Spectra- Offers plug-in and portable options, though some battery powered models are more portable than others. All models are closed system, meaning there is no backflow of milk and milk never enters tubing. This brand has a wider variety of pump settings than many other brands, allowing for more specific settings to suit your pumping needs. For example, each side can have different settings if suction needs were different (sometimes one breast produces more milk naturally).

 

Medela– offers plug-in and portable options (most have either a built-in battery or the option for batteries), often include bottles with their pumps, include two flange sizes, and often include bottles. Flanges and bottles are universal to all their pumps. They make the only open system pump on the market (Pump in Style), which honestly I don’t recommend. All their other electric pumps are closed system. They offer both single and double electric pumps, a manual pump, a silicone milk collector/hand pump, and a hospital-grade pump that is rentable from the hospital. There is an option for app connectivity for tracking for some of their pumps.

 

Zomee- Portable options with rechargeable batteries, single or double capability, quiet, closed system and affordable. Hospital grade strength suction.

 

Elvie- A leading brand of wearable pumps, can be single or double. Connectivity with app available. Closed system. Option for a higher end silent model where there are no external cords or tubes, each side having its own individual rechargeable motor, with another quiet (not silent) option having external tubing connecting both cups to a single stronger motor. Each size holds 5 oz which is less than a typical bottle on a pump can hold. They offer a Stride model that is more affordable and Stride 2 which offers soft silicone cups and better flow.

 

Ameda Mya- Single or double capability, closed system pump. Quiet, rechargeable, small in size, hospital strength suction. Comes with a nightlight and a lanyard. Manual pump also available. Prices are more reasonable than the household name brands, which is impressive given how portable these are.

 

Baby Buddha- Single or double capability, “impressively quiet” with stronger suction compared to other portable pumps. This pump is small- it looks like a small remote control. It is rechargeable, closed system and comes with a neck lanyard and a bag. It’s compatible with Freemie cups, meaning it can basically turn into a wearable pump. This brand is another more affordable one. They also make a manual pump.

 

Freemie- makes a pump in addition to wearable cups. Search the pump brands with which these cups are compatible, because it can be quite convenient to be able to turn your regular pump into a wearable one.

 

Other brands to investigate include but are not limited to:

 

  • Willow
  • Lansinoh
  • Philips Avent
  • Bellababy
  • NVCI
  • Tommee Tippee
  • Evenflo
  • Dr. Brown’s
  • Motif
  • Ardo
  • Legendairy (also has silicone cups that are compatible with other brands)
  • Annabella
  • MomCozy
  • Perifit (wearable)

*Some brands that have manual pumps include Medela (the one I had), Spectra, Baby Buddha, Ameda Mya, Avent, Dr. Brown’s, Lansinoh, Evenflo, Tommee Tippee, and Rumble Tuff.

*Brands that make silicone hand pumps include but are not limited to Bumblebee, Haakaa, Naturebond, Medela, and Elvie (wearable/doesn’t fall off).

Inverted nipple correctors – Lansinoh Latch Assist and Haakaa have inverted nipple correctors. They both help draw out a flat or inverted nipple.