3 Key Questions for Parents

How Do I Choose the Right Breast Pump?

Choosing the right breast pump depends on your actual use, not trends or a friend’s pick. Before you order, ask three questions: how you feed your baby and what pumping will look like daily. How to choose a breast pump should guide your decision with your insurance benefit.

Wondering what breast pump to choose is one of the most common questions my clients share with me. It can be overwhelming when you’re browsing the options – especially when you’re pregnant and not even sure how pumping will look. However, when I meet with moms postpartum, many express regret in the pump they chose because they just didn’t know.

I want to help you avoid that! Let’s dive into those questions I mentioned at the beginning of this article a little more deeply (if you prefer to listen/watch, here’s my video about this topic!)

Question 1: How are you planning to use your pump?

You can’t predict exactly how feeding will go before baby arrives, but think about your general plan. Are you mostly nursing with occasional pumping for bottles? Exclusively pumping? Returning to work and pumping away from your baby? Or do you just want flexibility for date nights and appointments?

Someone pumping eight times a day needs a very different pump than someone pumping a few times a month. The real question isn’t “what’s the best breast pump” — it’s “what’s the best pump for how I’m actually going to use it?”

Question 2: What does your insurance actually cover?

Most U.S. insurance plans offer some level of breast pump coverage, and it’s tempting to grab whatever is covered and move on. Resist this urge. Look at all your options first — some pumps are fully covered, others require an upgrade fee, and you generally get one pump benefit per pregnancy. Check your insurance through a couple of different sites, since coverage details can vary depending on where you look. I generally recommend Aeroflow as a good place to start (though be aware that they may recommend “free” classes to you – I wouldn’t recommend signing up for these, because they can eat up your lactation consult benefit as well).

If this is your first baby, a high-quality traditional double electric pump is usually the better use of your benefit. You can add a wearable pump later if you need one.

Question 3: Where will pumping actually happen in your life?

Consider your real daily environment and how to choose a breast pump. At home, in a demanding job where sitting for 20 minutes is hard, or during frequent travel, convenience matters.

Which type of pump should I choose?

• Traditional double electric pump: Best if you’ll be exclusively pumping, pumping frequently, have a history of low milk supply, or want a reliable option for establishing supply. Pumps that fall into this category are ones like the Spectra, Baby Buddha, or Medela Symphony.
• Wearable pump: Great for returning to work, commuting, or chasing other kids — though if you’re relying heavily on pumping to establish your supply, having a traditional double electric pump as backup is still worth considering. Choosing the right wearable is a whole different question – you can use my guide on choosing a wearable as a starting point!
• Manual pump: An inexpensive, no-electricity-needed backup that can be surprisingly effective.
• Silicone milk collector: Often enough if you’re planning to mostly nurse and only need to collect occasionally. My personal favorite is the Boon Trove.

There’s no universally “best” pump type – it’s about the right tool for your specific situation.

Do I need more than one breast pump?

Sometimes. Some moms benefit from having both a traditional pump for home sessions and a wearable for work or being on the go. But you don’t need to buy a full collection before baby arrives — start with what meets your most immediate need and add on later if your real-life feeding situation calls for it.

Does flange fit matter when choosing a pump?

Yes — even a high-quality pump won’t work well if the flange doesn’t fit properly, an important factor in how to choose a breast pump. A poor fit can cause pain, reduce milk removal, and unnecessarily extend pumping sessions. When comparing pumps, check what flange sizes and inserts are available and whether the fit is customizable. If you’re unsure of your size, my team is available worldwide to help assist with flange sizing!

Before you order a breast pump, think through three things: how you plan to feed your baby, what pumping will look like in your real life, and how to use your insurance benefit wisely. The biggest mistake isn’t choosing the wrong brand — it’s choosing a pump before thinking through how you’ll actually use it.

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