Pumps range from a simple hand-operated device to a hospital-grade double electric unit. The right one depends less on price than on how often you will use it and why.
The types
- Manual. Hand-operated, quiet, light and inexpensive. Good for occasional use, relieving fullness, or as a backup. Tiring for regular sessions.
- Single electric. One breast at a time, motorised. A sensible middle ground for a few sessions a week.
- Double electric. Both breasts at once, roughly halving session time. The usual choice for returning to work or pumping daily.
- Wearable and hands-free. Sit inside a bra with no external tubing. Convenient and discreet, though generally gentler on suction and more expensive.
- Hospital grade. Usually hired rather than bought, for establishing or maintaining supply in specific circumstances. Your midwife or lactation consultant will advise if this applies.
Flange fit matters more than the motor
The flange is the funnel that sits against the breast, and a poor fit is the most common reason pumping is uncomfortable or ineffective. Too small and it rubs; too large and it pulls in too much surrounding tissue.
Most pumps ship with one or two sizes, and additional sizes are usually available separately. If pumping hurts, the flange size is the first thing to check, not the suction setting.
Suction and cycle settings
Better pumps separate two controls: cycle speed, which mimics the fast initial pattern and then the slower drawing pattern, and suction strength. Stronger is not better. Comfortable settings generally yield more than painful ones.
Practical considerations
- Noise. Relevant if you will pump near a sleeping baby or in a shared workspace.
- Power. Battery or rechargeable models matter if you pump away from a power point.
- Parts count. Every part is a part to wash. Fewer pieces means less work at 11pm.
- Bottle compatibility. Check the pump connects to bottles you already own, or that adapters exist.
- Closed system. A barrier preventing milk entering the tubing is easier to keep hygienic.
Cleaning and storage
Wash all parts that contact milk after every use in hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and sterilise according to the manufacturer's instructions and your health professional's advice. Tubing generally does not need washing unless milk has entered it, in which case follow the manufacturer's guidance.
For milk storage timings, follow the Australian Breastfeeding Association's current guidance. Label containers with the date, store at the back of the fridge rather than the door, and never refreeze thawed milk.
Buying second-hand
Personal-use pumps are not designed to be shared between families, and hygiene cannot be fully guaranteed even with new parts. Multi-user pumps exist specifically for hire and are built differently. If cost is the issue, hiring a proper multi-user pump is safer than buying someone's used personal one.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start pumping?
This depends on your circumstances and is best discussed with your midwife, child health nurse or a lactation consultant, who can advise on timing for your situation.
Does a more expensive pump mean more milk?
Not necessarily. Comfort, correct flange fit and frequency matter more than the price of the motor.
Do I need a bottle warmer too?
It is convenient but not essential. A jug of warm water works. Never use a microwave.
See the range
Babyworth stocks manual and electric breast pumps, bottles and sterilising equipment, in store at Peakhurst and online.
General information only and not medical advice. For feeding support speak with your midwife, child health nurse, GP, or the Australian Breastfeeding Association.