Which medela pump to buy

But it offers a couple of key advantages over the Spectra S1: Namely, better availability of parts in brick-and-mortar stores—which could be crucial for frequent travelers—and more customization using products from outside companies. Medela is the dominant brand when it comes to breast pumps and the Pump in Style Advanced has been sold since the original version, the Pump in Style, was introduced in The most significant advantage the Pump in Style Advanced has over the Spectra is that its replacement parts are readily available.

Medela replacement parts are available in stores across the US, and indeed around the world—while testing pumps for this guide, I replaced a collection bottle at a Paris pharmacy. Spectra parts, by contrast, are mostly available online.

The Medela is also easier than the Spectra pump to customize. Plus, Medela makes breast shields in five different sizes, from 21 mm to 36 mm the Spectra has four shield sizes, from 20 mm to 32 mm. But the Medela Pump in Style Advanced relies on eight AA batteries, which feels like more of an ordeal, especially when they need to be replaced.

Medela does sell a dedicated car adapter for powering the Pump in Style Advanced on the go , as does Spectra. The levels were tolerable, but someone who needs to be discreet or pump near a sleeping baby would likely prefer the Spectra.

Unlike the Spectra pumps, the Medela Pump in Style Advanced does not include separate controls for suction strength and frequency. Again, not many electric pumps do. At its lowest suction, we measured the Medela at 66 cycles per minute, a rate that dropped to 52 cycles per minute at the highest suction—nearly constant, but not quite. For comparison, the Spectra tops out at 54 cycles per minute and can drop as low as 38, independent of suction strength.

The Pump in Style Advanced does include both stimulation and letdown modes—as all the models we considered do—and a single button switches between them. Horman said she advises her clients to change often between stimulation and expression to empty the breast more quickly, and she likes the Pump in Style Advanced for its easy toggle. The Spectra pumps also have a single button to switch between the two.

But again, the Spectra starts in letdown mode, while the Pump in Style Advanced starts with stimulation—logically, what a pump should do to mimic a baby. With narrower-neck bottles and smaller membranes, the Medela Pump in Style Advanced is a little harder to wash than the Spectra S1 and S2.

The Pump in Style Advanced has a long track record, the flip side of which is that it lacks many features found on newer pumps. Several testers mentioned the carrying bag was too small to fit much into beyond the breast shields and bottles. The Pump in Style Advanced is also bulkier than our pick—it weighs about 6 pounds versus 3. During the time we were reporting this guide the Pump in Style was usually more expensive than the Spectra S1, though the prices have varied considerably over time.

Some version of the Pump in Style Advanced is covered by many insurance plans. The pump mechanism has a one-year warranty. The Medela Harmony is at least as effective—or more effective—when extracting milk compared with other manual pumps we tried.

The handle also swivels a full degrees, moving the pump into stimulation mode. There, pumping with the smaller side of the handle, it's easier to create the quicker, shallower strokes that trigger a milk letdown. The Medela manual pump is also generally more reasonably priced and widely available than similar models, with an ability to use the same commonly found parts as our runner-up double electric pick.

Horman emphasized that a manual pump should be easy to squeeze just halfway, to keep the suction comfortable and as a corollary, effective. The Harmony was her pick in that regard. The Harmony has a few features that make it more appealing than the Philips Avent manual, our runner-up manual pump.

A small divot just below the breast shield helps to make the pump comfortable and intuitive to grip. Small yellow bumpers keep the handle from clacking annoyingly against the bottle. As with our runner-up electric pump the Pump in Style Advanced, also by Medela , the Medela Harmony manual breast pump and any necessary replacement parts are easy to find in brick-and-mortar stores, as well as online.

The breast shields, membranes, valves, and collection bottles are the same as for our electric runner-up, which makes the Harmony an appealing option for someone who already owns another Medela pump. The Harmony pump comes with the standard 24 mm breast shield, as well as a single collection bottle.

You can swap in other breast shield sizes , ranging from 21 mm to 36 mm. The pump has a day warranty. One lactation consultant reported that some of her clients with small hands have found operating the Harmony a little tricky. The parts on our runner-up, the Philips Avent Comfort Manual Breast Pump, are larger and easier to disassemble for washing.

Because the handle lacks a bumper, it clacks against the collection bottle if squeezed all the way. The pump has just one size of plastic shield, and comes with one 25 mm silicone liner. Other reviewers note the slightly squeaky noise of this mode, which is louder than the Harmony though both are far quieter than electric pumps, which some of the same reviewers say are less efficient for them than this manual. When suction on one breast from a nursing baby or a single pump triggers a letdown in the opposite breast, the one-piece Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump can catch milk that might otherwise go to waste.

It works by the simplest possible suction—squeeze the bell-shaped collection vessel, position the shield over the nipple, then release the base. An online reviewer wrote that she uses a Haakaa under a shawl when nursing in public.

Another uses it each morning on her more productive breast while the baby nurses on the other side, and stashes away 2 or 3 ounces a day. Because the silicone squeeze pump attaches while nursing, it can be a low-hassle way for someone who is primarily breastfeeding to build up a modest supply of extra milk. It can also save milk from leaking into clothing or onto tissues or pads —making for less waste and less mess.

There are similar models out there but we recommend the Haakaa based on its history of positive reviews. We hope to compare like models in future testing. In our tests, we found the Medela Sonata shares many of the user-friendly features of the Spectra S1. The motor creates two different suction modes, which means more people may find success with it. But the pump itself is the loudest of any we tested—45 decibels from 3 feet away—and at least one tester found it painful to use, pinching the nipples.

Plus, with only one size of breast shield available with two possible sizes of silicone liner it was the least customizable of any double electric pump we tried. The Medela Symphony is a quiet, effective pump that can be used exclusively meaning, without also nursing a baby directly to maintain milk supply. But as a very expensive hospital-grade pump typically available as a rental, it fell outside the scope of this guide.

The Medela Freestyle is a small, portable, battery-operated pump. The Lansinoh Signature Pro Double Electric is a popular double electric pump that we researched but decided not to test. It's moderately priced, but the Spectra and Medela models we recommend were consistently better reviewed.

And Rakowski-Gallagher at the Upper Breast Side doubted this pump's ability to maintain milk supply in the long run. The innovative but expensive Naya Smart Breast Pump uses water, rather than air, to create its vacuum; the breast shields massage the breast with water sealed in a separate chamber from the milk and the pump can be controlled via an app using Bluetooth.

The California-based startup started selling the pump in mid but has struggled to find sufficient funding. When researching the best breast pumps, Andrea Tran , a certified lactation consultant, says to consider these important factors:.

We get it — all these different terms can be a little overwhelming, and there are a lot of breast pumps on the market to choose from. To create our curated list of the best breast pumps, we considered the above guidelines and took into account breast pumps that thousands of members of the What to Expect Community, as well as our editors, have tried and loved.

Below, you can check out our top picks for the best breast pumps for moms. By working in the same way, this pump aims to help you produce more milk in less time, which is a huge plus. I got the one with the battery pack. The battery pack for it is external, which was weird to me. I do already have a spectra from my first as a backup if I end up not liking this. But the fit on the bottles of this are more contoured and feel more comfortable than my spectra did!

You may not hear about Spectra pumps as often as you do some of the other brand names on this list, but the company is quickly gaining fans for breast pumps that combine medical-grade functionality and affordability. Not to mention, it's a What to Expect Award winner. Moms everywhere tout this as one of the most powerful pumps outside of the ones you can rent from the hospital — great for exclusively pumping moms and moms who rely on pumping to stash enough milk to feed baby during work hours.

The 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.

It weighs just 3. The double-electric, closed-system design has a digital display that lights up so you can easily set the speed and rhythm.

Turn it off, and its memory will even recall where you last left off. The Medela is fine, but the Spectra is more comfortable, easier to clean closed system , gives you more control over the pump settings, is quieter and gives me more milk when I express. This compact and lightweight pump features two pumping modes and multiple levels of suction. The pump itself is nice and sleek, too. The device, which fits in the palm of your hand, clearly displays the working mode and suction level.

Perhaps one of the biggest draws, though, is the fact that this budget-friendly pump can be used wirelessly. It's battery-powered and lasts up to minutes without a new charge. Worth noting: Although there are various suction levels, even the lowest setting is incredibly strong — perhaps even a little too strong, according to some moms who complain of nipple tenderness. As for how it differs? Weighing less than one pound, this is one of the smallest and lightest breast pumps on the market it reminds us of an oversized mobile phone.

The rechargeable battery lasts about two hours pretty impressive for a battery-operated pump! It also comes with a USB charging cable — great for using in the car and other places where you might not have access to a regular outlet. I can cart it around in a purse to and from work, and I use a hands-free bra and can roam around the house when I pump!

So worth it! I just charge my Freestyle every few days and throw it in the bag and go! I use my Freestyle at home and for traveling because it runs on the battery. At my desk, I use the Pump in Style. I get similar amounts out of each when I pump. Pumping is hard enough without having to get into a certain position in order for your milk to make it into the bottle.

The bottles are easily assembled and and control buttons are simple to use. The settings are highly customizable: There are eight for stimulation, and 16 different expression modes. The pump has a timer and will also remember your previous settings by default. A handy travel bag and waist belt to hold the pump while you're expressing are also included.

While the breast pump also comes in a single-electric style, most What to Expect moms agree that the double-electric is the way to go for efficiency. Weight: 2. Dimensions: 5. Most breast pumps are a one-size-fits-all product. Sure, you can change the flange on some to better customize your fit. The silicone liner also makes the actual pump more comfortable than those made only with plastic!

Like most manual pumps, the parts are easy to disassemble and clean. Although parts can wear out, because this is a more common brand of pump, replacement parts are easy to locate. The Medela Pump In Style was designed to optimize suction and pumping efficiency, so speedy pumping sessions are frequently noted when using it. The Medela Symphony is the choice of many hospitals.

It might be a good choice if you are trying to establish milk for an adopted baby. It is such a well-sealed closed system pump that hospitals are willing to let multiple lactating women use the same machine.

Also, due to the hefty price tag on this pump, it may be worth your while to see if there is a hospital or birth center in your area that rents out this pump. The Medela Freestyle is extremely light and fits conveniently in a purse or diaper bag.

It comes with a digital display and timer that includes a memory function to save your favorite expression suction patterns. When the battery is low, the suction decreases significantly, so it may become necessary to plug it in. The Freestyle Flex is also a louder pump. The Lansinoh is lightweight, portable, and has a backlit LCD screen.

It runs on a power cord or batteries. The three pumping styles and adjustable suction options help with letdown, and the closed system keeps the pump hygienic. This screen has all the information a lactating individual could hope for, as well as a convenient one-touch option for controlling the pump. The Bellababy Double Electric offers a closed system with strong suction that continues well even with a low battery.

It also tends to run a little louder than some pumps. It has a lot of parts to clean and sanitize. By Ashley Ziegler. Ashley Ziegler. Learn about our editorial process. Our Top Picks.

Best Overall:. Best Budget:. A closed system pump with nine vacuum settings and four modes, including massage to help stimulate the breast for milkflow. Best Handsfree:. Instead of being attached to a pump, this style attaches the pump to you so that you can go about your day while you collect milk.

Best Manual:. Best Hospital Grade:. Best Electric:. Can be used as either a single or double breast pump and can be used by plugging into a power outlet or using the battery. Best Milk Catcher:. Best Portable:. Features adjustable settings, a letdown button to help you get more milk, and a super quiet motor for discrete pumping sessions.

In This Article Expand. Our Picks. What to Look for. Why Trust Verywell Family? Pros Has a battery for on-the-go pumping Travel bag included Equipped with 10 vacuum settings. Pros Budget friendly Four modes with nine vacuum levels Compact, lightweight design.

Cons Only two bottles included Is too powerful for some, causing pain. Pros Hands free pumping App for remote control and data tracking Whisper quiet and lightweight.

Cons On the pricier end Can be difficult to get the hang of Leaks show up on your clothing. Pros Lightweight and portable Easy to use Dishwasher safe. Cons Requires manual pumping No suction setting options, so may be painful for some. The 8 Best Manual Breast Pumps of Cons Hefty investment Large and heavy Requires a pumping kit, which is sold separately.

Pros Includes a rechargeable battery for on the go pumping Extremely quiet Strong, effective suction. Pros Made from soft, comfortable silicone Dishwasher Safe Easy to use.

Cons May be too small for larger nipples Can feel bulky in a bra. Pros Option for electric or battery power Lightweight and compact Adjustable settings. Final Verdict The Medela Pump In Style Breast Pump view at Amazon ranks highest on our list for its size, ease of use, quiet functions, and all of the accessories that come with the pump.

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