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How to Pick the Best Breast Pump for Work

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“How do I know which breast pump to pick?” Talk about a popular question! I get this one often and honestly it’s difficult to answer! I had the opportunity to be a guest on “Chillin with Ceres Chill,” a video podcast series where Ceres Chill’s Rebekah Scroggy, RN BSN IBCLC sits down with the coolest experts from all over the world to discuss the hottest pumping/postpartum topics. Together, we discussed how to pick the best breast pump for returning to work. Let’s dive in!

*This interview has been adapted and enhanced for Pump Momma Pump’s blog. To view the actual podcast recording, scroll down and click the video link! Enjoy!*

First tell us, how did you came to be “Pump_Momma_Pump?”

My son was born a month early which landed him in the NICU. He was very sleepy and had no stamina for nursing, despite working on latch. After seeing 3 lactation consultants in the hospital (none even talked about pumping… *eye roll*), it was the NICU nurse that taught me how to use the hospital’s pump and got me started on exclusively pumping. (I didn’t even know exclusive pumping was “a thing”!) At the time there wasn’t support for pumping, let alone flange sizing etc. There was only one woman online educating about pumping. (Shout out to Amanda Glenn from exclusivepumping.com!) There were Facebook support groups but you got banned if you even mentioned nursing (I should know, I got banned myself!) So long story short, I became who I needed when I started exclusively pumping- education, motivation, and support for any pumping mom.  

Starting with the Basics 

When someone’s getting ready to return to work, what should they think about first when choosing a breast pump? 

Honestly, what your insurance covers! Start there. There might be different companies with different options available under your insurance plan, so shop around. Then, think about what pump you’ll need for your line of work. For example, if you have access to a pumping room with outlets, something like the Spectra S2 (the pink one) might be just fine, but it’s not portable. If you work on the road, you might need a portable pump like Pumpables Genie Advanced or Baby Buddha. If you need to pump more discretely while working, like a nurse pumping while charting, a wearable might be best.  

Can you walk us through the key differences between manual, electric, and wearable pumps? 

Sure sure! Manual pumps are just that- manual- they operate by hand, squeezing down a handle, not electric or battery powered. Electric pumps either plug in, can be recharged, or take batteries. Wearables, what I call the coconuts, are individual units per breast and fit discretely under clothing.  

In your opinion, what makes a pump “work-friendly”

That’s so hard to answer because everyone works differently. Some mommas work from home, while others are truck drivers, teachers, cashiers, etc. The more important question is: How does your work support pumping? The pumping space they are legally required to provide will dictate what style pump may work best for you. Often portable and wearable pumps are marketed as “work friendly” because they are assuming you need to move around and be hands-free. While this makes sense, and is definitely true… many mommas pump on break at work and have the opportunity to sit down and take some time to focus on pumping. In this instance, a heavier pump, or one that needs to remain plugged in, can definitely work. 

Dig Into Specific Features

Is pump output impacted by portability? Are wearable pumps just as effective?

Milk output can be impacted by portability. Everyone’s body responds differently to different pumps. It’s a good idea to try more than one pump to see which empties you the most effectively. What can be a real game changer, though, is flange sizing. A personal example: When I was using the Elvie, my output was less than when using my Spectra S1. I didn’t know I could get a flange insert for my Elvie so I was using the standard 24mm when I really could have been using a 17mm- that’s a huge difference! I highly suggest pumping way before returning to work so you can get sized properly and find the pump that empties you most effectively.  

How much does noise level really matter—and are there quiet options you love?

I used the Elvie because at that time, there were only two wearable brands and both were quite expensive and very quiet. (In conversation, Rebekah also shared that she used the Willow, also chosen because those were the only 2 wearables available.) The Elvie is still the quietest pump I have personally seen/used. However, I didn’t need that level of quiet, I could have used a pump half the price and still had the freedom of a wearable without the price tag! Companies like MomCozy and Zommee have great, affordable, wearable options.
If someone needs discretion, the more expensive option would be worth it… otherwise, save some money and get a mid-grade option that is just a little louder, but still offers the freedom of wearability.

Navigating Insurance & Upgrades

What should parents know about getting a pump through insurance?

I didn’t mention it before- Sometimes pumps are free through insurance, but often there are also upgrades available- For instance, I paid $50 and got the blue spectra instead of the pink one, (Spectra S1, the blue one, is rechargeable.) A blue Spectra out of pocket is over $200 so $50 was worth it!  (We talk more about this in the video below)

Is it worth upgrading to a higher-end model—or can insurance-covered options do the job?

What I have seen is that many mommas go with the free one the first time, learn their lesson, and choose an upgrade for their next baby, or end up spending money out of pocket on an additional pump. For example, if they got the Medela Pump In Style (which everyone hates) they should have just upgraded for a better pump!  I suggest getting a good, quality pump (like Spectra, Cimilre, or Motif) as your primary pump, and then getting a more portable option for a secondary pump. (We talk more about primary and secondary pumps on the podcast)

Comfort & Efficiency

Let’s talk about flange size. Why does it matter and how can someone find the right fit?

If I could shout it from the rooftops I would! Flange sizing is EVERYTHING! There has been great advancement in flange sizing research and many lactation professionals have done additional professional development, enabling them to size you correctly. Some still are under-educated and tell mommas to stick with the standard size or even size UP, which is hardly ever appropriate. You want to target the milk ducks just right and not suck areola into the tunnel. A flange closer to the diameter of your nipple is more appropriate. A sizing should involve a comprehensive conversation about output, pain, time spent pumping, etc… not just a visual measurement.  

What advice do you have for parents who aren’t getting great output with their pump?

First, focus on what you can control. Get a flange sizing done and try different pumps, if possible. (I highly suggest asking friends/family or local mom groups if you can borrow or buy a breast pump to try out!) Experiment with pump settings and talking to professionals about what pump settings might work best, etc.  Make sure you are eating a diet rich in protein and healthy fats and staying hydrated throughout the day. Be realistic about output. (You might make .5-2oz combined after a full nursing session or 3-5 ounces if you replace a nursing session with a pump session.) If none of this helps, consult a lactation professional, your OBGYN, or your GP to see if there are underlying factors that could be contributing to low supply. (My favorite resource is Kaia Lacey from lowsupplymom.com)

How do parents know if their pump is the problem—or if something else is going on?

If you have the opportunity, try a different brand or style pump than the one you have. If you’ve been using your pump often, replace your valves and other “wiggly” parts that wear out easily. If you already did this… seek out a consultation. Go to someone who specializes in what you need- pumping, oversupply, undersupply… there’s someone who can help, even virtually.  

Back to Work Reality

Any tips for pumping in shared spaces or on the go—like in the car or between meetings?

CeresChill, duh! (The interview was hosted by CeresChill) But seriously… find products and hacks that make your life easier. A hack that worked great for me, was the “fridge hack.” After a pumping session at work, I emptied out the bottles into my CeresChill, and then I reattached the bottles, wiped the inside of my flange with a Medela wipe, and stored my pump accessories in the fridge between pumping sessions, taking them home at the end of the work day and fully cleaning. As a CLC, however, I am supposed to let you know that the CDC advises fully washing, rinsing and air drying parts after every use.

How should parents plan their pumping schedule once they’re back at work?

Plan to pump around 2-3 times during the typical 8-hour work day. Going a full work day without emptying your breasts could result in painful engorgement, inflammation, and even mastitis. This could also greatly reduce your milk supply because since you aren’t emptying the breasts, they slow down milk production. If you cannot fit 3 sessions into your work day, or your production is lower than what baby needs while you are away, you might have to use your commute to pump as well, or add a session before or after work. Make what you can, and supplement the rest. Your mental health is worth it, obsessing over milk supply can be stressful!

What do you recommend for building a freezer stash before going back?

Not super necessary. Ideally, you’d be pumping prior to going back to work, so you may start a small stash in your freezer. A great time to pump as a nursing mom is about 5-10 minutes after your morning feed. After starting work, the goal will be to pump enough at work on Monday to leave with Tuesday’s caregiver, and so on.

Final Wisdom

What’s the biggest pumping myth you’d love to bust?

That pumping is not sustainable!  I have heard SO many mommas say that their pediatrician, mother, friend, etc told them that if they started pumping, their milk supply would dry up. That’s just not true! For a mother with a full milk supply, it’s totally possible to protect and preserve that supply through pumping at work. I find that the people who say this have had a bad experience with pumping, didn’t use the right pump/flange for them, didn’t pump regularly to protect their supply, etc. There’s almost always a reason that pumping didn’t work out. With the right supports, pumping can absolutely be sustainable.

If you could go back and tell your younger self one thing about breastfeeding, what would that be?

Oh gosh…. I have two. First of all, that pumping IS breastfeeding! The milk is just as nutritional and you are still working to provide that liquid gold for your sweet baby!
The second thing I’d tell myself is that is doesn’t have to be all or nothing.  I had to supplement 50% formula for my second baby and I initially felt major guilt about this. It turns out, though, that by reducing the number of pump sessions per day, I was able to feel more free and pump much longer than my original goal! My original goal was 6 months and I fully weaned at 14 months! Author Jessica Shortall once wrote, “Even if baby isn’t getting 100% of your breastmilk, they are getting 100% of the benefits of your breastmilk.” Think of it as the most personalized vitamin you could offer!

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