Welcome to TheTopBreastPumps.com. This website is designed to show you your options when it comes to choosing the best breast pump. From manual breast pumps to electric breast pumps. Read full in-depth reviews including a full list of features, the good and the bad, video demonstration, and customer feedback. Find the best breast pump that fits your lifestyle.
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- Best Manual Breast Pumps
- Best Single Electric Breast Pumps
- Best Double Electric Breast Pumps
- Best Hospital Grade Breast Pumps
Choosing a breast pump involves more than just comparing features and prices. In order to narrow down your search, you’ll have to ask yourself a few questions.
How much do you plan to pump?
This is perhaps one of the most important questions that you need to ask yourself before choosing a breast pump. For those of you who plan on pumping frequently, a double electric breast pump takes less time, and gives you the ability to express more milk. For those of you who plan on pumping moderately to frequently, and you’re not limited on time, a single electric breast pump will suffice. For those of you who only intend on pumping only occasionally, a manual breast pump may be all that you need.
Are you having trouble establishing your milk supply?
If you’re having trouble establishing your milk supply, or struggling with a low milk supply, it may be best to use a hospital grade breast pump. Lactation specialists agree that using a hospital grade electric breast pump is the most efficient way to build your milk supply. The first 4 weeks after the birth of your child is detrimental to establishing your supply. Some women can do this as early as 2 weeks while others can struggle as long as 9 to 15 weeks. The important thing to remember is that you must empty your breast completely in order to signal your body that it’s time to produce more milk. In fact, you should continue pumping for 2 to 5 minutes after the last drops of milk just to be sure you’re sending the right message. Most hospitals and medical supply stores allow you to rent one of these pumps for anywhere between $10 and $60 dollars a month. Some women choose to purchase a hospital grade breast pump, however they are really expensive, therefore those that do so intend to use it as a primary pump and have decided that the cost of renting for an extended period of time surpasses the purchase price. Why else would someone invest so much money into a breast pump? Some women are unable to nurse at all, and therefore must pump exclusively. The hospital grade breast pump is built for that kind of usage. It’s powerful, and extremely efficient. Some women who choose to go back to work find that a hospital grade breast pump is worth the investment, either because of the constant use, or because they plan on having more children down the road.
Medela Freestyle with Hands-Free Pumping Kit
Are you trying to maintain your milk supply?
If your milk supply has already been established and you’re just trying to maintain it, a double electric breast pump would be perfect. They work much like the hospital grade pumps, and are almost just as powerful. If you plan on returning to work, and you’re worried that your supply may diminish, a double electric breast pump will give you the ability to pump both breasts simultaneously, therefore taking less time, and helping you maintain and sometimes even build your supply.
If you’re not planning on returning to work, or only returning part-time, a single electric breast pump may be more than enough. Although you can only pump one breast at a time, a single electric breast pump is still efficient.
Are you trying to relieve engorgement? Are you trying to store up a couple extra bottles of milk for emergencies or night feedings?
If you only plan on pumping occasionally, either to relieve engorgement or to have a few extra bottles on hand in the refrigerator, a manual breast pump may be all that you need. They’re extremely affordable, lightweight, and portable. Plus, they’re practically silent. Some women choose to purchase a manual breast pump just to have on hand in case of emergencies, like their electric breast pump is on the fritz. They also make great travel companions. No need to worry about batteries, or cords!
A single electric breast pump is also a good occasional use breast pump. Although they are a bit more expensive, they’re a lot less work. A manual breast pump is time consuming, and sometimes tiring. A single electric breast pump is time consuming, but at least it’s not as tiring.
Types of Breast Pumps
Let’s take a closer look at what each type of breast pump has to offer.
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
Manual Breast Pumps – The best manual breast pumps offer ergonomic handles for comfort, as well as one-handed operation. So in other words, you should have a free hand to do with what you wish. Also, most manual breast pumps offer minimal parts which means easier clean up, and most of the parts are dishwasher safe. The best manual breast pumps also come with milk collection bottles and lids, as well as extra parts for replacement. The breast shields are usually soft and come in a standard size, 24 mm. Some manual breast pumps even come with nice carrying totes for extra portability. These types of breast pumps are extremely easy to use, and the best part… you are the motor, therefore you can set your own pace and find your own personal comfort level, and there’s no need for batteries or annoying cords and tubing.
- Click here to see a list of some of the BEST Manual Breast Pumps.
Philips AVENT Single Electric Breast Pump
Single Electric Breast Pumps – Some single electric breast pumps, like the Medela Swing, offer free standing pump units with tubing that attaches to the breast shield and collection container, whereas other singles, like the AVENT Single Pump, offer a pump unit attached directly to the breast shield and bottle. Most offer dual vacuum strength and speed settings, in other words, you have one button that controls both, and the faster the speed, the stronger the suction. The best single electric breast pumps offer a battery pack that allows you to use it on the go. These pumps take little effort to use, and come with minimal parts for cleanup as well. Some even offer different expression phases, one-touch let down, and an electronic memory that allows you to recall your previous pumping session settings.
- Click here to see a list of some of the BEST Single Electric Breast Pumps.
Medela Freestyle Breast Pump
Double Electric Breast Pumps – These types of breast pumps allow you to pump both breasts simultaneously. They’re the closest you can get to a hospital grade breast pump without spending an arm and a leg. Double electric breast pumps come with a powerful motor, enabling you to pump more milk in half the time that it would take using a single electric breast pump. The best double electric breast pumps come with all the bells and whistles, including bottles and lids, nipples that attach directly to the bottles and allow you to instantly feed your little one, plenty of spare parts, and a travel bag of some sort allowing you to discreetly transport your breast pump from place to place. Most also offer (2) 24 mm breast shields, as well as a removable cooler bag to store pumped milk. Most double electric breast pumps come with a battery pack option as well, giving you the ability to pump on the go. Some offer dual adjust vacuum and speed, while others offer two different dials, giving you more combinations to choose from. Some double electric breast pumps offer different expression phases designed to mimic a baby’s natural sucking motion, as well as one-touch let down, allowing you to express milk more efficiently.
- Click here to see a list of some of the BEST Double Electric Breast Pumps
Ameda Elite Electric Breast Pump
Hospital Grade Breast Pump – These are the cream-of-the-crop, the best of the best, offering extremely powerful motors. Hospital grade breast pumps are meant for serious and frequent use. Lactation specialists frequently recommend these when a new mom is trying to establish her milk supply. Most offer the option of single or double pumping, although it is recommended to double pump if trying to establish your milk supply. Most hospital grade breast pumps offer multiple controls, one for vacuum strength, speed, and some offer rhythm settings. Most also allow you to save your personal settings, therefore allowing you to quickly jump into a pumping session without messing with the controls. Hospital grade breast pumps are the only breast pumps that are multi-user friendly, however, each user must have their own pumping kit, sold separately. The pumping kits usually consist of two breast shields, collection containers, tubing, and diaphragms or membranes. Hospital Grade Breast Pumps are extremely expensive to purchase, however, most hospitals or medical supply stores allow you to rent them monthly for anywhere between $10 and $60 dollars a month. Of course, you must purchase your own pumping kit if you choose to rent one. Some women choose to purchase a hospital grade breast pump, either because they plan on going back to work, or they must breastfeed exclusively. Regardless of the reason, keep in mind that if you do plan on using it for several months, the cost of purchasing it may be less than the cost of renting it over an extended period of time.
- Click here to see a list of some of the BEST Hospital Grade Breast Pumps
Related Topics:
Is Your Milk Supply Really Low? Low milk supply is perhaps the most common concern among breastfeeding mothers. It’s important to have realistic expectations when it comes to breastfeeding and your breast milk supply.
How Does a Breast Pump Work? understanding how a breast pump works will help you create a successful breast pumping experience.
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