Expressing milk: Finding the right breast pump

• Breast pumps are helpful for a variety of reasons, including managing engorgement, boosting milk supply, supporting feeding for premature babies, or expressing milk when returning to work or school. 
• The best breast pump depends on your routine, time, and budget. Consider how often and where you plan to express milk. 
• Manual breast pumps are best for occasional expressing, first-time pumping, and quick relief from discomfort. They are often cheaper, quieter, and offer complete control over the pumping pace. 
• Electric breast pumps are more efficient and are recommended for frequent expressing or building a milk store. They save time and hand fatigue. 
• Wearable/In-bra electric pumps offer discreet, hands-free convenience for multitasking on the go. 
• It is possible to use both electric and manual pumps to suit different situations, such as one for home and one for travel. 
• Closed system pumps are more hygienic as they prevent breast milk from touching the pump mechanism or air tube, ensuring milk only goes into the bottle. Open system pumps allow milk to touch internal components. 

Considering adding expressing to your bub's feeding routine? We're here to help you discover the most convenient breast pump that's a perfect fit for you and your schedule. 

Why express breast milk? 

Many parents choose to express breast milk for their baby, and using a breast pump can be especially handy if: 

• Your little one is premature or is having a few issues after birth. 
• Your baby is struggling to get a good latch. 
• Your breasts feel sore or uncomfortably full (engorged). 
• You're heading back to work or hitting the books (starting study again). 
• You're keen to boost your milk supply. 
• You want to include breast milk when you're starting solids/weaning. 
• You're going to be away from your baby for a little while and need to store milk for them. 

Choosing your breast pump 

The best pump for you comes down to your routine, how much time you've got, and your budget. Have a think about how often you'll be expressing and where you plan to do it. 

Manual breast pumps 

• Best for occasional expressing, first-timers, or quick relief from discomfort. 
• They are often cheaper, quieter, and give you total control over the pumping pace. 
• If you're only planning to pump every now and then, a hand-powered manual pump might be your go-to. 

Electric breast pumps 

• Recommended for frequent expressing or when you're building up a good milk stash, as they are more efficient and save your hands and wrists from getting tired. 
• If you're pumping regularly at work or don't have much time, an electric pump is the way to go. 
• Wearable or In-bra electric pumps are fantastic, offering discreet, hands-free convenience for multitasking when you're out and about. 

Mixing it up 

Some parents find that using both an electric and a manual pump works for them. maybe one for home and one to pop in your bag for travel. 

Breast pump comparison  

Which is better – an electric or manual breast pump?   

Which breast pump is best, and the pump you choose, is entirely personal! 

There are only two types - manual and electric - but there're lots of different brands and options available, from single or double, to wearable, so it's all about finding one that you're comfortable using, and making sure it fits your routine.  

Choosing an electric breast pump 

If you think you'll be using your breast pump a lot, then choosing an electric one is probably your best bet. They work fast and do all the work for you, so save your wrists and hands from aches and pains that can be caused by prolonged manual pumping. 

Electric breast pumps can be hand-held or wearable. In-bra, wearable styles are all-in-one, with no cords or tubes, and that means you can express breast milk while getting on with your day.  

If your baby is in a special care baby unit (SCBU) or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and you are exclusively expressing, it's best to spend a little more on a hospital-grade electric breast pump. This will help to maintain your breast milk supply. 

Choosing a manual breast pump 

Manual breast pumps are often cheaper than electric ones. So, if you're only going to be expressing occasionally, then a manual, hand-held pump may be the best choice for you.  

They can also be quieter, easier to use on the go, and mean that you're totally in control of the pace at which you pump. This can be appealing to some parents who may find electric pumps a little daunting when they're just getting started.