Best Wearable Breast Pump: Essential Guide for New Moms

Last Updated on October 30, 2023 by Avi Steen

Remember when pumping breast milk meant being tethered to a bulky machine? Those days are long gone. With the best wearable breast pump, you’re free to move around, work, or simply relax while collecting that liquid gold.

This isn’t your grandma’s breast pump – it’s more like a smartphone for your chest.

Think of hands-free operation, compact design, and even connected apps for tracking sessions. Are you intrigued yet?

You may ask yourself: “Which is the best option in this tech-savvy world of wearable pumps?” That’s why we’re here, sis.

We’ll dive into top-notch options along with affordable wearable breast pump contenders.

We’ll also navigate through key factors every mama should consider before investing in these life-changing devices…and trust us; they’re game changers!

So, let’s get to collecting milk on the go.

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What Are the Best Wearable Breast Pumps?

We know the world of wearable breast pumps can be overwhelming. So, we’ve analyzed the top options to give you an easy-to-digest review.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wearable Breast Pump

Considering the various factors to consider, choosing a wearable breast pump is not easy. The right choice hinges on several factors that we’re about to explore.

Comfort

The initial thing to mull over is coziness.

Because there’s nothing more annoying than an uncomfortable pumping session.

A comfortable wearable pump setup involves the flange size, which should be just right – neither too large nor too small. Wrong sizes can lead to sore nipples or low milk supply, making your pumping session an ordeal.

Ease of Use

Next up: ease of use. If we wanted things to be more difficult, we’d just plug in the traditional pump.

Look for pumps with intuitive controls and clear instructions; this will make your life so much easier. An easy-to-clean design also counts as it cuts down cleaning time after each pumping session.

Pumping Strength & Suction Levels

Your wearable breast pump needs adequate suction levels and strength for efficient milk extraction. But remember – higher power doesn’t always mean better.

Comfortable suction wins over forceful tugging any day.

Portability & Battery Life

A mobile pump lets you get things done while collecting precious drops of gold (a.k.a. breast milk.). And what good is portability without battery life?

Make sure your chosen pump offers ample juice per charge cycle. So if you have to pump in the school pick-up line or in the church basement (just me?), you’re ready to go.

Note: If insurance coverage comes into play when buying a wearable breast pump, policies vary by company, so check yours out in advance.

Here’s my go-to site for checking breast pump insurance.

Tips for Using a Wearable Breast Pump Effectively

Getting the most out of your wearable breast pump involves more than just putting it on and letting it work.

It’s about knowing how to avoid common pitfalls, like low milk output, and understanding how to fully charge your pump.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

The frustration of experiencing low milk output can be hard.

But don’t worry, mama.

The key is finding the right balance between suction levels and comfort – too high may cause discomfort, while too low might not stimulate enough milk production. Consulting a lactation expert may be beneficial if you are having trouble balancing suction levels and comfort.

Ensure your device is juiced up before beginning a pumping sesh – it’s the worst when you’re in the middle of it, and power goes out.

There’s nothing worse than running out of battery halfway through.

Finally, the most important thing to know about your milk supply is supply and demand. The more you demand, the more supply you’ll receive.

Making the Most of Your Pump

You’ve got options when it comes to using your wearable breast pump effectively; mixing and matching those options could maximize each pumping session.

According to FDA guidelines, every user has unique needs, so try different settings until you find what works best for you.

If possible, consider purchasing extra accessories like collection cups or backflow protectors – they could come in handy during unexpected scenarios such as broken parts or increased supply needs.

Building up an effective routine that ensures regular supply first thing in the morning when prolactin (the hormone responsible for making breast milk) levels are highest can give you great pumping results.

Remember, getting comfortable with any new device takes time – keep experimenting until you find what suits you best.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy Used Wearable Breast Pumps

You might be tempted to snag a deal on a used wearable breast pump. After all, they’re not cheap, and every penny counts when you’re gearing up for a baby’s arrival.

But hold that thought.

There are important safety considerations that should make you think twice.

According to the FDA, breast pumps are considered medical devices designed for individual use. This means each pump is intended for one person only due to potential health risks associated with sharing these devices.

Sure, you could sterilize it before use, but risk is still involved.

Many parts of the pump come into contact with milk, which can carry bacteria and viruses. These may linger even after thorough cleaning, potentially harming both mom and baby.

Besides health concerns, there’s also performance degradation over time – something especially true if the previous owner was an exclusive pumper or had multiple babies using the same device (Remember: they were designed as personal items.).

So even though the initial cost seems lower with a used pump, its reduced efficiency could lead you to spend more time pumping than necessary – precious moments better spent cuddling your little one.

Understanding Insurance Coverage for Wearable Breast Pumps

If you’re thinking about getting a wearable breast pump, one question that might pop up is – “Will my insurance cover it?” The answer isn’t straightforward because coverage varies across different insurance companies.

Most insurers recognize the importance of breastfeeding and the role of breast pumps in supporting this journey. Therefore, they do provide some level of coverage. However, there’s a catch.

Your policy may limit the type and model of the pump covered. Traditional pumps are often fully or partially covered, but things can get murky when it comes to wearable ones.

Only manual or basic electric models often fall under full-coverage policies.

At the same time, more advanced options like hands-free wearable pumps could be considered ‘luxury’ items and not included. Some providers might allow an upgrade with out-of-pocket expenses, though.

To navigate this maze efficiently:

• Contact your insurer directly to ask what types of breast pumps are covered under your plan.
• If your plan covers a more expensive pump, determine the amount of reimbursement you can expect.
• Consult lactation consultants who often have insider knowledge about these issues if necessary.
• Use this breast pump insurance site to check your coverage.

This process can feel overwhelming, especially during such an emotional time as new motherhood. But remember, help is available.

HealthCare.Gov provides detailed guidelines on its website, which may be a good starting point.

Other Tested Wearable Breast Pumps

We also gave a shot to some other wearable breast pumps that didn’t make it to our top list but still deserve an honorable mention. These include the Willow 3.0, Willow Go, and Bellababy.

The Willow 3.0 is unique for its all-in-one design, letting you pump directly into self-sealing bags or reusable containers. But the trade-off is its size – it’s bulkier than most wearable pumps.

Willow Go, on the other hand, retains much of what makes Willow great but at a more affordable price point. It offers nine suction levels and can be used with either milk collection bags or containers, just like its sibling model.

I am moving on to another competitor in this space – the Bellababy Wearable Breast Pump.

Bellababy: The Underdog Contender?

This little-known brand has been making waves with innovative yet budget-friendly products targeted toward new moms who need help pumping milk while juggling daily chores.

It’s equipped with soft silicone flanges, which provide comfortable suction while ensuring efficient milk extraction.

However, they have smaller flange sizes available compared to popular brands, so take note if fit could be an issue for you.

But hey. Who doesn’t love rooting for an underdog?

Best Wearable Breast Pump FAQ

What is the best-rated wearable breast pump?

The MomMed Wearable Double Breast Pump is highly praised for its portability, discretion, and hospital-grade strength.

Are wearable breast pumps worth it?

Absolutely. They give you the freedom to move about while pumping, making them a practical choice for busy moms.

Do wearable pumps work as well?

Yes, they do. Top models like Elvie or Medela Freestyle offer comparable performance to traditional electric pumps.

What is the best alternative to Elvie breast pump?

If you’re looking beyond Elvie, consider the MomMed Pump – it’s user-friendly and equally efficient in milk extraction.

Is Willow or Elvie better?

Willow and Elvie are both popular options, and they have their pros and cons. Willow tends to have a bit more suction power, which can be great for some moms. Elvie, on the other hand, is quieter and more discreet, which I love when I’m out and about. So, it’s all about what suits your lifestyle and comfort level.

Are hands-free breast pumps worth it?

Oh, absolutely! Hands-free breast pumps are a game-changer, especially for busy moms like us. They let you multitask, like reading to your little ones or even doing some chores, while you’re pumping. It makes life so much easier. I couldn’t imagine going back to the old manual pumps.

Do wearable breast pumps work with large breasts?

Yes, wearable breast pumps can work just fine with larger breasts. They usually come with different sizes of breast shields to ensure a comfortable fit. So, whether you’re a B-cup or a D-cup, you should be able to find a size that works for you. Just make sure to adjust them properly for a snug fit to ensure they’re effective.

Do wearable pumps decrease milk supply?

Some moms worry that wearable pumps might decrease milk supply because they’re not as powerful as hospital-grade pumps. But in my experience, as long as you use them regularly and empty your breasts efficiently, they shouldn’t really affect your milk supply negatively. Just stay consistent with your pumping routine, and you should be good to go.

Wrapping Up About Hands-Free Pumps

Choosing the best wearable breast pump isn’t a walk in the park. You’ve got to consider comfort, portability, and pumping strength. But now you know that MomMed is top-notch for discretion, while Medela Freestyle is easy to use.

Remember, though, buying used pumps is a risky business because they’re individual medical devices. So always opt for new when it comes to these gadgets.

Of course, affordable options like MomMed and Momcozy S12 Pro are also on your radar now – excellent performance at a pocket-friendly price! Lastly, remember that insurance coverage can vary – so check before purchasing.

In conclusion, armed with this knowledge, you’re well-equipped to navigate the tech-savvy world of wearable breast pumps!