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Finding the Right Breast Pump

Now that the twins are in daycare a few days a week, I’ve been pumping more. And I’ve got some opinions on which breast pump I think is best — both from a convenience and maximizing-your-milk standpoint.

And, mamas, there are A LOT of breast pump choices out there. Which is awesome, because there’s a lot of ways to do motherhood — and a variety of ways to feed your baby. (Fed — period — is best!)

But, it can also be a bit overwhelming. Especially as a new mom.

Hopefully by sharing my experience with the three that I heard most recommended by other moms (thank you, Facebook moms groups) — the Freemie Liberty, the Spectra S2, and the Medela Pump n Go — you can find the one that works best for you and your baby/babies!

Remember: Health insurance plans must cover the cost of a breastpump. You may not have the option to have one of these below, but it’s worth calling them up and asking about!

Freemie Liberty

The Freemie Liberty ($299.99)* allows you to have hands-free pumping almost anywhere. With a pump that can clip on your waistband and specially designed cups that fit in your regular bra, it actually collects milk within the cups. That’s right; no bottles hanging down. So you really can wear it and pump almost anywhere.

Pros:

  • No special pumping bra needed
  • Don’t need a plug or batteries to pump on the go (you can charge via USB)
  • Breast pump is quiet and easy to operate
  • Breast pump is small and lightweight
  • You can collect milk right in the cups — no bottles needed
  • Cups are very easy to center on the nipple
  • Pump has customizable settings that you can save

Cons:

  • You need a tighter fitting bra (sports bra style best)
  • Suction not as good as other pumps I’ve tried
  • Cups have a lot of pieces to put together and clean
  • It can be tricky to pour milk from the collection cups (tip: practice with water before you try it with your milk!)
  • Not widely covered by health insurance plans

*I tried the Freemie Liberty, but they do offer a variety of other products, including just the collection cups, which I’ve heard great things about from friends when they’re paired with other compatible pumps.

Spectra S2Plus

The Spectra S2Plus ($159) was THE pump I heard most recommended in all of the mom groups I’m a part of, and with good reason. The entire pump is designed really well and is simple to use. Almost like the iPod of breast pumps.

Pros:

  • Breast pump has different cycles to choose from in the massage mode to help you let down (it takes some playing around with to find the setting that works best for you)
  • Breast pump has five settings of intensity for its vacuum (setting five is the strongest, and it’s strong, but not as strong as the Medela, which you’ll read about in a moment)
  • Has two night light settings for pumping in the dark
  • Breast pump is easy to carry around without a bag — there’s a handle and it’s lightweight
  • For me, it collected the most milk of all the pumps I tried
  • Widely available and covered by many health insurance plans

Cons:

  • Pump only has cycle settings for the massage mode — not as much variance for the vacuum settings
  • Shuts off after 30 minutes (this is a pro for some women and a con for others — sometimes I let down again at around 30 minutes)
  • Requires separate bra for hands-free pumping
  • Flanges are sometimes hard to center

Medela Pump In Style

The Medela Pump In Style ($299) is the first breast pump I ever owned, and it held up well over my year of pumping with my first daughter. Which says something!

Pros:

  • Comes with carrying case
  • Pump has adjustable settings so you can start light until you let down, and then increase suction
  • Pump vacuum is very strong (I turned it all the way up when I had clogged ducts, and holy suction!)
  • Widely available and covered by many health insurance plans
  • There are a ton of Medela accessories available

Cons:

  • Breast pump is loud (and sometimes seems to talk to you, ha!)
  • Flanges are sometimes hard to center
  • Pump is heavy and bulky compared to the others

What’s your favorite breast pump these days? And what features are most important to you? I’ve also been hearing good things about the Willow, but haven’t had a chance to try it! –Jenn

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FTC disclosure: We often receive products from companies to review. All thoughts and opinions are always entirely our own. Unless otherwise stated, we have received no compensation for our review and the content is purely editorial. Affiliate links may be included. If you purchase something through one of those links we may receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!

Comments

10 Comments
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  7. Pat says:

    Jenn, thanks for this helpful post! If there are any new mamas out there who need help getting a free insurance breast pump, they can do that here – https://thebreastfeedingshop.com/

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