What you will find in this guide
Five Breast Pump features to look for
With so many products available, it’s worth taking the time to explore breast pump features. Styles include single pump, double pump, manual pump, electric pump and hospital grade pump to express breastmilk, all with specific features and functions. Every nursing mother is different, but here are five 2024 breast pump features almost every mother will appreciate.
VARIABLE SPEED AND SUCTION SETTINGS:
When breastfeeding, the milk starts with letdown before being expressed. The ability to switch speeds allows you to closely mimic the act of natural breastfeeding to maximise milk production.
POWER OPTIONS
Pumping is most helpful if you are a busy mom on the go. Consider a pump that can be electric powered, battery powered, or even manual, so you can express naturally and comfortably at all times.
PORTABILITY
If you need to pump outside the home, at work, or while travelling, choose a breast pump that fits easily into a tote bag. Enjoy healthy milk flow, peace of mind, and a baby that feels loved by using a portable breast pump from Metro Baby.
AN ALARM CLOCK
This extra feature is worth it. It’s easy to get caught up with other things and forget to pump at regular times, until you start to feel discomfort. The built-in alarm will remind you that it’s time to express milk.
CONSIDER A DOUBLE PUMP
If you need to pump while out and about, you will want to do so efficiently. With a double breast pump you get the job done in half the time it would take with a single pump.
Single vs double pumps
Whether you purchase a single or double electric breast pump depends on several considerations.
- how much milk you need
- how often you pump
- how much time you have
Single breast pumps are well-suited to mums who only need to express occasionally or who are expressing mainly to relieve pressure from engorgement. Double pumping is extremely efficient for busy mums or those who need to frequently express a larger amount of milk.
Tips for using a breast pump
Breast pumps can seem strange and intimidating at first, but they are used safely daily by millions of women worldwide. Metro Baby breast pumps meet Australian Breastfeeding Association guidelines so you can have confidence in your breast pump product. Here are a few simple tips for effectively using a breast pump.
- Sit in a comfortable, supported position, leaning forward.
- If using an electric pump, alter the speed and suction.
- Massage breasts while pumping.
- Use a nipple shield if you have sore, cracked or inverted nipples.
- Pump until milk stops flowing.
Metro Baby breast pump top picks for 2024
Breast pumps are practical, time-saving devices that lactating mothers can carry anywhere. With lots of styles available plus special features included in the latest 2024 models, now is the right time to explore some of the best baby breast pumps on the market.
Best manual breast pump
Manual pumps are economical, light, compact and quiet. Manual pumps work by the physical action of pumping or squeezing to create suction. They can only be used on one breast at a time. Top products include:
Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump and Cap Combo
- Made out of 100% food grade silicon
- Compact size which can easily fit into the nappy bag
- Suction base to prevent any accidental spills
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
- Compact enough to take with you wherever you go
- Fitted breast shields for increased comfort and more milk
- Technology that helps you mimic your baby’s natural nursing rhythm
Best electric breast pump
For mums on the go and those who need to express regularly, electric breast pumps are hard to beat. Unlike manual pumps, electric pumps create the suction for you, and they pump fast. Electric pumps can help boost milk supply and can also be hands-free. Metro Baby Favourites include:
Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump
- Overflow protection (closed system) prevents breast milk entering the tubing and motor
- Simple, comfortable and easy-to-use pump interface
- Double pumping with 2-phase expression technology for more milk
Philips Avent Single Electric Breast Pump
- Natural motion technology for a quick milk flow
- One size soft and adaptive silicone cushion
- Express without leaning forward
Best Portable breast pump
When pumping on the go, look for a light and portable breast pump. While manual pumps are an obvious choice, there are many fantastic electric and rechargeable battery operated options without power cords.
A popular option for working mums are electric breast pumps as they are powerful, efficient, and help boost milk production. Hands-free electric breast pumps are incredibly helpful if you need to keep moving while you pump. If your breast pump isn’t hands-free, it can possibly be adapted with a hands-free pumping bra. Great portable breast pump ideas include:
Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump
- Double pumping with Freestyle Flex™ yields more milk
- Fast at first to stimulate milk flow, then slower to mimic feeding
- Built-in rechargeable battery so you can express anywhere
Haakaa Deluxe Express & Collect Travel Pack
- 1 x 150ml Silicone Breast Pump
- 1 x Silicone Breast Pump Cap
- 1 x Ladybug Silicone Breast Milk Collector (75ml)
- 2 x Silicone Breast Milk Storage Bags
- 1 x Insulated Storage Bag (Bluestone)
Best Hospital-grade breast pump
Hospital grade breast pumps have more powerful motors that deliver more efficient pumping. Today‘s hospital grade breast pumps are lighter and smaller than previous versions, making portability a very real possibility. These pumps usually offer double suction so you have the option of single or twin pumping. The rhythmic suction of hospital grade breast pumps follows the natural motions of a breastfeeding baby.
Medela Freestyle Double Electric Breast Pump
- Efficient simultaneous expression so you can spend more time with your baby
- Innovative and quiet to make daily expression as comfortable and natural as possible
- Individually adjustable vacuum settings and memory function for personalisation
Philips Avent Double Electric Breast Pump
- Natural motion technology for a quicker milk flow
- One-size soft and adaptive silicone cushion
- Express without leaning forward
Best all-round breast pump
As a breastfeeding mother, you will naturally have a style that suits you and your baby. Whether you prefer a portable manual breast pump or a wearable electric model, Metro Baby has the product you’re looking for. The best all-round breast pump will depend on the way you like to spend your pumping sessions.
Breast milk is full of vitamins and minerals that your baby’s body needs to grow healthy and strong. These include iron, zinc, calcium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, and selenium. Minerals in mother’s milk build strong bones, produce red blood cells, and promote proper muscle and nerve function. With so much to gain for mom and bubs a quality breast pump is worth owning. Considerations include:
- Your pumping needs and lifestyle
- Price point
- Portability
- Strength/variability of suction
- Comfort
- Loudness of the pump
- Other pump parts you might need in addition to the pump
If you’re not sure which type of breast pump will work best for you, speak with a lactation consultant for information and advice.
Choosing a breast pump that suits your needs
Choosing the right breast pump will depend on how often you expect to be pumping and where you are on your lactation journey. There are three stages of lactation:
● Initiate – the first five days
● Build – days six to thirty
● Maintain – beyond thirty days
Picking a suitable breast pump will depend on the stage you’re at, your personal needs, your baby’s needs, the frequency of expressing and your attitude toward breastfeeding. With a breast pump on hand, you can express milk while your baby is in the car seat, on the high chair, on the floor or sound asleep in the bassinet. With the best breast pump products for 2024 all available under one roof at Metro Baby, your search is over.
Solve feeding problems with a breast pump
There are lots of good reasons for choosing a breast pump from the quality collection at Metro Baby in 2024. Here are four situations where a breast pump is the answer.
1
BABY CAN’T FEED FROM THE BREAST:
Some babies can’t breastfeed because they find it difficult to latch or suck. And some mums want their baby to have the benefits of breast milk but don’t feel able to breastfeed.
2
HAVING DIFFICULTY CREATING MILK SUPPLY:
It’s not unusual for mums to have concerns about their breast milk supply in the early stages of breastfeeding. If you and your newborn are struggling with breastfeeding , seek help from a lactation consultant as soon as possible. You might need to express for a few days or weeks while you get the hang of breastfeeding. A double breast pump will enable you to maximise the amount of expressed milk you can obtain in the least amount of time.
3
ONLY PUMP OCCASIONALLY:
If you’ve established a breastfeeding routine and now want to express milk only from time to time, a manual breast pump or single electric breast pump could be the answer.
4
RETURNING TO WORK:
Breastfeeding working mums can need to express milk every day. Take a portable breast pump and accessories with you to work, such as a flex double electric breast pump.
Comfort is the key
Some breast feeding starter kits or pump sets come with helpful extras and healthcare accessories to use with your breast pump. The extensive Metro Baby collection contains everything you might need, including:
- nightlight
- milk storage bags
- pumping bras
- breast (nipple, teat) shields
- lactation cookies
- warmers
- nipple cream
- nursing pads
- milk collectors
Brands we know and trust
At Metro Baby, we hand-select every product to ensure you are purchasing quality. All our baby products meet stringent Australian safety and manufacturing standards. We partner with local and international brands solely dedicated to making the best baby gear on the planet.
Our purchasing power means we can showcase highest-quality products for the lowest available price. Metro Baby brand partners include Haakaa, Medela, Phillips, Bodyice, Junobie, Welda and dozens more so you can shop with confidence. With free shipping on orders over $99 AUD, Metro Baby is your one-stop baby shop.
For great Metro Baby 2024 inspiration, check out nursery, playtime, carriers, bath, gift registry and more. Your little one deserves the best, so Metro Baby delivers with the best baby product range in Australia.
FAQ’s:
Which pump is best for breastfeeding?
Breast pump options include manual and battery operated models, and some electric breast pumps include rechargeable batteries. The breast pump you choose should suit your lifestyle, such as a manual breast pump if you only express occasionally, or a double electric breast pump if you need to maximise milk production and nutritional value while on the go.
What are the benefits of using a breast pump for babies?
Breast milk is an amazing natural food that most mothers want to provide for their baby. Although formula is an alternative containing some good qualities, it doesn’t contain all the goodness of milk. With a breast pump on hand, mother’s that can’t breastfeed can still express and store precious milk for their baby.