New motherhood is magical, but let’s be real – it can also be messy, stressful, and exhausting. As if caring for a newborn isn’t hard enough, nursing mothers have the added responsibility of pumping breast milk when away from baby. Finding time to pump amidst the chaos of life with a little one is no easy feat!
If you’re a pumping mama, you’ve likely asked yourself which breast pump works best for your lifestyle. Should you opt for a traditional plug-in electric pump or a trendy new wearable pump? Both have pros and cons, so read on as we dish all the details to help you decide…
About Traditional Electric Pumps
Traditional electric breast pumps are a staple for most nursing mothers. Brands, like Medela, Spectra, Ameda, and Lansinoh, have dominated the pump market with plug-in electric versions designed to provide strong and efficient pumping sessions.
These pumps are generally larger, roughly the size of a grapefruit, and must be plugged into an electrical outlet to function. They have a two-phase expression technology featuring a motor that provides suction, drawing the milk from the breasts. The milk is then pumped via a length of tubing into collection bottles or bags often attached to the flanges.
Pros of Traditional Electric Pumps:
Traditional electric pumps have a lot to offer for nursing moms in need :
- Customizable Settings: Traditional pumps are often valued for adjustable speed and suction, which can be tailored to trigger letdown and effectively maintain milk flow. Such flexibility matters, for you can replicate the natural nursing rhythms of a baby.
- Powerful Suction: Traditional pumps feature robust motor-driven suction that can exceed 250 mmHg—far surpassing the capabilities of manual or wearable pumps. This is a sought-after strength for mothers looking to double pump efficientlyand collect milk swiftly. After all, time is money for moms on a tight schedule.
- High Volume Collection: Ideal for working mothers or those who travel frequently, traditional pumps excel at pumping large quantities of milk. This ability to stockpile ensures that maintaining or increasing milk supply is manageable even with a busy schedule.
- Comfort and Efficiency: With settings that adjust to different phases of pumping, mothers can avoid nipple discomfort and sensitivity, making the pumping experience more comfortable and sustainable.
Cons of Traditional Electric Pumps
However, it is not good in many ways:
- Bulky and Stationary: One major drawback is their size and dependency on an electrical outlet. These pumps require a setup that isn’t conducive to moving around or multitasking, limiting the user’s flexibility during pumping sessions.
- Complex Assembly and Cleaning: With numerous components such as valves, membranes, bottles, and tubing, traditional pumps demand meticulous cleaning to prevent the risk of mold and bacteria. This can be a significant inconvenience, especially for busy mothers.
- Limited Discretion and Portability: Due to their size and operational noise, these pumps lack discretion and are difficult to transport, posing challenges for pumping in public or at the workplace.
- Hands-On Operation: The necessity of using both hands to manage the flanges and bottles means mothers cannot easily perform other tasks while pumping, which can be a significant limitation for multitasking individuals.
On Wearable Breast Pumps
Wearable breast pumps are one of the most innovative and game-changing products for nursing mothers in recent years. A special mention goes to Momcozy, whose ultra-portable pumps are specially crafted for busy moms.
Benefits of Wearable Breast Pumps
Electric Wearable breast pumps blend cutting-edge technology with convenience, transforming how modern mothers manage pumping. Check out what makes them great:
- Compact and Portable: Each pump is small, lightweight, and about the size of a tennis ball, easily fitting inside a bra. The compact design offers unparalleled convenience for on-the-go moms.
- Cordless Operation: Operated by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, these pumps provide the freedom to pump without being anchored to an electrical outlet, enhancing mobility and flexibility.
- Comfort and Discretion: Soft silicone flanges and integrated air tubes deliver gentle, rhythmic suction with noiseless pulsating technology, allowing for discreet pumping under clothes—barely noticeable in public settings.
- Innovative Storage Solutions: Milk is collected directly into BPA-free bags or reusable containers that attach seamlessly to each flange, equipped with anti-leak technology for worry-free mobility.
- Smart Connectivity: These pumps can connect to a smartphone app via Bluetooth, enabling mothers to track pumping sessions, customize settings, and even remotely control the pump, which adds a layer of convenience to daily routines.
- Multitasking Made Easy: The hands-free design facilitates multitasking, allowing mothers to pump while engaging in other activities, from household chores to caring for other children, significantly reducing the stress associated with milk collection.
Drawbacks of Wearable Breast Pumps
On the downside, wearable pumps for breastfeeding moms may have less power and suction strength compared to traditional industrial-grade pumps. The battery life may only last 2-3 pumping sessions before needing to be recharged. And like all pumps, the small parts require regular cleaning and sterilization. But for many moms, the pros outweigh any cons of these revolutionary pumps.
Choose Between Wearable Breast Pumps vs. Traditional Breast Pumps
Choosing the right breast pump is about matching the pump to your personal needs, lifestyle, and the realities of daily life as a new mother. You may need to consider many things before deciding which is better for you:
- Cost: Traditional pumps are generally more cost-effective than wearable pumps. Check if your health insurance offers coverage or if there are manufacturer discounts available to help with expenses.
- Portability: For mothers who are often on the move—whether commuting to work or traveling—wearable pumps offer unmatched convenience due to their compact size and battery operation. These pumps weigh less than a pound and can easily fit in a handbag or diaper bag.
- Power and Suction: If your priority is efficiency, traditional pumps deliver stronger suction, typically between 220-350 mmHg, which is crucial for quickly accumulating milk stores, especially if you are away from your baby for more than a few hours a day.
- Discretion: Wearable pumps are designed for subtlety and quiet operation, making them ideal for use in public spaces or in the workplace. Their noise level is usually below 50 decibels, comparable to a quiet conversation, thus ensuring privacy.
- Lifestyle Needs: Reflect on your daily schedule. If you need to pump several times a day or for extended periods, the durability and longer battery life of traditional pumps might be beneficial. For less frequent pumping or shorter sessions, a wearable pump’s convenience could be a deciding factor.
- Cleaning: Consider the time you will spend on maintenance. Traditional pumps come with more parts that require cleaning, which can be time-consuming—up to 30 minutes per cleaning session. Wearable pumps have fewer components, potentially halving cleaning time.
- Accessories: Examine what comes with the pump. Many pumps offer essential accessories like different flange sizes for comfort, various milk storage options, extra batteries, and stylish carrying cases. These extras can significantly enhance your pumping experience.
More information can be found here.
The Bottom Line
While traditional pumps excel at maximizing supply quickly, wearable pumps are unmatched when it comes to portability and pumping on the move. Which means the pump you select should align with your personal needs and lifestyle. Moms who value convenience and mobility should opt for a wearable pump like those made by Momcozy. However, for those who need to build and maintain an ample milk supply, a trusted traditional pump may be preferable.
