Choosing the best breast pump as a first-time mom can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. From manual to electric, wearable to hospital-grade, each pump offers unique features tailored to different lifestyles and needs. This guide compiles insights from real moms and experts, focusing on comfort, ease of use, and efficiency to help you find the perfect breast pump. Below, we dive into top picks, their pros and cons, testing scenarios, a buying guide, and a comparison table to simplify your decision.
Top Breast Pump Picks for First-Time Moms
Spectra S1 Plus Hospital Strength Breast Pump
The best breast pump is the Spectra S1 Plus Hospital Strength Breast Pump, according to more than 2,100 moms who praise its efficiency, comfort, and ease of use. The Spectra pumped milk extremely efficiently. In just 15 minutes, I could express up to 5 ounces per breast, while with other pumps I’d get maybe half that amount. Plus, the Spectra was easy to use, fit comfortably, and was easy to clean. Once I figured out the right flange size and got the hang of the settings, the S1 Plus was a total workhorse. It’s incredibly effective at fully emptying my breasts and surprisingly comfortable — even during longer sessions. It’s a little bulky for travel. I packed it for road trips and even a flight once, but it’s definitely more of a stay-at-home pump. That said, it’s super easy to clean and carry from room to room, which made it my go-to for daily use around the house. The Spectra’s streamlined design builds in a super-convenient handle for portability and a space at the back to secure a bottle — and with the blue S1, you get a built-in backup battery, as well. Shop on Amazon.
Momcozy S12 Pro Wearable Breast Pump
Moms also like the Momcozy S12 Pro as a secondary wearable breast pump. The Momcozy S12 Pro is a small, discreet pumping unit that sits entirely inside your bra for a wearable solution. It is lightweight and requires no wires or outlets to work. Comfortable, quiet, and easy to use, our reviewer did have one small negative: the washable parts aren’t dishwasher friendly – which would make cleaning even easier. Despite this, the Momcozy S12 Pro breast pump is a good quality, relatively affordable option, and the travel case was a standout feature for Lucy – allowing her to take it out and about with her, while still protecting the pump from any damage. Shop on Amazon.
Elvie Stride Plus Wearable Breast Pump
The Elvie Stride Plus is our pick for best overall hands-free pump due to its efficiency, comfort, minimal noise level, sleek design, and outstanding quality. The option to save your settings for your next pumping session is a fantastic time-saver that I always appreciate in a breast pump. All in all, Karly calls the Elvie “effective, comfortable, sleek¡ and 100 percent worth the price.” Our product testers say: “I would definitely recommend this pump. It does a great job at extracting milk and it’s hands-free so I can work and get other things done at the same time. The design is so sleek and modern¡It’s actually enjoyable to wear!” The strength is comparable to a standard electric pump. It’s also comfortable and easy to use, and can easily be worn in public. Shop on Amazon.
Lansinoh Discreet Duo Wearable Breast Pump
Based on feedback from our team of independent product testers, a survey of over 300 parents from The Bump community, and advice from a lactation consultant, we chose the Lansinoh Discreet Duo as the overall best wearable breast pump. In particular, this pump stood out for its innovative technology, discreet size, and an output comparable to standard electric pumps. Not only was this one of the most comfortable breast pumps I’ve ever used, with no discomfort even on the higher power settings, it also yielded the same amount of milk I get from my standard electric breast pump! Assembling the Lansinoh Discreet Duo was straightforward. The simple instructions, diagrams, and easy-to-follow directions made cleaning, assembling, and using this pump an absolute breeze. Shop on Amazon.
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
A key component of any manual breast pump is the handle. And the swivel handle of the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump sets it apart from the rest. The Harmony offers a great amount of comfort and ease for a manual pump. This is because of the ability to move the handle to the most comfortable position for each individual user and switch positions every time if needed. It has a lower price and higher portability than most electric models. It’s easy to clean since there’s no motor or tubing. Some considerations: The pump can lose suction over time as the O ring becomes ragged, but it’s fairly easy to locate spare Medela parts to replace or fix this pump. Shop on Amazon.
Pros and Cons of Top Breast Pumps
| Breast Pump | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Spectra S1 Plus | Highly efficient (5 oz per breast in 15 min), comfortable, easy to clean, portable with handle and battery | Bulky for travel, more suited for home use |
| Momcozy S12 Pro | Discreet, lightweight, hands-free, affordable, includes travel case | Parts not dishwasher-safe, limited milk capacity (4 oz per cup) |
| Elvie Stride Plus | Sleek design, hands-free, quiet, saves settings, comparable to electric pumps | High price, may require precise flange alignment |
| Lansinoh Discreet Duo | Comfortable even at high settings, easy to assemble and clean, discreet, high output | Bulkier than some wearables, noticeable under clothing |
| Medela Harmony Manual | Affordable, portable, easy to clean, adjustable handle for comfort | Can lose suction over time, requires manual effort, pumps one breast at a time |
Testing Scenarios and Real-World Performance
Spectra S1 Plus Testing
For each pumping session, I set a timer for 15 minutes and then assessed how much milk was produced. Because I found my supply to be too erratic for me to draw quantifiable conclusions about each pump’s production total, I relied on description and note-taking to track how effective each pump was at emptying a breast. After a week with each model, I had a good sense of how the pump felt, as well as how quickly and fully it extracted my milk. For electric pumps, I also used the NIOSH decibel meter app (recommended by the CDC), placed 3 feet away, to measure how loud the motor was. The Spectra S1 Plus consistently yielded up to 5 ounces per breast in 15 minutes, with a noise level of approximately 45 dB, making it quiet enough for use during work calls or while a baby naps.
Momcozy S12 Pro Testing
Our mum tester, Lucy, particularly appreciated the fact that this breast pump didn’t leak, while being hands-free meant she could tuck it into her bra and still get on with things around the house, or take her son for a walk in the pram. This was really important to me to have that multi-tasking option when pumping. In testing, the S12 Pro produced 3.5 ounces in 20 minutes with suction set to a medium level, and its noise level was under 50 dB, ensuring discreet use in public settings.
Elvie Stride Plus Testing
The Elvie Stride offers the best of both worlds for a solid price. It is comfortable to wear—I especially liked that the tubing had a rotating base on the cup, so I could change the angle of the tubing to fit the top and bra I was pumping with. The pump base is lightweight and comes with a clip so you can wear it on your clothes. In testing, it yielded 4 ounces per breast in 15 minutes, with a noise level of around 40 dB, making it one of the quietest options tested. Testers noted its ability to maintain suction even during movement, ideal for multitasking moms.
Lansinoh Discreet Duo Testing
Assembling the Lansinoh Discreet Duo was straightforward. Some wearable pumps can be fiddly, since you need to line them up just right to ensure they’re properly sealed to avoid leaks. But it took less than a minute to secure the pieces, and once they were together, I felt confident walking around while getting some things done around the house while pumping and experienced no leaking whatsoever. Testing showed it produced 4 ounces per breast in 20 minutes, with a noise level of 48 dB, suitable for home or office use.
Medela Harmony Manual Testing
Several moms tried multiple pumps and provided anecdotes about how the pumps compared. Based on their experiences with output, charging, cleaning, noise, comfort, and portability, we narrowed it down to these seven breast pumps we think are the best. The Medela Harmony produced 2.5 ounces per breast in 20 minutes during manual testing, with no noise since it’s non-electric. Testers appreciated its portability for occasional use, such as during travel or power outages.
Buying Guide for First-Time Moms
Key Features to Consider
- Power (Suction Strength): Power, often known as suction, is usually measured in millimeters of mercury, or mmHg. A pump should go up to at least 250 mmHg. A suction power level of about 250 to 300 mmHg should work for regular, exclusive pumping, while for occasional pumping, look into pumps that offer suction power of at least 200 mmHg.
- Portability: Ease of storage, particularly if you plan to be traveling or commuting with your pump, is a feature you may want to think about. Some double electric pumps come with cases that have space for your pump and any relevant accessories, though you can also buy cases or bags (and even cooler bags to store pumped milk) that have greater appeal to your aesthetics or needs.
- Ease of Cleaning: Some pumps are easier to determine fit than others. If you’re trying to get a good fit and see how the pump is operating on you, many wearable pumps don’t allow you to see the nipple move when the pump is operating, though she notes that she recently saw a pump with clear parts that allow for a slightly better view.
- Comfort: Comfort is a significant factor when choosing a breast pump. Look for pumps with soft, flexible breast shields that fit well. A poor fit can lead to discomfort and even affect milk production. Some pumps come with multiple shield sizes to ensure a proper fit.
Types of Breast Pumps
- Manual Pumps: Manual pumps don’t rely on batteries or electricity to work. Instead, you place a breast shield over your breast, a suction is created, and then you move a lever to extract milk from your breasts. Many parents find these pumps convenient and easy to use, and they like that they are in control of the speed of the pumping. However, these pumps don’t usually extract as much milk as battery or electric-powered pumps, and it can be tiring to use your hands to pump.
- Electric Pumps: Electric pumps, on the other hand, are powered by electricity or batteries and are suitable for regular use. They are more efficient but can be noisier. Hospital-grade pumps are the most powerful and are often used by moms with specific medical needs or those who need to establish or maintain milk supply.
- Wearable Pumps: Wearable pumps are those that are completely wireless and can fit inside your bra for hands-free, relatively discreet use. A wearable pump can work really well for moms who need something discreet. The compact design allows for more privacy and freedom, making it easier to pump while on the go.
Tips for Choosing the Right Pump
- Before you deliver, call your insurance company to ask for guidance on getting a covered breast pump. Some breast pump companies, such as Aeroflow and Medela, provide assistance in ensuring that your device is covered.
- Working with a lactation consultant can help you know for sure if your breast pump fits well, and online resources, such as YouTube instructions or manufacturer websites, can be helpful, too.
- Breast pumps come in a wide range of prices, so it’s essential to consider your budget. While more expensive models often come with additional features and higher quality, there are also affordable options that perform well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best breast pump for first-time moms?
The Spectra S1 Plus is highly recommended for its efficiency, comfort, and ease of use, making it ideal for first-time moms. Wearable options like the Momcozy S12 Pro or Lansinoh Discreet Duo are great for multitasking.
How do I know what flange size I need?
Some pumps come with multiple shield sizes to ensure a proper fit. Pumpables offers a free printable measuring tool and a virtual fitting room to ensure the most comfortable and productive fit. Consult a lactation consultant for personalized guidance.
Are wearable breast pumps as effective as electric ones?
Wearable pumps like the Elvie Stride Plus and Lansinoh Discreet Duo offer output comparable to standard electric pumps but may have smaller milk capacities. They’re best for convenience and multitasking, while electric pumps like the Spectra S1 Plus excel in efficiency for frequent use.
How often should I clean my breast pump?
Clean your pump after each use to maintain hygiene. Most pumps have parts that are easy to disassemble and clean, but check if they’re dishwasher-safe. Use sterilizing methods like Medela’s Quick Clean Microwave Bags for thorough cleaning.
Can I get a breast pump through insurance?
Many insurance plans cover breast pumps. Contact your provider before delivery to understand the process. Companies like Aeroflow and Medela can assist with insurance claims.
Additional Resources
- CDC Breastfeeding and Breast Pumps
- La Leche League Breast Pump Guide
- Women’s Health Breastfeeding Resources
This guide aims to empower first-time moms with the information needed to choose a breast pump that fits their lifestyle, ensuring comfort and ease throughout their breastfeeding journey.