Breastfeeding creates an incredible bond between a mom and her baby. Breast milk is also the best food and nutrient source for newborns. While some moms can stay at home to feed their baby by direct latching, others may have to use breast pumps to express milk for their little ones. For instance, when she has to report back to work or be away for a couple of days.
Breast pumps are also very handy when moms experience breastfeeding problems, such as insufficient milk supply and poor latch by the baby. If you're trying to purchase one for yourself or as a gift, in this article, we prepared a top 10 list of the best breast pumps that you can purchase online. We will also share a buying guide with comments from pediatrician Dr. Joey Cuayo!
Dr. Joanna Pamela Cuayo-Estanislao is a pediatrician and child health specialist based in Metro Manila. Doc Joey is passionate about health education and empowering families to become informed advocates of their children's health and wellness. She uses social media to educate and raise awareness about important issues and topics in the field of pediatrics and child care.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Express milk one breast at a time with a single breast pump since it is easier to maneuver. However, your pumping session will take a longer time. This is ideal for moms who can pump more frequently.
In a double breast pump, you can express milk from both breasts simultaneously. This cuts your pumping time into half – perfect when you have to do it while in the office. “Double pumping” also expresses milk that has higher fat and calorie content. But because this requires twice the accessories, double breast pumps may cost more.
Double electric pumps are the most efficient kind of pumps and are the ones that work most like the baby. If you will be using your pump frequently (ex. you'll be working out of the house/away from your baby for long periods of time but would still like to express your milk regularly to provide for your little one), it's worth investing on a reliable, heavy-duty, double electric pump.
Electric breast pumps have a motor that does the pumping for you. They require a power outlet to operate, which is more suitable for expressing milk at home. For more convenience, most electric breast pumps are also battery-operated; some have a built-in rechargeable battery pack for more portability.
Manual breast pumps, on the other hand, are the most compact and lightweight. They are also quiet, making them the perfect pump to use when your baby is sleeping. Keep in mind that it is best to express milk frequently and empty the breasts with each feeding or pumping session so that the breastmilk supply is constant and plentiful.
Manual breast pumps are often better for moms who don't have a strong milk let-down yet. It is also the better option for moms who find the suction of electric breast pumps painful, too powerful, or uncomfortable since the user of the manual pump controls the force and suction. Meanwhile, electric pumps are really convenient for moms who need to keep their hands free while they pump.
A closed-system pump uses a barrier that prevents milk from flowing into the machine. The milk collection kit is separated from the pump mechanism to avoid contamination by bacteria or mold. This type of pump lasts for years since not a single drop of milk reaches the motor.
While an open-system pump, though much cheaper, doesn’t have this barrier feature. The motor of the pump is open to the milk you are expressing. Take note that it will be a challenge to dismantle the pump to clean all the parts. For hygienic purposes, this type of pump should only be used by its original owner.
Whether you will be using a closed or open system, it's important to clean your breast pump parts and components regularly. All breast pump parts that come in contact with breast milk should be washed with warm water and dishwashing soap after each use. The electrical units, which hold the motor and batteries, should be wiped down with a clean paper towel or soft cloth.
Breast pumps have a variety of specifications, too, such as their weight, available pumping modes, and having a display screen. Continue scrolling as we will explain why you may want to consider these features.
Most moms prefer a lightweight breast pump, especially if they are bringing the breast pump to work every day. This also applies to moms who plan to carry their breast pump around during a trip.
Expressing milk requires so many breast pump parts, in addition to other accessories, such as milk storage bags, nursing covers, and a cooler. It is a great advantage if your breast pump comes with a spacious bag to house all of these items.
Many personal breast pumps come with carrier bags for easy portability. Don't forget to also pack dishwashing liquid and your cleaning tools (brushes, soft cloths) if you'll be pumping on the go.
Electric pumps have two modes that will help your pumping routine. Check if the breast pump has a Letdown/Massage mode, which imitates the first feeding phase. Here, the motor performs short and fast sucking motions to stimulate the letdown reflex, the same way a baby feeds on a breast to get the milk flowing.
The Express mode, meanwhile, replicates the actual feeding. This uses a slower sucking rhythm where you will begin to collect more milk. Most breast pumps have buttons where you can adjust the level of speed and suction of these modes. These adjustments will help you feel more comfortable while expressing milk.
Most breast pumps have a display screen that shows the mode, level of speed or suction, and the time remaining in your session. For battery-operated pumps, the display screen will include a battery indicator to notify you when it’s time to recharge or change batteries.
Meanwhile, multitasking moms will enjoy hands-free breast pumps. Recent models allow you to pump without the tricky tubing, and some can even be worn under your shirt. This way, you can bond with your baby or finish some work while expressing liquid gold.
Always read the user's manual, especially the use and care instructions of your machine. There are so many pumps in the market now, all with different features and makes. Getting familiar with your machine and how to best use and care for it goes a long way in helping you optimize its use and prolong its life.
Always double-check if the breast pump comes with a complete set of accessories. This is also known as the breast kit or milk collection kit. Read on to know more about what's included per set.
A complete electric breast pump comes with a motor or the unit that generates a gentle vacuum to express milk. The other half of your purchase is the milk collection kit. This kit includes all the accessories or components that you will need to assemble to start expressing milk.
The breast shield or flange is a funnel-shaped piece of plastic that directly touches the breast. Its tunnel is where the nipple is pulled in so you can extract milk. Attached to the flange is the valve. The valve has an opening where the milk can drip from the flange into the milk collection bottle.
The other end of the flange is attached to the tubing. This long and clear plastic hose connects the flange to the breast pump motor. The tubing should always be dry to avoid mold growth. Some brands have a backflow protector that is attached between the flange and tubing to prevent milk from backing up into the motor.
A flange with a perfect fit makes all the difference in a successful pumping routine. Its size is measured in millimeters and is based on the diameter of your nipple tip. The easiest way to measure this is by using the coin method.
After breastfeeding, compare your nipple tip to these coins, wherein each coin has a corresponding flange size: 10-centavo coin for 20-24mm, 25-centavo coin for 24-28mm, 1-peso coin for 28-32mm, and 5-peso coin for 32mm. These measurements may also vary if you opt to use a silicone massager, which is attached to the wide opening of a flange to help stimulate the breast.
Using the correct size flange or breast shield will help you optimize your milk output. If a flange is too small, it could restrict the tissue, potentially causing clogged milk ducts. If the flange is too large, it may not remove all the milk, which could contribute to a lower milk supply. An ill-fitting flange can also cause nipple pain or injury.
BPA or bisphenol-A is a harmful organic compound found in reusable plastic products. And since most breast pump parts are made of plastic, make sure that they don’t contain this harmful chemical that will contaminate the milk.
BPA in plastic products can seep easily into the breast milk. And exposure to this chemical can cause negative health issues, such as the increased risk of obesity, stunted brain development, a likelihood of having asthma, and behavioral problems in toddlers.
Apart from checking for BPA, it's also good practice to check for any recalls of the products you'll be buying and even products you already own online.
From ₱14,252
This electric breast pump from Hegen provides mobility, freedom, and flexibility—perfect for all mothers, from working ones to stay-at-home moms. Lightweight and portable, this device is designed to provide you with a hassle-free experience from expression and feeding to storage.
For one thing, it can imitate your baby’s natural suckling, and it has a massage feature that can help prevent your breasts from feeling sore. What’s also great about it is that it has 12 adjustable suction levels and 3 expression rhythms - slow, medium, and fast, making expression convenient and comfortable.
The bottles are also equipped with interchangeable lids to minimize transferring of milk. That way, you don’t have to transfer it to another container when you’re done, you just have to swap the lids to store it or feed your baby. Moreover, this breast pump comes with a manual converter kit, so you can pump breast milk manually!
From ₱950
Yes, you read it right! This manual pump attaches to the breast via natural suction and then expresses milk on its ownーletting the natural process of letdown do its magic. It is made of 100% food-grade silicone, making it soft and comfortable to use.
It is one of the preferred manual pumps of exclusively breastfeeding moms because you can collect milk from one breast while feeding your little one on the other, which is the perfect solution for busy moms. It also helps in relieving engorgement caused by too much milk supply.
It is also easy to maintain; just wash it and then sanitize it with any steam sterilizer or with boiling water. It is cord-free and fits perfectly inside any handbag or diaper bag, making it handy for travel or out-of-town trips.
From ₱14,500
This electric pump has a quiet motor and an LCD screen with a nightlight, making it suitable for expressing milk while your little one is fast asleep. Spectra S1 is also a hospital-grade pump, meaning it has a stronger suction and advanced modes that enable moms to produce the maximum amount of breast milk possible.
This makes it suitable for moms who want to increase their milk supply or those with premature babies, or those who have a poor latch. Moms who plan to pump exclusively may also opt for this model as well. Exclusive pumping means feeding your baby with expressed milk entirely, without any direct latching.
From ₱10,499
If you want a breast pump that expresses as close to natural or direct latching, check out Philips Avent's Natural Single Electric Breast Pump. It uses a rhythmic wave technology that mimics the baby's suckling. That way, you can easily alternate between breastfeeding and using this breast pump.
You can use this to express milk at night since it has a backlit and clear digital display, at the same time, there's no intrusive sound that can wake up your baby. You can select different modes and comfort levels through its 4 expression settings.
It has a memory and a pause feature, so you can keep your preferred settings. This pump set is BPA-free and includes a soft massage cushion that can help stimulate milk flow.
From ₱1,995
Though one of the smallest breast pumps on the market, Wisemom's Pocket Electric Breast Pump has a battery life that lasts up to 90 minutes per full charge. It can also be plugged into a power bank for a continuous function.
Moms can monitor their pumping routine through the LCD screen and use the Touch Control panel to adjust the level of its Massage Mode and Expression Mode. This pump will only take little room, but it is just as efficient as regular-sized breast pumps.
Its compact size makes it perfect for moms whose bags are already packed with baby clothes, toys, and bottles, as it won't take up much space. This is also easy to bring in case you're traveling, so you can set a consistent pumping schedule, especially if you want to maintain your body's milk supply.
From ₱4,485
Mommies will benefit from this manual pump’s 5-petal soft massage cushion as it is designed to stimulate your milk flow gently. Its velvety texture also gives off a warm feeling to the skin, imitating a baby’s suckling.
Manual pumps are recommended to moms who want to occasionally pump, which means expressing milk in between their direct breastfeeding. With this pump’s compact and lightweight design, moms can easily store and carry it around. This makes it perfect for pumping on the go.
It comes with the brand’s line of Natural bottle and nipple that are created to feel as similar to the breast as possible. This makes it easier for your baby to switch between breast and bottle feeding.
From ₱13,500
This breast pump comes with a PersonalFit Flex™ breast shield designed to bring a more comfortable pumping session with its soft rim, improved opening angle, and oval shape. It gives a better fit and puts less pressure on the milk ducts. That way, you can release 18% more milk in less time.
The Medela Swing Maxi also uses their 2-Phase Expression technology that imitates the sucking rhythm of babies. It starts with the fast milk flow stimulation mode and then switches to the slower expression mode for a more natural pumping experience.
It has a built-in rechargeable battery where you can do 6 pumping sessions on a full charge. It also has a user-friendly interface and 9 pre-programmed settings. Its closed system also means no breast milk will be entering the tubing for easier clean-up and a more hygienic pumping experience.
From ₱9,500
This portable breast pump is so compact, it is almost the same size as your mobile phone, maybe even smaller! It operates using a rechargeable battery, which is perfect for moms who travel a lot.
It has an LCD lit screen that shows the timer and the mode in use, which is the Letdown/Massage mode and Expression mode. That way, mommies can customize their pumping session with its adjustable suction strength, which also adjusts the speed of pumping.
It has a quiet but reliable motor that can be used for up to 2 hours of pumping on a full charge. Spectra breast pumps are also famous for their backflow protector that maintains a more hygienic process of expressing milk and protecting the pump as well.
From ₱1,799
Moms who prefer manual pumps must give Lansinoh a try. With this pump, expressing milk manually won’t be a tiresome task because it has an ergonomic, easy-express handle that reduces hand fatigue. It is recommended for stay-at-home moms who want to pump milk occasionally.
It has a pump-store-feed system where expressed milk is directly stored in your baby’s feeding bottle; no more transferring of milk from one container to another. All of your expressed milk will be enjoyed by your baby. Carrying it during out-of-town travels won’t be a hassle as well because it’s lightweight, easy to clean, and does not need any battery & power supply.
From ₱2,999.75
Chicco’s breast pump provides the perfect breastfeeding alternative for moms who have to step out of the house either for work or for errands. Despite having a manual deisgn, it has a suction rate control system that can make the pump go faster or slower, depending on your preference.
This makes sure you experience a more comfortable milk expression without the painful tugging sensation on your nipples. This device is also straightforward and only consists of a few pieces that are easy to assemble, making it ideal for those looking for a no-frills breast pump.
Whether you'll be feeding by direct latching or by expressed/pumped breast milk or both, it's important to remember that there is no actual, magic ingredient or tool to help increase your milk supply apart from making sure to empty your breasts regularly, whether by having your baby feed directly on your breast or by pumping.
When you are away from your baby, your pumping schedule should try to mimic your baby's feeding schedule as much as possible. Be sure that you are able to empty both breasts after each feed and/or pumping session to make sure you are able to get both foremilk and hindmilk and to also signal to your body to continue to make more milk for your baby.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Joey.
If you are separated from your baby after birth, you should start pumping early—ideally, within six hours after delivering your baby. During your baby's newborn period, continue to pump frequently (every two to three hours, for a total of 8 to 10 times per 24-hour period) for approximately 15 minutes each session, making sure to empty both breasts. Continue to do this until your milk volume increases, usually around the third or fourth day after delivery.
After this, you should pump at least 8 times daily and express milk for approximately 2 minutes after milk flow stops to maintain an adequate supply. By 2 weeks after the birth, if you have established a good milk supply, you may be able to pump less frequently and still have an adequate milk supply.
A feeling of tugging or pressure is common, but pumping (and breastfeeding) should not hurt. Make sure that the flanges fit over your breast snugly but not too tightly near and around the nipples. For electric pumps, set the pump's suction strength to a level that's comfortable for you.
Some pump models allow you to set the cycling speed (the number of suction cycles per minute); some moms find it helpful to start with a rapid cycle speed and then slow the speed after their milk begins to flow in a steady stream.
All breast pump parts that come in contact with breast milk, such as bottles, valves, flanges/breast shields, should be cleaned thoroughly with dish cleaning liquid and warm water after each use. Sterilization of pump parts, bottles, your wash basin, and bottle brushes should be done at least once per day if your baby is less than three months, is currently ill, or was born prematurely, per CDC.
If you wash your tubings, make sure you hang them to air dry before attaching them again to your breast pump. If condensation appears in the tubing after you have pumped, turn the pump on for a few minutes until the tubing is dry. Electrical parts should be wiped down thoroughly with a clean paper towel or a soft cloth after each use.
One of the main concerns of breastfeeding moms is how to maintain and improve their milk supply. Fortunately, several products, such as lactation cookies and malunggay capsules, are now available to help augment the production of milk. Click the links below to check out our recommended products as well as the best nursing covers and nursing bras you can get online.
Author: A. Mangulabnan
Re-editor: J. Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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