Categories: Breastfeeding, Pregnancy, Pumping
July 10, 2025
Last updated on July 10, 2025
So, you have decided to look for a breast pump? Well, you don’t want just any breast pump. We recommend finding the best pump for your needs and lifestyle. Though opinions from family, friends, and influencers may be a small part of your research, it should not be the core focus of it. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the different types of breast pumps, the parts of a breast pump, the features to consider, as well as additional accessories and support on your journey to find the right fit for you.
3 Types of Breast Pumps:
- Manual:
Manual, also known as a hand pump, are non-electric, single pumps used for the expression of milk. They are generally more affordable, smaller, and lighter than electric pumps, but they can require more effort and time to pump. Manual pumps are useful in the absence of electricity, on car rides, and for parents who may not pump as frequently. You can learn more about these in our “Manual vs. Silicone Breast Pumps: Which One Should You Choose?” blog here. - Personal Electric – Our focus in this blog!
Personal electric pumps are fully automatic due to their motors, which use suction to extract breast milk. They offer adjustments for cycling time (speed) and suction levels (strength) for comfort. Most are double electric pumps, which enable you to pump both sides simultaneously, saving time. These pumps are ideal for various reasons such as maintaining milk supply, managing engorgement, or for a baby who cannot directly breastfeed. In addition, they are extremely helpful when returning to work, school, or for anyone that may need to pump multiple times a day. - Hospital-grade Electric
Hospital-grade pumps are designed for multiple users, meaning the same motor can be used by more than one person (using individual collection kits and cleaning the motor between users). These pumps are stronger in their suction strength and power and offer different suck and release cycles than personal pumps. Hospital-grade pumps are often a good solution for parents with preemies, multiples, or for mothers with a medical condition that affects milk production.
Parts of a Breast Pump
While thinking about how to decide which pump is best for you, it is important to know the basic parts of a breast pump and how they may play into your decision.
Flanges/Breast Shields
Flanges and breast shields are cone shaped cups with a tunnel that fit over your nipple and areola, an essential component that creates a seal between your breast and the pump. They come in various sizes and connect to your collection bottle, as well as other parts. Pumps will come with at least 1 size set of flanges, but other sizes are available. It is important to get the correct size flange/shield for optimal stimulation, comfort, and expression.
Inserts are used to adapt a standard flange size to better fit within a flange/shield to reduce the tunnel opening and are typically silicone. Flange fit can change depending on what type of flange, shield, or insert you use. In addition, your flange size can change throughout your breastfeeding journey.
Membranes & Valves
Small, flexible parts, and typically silicone, breast pump membranes and valves aid in the suction and vacuum seal needed to allow milk to flow into the collection bottle while pumping. This pulls the nipples, stimulating lactation. Some membranes also stop expressed milk from flowing back into the pump motor. They should be replaced regularly, as their flexibility and durability wear down over time, which impacts suction and milk output.
Tubing
The tubing connects the pump motor to the collection kit, supporting the suction process. It is important to keep the tubing clean and dry to prevent mold and ensure effective suction. Only air belongs in the tubing – no milk! Some models use adapters on one or both ends of the tubing to connect to the different parts of the pump. Note: fully wearable pumps do not have any tubing.
Pump Motor
The main “control system” that creates the suction that helps to draw out your milk from the breast. The suction level and cycle rate should be adjustable to control the intensity and rate at which the pump pulls and releases.
Collection Containers
Bottles or storage bags that directly attach to the pump to collect expressed milk. Not all collection containers are compatible with all pumps, so check with the manufacturer. Some companies make bottle adapters to collect milk in different bottle sizes or storage bags.
Power Source
All electric pumps run on a power cord, a battery back, or both. The length of the power cord varies depending on the pump models. Battery options include AA internal, external battery pack, and internal rechargeable.
Features to Consider
There are many different parts of a breast pump, but there are even more opinions on how to decide between breast pumps, or which is best! To keep YOU at the focus of this decision, we have broken down what to consider into two tiers. The first tier includes features we believe to be the most important to consider. The second tier includes features that are also important, but meant to narrow down tier one top choices or reinforce one you may have already chosen.
Tier 1
Suction/Cycle Settings
Breast pumps are designed to mimic a baby’s natural nursing rhythm by both the suction pressure (mmHg) and the suckling speed (cycles per minute, CPM). Most pumps have different modes and phases to help guide you through pumping sessions. You can decide how much control you prefer to have by choosing a pump that has more preset settings, or one that lets you customize and fine-tune the settings further.
Portability
Pump weight, size, and power source options all contribute to portability. Are you planning to carry the pump back-and-forth to work or school? Consider a lightweight or smaller sized pump. Will access to an electric outlet be a concern? A pump with a car adaptor, or that can be run on battery power, may be useful. For extra flexibility, hands-free and/or wearable options may be suitable for your lifestyle.
Tier 2
Warranty
Most warranties cover a length of time (e.g. 1 to 2 years). If you’ll be using your pump often or have goals regarding your overall length of lactation, aim for a longer warranty.
Extra Parts/Accessories/Guarantees
Some pumps come with additional flange sizes, a carry case/bag, extra parts, or cooler packs. How easy will it be to obtain replacement or spare parts – can parts be found in store, online, or both? What other resources does the pump manufacturer offer to support you on your pumping journey? For example, some manufacturers may offer guidance on trying and obtaining different flange sizes.
Other Features
What options does the display have – timers, strength and cycle indicators, touchscreen, backlit? Would a nightlight be helpful for your pumping sessions, whether to light up the area around the pump or above, too? How important is app connectivity to track, control, and/or measure milk volume while pumping? Do you want the option to customize your pump to match your style more? Try a pump with personalization/skin decals.
As with many decisions around pregnancy and parenting, advice is often shared and may be appreciated, but it is important not to solely rely on how a pump worked for someone else. Everyone reacts to pumps in different ways, and each individual has their own separate lactation goals.
If you ever need help with your breast pump or breast/chest feeding in general, please reach out to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
What’s Next
If you are still not sure which breast pump to choose, we’ve got you covered! Watch our Breast Pump Unboxing Series on YouTube, register for our free on-demand Pump Exploration Webinar, or check out our Breast Pump Selection Guide to help you make the best choice for you. When you’re ready, you can order your pump here!