best breast pump

Are you looking for the best breast pump with everything you need to ensure breastfeeding success for both you and your baby?

Then you have come to the right place.  On this site, we aim to help you make the big decision about which breast pump is best for you.

Choosing a breast pump is about making an investment in your breastfeeding future, and we all know how important breastfeeding is for your child.

Many choices exist on the market from cheap manual pumps to the high quality hospital grade breast pumps you will find on this site.

We only recommend breast pumps on this site that are excellent quality, that are durable and will last throughout your breastfeeding journey.

Top 3 Best Hospital Grade Breast Pumps on the market

Advantages of a Hospital Grade Breast Pump

Important Aspects When Choosing a Breast Pump

Top 6 Best Breast Pumps Reviews

1. Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump – Best Breast Pump to buy 2020

The Pump in Style Advanced is one of Medela’s most popular and well-loved breast pumps.

An innovation from the original Pump in Style, the Advanced incorporates Medela’s patented Two-Phase Expression Technology which mimics an infant’s natural feeding pattern.

This “Natural Expression” system allows for more efficient pumping by shortening pumping time and helping promote a healthy milk supply.

Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)

Designed for daily pumping, the Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump is also a very portable yet powerful pump that comes with three stylish bags to choose from: the On-the-Go-Tote, Backpack and the Metro Bag.

This allows users the ability and convenience to take their pump with them even when travelling, making this pump a popular choice for working mothers.

All bags are basically a complete take-with-you pumping set, with a handy cooler, cooling packs, 4 collection containers and lids, container stands, battery pack and AC adapter.

The Pump In Style may be used as a single or double pump with replaceable pump kits and different flange sizes available.

Pros

The Medela Pump In Style Advanced is a highly efficient and convenient pump, very well suited for working mothers who are away from home for most of the day or mothers who are constantly travelling.

Its patented Two-Phase Expression Technology and One Touch Let Down Button imitates an infant’s feeding pattern.

This Natural Expression system allows faster let-down and helps promote and maintain a healthy milk supply.

The availability of different sized flanges (sold separately) ensures a comfortable pump.

All parts and accessories can easily be cleaned with replacement parts available if needed.

It may be used as a single or double pump with hand-free option also available (sold separately).

This Medela breast pump is excellent value at under $300 for a hospital grade breast pump.

Cons

The Medela Pump In Style is not as quiet as one would expect from a Medela.

There is also a tendency for condensation to form in the tubes. This can only be fixed by allowing the tubes to dry out by running the pump without bottles attached to the tubes.

The Pump In Style is also not designed for multiple users as it is not a closed-system pump.

Summary

2. Spectra Baby USA S2 Double/Single Breast Pump reviews

The Spectra Baby USA S2 Hospital Grade Double/Single Breast Pump is a great choice for moms who want an efficient and comfortable hospital grade breast pump without a big price tag.

It comes with everything needed for double or single pumping.

The Spectra Baby USA S2 Hospital Grade Double/Single Breast Pump has digital controls to set the speed and rhythm most suitable.

It also includes a timer and a night light.

Our Rating: (4.4 / 5)

Pros

The Spectra Baby USA S2 Hospital Grade Double/Single Breast Pump is a fantastic hospital grade breast pump.

The fully adjustable sucking program works well and it is a quiet and comfortable breast pump.

It is also fast to use, especially if using the double breast pumping mode.

It is efficient and the letdown mode available at the beginning of pumping is very effective.

The pumping is gentle in the Spectra Baby USA S2 and mimics baby’s sucking well.

The back flow filter prevents contamination between the milk and the motor of the pump making this a hygienic breast pump to be shared between multiple moms or to be sold after use.

Cons

The standard Spectra Baby USA S2 Hospital Grade Double/Single Breast Pump can only be powered by mains power unless the more expensive version is purchased.

The collection kit can be problematic.  It is difficult to use anything but the included bottles and these can easily be damaged.

Also the breast shield part of the system does not detach making it difficult to swap to a different size or style of breast shields.

Summary

3. Spectra Baby USA S1 Hospital Grade Double/single Breast Pump

The S1 is Spectra’s latest innovation in its line of hospital grade breast pumps, with a built-in rechargeable battery for greater portability and convenience.

Equipped with a patented closed system which prevents milk back flow, it protects against mold and bacteria and ensures your expressed milk is safe from contamination.

Its digital controls allow mothers to set a customized program to truly personalize your pump sessions.

It has a powerful yet super quiet pump, and with the added night light and timer, it is the perfect companion for late night pumping.

Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)

The Spectra S1 is used in many hospitals to establish and sustain milk supply in mothers of preemies.

It has a powerful suction that can be used as a single or double pump.

It also has a massage mode and expression mode feature that mimics an infant’s feeding pattern and helps mothers maintain a healthy milk supply and enjoy more comfortable and efficient pumping.

Pros

The Spectra S1 is a hospital grade pump and yet it is portable, light weight and comes with a built-in rechargeable battery.

The fact that the S1 has a built-in rechargeable battery allows mothers the freedom to take the pump with them for travel or for work, or even to a more comfortable nook of your house that doesn’t have a power outlet.

It is stylish with a handle that allows you to easily carry the pump around with you.

Like most Spectra pumps, the S1 is super quiet, and with the LCD display panel, unique night light and timer features, it is the perfect pump for night time pumping sessions.

The S1 also incorporates Spectra’s massage mode and the expression mode, which mimics a baby’s nursing rhythm.

It allows you to increase or decrease the suction strength and the speed of pumping, as well as switch back and forth from massage and expression modes, for a truly personalized pump program.

Its affordable price given all its unique features makes it among the most well loved and well reviewed double electric pumps in the market today.

Cons

Perhaps the only complaint about the S1 is that the bottles that come with the free milk collection kit are flimsy and not really well made.

Also, unlike most portable pumps, you will need to use your own tote or bag if you want to bring the S1 out or on travel as it doesn’t come with its own carrying case.

Spectra has a bag as well as other parts and accessories sold separately.

Summary

4. Medela Symphony Breast Pump

The Medela Symphony Breast Pump is a hospital-grade electric double pump with Medela’s latest breakthrough in 2-Phase expression pumping.

Scientifically proven to promote faster let-down and milk flow, the Symphony is designed to reduce pumping time, effectively remove milk and mimic an infant’s natural feeding patterns.

It’s unique Comfort Flow Zone ensures comfortable pumping for even the most sensitive breast tissue.

This latest innovation from Medela, is a product of extensive study on breast pump technology by world renowned lactation researcher Peter Hartmann, Ph.D.

The Medela Symphony Breast Pump is intended for long term daily pumping with the option for single pump or double pump use.

All parts and accessories that come into contact with breast milk are guaranteed BPA / DEHP Free.

Pros

The Medela Symphony’s patented Two-Phase Expression Technology mimics a baby’s natural feeding patterns.

This allows a faster let-down and more efficient milk extraction, allowing moms shorter pumping time.

The Symphony is a very quiet pump, which works well especially when one is pumping while baby is asleep.

As with all Medela pumps, the Symphony is easy to clean and covered by limited warranty with replaceable parts (in case you need them) and available repair services in most countries.

The Symphony is hospital grade which means it is designed for multiple users, with each mom using her own pump kit.

The availability of different sized flanges allows moms to choose the size most appropriate for their nipple size, eliminating sore and bruised nipples caused by too small or too big flanges.

The Symphony can be used for single or double pumping.

Cons

The Medela Symphony is bulky and heavy and can be quite cumbersome to travel with. It is not designed to be a carry along travel pump, even with the option for battery power.

It is also quite expensive for most home use.

Like most Medela pumps there is a tendency for condensation to form in the tubes, however this can easily be remedied by allowing the pump to run without the bottles attached.

Summary

5. Ameda Elite Electric Breast Pump

The Ameda Elite Electric Breast Pump is a high quality hospital grade breast pump great for moms who plan to use a breast pump regularly.

The Ameda Elite Electric Breast Pump uses a revolutionary microprocessor driven pump.

It is hygienic and suitable for more than one mom.

It is lightweight and durable and studies have shown that the Ameda Elite Electric Breast Pump is effective at establishing milk supply.

Our Rating: (4 / 5)

Pros

The Ameda Elite Electric Breast Pump is surprisingly fast to use, quiet and has great suction which does not decrease over time.

The fully adjustable suction allows moms to adjust both the speed of the pump and the suction, leading to an individualized, comfortable pumping experience.

This pump is durable and has a great three year warranty. It is quiet making this an ideal hospital grade breast pump for women who are returning to work.

Cons

The Ameda Elite Electric Breast Pump is relatively expensive for a breast pump.

However, it is very high quality and should last through several children.

A separate hygiene kit needs to be purchased to use this pump.

Summary

6. Medela Lactina Select Hospital Grade Breast Pump

The Medela Lactina Select Hospital Grade Breast Pump is a fantastic choice.  This hospital grade breast pump is one of the best on the market with the choice of single or double pumping.

It can be used with batteries or electricity and is BPA free.

The Medela Lactina Select Hospital Grade Breast Pump is perfect for sustaining, initiating and improving milk supply, comes in a convenient carry case and is designed for daily use.

It has a three year warranty.

Our Rating: (4.1 / 5)

Pros

The Medela Lactina Select Hospital Grade Breast Pump is an amazing product that will work well day in and day out for years.

It is perfect for moms who have premature babies or who will need to use a breast pump regularly for health/personal reasons or because they return to work.

It is also great for moms who want to increase their milk supply.

This breast pump is often used in hospitals and lactation clinics and is highly recommended for people with any milk supply problems.

The double pump system and the Medela Easy Expression Hands-Free Bustier means that it is quick and easy to pump regularly.

Breast pumping can even be completed while doing other things meaning the Medela Lactina Select Hospital Grade Breast Pump can save a lot of time compared to many of its competitors.

Cons

The Medela Lactina Select Hospital Grade Breast Pump is relatively expensive for a breast pump.

However, it will last through many children and since there is no contamination as every woman uses their own attachment kit, the Medela Lactina Select Hospital Grade Breast Pump is easy to sell afterwards.

Summary

What is a hospital grade breast pump?

Hospital grade breast pumps are the strongest and most durable breast pumps.  They are designed to be suitable for more than one mom and have to be approved by the FDA to be safe and hygienic for this purpose.  Hospital grade breast pumps have barriers to stop cross contamination.

Most importantly, hospital grade breast pumps are the best and most efficient type of breast pump on the market.  They have strong motors which are designed to not just collect breast milk but to increase breast milk supply.  They are recommended for all breast feeding requirements, and they are especially suitable for moms who have premature babies, twins or other multiples, to increase milk supply and to commence lactation.

Should I rent or buy a breast pump?

Hospital grade breast pumps can be expensive and since they are safe to be used by mutiple moms, many people decide to start by renting a breast pump.  This is a great option for moms who are sure they won’t need to use a pump for long.  However, the price of rental quickly adds up.  If you are going to be using a breast pump throughout your breast feeding journey, it can save you money by buying your own.  This is especially the case if you plan on having multiple children.  You can also sell your breast pump after you have finished with it to recover some of the cost.

What are the things to consider when buying a hospital grade breast pump?

There are many things to consider when buying a breast pump.  Firstly, though, I would ask yourself some questions:

Regular pumpers

For mothers who plan on pumping regularly, it is extra important to buy a high quality breast pump, preferably one with a long warranty, such as the Ameda Elite Electric Breast Pump which has a three year warranty.  This is also important for mothers who have milk supply issues or need to build their supply.

Breast pumping out and about

If you think you are going to need to breast pump away from the home on occasion or regularly, it is important to consider if you will always be near mains power.  The Medela Lactina Select Hospital Grade Breast Pump can be a great option for people who want to be able to pump wherever they are as it comes with a battery pack as well as a car charger.

If you are going to be pumping in different places and need to be able to carry around your breast pump, size becomes far more important.  It is also worth considering how easy it will be for you to transport your breast pump.  Some of the breast pumps come with a case or storage bag, such as the Medela Lactina mentioned above.  This can make it far easier and safer to transport.  The Spectra Baby USA S2 Hospital Grade Double/Single Breast Pump can also be a good option for moms on the move as it is a lighter option.

Noise

How much noise you are comfortable with your breast pump making will depend on where you will pump.  Some can be loud whereas some, like the Ameda Elite, are known for being quiet.  A quiet breast pump can be a more comfortable option if you are going to need to pump in places like a public toilet.

Speed and efficiency

The speed and efficiency of a breast pump can make a big difference to how happy you are with a breast pump.  If it takes 10 minutes to pump a full bottle of breast milk, rather than 30 minutes, this will obviously save lots of time over the course of a day if you use a breast pump regularly.  The top rated Medela Lactina is a great choice for moms that need to be as fast and as efficient as possible.

Speed and efficiency can also be improved by buying a breast pump with a double pump option rather than just a single pump.  This way you can pump both breasts at once which will save a lot of time.

Cost

Cost can be a big factor with hospital grade breast pumps as many of them are not cheap.  If you can not afford the top quality pump, the Spectra Baby USA S2 is a very good quality option that is good for the wallet as well and still highly recommended.

What is the difference between a closed and an open system?

The basic difference between a closed and an open system of breast pump is that closed systems have a barrier which prevents the breast milk from getting into the pumps tubing or motor. This is consider more hygienic.

The problem with open systems is that the milk can flow into other parts of the breast pump.  This means that there is more cleaning to do, and if the cleaning is not thorough, then there is a chance of the breast milk becoming contaminated.

All hospital grade breast pumps are closed systems which is why they can be used by multiple users and why they are considered more hygienic than closed system breast pumps.

When do I use a breast pump?

There are many reason you may need to use a breast pump.  Perhaps you had premature babies and you need to use a breast pump to establish your supply and to take breast milk into the hospital for your children.  Other moms use breast pumps to increase their milk supply.  Moms who return to work and wish to continue breast feeding will need to use a breast pump.  Most moms use a breast pump at least sometimes, so they can take an evening off or allow their partner to do one of the night feeds.  If you are unsure about breast pumping, this guide is useful.

Is Storage An Issue?

One of the things lots of people ask me about Hospital Grade Breast Pumps is are they hard to store? I never understood why that is until someone elaborated for me. When you start to use a phrase like “hospital grade” people expect large machines, pushed around on trolleys, that you’re hooked up to and that go “ping!” Just like this:

Thanks to television, movies and maybe people’s own hospital visits, “hospital grade” is a bit of a loaded term. As a result, people have the impression that to have and use a Hospital Grade Breast Pump in your own home needs a ward, err room, of its own or at least a corner of a room permanently dedicated to it.

Neither of these are true.

Not The Case At All

In reality, Hospital Grade Breast Pumps are not that big. Sure, they can be put on a stand that has wheels but that is not necessary. Hospital Grade Breast Pumps are, in fact, not much bigger than regular ones. Even the largest Hospital Grade Breast Pump, with all its attachments, can be packed away into a case the size of a large briefcase.

To be fair, there is (slightly) more effort to set up a Hospital Grade Breast Pump than a normal one. As a result I tend to leave mine set up when I am using one. Some people who use a stand may leave the bulk of the breast pump set up and attached in a convenient place. Consequently this can give the impression of size and permanence that regular breast pumps do not give.

That said, the number Hospital Grade Breast Pumps aimed at or suitable for home use are increasing all the time and issues of size and setup are incrementally disappearing.

Easy To Store

So aside from the effect of either being or being perceived as being more permanent, are Hospital Grade Breast Pumps harder to store? No, absolutely not.

Even the largest Hospital Grade Breast Pumps are not that large. They can easily be stored in a cupboard or under a bed (for example) when not in use. They do not require large amounts of space when you’re not using them to help you express milk for your child.

Hopefully this article clears up some misconceptions about Hospital Grade Breast Pumps. If you are considering using one but are put off by space and storage issues, or the phrase “hospital grade”, you shouldn’t be. They aren’t issues at all.

What do I do with breast milk after I pump it?

After you pump your breast milk, it is very important that it is kept cool and handled correctly.  I recommend reading the CDC’s guide to handling breast milk.

If you have not used a breast pump before, all of this can seem confusing and overwhelming – especially if you are dealing with the sleepless night of a newborn.  I promise you that it is all straight forward once you get started, especially if you start with a high quality breast pump.