Breast pump reviews: Features explained

Types of breast pump

Medela manual breast pump

Manual breast pumps are light, compact and often cheaper than electric pumps

Manual breast pump

Manual breast pumps work by mimicking the sucking action of a breastfeeding baby. A funnel, or cup, is placed over the nipple, and manually pumping the handle creates a vacuum over the breast to stimulate milk flow.

Milk is collected in the attached container, which can be stored and used to feed to your baby when convenient – great if you’ve returned to work or are away from your baby.

A manual pump is cheaper to buy than an electric pump, and is more portable. Expect to pay £15-£35 for a manual breast pump, or less if you can find one on offer or in the sales.

To find out the pros and cons of using a manual breast pump see our Choosing a breast pump advice guide.

Electric pump

Electric breast pumps are fast, easy to use and usually offer more options than manual breast pumps. For example, you’ll find pumps with adjustable suction levels and settings, travel-friendly versions, or breast pumps with double-pump capacity, which can pump both breasts at the same time.

Unlike with a manual pump, once the funnel or cup is in place on the breast, the milk is automatically pumped, at your choice of pace – saving you from aching hands or hard-to-maintain rhythm patterns.

Medela electric breast pump

Electric breast pumps are more expensive than manuals - but usually faster at expressing milk

Most electric breast pumps are mains operated, so will need to be plugged in, but battery-powered pumps are also available. You may want to choose one of these if you’ll need to express milk when you aren’t near a plug socket.

Electric breast pumps are more expensive than manual models. Prices range from around £60 for a mini pump to £250 for a top-of-the-range version, but many people choose them because they find them easier to use, and they can be quicker.

To find out the pros and cons of using a manual breast pump see our Choosing a breast pump advice guide.

Hospital-grade pumps

These are electric pumps that you can hire on a monthly basis from the NHS or the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), a UK parenting charity, for home use. They're usually larger, more powerful machines with double pumps, and are designed for very frequent use. If you have to stay in hospital for longer than usual, you may use one there.

breast pump rental

You can hire large hospital-grade breast pumps to use at home

You'll need to buy a sterilised milk collection kit separately to use with the hired pump. Milk only comes into contact with this kit, rather than the rest of the pump.

Variable suction or speed

Some electric pumps offer a variable suction or speed level which is designed to let you control the speed of expression. This allows you to start off gently and then increase the speed. Some pumps also offer the option of phased expression, which is designed to mimic a baby’s sucking (fast and light initially, then slower and deeper) and help to stimulate milk flow.

Breast shields

The breast shield is the plastic part of the breast pump that covers the breast and nipple. It’s sometimes called the cup or funnel. The plastic materials vary; some are rigid, hard plastic while others are softer and more flexible. Some shields are made of opaque material, so the nipple can't be seen, while others are transparent.

It’s very important to get the right fit with a breast shield, as an ill-fitting shield could affect the suction and cause discomfort.

Some manufacturers have guides online that will help you assess whether your breast shield fits correctly, and you can buy alternative shields for use with your pump.

For more information visit Medela’s right size of breastshield guide.

We’ve measured the breast shields for the models we’ve tested. Sizes can be found in the specifications tab on the individual product reviews in our breast pumps review.

Milk storage cups

Most breast pumps come with some sort of storage container. This can range from a spare bottle to a small pot. Spare lids and seals are often included to help prevent them leaking while being transported. We test all the bottles, storage containers or pots for leaking.

While most breast pumps come with either a bottle or a storage container, which can be adapted for use when feeding, most bottles or containers can also be bought separately.

Valve membrane

Each breast pump has a valve. The valve is made up of one or two pieces of small plastic and includes a valve membrane. The valve and membrane should stop expressed milk flowing back from the bottle into the pump mechanism.

Breast pump valves and membranes

Breast pump valves and membranes

With some pumps, you have to fit the valve and the membrane before you start expressing. This can be fiddly, as both pieces of plastic are very small.

It’s worth checking that this important piece of the kit is always there after you've washed the pump, as it’s very easily misplaced or thrown away. Most pumps come with a spare membrane.

Baby feeding bottles

Not all bottles are compatible with all pumps. Our reviews provide you with all you need to know so you can choose the best pump – and then the bottles to suit it.

Dishwasher safe

Some breast pumps are dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning them much easier, but remember to check that there aren't any pools of water lurking anywhere once they’re washed. And your breast pump will still need to be sterilised afterwards. Always check the instruction manual for information on cleaning and sterilising your breast pump.

More on this...

Which? works for you © Which?