement.
Clean Your Equipment: Follow cleaning guidelines to keep your pump and accessories sanitary and functioning well.
Pumping doesn’t have to be daunting! With the right tools and a little practice, you’ll be a pumping pro in no time!
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