As a mom, life gets pretty hectic. This is especially true if you are juggling work,
meetings, errands, or just trying to enjoy a moment for yourself. And with all these
things – I know finding time to pump can feel like a challenge! Fortunately, portable
breast pumps offer an absolute game-changer for busy moms. In this article, let’s find
out more about the best portable breast pump you can use.
Why use a portable breast pump?
The fact that traditional breast pumps, while effective, can tie you down (sometimes
literally) is not that hard to ignore. You see, sitting by an outlet for 20 minutes while
hooked up to tubes isn’t always practical. Portable breast pumps allow you to move
around freely, whether you’re folding laundry, driving to work, or chasing after your dog.
Trust me when I say how valuable portability is for a breast pump. When I had my
second child, I couldn’t sit still like I did with my first baby because life had gotten
busier. That’s when I invested in a portable pump, and it felt like freedom in a little
machine.
What makes a portable breast pump – the “best”?
There are many things to consider when looking for the best portable breast pump. So,
here’s a list of things you should know.
1. Suction power and efficiency
You want a pump that mimics your baby’s natural nursing rhythm and gets the
job done quickly. Some portable pumps may sacrifice power for size, so check
reviews for performance. After all, doing your due diligence to research before
investing on a portable breast pump wouldn’t hurt.
2. Battery life
A good portable pump should last several sessions on a single charge – that
should be blindingly obvious. So, try to look for pumps with rechargeable
batteries or the option to use regular ones. In my experience, I had a hard time
looking for this feature but trying the brand MomCozy helped me out.
3. Noise Level
If you’re pumping at work or in public, a quiet pump is a must. Trust me, nothing
is more awkward than a loud “whirr” in the middle of a meeting.
4. Comfort
Repeat after me: Pumping shouldn’t hurt! Us moms are already brave enough –
no need for unnecessary chest pains when all we wanted is to feed our bubs!
Look for pumps with adjustable settings and soft flanges that fit well.
5. Ease of cleaning
For the safety of your baby and the reality of it all – you need to clean. A lot. So,
choose a pump with minimal parts that are dishwasher-safe or very easy to rinse.
Best Portable Breast Pumps for Moms
Now that you know what to look for, this part of the article showcases a roundup of
some of the best portable breast pumps available today.
1. Willow Go
Moms love Willow Go breast pump because it’s completely wearable. You can
just slip it into your bra and pump hands-free. This product is perfect for moms
who loves to multitask – and aren’t we all?
• Key features of this portable breast pump include:
– Quiet operation
– Holds up to 7 ounces of milk per pump session
– Easy to clean because it only has few parts
What moms don’t like: It’s a bit pricey although many moms say that it’s definitely
worth the investment.
2. Elvie Pump
This is another wearable, portable breast pump option for moms out there. Elvie
is sleek and silent so it’s ideal for those who pump at work or in public.
• Key features of this portable breast pump include:
– Offers app connectivity to track your pumping sessions
– Lightweight and can be discreet
– Has a rechargeable battery
What moms don’t like: Although a good option, Elvie Pump has a smaller milk
capacity compared to other products.
3. Medela Freestyle Flex
Medela is a trusted brand in the breastfeeding world – and boy their portable
breast pump never disappoints! The price is a good offer too, not that pricey but
the quality is just as good as expensive ones.
• Key features of this portable breast pump include:
– Offers a strong suction power
– Compact and has a lightweight design
– USB charging
What moms don’t like: Unlike the first two options I mentioned, the Medela
Freestyle Flex is not as discreet for a wearable pump.
4. Spectra S1 Plus
If you are looking for a portable and hospitable-grade suction breast pump, the
Spectra S1 Plus is the best option for you! However, you need to keep in mind
that this is slightly larger as compared to all other breast pumps I’ve mentioned
on this list.
• Key features of this portable breast pump include:
– Long battery life for longer pumping sessions
– Offers adjustable settings for comfort
– Can be used as a single or double pump for a faster session
What moms don’t like: It looks bulky when wearing as compared to other fully
wearable pumps.
How to Use a Portable Breast Pump
Using a portable pump is super easy once you get the hang of it. Here are a few tips:
• Find a Comfortable Spot: Even with a portable pump, you’ll want to feel
relaxed. Stress can make it harder to let down milk.
• Adjust the Settings: Start with a gentle suction and gradually increase it to what
feels comfortable for you.
• Use a Hands-Free Bra: This will keep the pump in place and allow you to
multitask.
• Clean After Every Use: Rinse the parts with warm soapy water or follow the
manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Conclusion
I hope this list made things easier for you when choosing the best portable best pump –
because it sure was hard for me! Having the right tools can make all the difference
when breastfeeding and portable breast pumps are perfect way to provide your baby’s
needs while giving yourself some freedom! Millions of moms are already using it!
What’s your favorite portable breast pump? Share your experience—we’d love to hear
your story!