Factors to consider when choosing a pump:

Note: hospital-grade pump is not a protected term; all pumps/bottles claim to be like breastfeeding. When choosing a pump, you want to look at the specifications:

1. Pump motor 

• Suction strength: In my experience, clients have the best milk supply outcomes with pumps with a max suction of 270 mmHg or above (EX, Spectra S1/S2/Gold/Gold Portable, Cimilre S5+/S6+, Motif Luna, Pumpables pumps)

• Single vs dual motor consumer pump: Dual motor pumps can be helpful since both flanges do not share the strength of one motor. Parents should consider other variables, such as pump setting control and portability, if they are on the fence between a single motor and a dual motor pump. The benefit of a dual-motor is that you can usually set different suction speeds/strengths on each breast/chest if you need/want to. (Single: Spectra S1/S2, Cimilre S6+, Motif Luna, Pumpables & Double: Cimilre S5+,  Spectra Gold/Gold Portable)

• Multi-user dual motor pump: A multi-user dual motor pump has two motors and is strong enough to be used by multiple people for multiple feeding journeys. These pumps range from 599 to $2000 and are often rented for around 100 a month. (Ex: Unimom Opera & Madela Symphony 

2. Pump settings:  

• Mode button: Mode buttons are often seen as hands/droplets/waves/M /M/M/M/M, and they typically switch the suction speed/strength pattern. Normally, you want to start with a fast and gentle suction and switch to a slow and strong suction once you see milk in the flanges. A button to switch between modes is helpful because when pumping, you often don't have the time (or hands) to manually change settings. 

• Volume/suction control:

  • Volume/suction controlled separately: pumps that allow you to control the speed and suction strength separately. This can be helpful because not all bodies respond to the same settings. (ex: Spectra S1/S2, Cimilre S5+, Pumpables SuperGenie, Motif Luna, Unimom Opera) 

  • Volume and suction are preset: These pumps are more straightforward and typically have preset settings. Often, settings start fast and gently and go slower/faster as you go higher. This is helpful for parents who may be overwhelmed by options. Often this is the setting for tiny pumps. (Ex: Cimilre S6+, Madela Symphony, Pumpables Genie advanced)

3. Flange options:​

• Single-piece flanges vs two-piece flanges: Some pumps, like Spectra, come with flanges in one piece, and other pumps, like Madela, come with flanges in pieces that attach. To my knowledge, this doesn't affect function, but it is something to keep in mind when ordering new flanges (spoiler alert: most people will not fit in the flanges included with most pumps) 

• Flange and adapter options: As I said above, most people will not fit in the flanges included with their pump. This means most people end up buying third-party flanges from a company called Maymom or through another company called Lactation Hub. Maymom makes spectra-style adapters/flanges (in my experience, pumps that work with this adapter are Unimom, Cimilre, and Motif), Madela-style adaptors and flanges, Ameda-style adaptors, and Lansinoh-style adaptors. 

• Hard plastic vs. silicone vs. inserts: In my experience, clients have better milk production with traditional hard flanges, but some parents may need alternative flanges. Inserts are typically the only option with wearable pumps. Alternative flanges like Pumpables Liquidflange and Lacteck Flanges can be helpful for people having trouble finding a comfortable flange. 

4. Portability

• Size: pumps come in various sizes from hand size to the size of a karaoke machine. 

• Handles, straps, clips: If pumps are rechargeable, handles, straps, and clips can make them much more portable. 

• Plug-in vs rechargeable battery: While most parents consider size when considering portability, battery type, handles, straps, and clips can be more critical considerations because most parents like to sit when pumping but need the option to move if needed.  

• Wearable: There are many wearable pumps on the market. Most IBCLCs agree that these pumps tend to be less effective for pumping, especially for larger chests. If you are going to get a wearable pump, I recommend one with a suction strength of at least 270 mmHg, and be willing to buy/rent a second pump if needed. 

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