A manual breast pump is a must-have companion to feed your baby with your liquid gold in a hassle-free way. While the baby is latching on to one breast, you can place the manual breast pump on the other breast to catch the "letdown" or the excess breast milk that leaks down. This helps you save extra milk even before your baby needs it.
If you're on the search for your new breast friend, you've come to the right place! In this article, we've prepared a buying guide, fact-checked by Obstetrician-Gynecologist Chona Fabian-Madarang, MD, and our top 10 list that you may use as a reference before purchasing.
Dr. Chona Fabian-Madarang is a private practitioner specializing in women's health. She is always on the lookout for new innovations and inventions.
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
There is a variety of breast pumps available on the market, however, one of the most convenient to use is a manual breast pump. This type of pump is also a more budget-friendly option compared to the electric one. A manual breast pump is best for moms who are staying at home and don’t need to pump too often or just need to pump once in a while.
Apart from the convenience, a manual breast pump also serves another purpose. You can use it as a milk catcher when you nurse your baby. Simply place the pump on the other breast to collect excess milk.
Compared to the electric type, a manual breast pump is more portable; you don't need a power outlet or batteries for it to function. Plus, it is discreet and quiet, which is great for expressing milk late at night or when the baby is sleeping. Lastly, it's a lightweight tool that you can easily control, especially the level of suction.
Manual breast pumps are easy to use. They are convenient too because they don't use electricity—you can just set them up anywhere. Manual breast pumps are also more affordable than electric ones.
Before buying, consider the two types of manual breast pumps first. You can select between a handle pump or a plain suction pump. Your choice will depend on your needs when expressing milk. Nonetheless, these two are both handy and beneficial to your breastfeeding journey.
This type of manual breast pump comes with a handle or lever that allows you to pump while using a little bit of force to express your milk. It has a design that looks the same as electric breast pumps but doesn’t require you to use electricity or batteries, so you can use it anywhere.
It also has accessories, such as a flange, connectors, and valves to help you easily pump your milk. The pump is connected to a milk bottle. But what makes it great is that you can control the level of pumping using your hand and an ergonomic handle.
The ergonomic handle makes the breast pump easy to use.
A plain suction pump has a simple vase-like design with a very soft silicone material that you can simply place on your breast using natural suction. If you have a “letdown,” the body of the silicone pump will catch the milk. You can also pump the milk yourself by squeezing the silicone.
This is a good option when you just want to reduce the fullness of the breast between feedings. It is a very handy tool for breastfeeding, especially in the first few months when the milk supply is still in the adjustment period. This pump is very easy to clean. Lastly, you can bring it anytime and anywhere as it can perfectly fit inside diaper bags.
Since the parts of a manual breast pump, such as the flange and the main milk container, are made of plastic- always check if these are BPA-free. The acronym BPA stands for the word Bisphenol A which is a harmful chemical found in polycarbonate plastic that may be a hormone disruptor and can potentially cause health problems to the baby and the mother.
Make sure to look for breast pumps that are made with eco-friendly materials to guarantee your baby’s safety. For plain suction pumps, they must be made of food-grade silicone. This will help you ensure that the pump you’re going to use to express your precious milk is safe and free from toxic chemicals.
Choosing a breast pump that will cater to your and your baby's needs can be a little challenging. Keep in mind that the main goal here is to find a breast pump that is safe for you and your baby.
Check if the product comes with accessories for a more comfortable and convenient pumping session. Try searching for a manual breast pump with an ergonomic handle and a pump stand to avoid spilling your liquid gold. Some pumps also come with lids and nipples, so you can pump and feed the baby from the same bottle.
For an improved milk supply, check those that come with a massage pad. This stimulates the letdown and relieves the pain from your sore breasts. Lastly, don't forget to consider the capacity of the milk bottle that comes with the pump, as some may be bigger and can hold more milk.
Breast pumps often come with accessories that can make pumping more comfortable and more convenient. Make sure that the accessories you will choose are the ones that will cater to your needs to avoid unnecessary purchases.
From ₱2,400
For moms who are always on the go, this manual breast pump from Medela is a perfect travel companion. It is lightweight and has a firm build that can be easily carried and put inside your bag. It is convenient for moms out there who have larger breast sizes because it supports 4 sizes of breast shields.
What sets this apart from others is its personal fit flex breast shield feature that adjusts to your breast size for close-fitting and ultimate comfort. It also comes with a two-phase technology that offers a unique ergonomic handle that helps to copy your baby's sucking behavior. With its comfort and convenience, this is every mom's breast friend!
From ₱1,280
This manual breast pump of Haaka is a unique type of pump that doesn't require too much force or energy to use and feels gentle on the skin. You only have to squeeze it once and let it do its work. It comes in a one-piece silicone breast pump that works quietly so you won't disturb your baby while pumping.
This is also much easier to clean because of its simplicity in design which is suitable for first-time moms who are looking for ease and convenience. And since it also functions as a milk saver, it helps you to catch the natural letdown from your breast while nursing your baby from the other one; nothing is wasted at all!
From ₱4,484
If you're looking for a breast pump you can use just by sitting comfortably at home, this manual breast pump from Philips Avent is for you. It has a textured soft massage cushion and an ergonomic handle for simple one-hand pumping. The petal cushion design is gentle, soft, and warm to the skin, which stimulates letdown.
It also comes with other pump accessories for extra support, which include a milk storage adaptor, milk storage cups, and an extra soft newborn flow nipple. And thanks to its lightweight, compact, and intuitive design, this breast pump is easy to clean and set up. On top of it, it is BPA-free to ensure the safety of your baby.
From ₱395
If you're looking for an on-the-go pump that you can simply put in your bag when in a rush, this manual silicone breast pump is the one for you. It is a lightweight and small all-in-one pump that is made of 100% food-grade silicone, which is also BPA-, PVC-, and Phthalate-free.
It has a circular flap design that offers an extra soft and gentle texture for a desirable suction-pulling without feeling any soreness or pain. It can also be flipped back for a comfy and secure breast cupping. According to reviewers, this product's sturdy build and snug fitting will make pumping easier.
From ₱1,498.76
One of the most popular brands when it comes to breast pumps is Lansinoh, so you can really expect a quality product. This breast pump has an ergonomic adjustable handle that can easily shift from the stimulation phase to expression mode. It also comes in 2 flange sizes for a comfortable fitting.
It promotes letdown and pumping effectiveness while reducing hand fatigue. You can use it while traveling or during night pumping without making any noise. It is lightweight and compact, so you can place it in any type of bag. Best of all, with the accessories it comes with, this manual breast pump from Lansinoh is a worthy buy!
From ₱385
This hands-free manual breast pump is made with silicone material that provides gentle, pain-free, and comfortable suction. It is best used during the first few months of breastfeeding. Moms who have tried this set loved it for its usefulness and efficiency. It also comes with a storage pouch for easy safekeeping.
Orange and Peach pump offers fast and easy pumping, just like an electric breast pump but in a more compact and portable option. And the best thing about this pump is that it also functions very well as a milk saver while the baby is latching on to the other breast.
From ₱5,999.75
Pigeon sure knows how to cater to different maternal and baby needs. This brand provides high-quality products that secure the safety of its users. Just like this United manual breast pump from Pigeon, which promises ultimate comfort for breastfeeding moms with its snug fit and gentle care when pumping.
This pump makes a fast switch from stimulation to expression mode with an adjustable two-phase technology for trouble-free pumping. This enhances the supply of your liquid gold. And since your milk is valuable, the bottle stand prevents it from spilling after pumping and helps in storing letdown milk.
From ₱3,000
This manual breast pump from Nuk is sturdy but also soft and flexible. It features a textured silicone cushion that can adjust to your breast size, giving a nice and well-shaped fitting while providing you with a soft massage that can increase your milk flow. And with its compact design, you can bring this anywhere and pump anytime.
It features a user-friendly handle that makes it easier to express milk. This is ideal for moms who don't have enough supply of milk. You'll also get accessories, such as a bottle stand, 150ml milk container, screw ring, and sealing disc that you can disassemble to clean and set up quickly.
From ₱800
This manual breast pump from Spectra is one of the bestselling products when it comes to breastfeeding essentials. It has a plain and clear design that can help you see your progress when pumping. It is also very discreet to use, so you can use it even when your baby is sleeping.
It comes with a flange, white valve, wide-neck bottle, silicone diaphragm, connector, and an ergonomic handle. Just take note that the set doesn't include nipples and other pump accessories unless requested. It is also best that you measure your flange size using their special chart to make sure that it fits you well.
From ₱399
This time-saving silicone breast pump by Nana is an excellent choice for expressing and collecting milk while the baby is latching on the other breast. It is ideal to use with a nursing bra, especially at nighttime feeding, so you can easily pump and feed your baby.
It has a soft silicone body with a dust lid that you can use to cover and store the remaining milk. The pumping mechanism is designed to mimic a baby's sucking behavior and stimulate letdown. Reviewers say that it is a high-quality product that is so effective and easy to use- even without using your hands to pump it.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by OB-GYN Dr, Chona Fabian-Madarang.
Make sure to read the instructions thoroughly before using the pump. Wash your hands or, if you can, take a bath. If you have no time, you can just thoroughly clean the breast. Find a comfortable place where you can pump privately.
Place the breast pump or shield. Make sure it thoroughly covers the nipple, then begin pumping. Alternate with the other breast. Once you feel that you have already emptied your breast, carefully remove the breast pump or shield and store the collected breastmilk properly. Wash the breast pump parts thoroughly after every use.
If you're looking for more products to use to make your breastfeeding and pumping sessions more at ease, we got you! We got the best products for you, including nursing bras, breastmilk storage bags, and lactation cookies that may help you get into the right routine and achieve a plentiful milk supply
Author: Cristel Joy Aron
Re-editor: J Ausa
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. 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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