Why do some women use a breast pump? Over 80 percent of mothers begin breastfeeding their babies after birth, according to the CDC, but only 30 percent were still breastfeeding at one year. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding until two years of age, along with introducing other foods after six months of age.
Most mothers know the old saying, “breast is best,” but also understand that modern formula does provide adequate nutrition for their babies, so when breastfeeding challenges arise, many mothers transition to formula. There are benefits to breastfeeding that extend beyond simple nutrition, and some of those benefits aren’t even fully understood yet. Because of these extra benefits, many mothers who cannot breastfeed their babies directly for whatever reason choose to pump milk and feed it to their babies in a bottle. For that, having a comfortable, portable, effective breast pump is essential. Luckily, breast pumps are FSA/HSA eligible, and many insurance companies will cover the full cost for new mothers.
1. Medela Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump with Backpack
The Medela pump is built into a backpack, which makes it easy for working mothers to transport the equipment, and a built-in cooler and ice pack to safely store the milk once it is expressed. Many mothers find that this pump’s two-phase technology enables them to express more milk in less time. The Medela pump comes with various breast shield sizes, so each woman can find the one that works best for her. Additionally, this pump does not need to be plugged in; it can run on eight AA batteries so you can pump anywhere you are comfortable.
2. Gland USA Premier Double Electric Breast Pump
One of the smaller pumps, the Gland USA pump charges quickly via USB port, making it easy to use if you’re traveling. The Gland pump is ultra quiet for discreet pumping. Whether you’re at work or pumping while your baby sleeps, the quiet motor will be much appreciated. It has nine levels of massage suction that quickly pump milk into two BPA free bottles, and it will remember your settings to make each session as easy as possible. It is a closed system, meaning the milk does not enter the tubing, making the pump parts easier to clean and sanitize.
3. Madenal Double Electric Breast Pump Travel Set
This set has everything a mother needs to get started pumping, including breast milk storage bags. The Madenal pump begins each session with a massage setting to stimulate letdown by imitating a baby’s natural sucking, and then offers nine suction settings once the milk is flowing. A BPA free closed system, milk does not enter any tubing, making this pump easy to clean. Everything can be carried in the backpack, which also has a cooler and ice packs to store pumped milk. On-the-go moms can power the pump with a USB charger or by plugging it into a traditional outlet.
4. KidsTime Electric Hands-Free Breast Pump
Each pumping session begins with 90 seconds of milk-stimulating massage, and then you can choose from 18 levels of suction to find a comfortable setting. This double pump comes with bottles, the pump, nipples, everything you need to get started, and also a cold heat pad and sticker labels. The pump itself is only the size of your palm, and it charges via USB so it is very portable.
5. Medela Sonata Smart Double Electric Pump
This pump has the benefits of Medela classic quality with technological updates. The Sonata is built with 2-Phase Expression technology, which increases the speed of milk expression. It also connects to the MyMedela app so you can track your pumps easily. The motor is very quiet and is operated from by a touch screen control pad. This pump comes with a travel bag that contains a cooler section, ice packs, and two different sized breast shields so you can find a comfortable fit.
6. Bellababy Double Electric Pump
The Bellababy pump has one of the largest batteries and can handle pumping several times a day without recharging. The battery can also be used as an emergency power bank, as it has a USB connection option in addition to the traditional outlet adapter. The Bellababy bottles are food grade silicone, and the set comes with adapters that allow pumping directly into storage bags, rather than into the bottles if you want to condense the pumping and milk storage process.
7. Lasinoh Signature Double Pro Portable Electric Pump
This double pump can be used as a single pump, an option that will come in handy if your baby prefers to nurse on only one side. The pump itself is quiet and has a built-in display with controls that operate three modes and eight levels of suction. The pump can be plugged in, but it can also run on six AA batteries if you are away from a power outlet. This pump comes with special nipple tops that can fit right onto the bottles you pump your milk in, or you can use an adapter to pump into storage bags.
8. Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
Manual pumps are designed for use by a mother who is generally used to breastfeeding her baby but has to be away occasionally. This pump is made with Medela’s 2-Phase Expression technology, powered by squeezing the ergonomically designed handle. The pump attaches to the two BPA free storage bottles and is small enough to fit in your purse.
9. Portable Electric Pump
This mini pump can be used as either a manual hand pump or as an electric pump with the rechargeable battery. The pump parts that touch milk are BPA free and dishwasher safe. The electric motor is quiet and small, but the battery can hold enough charge for up to six pumping sessions. This all-in-one kit comes with a storage bag, nipples to convert the storage bottle to a baby bottle, and milk storage bags to get you started.
10. Zomee Double Electric Comfortable Breast Pump
This pump can fit in the palm of your hand and can be powered by batteries, USB, or an AC adapter so you can easily take it anywhere. The pumping flanges are cushioned for comfortable pumping. The closed system makes it easy to clean so milk stays safe for your baby. The motor is quiet and the backlit display is not too bright so you can pump while your baby is sleeping.
Have you found the best breast pump? There are many options to choose from, and depending on your needs, the right pump is available and waiting to help you extend the length of your breastfeeding relationship with your baby.
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