“[Manual breast pumps] don’t have any motors or mechanical parts and rely on your hand power to work,” explains Ashley Blankenship, breastfeeding counselor, founder of Supported Season, and creator of Bump Up Birth Method. “They shouldn’t be painful or too uncomfortable. You’re in control of how much suction you create. You only need enough suction to get milk flowing. More suction will not make more milk, and can cause breast or nipple damage.” Before heading out to buy a manual pump, research options that are ideal for your breast size to ensure that each pumping session is comfortable and efficient. Also, consider when you’ll be using your manual pump. If you plan on keeping it in your diaper bag or work purse, a compact option would be ideal. Since it can be tricky to decipher what specific pump is best, we’ve rounded up the best options on the market to help you out. The soft and flexible rim of the PersonalFit shield is clinically proven to make every pumping session more efficient and produce more milk. The set comes with one 5-ounce bottle, a lid and stand, one harmony connector, one valve, and one membrane. Price at time of publication: $44 You also get one pump, a NaturalWave nipple, cap, collar, wide-neck bottles that are compatible with Lansinoh’s electric pump, as well as a few non-leak milk storage bags. Price at time of publication: $35 The pump has an ergonomically designed squeeze handle to make the process of expressing milk easier on your hand. The set comes with one 5-ounce feeding bottle with a slow flow nipple. Price at time of publication: $21 It has a lightweight, compact design with an easy-to-use handle pump that pivots, so it’s comfortable to hold on both the left and right sides. The pump also comes completely apart so that you can easily clean every crevice without worry. Price at time of publication: $25 Along with the pump, you get one 5-ounce Dr. Brown’s wide-neck bottle with a level-1 nipple, a wide neck cap, and a cleaning brush for when you need to hand-wash the pieces. Price at time of publication: $30 After you’ve pumped, it is designed to stably sit on its front to prevent spilling any milk. Finally, there are only two parts to this breast pump and they are both dishwasher-safe. Price at time of publication: $50 “The Haakaa can be a great tool if used properly,” Blakenship says. “It can also cause a lot of issues. Only use a Haakaa if recommended to you by a breastfeeding professional.” It can hold up to 4 ounces of milk, is designed for comfort, and is dishwasher and hot water safe. Price at time of publication: $13 Finally, there are only a few parts to this pump, making it simple to put together and to take apart to clean. Price at time of publication: $35
What to Look for When Buying a Manual Breast Pump
Comfortable Design
You want to have a pump that is as comfortable as possible, Blankenship tells Verywell Family. “Find one with a comfortable grip and easy action. If the handle is tough to press, it’s going to really tire out your hands,” she says. “The pumps with a lever you press are generally considered easier to use than syringe types. Bulb types can be good for relief of discomfort, but aren’t going to express as much as more complex pumps.
Hygiene
To aid in killing possible bacteria, choosing a manual pump that is dishwasher safe can ensure that it is squeaky clean after each use. “Dishwasher-safe pump parts make cleanup easier,” Blankenship tells Verywell Family. “I also like the pumps that come apart to clean. It makes sanitization easier. It’s always important to use clean pump parts and storage containers.”You may also want a pump that has a cap or cover to keep it sanitary while it’s in your bag.
Efficacy
Breast pumps are only good if they are able to express milk from your breast, so you’ll want to be sure to read through user reviews to get an idea of efficacy. Some pumps may have a slight learning curve while others may be straightforward and easy to use right out of the box. Either way, if you aren’t able to use the pump properly, you won’t get the full benefits. If possible, shop from retailers with flexible return policies in case the one you purchase doesn’t work for you.
Size
Chances are high that you’ll be carrying this pump around with you so that you have it on hand in case you need it, so make sure it’s made of durable materials and is a size that is easy to tote around. Whether you’re pumping at work, at a friend’s house, or on the road, having a manual pump that is compact and lightweight is ideal. You want to have a pump that is as comfortable as possible, so look for something that is either made for your breast size or that comes with different shield options so that you can find the best fit. The pump won’t work if it doesn’t create a strong suction/hold on your breast, so fit is extremely important. If you have larger breasts, it is a good idea to opt for a pump that is compatible with multiple flanges size options.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old. She has personal experience in researching and purchasing products that are essential to motherhood. Key considerations she used when selecting these recommendations include functionality and purchaser reviews. “Breastfeeding is a mental game,” Blankenship says. “Sometimes pumping doesn’t elicit the same emotions as feeding your baby straight from the breast. If you find the noise of an electric pump too distracting and are having a hard time relaxing, a manual pump can help express more milk than an electric pump. Keep in mind that just because it’s a manual pump, doesn’t mean you’ll need to squeeze it the whole time. You’ll squeeze until milk starts to flow, then you can rest until milk flow stops before squeezing again. I recommend speaking to a breastfeeding professional before starting a pumping routine. There are many things to think about when pumping, and it can save a lot of trouble down the road if you come up with a plan that works for your particular issues ahead of time. More milk is not always a good thing.” To further sterilize it, you can place the pump in a pot of boiling water for five minutes before letting it air dry (however, check your pump manufacturer’s guide before you do this).
