What Is the Best Breast Pump for Working Moms?

As a working mom, choosing the best breast pump is essential. We explain what features to look for along with our top picks here.

More than 80 percent of American mothers breastfeed their newborns, which is a significant increase over just a few decades ago. This is in part due to information about the many health benefits it affords.

With more women in the workforce than ever before, this means an increased need for pumping when you are away from your child. There are so many products available, it can be difficult to determine which is the best breast pump for your work responsibilities and setting.

The good news is that, once you understand the pros and cons of each pump, you can make an educated decision. The information below covers the basic types of breast pumps and gives some recommendations for each. It factors in effectiveness as well as portability and ease of use when determining the best breast pump for a working mother.

Types of Breast Pumps

There are three types of breast pumps: electric, battery, and manual. There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to each.

Electric pumps, which use electrical outlets, are the most common. The biggest advantage to these is that they are the most powerful and effective in terms of production.

Battery-operated pumps are more compact and portable than many electric pumps. Another advantage over electric pumps is that you can use them in areas without an electric outlet. Both battery and electric pumps come in double models, which allow you to express milk from both breasts at the same time.

Manual breast pumps are operated by hand. They require the user to squeeze a lever, creating a suction on the breast.

Manual pumps are very inexpensive, and lightweight, although some demand a lot of work to express milk. Many people keep them as backups.

Best Breast Pumps for Working Moms

Keeping the above categories in mind, here are several different options that are ideal for the workplace. These pumps come with a range of features and at varying price points.

Best Electric Breast Pump: Spectra S1 Plus

The Spectra S1 combines the advantages of an electric pump with those of a battery-powered one. It is a double pump that offers hospital strength power but is still compact (around three pounds) and incredibly quiet (almost silent). It also comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to three hours for wireless pumping.

The S1 has digital controls that allow you to adjust pumping speeds to your personal preference. It has twelve different expression modes as well as a massage or letdown mode.

The pump has a closed system, including backflow protectors, that keeps milk separate from pump pieces. This optimizes hygiene and limits the prospect of contamination.

Pros:

• Quiet and portable
• Precision controls
• Optional battery-operated pumping
• Closed system

Cons:

• Bulkier than other portable pumps
• Some manufacturer limitations on breast flange sizes

Best All-In-One Pump System: Medela Pump in Style

The Medela Pump in Style is a double electric pump that is very powerful. It can increase production by close to 12 percent.

One big plus of this pump is that it is more compact than those of comparable power and capabilities. The pump comes with a backup battery and, while not included, can be used with a car AC adapter. This can be especially useful for situations where you want to leave the office and pump in peace.

All this makes the Pump in Style heavier than many other ones. The entire setup weighs about seven pounds.

It is a closed system pump, so no milk will enter the tubing. The pump also offers a simple design, which contributes to easy cleaning.

One of the biggest advantages of this pump is that it comes complete with a tote and accessories. These include a cooler, breast shields, and bottles with lids.

Pros:

• Strong pumping power
• Unsuspecting tote
• Accessories included
• Closed system

Cons:

• Heavier than other pumps

Best Wearable Pump: Willow 360

The Willow 360 offers hands-free pumping that is quiet and discrete. The pump is completely self-contained, with the motor built into the cups. There also are no cords or attachments, and you can pump in almost any position.

One of the biggest concerns with wearable pumps is leaking. There should be no such worry with the Willow 360. While comfortable, the seal is well-made to avoid any spills.

The Willow 360 is the best breast pump for integrating technology. One of its best features is that it comes with a handy app. This allows you to track milk volume, pump sessions, and total pump time.

One downside to the Willow 360 is the price. It can run twice as much as other pumps on this list.

Pros:

• Discrete pumping
• Comfortable and ability to pump in any position
• Integrated app to track production and session times

Cons:

• Expensive

Best Manual Pump: Medela Harmony

The Medela Harmony is a single breast pump that is comfortable, with an ergonomic design. It is light and compact, which makes it handy for travel and one of the best breast pumps on the go.

One of the big disadvantages of manual pumps is the output level. The Harmony, however, is a highly effective manual pump. It also is extremely intuitive and simple to operate.

Another thing that sets this manual pump apart is that it comes with a letdown, as well as an expression, mode. This allows it to function more like an electric or battery-powered pump.

One big advantage of manual pumps is the cost. While the Harmony may be more expensive than some basic manual pumps, at under $40, it is still very affordable.

Pros:

• Light, compact, and portable
• Letdown mode (uncommon in manual pumps)
• Affordable

Cons:

• While an effective manual pump, you may still not get the same output as most electric pumps

Best Smart Breast Pump: Elvie Pump Double

The silent, wearable Elvie Pump makes it possible to pump on your own terms - wherever and whenever you choose. Because it fits right in your bra, you can ditch the hours spent tethered to a wall and forget about tubing altogether. The Elvie Pump is also bag-free, it pumps directly into the bottle so you can save money. All you need is a flexible bottle brush to clean the collection jars.

With the Elvie Pump, you can lead the conference call, play with your kids, run errands, meet with friends, or simply enjoy some peace and quiet...all while you pump. Moms who are constantly on the go and want a nearly undetectable pump will love Elvie.

From setup to cleaning up, using the Elvie Pump is simple. It has just 5 parts to clean, takes seconds to assemble, and even switches automatically from stimulation into expression mode. Also, a "smart" pump, Elvie connects to your device so you can monitor milk volume, track pumping history, and control the pump remotely.

Pros:

• Quiet, pairs with app for tracking, sleek design and hands-free.

Cons:

• Not as powerful, and more expensive than other pumps

Learn More About the Best Breast Pumps for Working Moms

Now that you know about the types of pumps and the top options to choose from, you can decide which is the best breast pump for your busy work and personal life. Remember that many insurance plans will cover the cost of your breast pump, so do not let the price tag scare you off from getting the right pump for your personal and professional needs.

At 1 Natural Way, we help moms provide milk to their babies through our products, education, and services. We offer a wealth of information online, including the benefits of breast pumps, and can connect you with the best IBCLC certified lactation consultants.

Ready to get started? Set up an account today or call us at (888) 977-2229 to learn more!

About the Author

Cindy Puppos is 1 Natural Way's Customer Service Manager, so she has a good idea of all the different and wonderful questions that moms have for her team. Thankfully, as the mother of two boys (who are now grown!) and a veteran of the company and breastfeeding, Cindy is always knowledgeable about breastfeeding, pumping and all the latest and greatest pumps!