How to Choose a Breast Pump

A breast pump uses gentle suction to take milk from your breasts. Most pumps use electricity. Some are hand-powered or use simple suction. You may choose to use a breast pump:

When you go back to work or when a baby can’t latch. Pumping helps keep your milk supply and lets your baby drink your milk when you’re away.
Instead of putting the baby to the breast. This can work, but there are things to think about before making that decision. Talk to a breastfeeding counselor to get advice.

Fun fact: The first recorded use of a breast pump was in ancient Egypt!

When to Use a Breast Pump

Use a pump any time you miss a feeding at the breast. This helps you keep your milk and eases breast fullness.

Common reasons to miss a feeding at the breast include:

Your baby has trouble latching
You or your baby is sick or in the hospital
You’re away for a few hours
You’re back at work

Some people pump after or between feeds to make more milk. However, only do this with advice from a lactation counselor or your care provider.

Need a Plan?

Not sure when to start or how often to pump? Contact a lactation counselor or your clinic for guidance.

Types of Breast Pumps

There are many different types of breast pumps. The most important thing is to find the one that works best for you.

Double Electric Pumps

This is the common “standard” pump for home use, which:

Is made for one person (personal use)
Pumps both breasts at the same time
Has suction that goes through tubes to the breast shields (flanges)
Is good for daily pumping, like when you go back to work

Most plug into a wall, and many are rechargeable. Many health insurance plans cover a double electric pump.

Multiuser Breast Pump

This type of pump is a strong pump with a heavy-duty motor. It’s the pump you would use at a hospital and is:

Made to be shared by many people (each person uses their own clean parts kit)
Very costly to buy (often over $1,000)—people usually rent one if needed

Most families do not need this type of pump long-term.

Hands-free (Wearable) Electric Pumps

With this type of pump, the motor and milk cup are one piece, with no tubes. You wear it inside your bra and can move around.

People like hands-free pumps because:

They’re easy to use on the go.
You don’t need an outlet to use one.

The downside is they often do not empty the breast as well as a standard double electric pump. If you want to use a wearable pump:

Use a standard double electric as your main pump.
Use a wearable as a backup for errands or short trips.

Manual Breast Pump

A manual breast pump is hand-powered.

It works one breast at a time.
You squeeze the handle to make suction and remove milk.
No plug or batteries are needed, so it's easy for travel or quick use.
It’s not as fast as an electric pump.

Silicone “Milk Saver”

This is a simple, one-sided pump, also called a passive pump. It:

Works on one breast at a time
Stays on the breast and uses gentle suction to collect milk slowly
Is best for occasional use (e.g., to ease very full breasts)
Is not a replacement for a standard electric pump

How to Pick a Breast Pump

When picking a breast pump, think about your answers to these questions:

Where will I want to pump—at work, in the car, or only at home?
When will I pump? How often will I need to pump each day?
How do I need or want to pump—hands-free, sitting with an electric pump, while I am breastfeeding?
What pumps does my insurance cover?
What did I like or not like about a pump I used before?

How to Get a Breast Pump

Many electric breast pumps are covered by insurance. MassHealth covers one pump during every pregnancy.

You can get an insurance-covered breast pump through many medical equipment suppliers. Talk to your provider about how to order one.

Places to Order a Breast Pump

There are many medical equipment suppliers where you can get a breast pump through your insurance. You can visit their websites to learn more, compare pump options, and see how different pumps work. Here are a few suppliers in Massachusetts: