For working moms, finding the right breast pump is a game-changer. Balancing a career and breastfeeding requires a device that’s efficient, comfortable, and discreet. In 2023, the market offered a variety of options tailored to busy lifestyles, from wearable pumps that fit into a bra to powerful electric models designed for maximum milk output. This article compiles the best breast pumps for working moms, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and real-world testing insights, all drawn directly from authentic online content.
Why Working Moms Need a Specialized Breast Pump
As a working mom, you’re constantly juggling between your professional responsibilities and motherhood. One of the challenges you might face is ensuring your baby gets your breast milk, even when you’re away at work. A good breast pump becomes a necessity. Juggling a demanding job full of meetings, deadlines and team support WHILE pumping at regular intervals can be quite a challenge. But, besides the time management aspect, privacy is another key concern for many moms. Not all workplaces offer a private, comfortable space for pumping.
If you’re looking for efficiency, electric breast pumps with strong suction are the way to go. These hospital-grade breast pumps are designed to mimic a baby’s natural sucking rhythm, which can be more comfortable and might help you produce more milk. The downside of this kind of pump for work is they tend to be larger, heavier, louder and more cumbersome for your commute. They also don’t provide a ton of privacy, so you may feel uncomfortable in a nursing room with other coworkers. For the multitasking mom who wants a bit of privacy and flexibility to move around, wearable breast pumps are a game-changer. These hands-free options fit right into your bra, allowing you to pump discreetly while going about your day. You could be sitting at your desk, grabbing a coffee, or retreating to a private room, all while pumping.
Top Breast Pumps for Working Moms in 2023
Below are the standout breast pumps for working moms, each excelling in comfort, efficiency, or portability. These selections are based on real user feedback and expert testing, ensuring they meet the demands of a busy professional life.
1. Elvie Stride Double Electric Breast Pump
The Elvie Stride breast pump is so comfortable and discreet that a therapist wrote an article for PureWow on pumping during therapy sessions! With that kind of endorsement, it’s no wonder the Stride tops our list of 2023’s best breast pumps for working moms. The Stride slips right into a standard nursing or sports bra, and its motor is so silent you can pump on Zoom calls. What’s more, the Elvie Stride Plus comes with an insulated carrying case so you can safely store milk pumped at work.
- Pros: Hospital-grade suction (up to 300 mmHg), lightweight (150g per pump), app-controlled settings, silent operation, hands-free design.
- Cons: High price point, smaller milk capacity (150ml per pump), some users report less comfortable nipple shields over time.
- Testing Scenario: Samantha, a mom tester, used the Elvie Stride while working from home. “In the morning, when I needed to express myself, I would be in the house working and would find it extremely convenient that I could still use both hands to type. I found that gave me back so much freedom, and most of the time, I would catch myself forgetting that I was expressing milk,” she said.
2. Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump
The Spectra S1 Plus is a premier rechargeable double electric breast pump that comes with a built-in battery. It offers the efficiency, power, and performance of a hospital-strength breast pump while maintaining a lightweight design for portability. The S1 Plus is a closed system pump with flexible, one-touch button and digital controls that allow you to set the pumping program to the speed and rhythm most effective for your body.
- Pros: Hospital-grade suction (up to 270 mmHg), rechargeable battery, quiet operation, closed system for easy cleaning, highly customizable settings.
- Cons: Bulkier than wearable pumps (over 3 pounds), requires manual suction adjustment between sessions, less discreet for public use.
- Testing Scenario: A mom tester reported, “The Spectra packs a lot of power in its quiet, compact body — great for working moms who need something efficient but don’t want the sound of their pump echoing into the hallway.” She used it in a shared office space, appreciating the closed system for quick cleaning between meetings.
Shop Spectra S1 Plus on Amazon
3. Momcozy S12 Pro 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. With a double-sealed flange made from suction-sealed materials, it’s designed so that it doesn’t spill or leak, and the stronger suction seal allows for more efficient pumping, as our parent tester, Gethyn, found. “I would often have difficulty positioning my wired electric pump to be able to get a continuous flow of milk, but the suction on this ensures a strong and regular pump.”
- Pros: Affordable, lightweight (680g), 3 modes with 9 suction levels, spill-proof design, discreet for office use.
- Cons: Smaller milk capacity (150ml), occasional suction loss if not positioned correctly, shorter battery life (1.5 hours).
- Testing Scenario: Tester Gethyn noted, “I manage to pump 4 or 5 times a day with no problems. I can get on with everyday tasks or sit and relax knowing that I’m pumping without the effort.” She used it while preparing lunch and attending virtual meetings, appreciating its budget-friendly price compared to the Elvie.
Shop Momcozy S12 Pro on Amazon
4. Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump
Willow Go was designed to optimize milk output and pumping comfort with 15 levels of hospital-strength suction, more than most other wearables. Sassos, who tested Willow Go, said “Level nine is very high power for a cordless pump.” The Willow Go containers hold up to 5 ounces of breast milk, compared to the 4-ounce containers with the Willow 360 pump. A clear front panel makes it easy to see how much milk you’ve expressed.
- Pros: Strong suction (up to 300 mmHg), 5-ounce capacity, user-friendly button placement, reliable output for wearables.
- Cons: Louder on higher settings, requires precise positioning, expensive proprietary containers.
- Testing Scenario: Sassos reported, “It’s great to see the milk coming out in real-time from the spout so you know it’s working.” She tested it while doing household chores, noting its comfort but occasional noise during high-suction sessions.
5. Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump
The Lansinoh manual pump is extremely affordable, plus small and lightweight, which makes it easy to pick up as a backup for times when you might need to relieve just a little bit of engorgement or if you only tend to pump a few ounces every once in a while. For a manual pump, this one packs a big punch: It has two modes so you can pump faster, a special handle so your hand won’t tire as easily (anyone who’s used a manual pump knows how important this is!) and fewer parts to clean.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, lightweight, easy to clean, two-mode suction, ideal for occasional use.
- Cons: Manual operation is tiring, single-breast pumping, less efficient for regular use.
- Testing Scenario: Sarah, a mom tester, said, “Even though I had a double electric pump, I would often choose to use my Lansinoh manual pump. I felt that I was able to get more milk in the same amount of time and it was so easy to clean in between pump sessions.” She used it during short breaks at work for quick relief.
Shop Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Breast Pumps
| Model | Type | Suction Strength | Milk Capacity | Battery Life | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elvie Stride | Wearable Electric | 300 mmHg | 150ml per pump | 2.5 hours | 150g per pump | High ($300-$500) |
| Spectra S1 Plus | Double Electric | 270 mmHg | 5-7 oz (with bottles) | 3 hours | 3+ lbs | Moderate ($200-$300) |
| Momcozy S12 Pro | Wearable Electric | Not specified | 150ml per pump | 1.5 hours | 680g | Low ($100-$150) |
| Willow Go | Wearable Electric | 300 mmHg | 5 oz per pump | 2-8 sessions | 0.5 lb per pump | Moderate ($200-$350) |
| Lansinoh Manual | Manual | Manual | 5 oz (with bottle) | N/A | Lightweight | Low ($30-$50) |
Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Breast Pump
Selecting the right electric breast pump involves considering your specific needs and lifestyle. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice:
- Suction Power and Settings: Begin by evaluating the suction power, as this is crucial for effective milk expression. Look for pumps with adjustable suction settings to customize your experience for comfort and efficiency. 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.
- Comfort: Ensure the pump offers various flange sizes to fit comfortably and promote effective milk flow. A flange that’s too small can cause compression, resulting in pain, bruising, or reduced milk output, while a flange that’s too large can lead to ineffective suction and also cause discomfort. “The way I describe it the most is that it almost fits like skinny jeans,” says Anderson.
- Portability: If you travel frequently or need to pump at work, consider wearable breast pumps with a compact design and a rechargeable battery. Portable pumps like the Elvie Double Electric Breast Pump will follow you anywhere you go without fuss.
- Noise Level: The noise level is important, especially for working moms who may need a quieter, more discreet pump suitable for public or shared environments. The Stride slips right into a standard nursing or sports bra, and its motor is so silent you can pump on Zoom calls.
- Battery Life: Check that the battery life is sufficient for your pumping sessions, ideally lasting several hours on a single charge. Battery life is important, especially for working moms who may need a quieter, more discreet pump suitable for public or shared environments.
Tips for Efficient Pumping at Work
And finally, let’s explore some techniques to stimulate milk flow more efficiently:
- Start with a quick breast massage to enhance stimulation.
- If possible, try using a double pump to save time.
- Consider using a hands-free pumping bra for added convenience.
- Experiment with different pump settings to find the most comfortable and effective expression mode for you.
- If possible, find a quiet and private place to pump, as comfort is crucial for letdown.
- Additionally, staying hydrated and having healthy snacks on hand can help maintain your milk supply.
- If needed, consider using a hospital-grade pump for optimal results.
Common FAQs About Breast Pumps for Working Moms
1. Can a hands-free breast pump be used outdoors?
Yes, a hands-free breast pump, such as the Momcozy M9, can be used outdoors. These devices are designed for convenience and mobility, often featuring long-lasting batteries. This makes them ideal for use in various settings outside the home, such as parks, outdoor events, or while on a walk.
2. How do I choose the right flange size?
A good fit can result in a faster, more efficient pumping session, which is especially important for busy moms who need to pump frequently. Anderson further explains, “We don’t want to put the nipple under undue stress in a flange that’s too big or too small.” This is where many moms can run into trouble. A flange that’s too small can cause compression, resulting in pain, bruising, or reduced milk output, while a flange that’s too large can lead to ineffective suction and also cause discomfort.
3. Are wearable pumps as effective as traditional electric pumps?
Yes, hands-free breast pumps are effective, but results may vary from person to person. Spencer seconds this, saying, “Many models are designed with advanced technology to mimic a baby’s natural sucking pattern, promoting efficient milk expression.” The real plus of a hands-free breast pump, however, is the convenience it provides, which ultimately can help a busy mom “maintain milk supply and support breastfeeding goals,” she says.
4. Can an electric breast pump help alleviate breast engorgement?
Yes, an electric breast pump can be a useful tool to help relieve the discomfort of breast engorgement. By expressing milk, the pump reduces the pressure and fullness in the breasts, which can provide immediate relief.
5. How often should I pump at work?
For most people who will be using a pump regularly, a double electric or battery-powered pump will work. It works on both breasts at once to allow for maximum efficiency. Ordner calls these “traditional workhorse pumps.” They’re ideal if you need to pump three times a day, and/or you’re away from home for 8 or more hours per day—e.g., you’re a working parent.
Additional Resources
For more information on breastfeeding and pumping, check out these trusted resources:
- La Leche League International – Support and education for breastfeeding mothers.
- CDC Breastfeeding Guidelines – Evidence-based advice on breastfeeding and pumping.
- KellyMom – Practical tips and resources for breastfeeding and pumping.
Working moms deserve breast pumps that make their lives easier, not harder. Whether you choose the discreet Elvie Stride, the powerful Spectra S1 Plus, or the budget-friendly Momcozy S12 Pro, these top picks for 2023 deliver on comfort and efficiency. By considering your lifestyle, workplace environment, and pumping frequency, you can find the perfect pump to support your breastfeeding journey.