Breastfeeding, bottle feeding, both? However you choose or are planning to feed your baby, you will need a bit of a helping hand.
At Mum Central we know how important finding that perfect breast pump can be. One that is comfortable, discreet, lightweight and, mostly, can express in record time! After all, no one wants to have a pump attached to their breast any longer than needed.
The great news is that there are heaps of amazing breast pumps on the market. But which ones are the best?
While choosing a breast pump is a very personal decision, we hope our best breast pumps of 2020 guide will help you make an informed decision.
Types of breast pumps
There’s a few different types of breast pumps on the market, so here’s a quick rundown of the different types of breast pumps so you know what you’re buying:
Milk catchers are breast pumps that don’t require any pumping action. Instead, you suction it to your breast and it does the work for you. Ideal for catching the milk on the breast that bub is not feeding on.
Manual breast pumps are lightweight and inexpensive. Instead of an electric motor doing the pumping, you will need to use a little handle to do it yourself. Ideal for the occasional expressing session, and pumping on the go (no electric outlet needed).
Single electric breast pumps are same as above but only one side, ideal for when feeding bub on one breast and expressing on the other.
Double electric breast pumps are powerful electric models that allow you to pump on both breasts at once (or just one at a time – up to you). Ideal for mums who plan on doing lots of expressing/returning to work.
Hospital-grade breast pumps are the heavy hitters in breast pumps, often used in hospitals to help mums express if bub is having trouble feeding or in NICU. Most are double electric and come with a large(ish) base system.
Okay, so now we know what we’re dealing with, check out Mum Central’s best breast pumps of 2020, including our top picks for milk catcher, manual, electric and more.
Best breast pumps of 2020
[mc_block_title custom_title=”BEST MILK CATCHER:
Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump“]
WHAT WE LOVE: Haakaa pumps are the silent, cordless, portable solution to pumping – you can express any time, anywhere.
Haakaa is the creator of the world’s FIRST one-piece silicone breast pump. Designed in New Zealand, it’s considered a must-have tool for modern, breastfeeding mums and I will be the first to admit that this was one of the best baby purchases I made as a breastfeeding mum. All it takes is just ONE squeeze and the Haakaa Pump attaches to your breast, drawing your milk out with the power of continuous suction. It’s ideal for catching the letdown while bub feeds on the other side … you’ll be shocked at how much milk Haakaa catches!
The Haakaa Pump is eco-friendly, effective, easy-to-use and priced at $25.39 and you can pick up a 10 pack of 260ml Silicone Milk Storage Bags for $86.44.
WHERE TO BUY: Shop Haakaa’s extensive range of eco-friendly essentials at the Haakaa website. Get an exclusive 15% off discount with code MUMCENTRAL15 (ends Sept 30 2020).
[mc_block_title custom_title=”BEST MANUAL PUMP:
Lansinoh® Manual Breast Pump“]
WHAT WE LOVE: Discreet, lightweight and perfect for on-the-go use, with no electrical source required.
No muss, no fuss, the Lansinoh manual breast pump takes the confusion out of expressing. Like the Lansinoh single electric breast pump, it features a soft and flexible Comfort-Fit™ Breast Cushion for a comfortable, secure seal and the adjustable 2 phase technology mimics the baby’s natural feeding pattern to maximise milk flow. The simple design makes it a cinch to put together and clean plus it’s BPA and BPS free. Plus, you can pump directly into a Lansinoh Milk Storage Bag for extra convenience.
It’s all you need in a manual breast pump and the price is right too with an RRP of just $95.95.
WHERE TO BUY: You can learn more about it at the Lansinoh website or pick one up at Amazon, eBay and select chemists.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”BEST DOUBLE ELECTRIC PUMP:
Pigeon Style GoMini Double Electric Breast Pump“]
WHAT WE LOVE: This clever little breast pump is quiet, discreet, as small as a mobile phone and perfect for working mums!
Our top pick for a double electric breast pump goes to Pigeon Style GoMini. It’s got all the bells and whistles but is also super small, comfortable, easy to use and even comes with a USB so you can pump on the go. Find out more about it and read our recent reader’s review.
The GoMini comes with both stimulation and expression modes and retails for $349.99. It also comes with two Pigeon bottles.
WHERE TO BUY: You can pick up your own Pigeon Style GoMini through the Pigeon website.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”BEST SINGLE ELECTRIC PUMP:
Lansinoh® Compact Single Electric Breast Pump“]
WHAT WE LOVE: Full of power yet small, lightweight and easy to slip into your bag when away from home. Plus, it comes with a micro USB adapter so you can pump in the car.
Lansinoh is a leading name in breastfeeding and this single electric breast pump is definitely one of the best breast pumps on the market. The compact electric breast pump features a soft and flexible Comfort-Fit™ Breast Cushion for a comfortable, secure seal. It comes with five levels of suction to maximise your milk flow and mimic bub’s sucking. Plus, you can pump directly into a Lansinoh Milk Storage Bag for extra convenience.
This pump is extra easy to use too, BPA and BPS free and priced at $269.95.
WHERE TO BUY: You can learn more about it at the Lansinoh website or pick one up at Amazon, eBay and select chemists.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”BEST HOSPITAL GRADE BREAST PUMP:
Spectra S2+ Hospital Grade Double Electric Breast Pump“]
WHAT WE LOVE: The efficiency of this pump is second to none. It’s got super suction strength and cycle speed for the ultimate way to express.
If you are planning to do a lot of expressing or if your little one is having trouble latching and you’d like to express, hospital grades are the best breast pumps to buy and without a doubt the Spectra S2+ comes highly recommended. It comes with super powerful suction, night light, and timer plus plenty more. When you need to double pump – and get as much milk as you can – this is an ideal choice.
Spectra S2+ Hospital Grade Double Electric Breast Pump comes with everything you need to double pump and retails for $299.
WHERE TO BUY: You can purchase it directly from the Spectra Baby website.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”BEST PORTABLE PUMP:
Tommee Tippee Made for Me Electric Breast Pump“]
WHAT WE LOVE: How quiet this pump is! It’s one of the quietest on the market which is a big benefit for mums who don’t like listening to the “doof doof” sound of their breast pump.
Portable, discreet and quiet, the Tommee Tippee Made for Me is a great choice for mums who need to pump on the go. It has five massage and nine express settings to help stimulate milk flow and pump efficiently, so mums can choose the option that’s most comfortable for them at different stages of their breastfeeding experience. It also comes with an inbuilt timer, USB connectivity and includes one Tommee Tippee bottle.
WHERE TO BUY: You can pick this award-winning breast pump up at the Gro Store. It retails for $219.99
[mc_block_title custom_title=”BEST MILK STORAGE BAGS:
Haakaa Silicone Milk Storage Bags“]
WHAT WE LOVE: Haakaa Silicone Milk Storage Bags are safe, reusable and sustainable for storing your liquid gold.
You’ve got your breast pump sorted, but what do you do with all the excess milk? You’ll need a handy storage system to keep track of the milk. The most eco-friendly option is a reusable storage bag. Haakaa Silicone milk storage bags are the world’s first, game-changing Silicone Milk Storage Bags – 100% silicone, super durable, leakproof, and fridge and freezer safe.
The bags can be stacked or stand upright, roll up super compact, and are BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free, with a 10 pack priced at $86.44.
WHERE TO BUY: You can pick them up at the Haakaa website. Shop now and get an exclusive 15% OFF using the code MUMCENTRAL15 (Ends Sept 30 2020).
Breastfeeding basics
Breastfeeding basicsWhen it comes to breastfeeding, the right equipment can make all the difference in the world. We highly suggest investing in a pump and storage system to help you.
Most mums will struggle with some aspect of breastfeeding in the beginning – latch, supply and demand, nipple pain. All totally normal. Remember:
- Breastfeeding takes practice: For some mums, it comes naturally but not always.
- There will be plenty of lumps and bumps along the way: And we’re not just talking about the lumps after bub sleeps through a feed! Breastfeeding can hurt a little bit as you get used to it.
- Time spent demand breastfeeding is literally equivalent time to a full-time job: No jokes. So give yourself a break if you can’t seem to do much else. In time you will.
- Breastfeeding isn’t for everyone: If you choose to breastfeed, great. If you choose not to or can’t for whatever reason, this is fine too.
- Help is available: Most hospitals have lactation consultants that can make in-house visits to assist you. There are also hotlines to call any time of the day including the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA).
