Preparing for your new bundle of joy is an exciting time. You’re likely purchasing a brand-new crib, adorning their nursery with toys and gifts and learning about baby wipes and baby lotions all day long.
While curating your baby registry, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of using a breast pump — especially if breastfeeding is something you’re willing to give a try once your baby is born.
“Breast pumps allow lactating parents to feed breastmilk to their babies, when they can’t physically or don’t want to nurse their babies directly,” Jada Shapiro, founder of Boober, a platform where parents find lactation consultants and doulas, told the New York Post. “A breast pump is used to replace a feeding session or to increase milk supply.”
Not to mention, Shapiro says you should be breast-pumping “as often as you need to,” which will depend on what works best for you. “If exclusively pumping a new baby it will be every one to three hours,” she says. “If you’re just keeping your milk supply when back it work it might be three times per day.”
Ahead, New York Post Shopping outlined the 9 best breast pumps of 2023 after rigorous research on top-searched brands. Whichever one you end up using, be sure to note that breastfeeding is a learning curve. With one of the below options, you’ll be on your way to supplying your little one with much-needed nutrients, too.
You may want to purchase a nursing bra and nursing pillow along with one of our top picks below, along with checking out our guides to the best maternity clothing brands and maternity leggings.
How to use a breast pump, step-by-step
Ahead, Shapiro outlines an easy-to-follow guide on how to use a breast pump before shopping for one:
- Wash your hands.
- Next, assemble any parts including the phalanges, the receptacle, any tubing you might need to connect.
- Think about your baby to help with milk let-down. Position the breast shield or flange over your breast, centering the nipple in the middle of the shield.
- Turn the pump on. Start pumping at a low level of suction and higher speed (or stimulation mode) and slightly increase the suction and slow down the speed once the milk begins to flow (or expression mode). Some pumps do this for you.
- After pumping, wash your pump parts and quickly refrigerate or freeze your milk unless you will be using it shortly.
1. Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow, $186 to $215
With more than 3,000 rave reviews on Amazon for being a “great breast pump that’s easy to use,” the Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow is a great option to add to your cart. Namely, it’s an electric and portable device that is said to increase milk volume by 11.8% in less time. It also provides the option to double-pump in pure comfort, thanks to its oval-shaped breast shields that conform around you.
2. Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump, $216
The Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump is backed by nearly 5,000 positive reviews for its portable and rechargeable nature. It features technology that mimics the experience of natural breastfeeding, so rest assured you’ll be in pure comfort.
Whether you use it as a single electric or double electric pump, you’ll appreciate its built-in Spectra backflow protector that creates a complete physical barrier between your milk and your pump motor to (1) protect your milk and (2) make this device easy to clean and hygienic.
3. Elvie Breast Pump, $423 to $550
Though a splurge, the Elvie Breast Pump is top-rated and backed by more than 3,000 positive reviews on Amazon for being “so gentle” and “hardly noticeable when on.”
According to the brand, this high-tech model is said to be the smallest, quietest and smartest — making it well worth the splurge for a ton of reviewers. Its incredibly wearable design tucks discreetly into your bra, too, all while allowing you to pump hands-free.
4. Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump, $350
Shop the Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump if you’re looking for a hands-free, cord-free and hospital-grade suction device that’s fully adjustable to your body (with 15 levels of adjustable suction, may we add). With its paired app, it’s easy to assemble with just one hand and comes with everything you need to kick-start your breastfeeding journey.
5. Motif Medical Luna Double Pumping Kit, $36
Looking for a budget-friendly option? The Motif Medical Luna Double Pumping Kit fits the bill, thanks to it coming with all of the BPA-free replacement parts you would need for less than $40. Plus, reviewers have said the kit “makes life so much easier for pumping.”
Keep in mind that you’ll also have to purchase the Motif Luna Double Electric Breast Pump ($118) to use alongside this top-rated pumping option.
6. Momcozy S9 Double Wearable Breast Pump, $84 to $120
The Momcozy S9 Double Wearable Breast Pump has an impressive 6,000 rave reviews on Amazon — and counting — thanks to its ability to massage the breast before pumping, imitating the baby’s feeding mode to help optimize milk production. Because its breast pump accessories are made with food-grade silicone, it’s one of the easiest to clean and maintain.
7. Freemie Liberty II Deluxe Breast Pump System, $170 to $200
Add the Freemie Liberty II Deluxe Breast Pump System to your cart if you’re seeking a lightweight wearable system that has unique smart features. Impressively, this model boasts a sleep timer so you can “collect some zzz’s while catching oz’s,” per the brand. Plus, its compact and rechargeable pump can even be worn on your hip to keep its electronic counterparts off your breasts.
8. Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump, $25, original price: $35
If you don’t mind manually pumping milk, the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump is an affordable option that’s readily available to order online. It features nearly 10,000 rave reviews on Amazon for its two-phase pumping design to help maximize milk production. Additionally, its ergonomic handle design is both easy to use and clean.
9. BabyBuddha Breast Pump, $170 to $190
Shop the BabyBuddha Breast Pump for a smart option that’s less than $200. With more than 1,000 positive reviews on Amazon for being “the best of the best” and “a super strong pump with a great value,” you’ll appreciate its ultra-quiet operation, compact design and hygienic make. Its breast feeding pump comes with a closed system to ensure milk doesn’t flow backward and get contaminated.
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