1. Medela Sonata Breast Pump ($359)
www.amazon.com/Medela-Sonata-Smart-Breast-Pump
Fortunately, most insurance companies have come to their senses and now cover the cost of an initial breast pump. That being said, the double-electric Medela Sonata Breast Pump is the Cadillac of pumps. This machine seemingly does everything except clean your parts!
Super quiet! It can be a little awkward when others hear your pump over the phone while conducting business. In this day and age of noisy gadgets, toys, and (I’ll admit it) children, anything we can do to lessen the impact on our ear drums is definitely a plus. Going back to work or even working from home is a breeze with the Sonata since its quiet motor facilitates multitasking without fear anyone will hear and question your activities.
Comfortable! Hard to imagine how something strapped to your chest and attached to your nipples could be uncomfortable, but, trust me, the wrong pump rubs you the wrong way. Repeatedly. With the Medela Sonata, these nuances were taken into account and a truly comfortable design was born. Although heavier than previous Medela versions, the Sonata does a wonderful job of balancing comfort with the ability to extract milk.
Connected! By using the MyMedela app, basic functions are recorded for a new (or experienced) mom to keep track of when and how long she pumped which is a handy feature not yet available with other breast pumps. The app also sends reminders to notify you when the battery is low or when it’s time for another pumping session.
Other features! The display is touch screen and the pump can be operated via battery power (a must have when searching for an electrical outlet is low on the priority list or virtually impossible).
2. Spectra Baby USA Double/Single Breast Pump with Rechargeable Battery ($173)
www.amazon.com/Spectra-Baby-USA-Rechargeable-Battery
Hygienic! Utilizing a closed system (as opposed to an open system which could potentially allow milk to back up the tubes into the machine itself), the Spectra S1 alleviates fears of bacteria forming inside. With proper tube and parts care (easy to follow instructions are located inside the manual), this breast pump can potentially serve its purpose for many years and several pregnancies.
Adjustable cycles! Not only is the cycle able to be adjusted during use, but the Spectra S1 has a monopoly on the market with its ability to also adjust the vacuum. This is important because many women need a varying amount of suction and power during each session. This leads to an overall measure of comfort, as well as how much milk is extracted, especially during those first breast pump uses. Personally, it took several weeks of pumping at work to learn what worked best for me and I can guarantee having a breast pump with many options of cycle and vacuum saved my sanity.
Extras! Though it may not seem imperative, trust me when I say these next 3 attributes definitely come in handy. The MOTN (middle of the night) pumping sessions are brutal enough as it is…hello, it’s the middle of the night! We should be sleeping! As is life, the small things seem to make the most difference. Read on for the game changers of breast pumps:
1) Nightlight. If I had to choose between leaving bed to pump in a brightly lit room (remember it’s the middle of the NIGHT) or staying in my comfortable bed to pump because my best friend, the Spectra S1, has a built-in nightlight, you know what I’m going to choose.
2) Timer. Some days you just don’t have the desire to patiently sit and wait until your child’s drink of choice is calmly drained from your body. A timer takes the guess work out of it. Set it to your goal and let the pump do the rest.
3) Inserts. Non-negotiable. I believe breast pump creators did an awesome job when they designed the flanges; however, flanges aren’t one size fits all. Women’s nipples and breasts change so much from pregnancy through birth. (Not to spoil the fun but your perky ladies are going to change again after breastfeeding.) That being said, the S1 includes silicone inserts for your comfort and peace of mind. Use them, if needed. Well-fitting flanges can make the difference between a great pumping session or a terrible one. The Spectra S1 also includes a pair each of the 24mm and 28mm flanges.
3. Spectra Baby USA S2 Hospital Grade Double/single Breast Pump ($143)
www.amazon.com/Spectra-Hospital-Double-single-Breast
Besides the price, what’s the difference between the Spectra S1 and the Spectra S2? Not a lot..
Color. The S1 is blue, the S2 is pink. If you truly can’t stand the thought of one of these colors, then maybe your mind is made up based on this factor.
Power options. The Spectra S1 has a built-in rechargeable battery. The Spectra S2 only has an AC-adapter. This has definite ramifications if you travel regularly or have any concerns about finding power outlets.
4. Medela Pump in Style Advanced with On the Go Tote ($228)
www.amazon.com/Medela-Pump-Style-Advanced-Breast
There’s also a backpack and messenger bag version of the Medela PISA, if that’s your song and dance. Personally, I loved the tote because once I was done pumping, I could use it as a diaper bag, but I’m sure the other two options would function just as well. Also, this breast pump comes with smaller flanges that most other options: 24mm.
Insulated bottle carrier with ice packs! Super handy when you can’t find adequate cold storage while pumping away from home. I know for a fact my bottles stayed cold for 9 hours while I was at work (when using the ice packs). Even now, I still use the small insulated carrier for my daughter’s whole milk or other refrigerated snacks. Four bottles fit snugly inside the bag due to the contoured shape of the ice pack.
Battery pack and AC adapter! The best of both worlds. If in the position of being unable to find an electrical outlet, the battery pack can be a lifesaver; however, the Medela PISA can be considered heavy usage of batteries so it’s best to keep extras in the tote if planning to utilize this option regularly. There’s also an optional (i.e., purchase separately) car adapter if pumping in the car is more your speed. Forewarning: the power output when using a car adapter is significantly decreased. This can make a single session take much longer, so, again, plan accordingly.
Durable! The Medela PISA can best be described as “tried and true”. Reliable, yet also basic. The open system makes this a cost-effective option. Overall, a great breast pump for the working or on-the-go mom who isn’t looking for the bells and whistles, but an honest option to make pumping easier.
5. Ameda Purely Yours Express Double Electric Breast Pump ($156)
www.amazon.com/Ameda-Purely-Express-Double-Electric
Universal HygniKit System! The makers of the Ameda Breast Pump have made it possible to pump breastmilk into any bottle or milk collection bag. This means you’re able to use any brand of bottle, not only what Ameda provides. Many moms would rather pump milk into the bags they’re going to be freezing so this enables that option.
Multiple Power Choices! The Ameda Purely Yours includes a battery pack, AC power, and a car adapter, perfect for a mom on the move or one who wishes to keep all avenues open when traveling. As usual, make sure to keep extra batteries near as almost all battery packs with breast pumps seem to drain quickly.
Suction Power! Speed and suction are both adjustable. Note: it seems with the higher speed, the pump does get a little louder so be mindful if wanting a quieter breast pump.
6. Lansinoh Signature Pro Double Electric Breast Pump ($115)
www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-Signature-Adjustable-Customizable-Production
Comfortable flanges! My co-worker stated this was her favorite feature. Her words: “if I’m going to put my breast and nipple into a contraption to extract milk, I want it to be this one!” The flexible “padding” on the rim of the flange ensures it cushions the breast tissue. With most other flanges, the hard plastic can be irritating to sensitive or overly sensitized skin. With these flanges, it’s a much more comfortable experience. Included with the Lansinoh Signature Pro are 25mm flanges, but larger 30.5mm flanges may be ordered separately.
Vibration! Though almost indiscernible, the mild vibrations of the machine seem to help relax the body, enabling a pleasant pumping experience. The vibrating technique isn’t advertised anywhere, so although it may not be a marketable aspect of the pump, it doesn’t seem to be a negative feature.
Multiple pumping patterns! As one of the least expensive options on the market, the Lansinoh Signature Pro is all about value without sacrificing worth. This pump has three patterns that mimic baby and each pattern is customizable with eight suction levels. It can be powered by batteries or by using the AC power adapter.
