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We’re really passionate about reviewing everything you may need as you welcome the newest addition into your family. While a really special time, we recognize that this new chapter can also be stressful – and full of restless nights. The right products can help make your day-to-day (and night-to-night) life easier – they won’t make parenting easy, but easier is a big deal!
Pumping breast milk is an element of new motherhood that can be time consuming and, honestly, pretty tough. Luckily, we’ve found some great hands-free, wearable breast pumps that allow for more freedom of movement. What should you be looking for when shopping? Let’s get started…
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How to Shop for a Breast Pump Like a Pro
There are a few important things to consider when you’re picking out the right hands-free breast pump for you:
Comfort
Ensuring that your pump fits properly, maintains a strong suction and extracts milk painlessly will make a world of a difference each time you pump. Many will come with flanges (aka shields) in different sizes — you’ll usually find that 24mm is standard. These will help you find the right one to fit your nipple.
If you’re new to pumping, it’s smart to get at least two breast flange sizes if you’re uncertain which will fit best in advance. Flanges are measured in millimeters, so take the metric side of a ruler and measure the width across the base of your nipple (not counting the areola) to find your ideal size.
Remember to round up a few millimeters since you don’t want any discomfort or rubbing. Some pumps such as the Willow come with a nipple sizing guide to make sure you’re using the right one.
Effectiveness
Aside from selecting a pump that makes multitasking more manageable, you’ll want to find one that expresses all of your milk in a quick, efficient manner. Opt for one with strong suction and a variety of settings to choose from so you can experiment to determine which is the most comfortable and effective.
You should also look for a let-down mode, which is a lighter, quieter setting that helps get your milk ready to flow at the start of pumping — you will love this feature.
Purpose
If you’re looking for something that you can get away with wearing while running errands or school pick up, choose a quieter, smaller product. While some of the bulkier pumps can clearly be seen through your shirt, they’re still comfortable and convenient for wearing around the house.
Ease of use
Take into account how easy it is to clean and assemble the pump before and after each use as well as how easily the milk pours into bottles for use or storage. You’ll want a pump that is user-friendly and doesn’t take too much of a learning curve to work accurately, especially if it comes with an app (a game changer).
The best wearable breast pump
A breast pump that you can wear around the house or on your morning drive to starbucks is so nice to have. It makes the entire process so much easier. Below, our wearable breast pump review.
Best wearable breast pump covered by insurance
Aeroflow Breastpumps
Willow Go™ Wearable Double Electric Breast Pump
The Willow Go breast pump is hands-free, cord-free, and perfect for multi-tasking. It’s made with hospital-strength suction and while it’s small, it’s mighty! You can fit it comfortably in your bra so you can pump at any time. You can connect to the Willow Go app and track your sessions and even access tutorials. Cleaning up with this bad boy is a breeze because you can place it in the dishwasher. You can qualify through insurance to get this breast pump.
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Best manual wearable breast pump
This wearable, silicone breast pump uses natural suction. It’s comfortable and hands-free, and perfect for expressing milk whenever your breasts feel full or when you let down while feeding you baby, or even pumping on your other breast. It’s truly such a handy pump to have on hand! You can travel with it to manage your milk supply, and even during your day-to-day life. Wear it inside your bra easily as it fits the curve of your breast and expresses milk with basically no effort — how great is that??
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Best hospital-grade strength wearable breast pump
This hospital grade, hands-free breast pump makes pumping so efficient because it combines a small, hospital-grade motor up to -290mmHg and high frequency as well as micro-vibration technology. While it sounds complex, it’s easy to use and helps you be more productive while pumping. Or, it’s nice to be hands free while you’re watching your favorite show during nap time. It features 3 modes and 9 levels, and allows you to personalize your experience according to your comfort and milk flow. Plus, its natural pumping rhythm mimics a baby’s suckling — how cool?
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Best for capacity
The Lansinoh Wearable Breast Pump is comfortable to wear, hands-free, and super easy to use. You can slip it into your bra for discreet and stress-free pumping. It has the best battery around, and lasts up to eight pumping sessions fully charged. It also holds 8 oz click-tight cups — more than other wearable pumps. This breast pump also has an easy pour spout to transfer milk with zero spills.
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Easiest to use
You can pump anytime and anywhere with this small, light, and quiet breast pump. Pump at home, at work, or even in the car with ease. It makes pumping so easy and can fit inside your bra — plus there’s nothing to tie you down. It’s probably the most simple breast pump you can get your hands on. It has just 5 parts to clean (instead of a million) and takes a few seconds to put together. Oh, and you can connect to the free Elvie Pump app to monitor milk volume as you’re pumping. It will even track your pumping history for each breast and control the pump.
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Best lightweight option
Lightweight and super easy to use, this double wearable breast pump imitates your baby’s sucking motion, and optimizes milk production in the most efficient and comfortable way. It comes with three modes and 12 levels. The three mode selections include: stimulation, expression, and auto mode. Did we mention it’s unbelievably lightweight?? It’s ergonomically designed and fits perfectly with the breast. It’ll become your best friend in no time.
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Best battery life
If you’re eager to find a breast pump that doesn't die multiple times a week, you will absolutely love this wearable breast pump. It comes with 12 levels and three modes to choose from. The modes include: suction, massage, and stimulation. You’ll be able to choose the best mode for you, and switch up when needed. The pump also comes with a memory function and pause feature, making the entire process so much easier and more convenient.
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Best for portability
This hands free breast pump is lightweight, small, and easy to take with you anywhere. It is structured to provide zero pain and helps produce more milk. The pump also features a double sealed flange and ergonomic breast arc design. It’ll feel so comfortable while you’re pumping. Oh, not to mention it has a micro-vibration that helps promote milk comfort secretion while breastfeeding and it has three modes: stimulation, expression, and mixed as well as 9 levels. The best part? It comes with its own case so you can easily travel around with it.
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Best suction
Not only is this breast pump an amazing price, it’s lightweight, can grip onto your nipple easily, and you can wear it while running errands, cleaning around the house, or in the car. It’s USB rechargeable, and a full charge can be used for up to 5 times, and hold 180ml. You’ll never want to travel without it. The pump has two modes and will imitate the baby’s sucking frequency, massage the breasts before pumping to help quick sucking, and is comfortable and pain free.
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Best value
When it comes to breast pumps, finding one that feeds all your needs is so important, and investing in one when you plan on expanding your family can be a pretty smart idea. This wearable breast pump can be worn while you’re working, picking up your kids from school, or even running around the house with your toddler. It gives you 360 degrees of mobility, has hospital-grade strength, and continuous latch. The pump can last up to 5 pumping sessions and is compatible with your apple watch and smartphone to pause, adjust, and track your breast pump. You can’t beat it!
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Wearable Breast Pump FAQs
Do wearable breast pumps really work?
Wearable breast pumps do work, although there are different types and styles. It’s also important to be sure any pump you choose fits your own individual body, because the right flange size will determine how well the suction can work.
How much does a wearable breast pump cost?
The cost of a hands-free pump varies broadly. You can expect to pay anywhere between $100 and $500.
Does insurance cover wearable breast pumps?
Every insurance company is required to cover a breast pump for any new parent. However, the rules do vary by insurance company. Some insurance companies may only cover certain types of breast pumps, require a doctor’s prescription, or only cover part of the wearable pump.
Check with your specific insurance company for coverage details.
Do you have to wear a bra when using a wearable breast pump?
Yes. These motorized cups are bulky and won’t stay on purely because of the suction. Invest in a quality nursing bra or a loose sports bra.
Can a wearable breast pump replace a traditional pump?
In short, no. Wearable breast pumps should not be a replacement for the good old-fashioned kind – especially in the beginning.
There’s a timeline with milk supply calibration. In the first one to four weeks post-delivery, the lactating person’s body is trying to figure out how much milk is needed to meet baby’s nutritional needs. If you are relying on or utilizing a pump during this time of setting the foundation for production, you will want a machine that’s effective and easy-to-use.
Is it safe to buy a used wearable breast pump?
The FDA considers individual breast pumps to be medical devices that are only safe for one person to use. They also say there is no way to ensure that any breast pump designed for an individual user could ever be properly cleaned and sanitized to be safe as a used product.
Can you return breast pumps?
Unfortunately, you can’t. These items are regulated by the FDA and once they’re bought, they cannot be returned or resold.
That’s it! As your baby grows, so does their feeding. Make sure you’re ready and fully informed for the next steps with our baby food comparison review and our must-have products for baby’s first solids.