For new parents, a breast pump can be an essential part of their feeding journey. There are many different reasons a parent may need or choose to pump – whether they need to be away from their baby, their baby struggles with latching, or they simply want to. With an overwhelming number of options, it can be hard to decide which breast pump is best for your situation. If you plan to pump away from home or while working, you may decide something portable and quiet is best. If you are pumping for a premature or NICU baby, a multi-user motor (or “Hospital Grade”) may be top of your list. If you plan to pump only as needed, something easy to use and affordable might be what you’re looking for. No matter what, there are no wrong answers – you know what your goals are and should make your decision based on what will help you meet those.

It’s so easy to feel lost in preparing for a baby and deciding what gear is best for you. To make your decision that much easier, we have compared some of the most popular pumps (and answered some frequently asked questions) below.

When should I get my pump?  

It is up to you when you decide to purchase your pump. If you plan to have your pump covered by insurance, you will need a prescription from your OBGYN or Midwife, and they may want you to wait until a certain point in pregnancy before they provide you with that. You will not need your breast pump during your pregnancy; it is not recommended to express milk prenatally, as that stimulation can cause contractions that may lead to pre-term labor. Should you deliver before you receive your pump, the hospital should have a multi-user pump available for you to use while you are there. 

Will Insurance cover my pump?

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) private health insurers are required to cover a breast pump for expecting parents. Many insurance companies cover breast pumps and breastfeeding supplies. To confirm your coverage, you should reach out to your company. You could also work with a DME (durable medical equipment supplier) to order your pump and breast milk storage supplies. 

When should I Start Pumping?

The Kiinde lactation team encourages taking the first 2-3 weeks to focus on resting, healing, getting to know your baby, and breastfeeding if you can. Taking this time helps to prevent additional engorgement, risk of oversupply and gives the baby time to learn the breast. We recognize there are many reasons that pumping may need to happen earlier, and suggest working with a lactation professional on a plan that prioritizes feeding your baby and establishing your supply. 

20 of the best breast pumps

Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow:

Price: $$
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: Battery Option
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: MaxFlow Microvibrations encourage increased expression.

Spectra S1:

Price: $$
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: Rechargeable Battery
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: “Massage mode” simulates the natural suckling of a baby.

Lansinoh Smart Pump:

Price: $
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: No
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: Very quiet. Connects to a unique app for tracking.

Ardo Calypso

Price: $
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: Battery Option
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: Independent vacuum and cycle adjustment mimic baby’s suction patterns

Elvie

Price: $$$
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: Wearable; Rechargable
Compatible with Twist: No
What makes this pump unique: Completely hands free. Connects to your smart phone or device for easy tracking and pump control

Spectra Synergy Gold

Price: $$$
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: Rechargeable Battery
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: Independent vacuum and cycle adjustments for each side encourage more efficient milk expression

Haaka

Price: $
Open or Closed System: Manual
Portable: Yes
Compatible with Twist: No
What makes this pump unique: Can be used passively as a milk collector. Soft silicone is comfortable.

Spectra S9+

Price: Closed
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: Rechargeable Battery
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: Portable. Weighs only ½ lb!

Medela Swing Maxi

Price: $$
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: Rechargeable Battery
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: Compact, fewer parts, up to 6 hours pumping in a charge

Freemie Liberty II

Price: $$
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: Rechargeable Battery
Compatible with Twist: No
What makes this pump unique: 100 pump settings, memory function, sleep timer

Medela Harmony

Price: $
Open or Closed System: Manual
Portable: Yes
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: Small and easy to use on the go

Dr. Browns Comfort Flow

Price: $
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: Rechargeable battery pack available
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: Portable with built in storage. Soft shape breastshields for added comfort

Motif Luna

Price: $$
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: Battery option available
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: Quiet. Expression and massage mode mimic natural sucking patterns

Medela Symphony

Price: $$$
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: No
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: Multi-user (“hospital grade”) motor. Especially helpful for premature or NICU parents

Evenflo Deluxe

Price: $
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: Option to use AAA batteries
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: Comes with a 3 year warranty. Unique angled flanges prevent milk loss

Willow 3.0

Price: $$$
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: Yes
Compatible with Twist: No
What makes this pump unique: Wearable, multiple flange size options, smart sensors detect letdown

Ameda Mya Joy

Price: $
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: AAA Battery Option
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: Includes FDA-cleared pump kit that helps protect breast milk from contaminants, known as the HygieniKit.

Bellababy

Price: $
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: Rechargeable battery
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: Very affordable, touch screen controls

Cimilre S6+

Price: $$
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: Rechargeable battery
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: Features 30 min auto shut off mode. Pump skins allows customization of the pump

PJ Limerick Comfort

Price: $$$
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: No
Compatible with Twist: No
What makes this pump unique: Unique technology mimic baby’s suction and eliminates membranes or duckbill valves

Rumble Tuff Breeze

Price: $
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: Rechargeable battery option
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: Memory function and smooth transition between suction settings

Baby Buddha

Price: $$
Open or Closed System: Closed
Portable: Yes
Compatible with Twist: Yes
What makes this pump unique: Small and portable, one handed operation

Breastmilk Storage Guidelines

As you begin your pumping journey, it is important to understand how to safely store and prepare expressed milk. Current breast milk storage guidelines state that breast milk can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for 6 to 12 months. Always wash your hands before pumping, storing or preparing milk and use a clean, food grade container. Twist pouches simplify the pumping process by allowing you to pump, store, warm and feed using just ONE pouch.

When warming breast milk, we encourage waiting to warm the milk until you are ready to feed, as human milk needs to be used within 2-3 hours. You can safely warm your milk in a water bath, under a stream of warm water or using a water bath/circulating style bottle warmer. Breast milk should never be heated above 104 degrees F or heated using a microwave or boiling water.


Keeping all that in mind, you can try the Twist system for free! Experience just how simple the pumping process can be with our Breastfeeding Starter Pack. You only need one pouch to pump, store, warm, and feed, so you don’t have to spend hours washing bottles. Our wide range of adapters allow you to use this system with most major pump brands. Plus, no milk transfers means your baby gets more of the nutrients essential for their development. Order your free Starter Pack today!

Team Kiinde

At Kiinde, we create thoughtful, innovative products that simplify life for you and your little one.