Electric versus manual breast pump

We didn't think so. Manual breast pumps can sometimes be hard to clean due to the many parts involved such as the bottle attachments, breast covers, flanges, tubes and massager inserts. And the CDC recommends elaborate cleaning and sanitization methods after ever pump session for your safety. Wearable breast pumps are compact for easy portability. Because of this, there are no external tubes or components to clean.

Willow is the easiest pump on the market to clean. After every use, you can quickly disassemble the Willow and wash by hand or pop the parts in the dishwasher, top rack only.

If you need to express milk occasionally, a manual breast pump may work for you. Willow is completely spill-proof and its discreet design allows you to pump when you need to, where you need to. Ready to experience the freedom of Willow? How to Get Sized Why Willow? Reviews FAQs. Everything You Need to Know: Electric vs. Manual Breast Pumps Which one is best for you and why. Wearable Breast Pumps Wearable, in-bra pumps are able to express milk from both breasts at the same time and give mom ultimate mobility and movement.

Electric Breast Pumps Electric breast pumps provide constant and steady pumping. Both the electric and manual breast pumps have their benefits and drawbacks. Expense, efficiency and equipment are among the factors to consider when deciding on the type of pump to purchase. Choose from a selection of the best breast pumps , including electric and manual breast pumps, plus a medela breast pump.

Electric pumps are your set-and-go style, requiring less effort than a manual pump. You can adapt the speed and suction, as well as choose from a single or double-pump style. Electric pumps are known for their efficiency and ease of use.

The drawbacks of electric pumps can include the need for more equipment, a less-than-quiet process and the possible need to stay attached to an outlet. However, some do offer rechargeable batteries. Unlike the electric pump, which as the name implies, uses electricity to power the stimulation needed for expressing milk, manual pumps use only your hands for the pumping action.

More effort is needed to power a manual pump, but they also offer a quiet, low-maintenance and affordable pumping option. Regardless of the pump you choose, hygiene is the first step in the use of either an electric or manual pump.

Always make sure the pump and your hands are thoroughly cleansed before use. The next step is finding a space for pumping that ideally supports a sense of relaxation. A tense mama is not the best promoter of milk production! These may not be fully covered by insurance and can cost more than a regular electric pump. They are high-quality pumps with strong suction, often the most efficient at expressing milk. If you are spending time in the hospital, this option may be available for use during your stay.

Many hospitals and birthing centers offer the option of renting a hospital-grade pump. Lastly, there are electric, wireless pumps like the Elvie and Willow pumps.

These pumps can be placed directly into your bra, allowing you to pump hands-off and untethered to an outlet. These amazing models have the motor, container, and breast shield as an all-in-one and are charged between uses through a USB port. The Elvie breast pump is a wearable, hands free, and completely wireless breast pump that has revolutionized the pumping game.

For full-time or exclusively pumping moms, it can give a freedom like never seen before. Truly Mama's Elvie pump users swear the pump changed their lives for the better and allowed them to pump full-time just when they were about to give up. It's battery-powered, rechargeable, and easy-to-use and operate. While it is an investment, the pump is covered by some insurances check with yours to confirm and is HSA and FSA eligible.

The Willow Breast Pump is a hands free, wireless, double electric breast pump that allows for flexibility when you pump--you can even pump while laying down. Made to be discreet, it fits directly into a wearer's bra or nursing tank and pumps quietly, with no wires or tubes. It can be used with disposable milk bags that fit directly into the pump or with reusable milk containers that you fit directly into the pump. The containers and some pumping components are dishwasher-safe.

You can choose your flange size and use the free Willow app to help you get started with the pump and control it remotely, all while monitoring your milk production without having to look down your shirt. We give this pump 2 thumbs up because our hands are totally free to do so now, even pumping! Choosing the right breast pump option can be intimidating for some.

As you start looking into the best pumping option for you and your babe, consider the frequency of use, where you will be pumping, and insurance coverage. Here are some other factors to consider:. An Elvie or Willow pump could allow you to discreetly work and pump at the same time, but a hands-free pumping bra can turn other electric pumps into a hands-free option. Parents who need an easy way to pump on-the-go for the occasional night out might prefer a manual pump since they are low cost, easy to transport, and easy to clean.

For some people, a manual pump is just fine because they express milk with no problem. Where you will be pumping such as in an office setting, in a private area, at home, in the car, etc. These pumps also allow you to move around, while a pump with a separate motor will tether you to one spot.

Most insurance providers are covering pumps for new moms, but not all pumps are covered, or may be covered in full. Check into your plan options before making your purchase to narrow down your options. My insurance actually directed me to a portal so I could order my pump online using my insurance information. Some parents might find a manual breast pump does a better job triggering letdown because they can control the speed and intensity of the suction. However, electric pumps can be more efficient since they can express pumps from both breasts at the same time.

The Haakaa can be used as a manual breast pump, but the milk collection is achieved passively. It suctions to the breast to catch milk on one side while you nurse or pump on the other. It depends on how much you will rely on expressed breastmilk to feed your baby. If you pump exclusively or work away from your baby, an electric pump is an efficient way to express milk throughout the day or night. When you click on some of our links, you support our community. To learn more click here.

Mary Sauer is a writer living in the Midwest and a mom of three with one more on the way. Pump it your way. Updated on December 14,