Parent's Choice

How to Choose the Right Breast Pump

by Sam Clavano
October 26, 2026

A first-time mom’s guide for other new moms

I’m ten months postpartum and an exclusively pumping mom. Before giving birth, this would be my routineRoutineA predictable daily rhythm for waking, meals, school, play, and sleep. Routines give children a sense of security, reduce power struggles, and make busy mornings smoother, while some flexibility keeps. I just had no idea how much of my life would revolve around it. I never thought planning my days around pumping schedules would be my new norm. Let alone dealing with early signs of mastitis—thrice. Or finding myself doing the deed in the most unexpected places—yes, even in an immigration line!

Having the right breast pump can make all the difference. A lot of late nights were spent sifting through the different brands and models to find the right one. But, truth be told, there is no one-size-fits-all solution—at least for me. As with most things in parenting, you have to really find the one—or the ones—that work for you. There are several factors to consider: comfort, suction strength, feeding routineRoutineA predictable daily rhythm for waking, meals, school, play, and sleep. Routines give children a sense of security, reduce power struggles, and make busy mornings smoother, while some flexibility keeps, budget, and most importantly, your lifestyle.

In this first-time mom’s guide, I’ll break down a few of the breast pumps my friends and I have personally tried:

1. Spectra S1 Plus Rechargeable Breast Pump

Perfect For: Moms who do most of their pumping at home and want a reliable, efficient everyday pump.

Why It Stands Out: It offers strong suction with adjustable modes and settings, so you can find a rhythm that works best for you. And because it has a rechargeable battery, you can pump without being tied to a power outlet, unlike the Spectra S2 Plus Electric Breast Pump.

My Take: It’s been my trusty pump since day one. Even with another brand in my rotation, I still get the best milk output with my Spectra. The built-in night light also comes in handy during those late-night pumping sessions!

The Catch: The pump has a lot of parts, which means it’s more tedious to assemble. There are more parts to wash, sterilize and dry after each session. It also doesn’t come with a range of flange inserts, so you may have to do a little searching to find the right fit.

2. Eufy S1 Pro Wearable Breast Pump

Perfect For: Moms who are constantly on the go and want a wearable pump with strong suction.

Why It Stands Out: It has a feature called HeatFlow which I happen to love. It gently warms the breasts while pumping, helping encourage milk flow. It also comes with different flange inserts and a nipple-sizing guide so you can find the right fit. The easy-to-use app lets you adjust the heat, suction strength and pumping speed. Plus, its portable charging case can provide up to five days of power, depending on how often you use it.

My Take: This has become my favorite pump. As an exclusively pumping mom who’s (very) prone to clogged ducts, the HeatFlow feature has made such a difference in easing the discomfort. I also love how easy it is to use and bring around!

The Catch: While I adore this pump, my best friend hasn’t had the same experience with it. It’s also on the pricier side. I find that getting the positioning just right can be a little tricky when I’m pumping on the go. Each collection cup holds a maximum of 150 mL, so moms with an oversupply might find themselves having to empty the cups mid-session.

3. MomCozy All-in-One M5 Wearable Breast Pump

Perfect For: Moms looking for a more affordable wearable breast pump that makes multitasking a lot easier.

Why It Stands Out: It’s compact and particularly lightweight, making it easier to pump hands-free while going about your day. It offers many of the same features as premium wearable pumps like adjustable settings and a rechargeable battery. It also comes with a lower price point. The clear collection cups also make it easier to check your milk output while pumping.

What Other Moms Say: I have never tried this pump myself, but other moms love the freedom of being able to pump hands-free. But when it comes to comfort, opinions are divided! One mom I know finds it easy to wear, while another says the suction can be uncomfortable.

The Catch: Some moms report getting less milk compared to regular electric pumps—which is a common trade-off with wearable pumps. More concerning, though, are reports from some users of motor issues, including needing replacements after just a few months.

Photos courtesy of Sam Clavano

A Few Things To Consider Before Buying A Breast Pump

Finding the right breast pump is not easy. With so many options out there, unfortunately, it could be a hit or miss. But on the bright side, there are so many resources available for help or tips. My suggestion is to go with the one that works best for your lifestyle and your routineRoutineA predictable daily rhythm for waking, meals, school, play, and sleep. Routines give children a sense of security, reduce power struggles, and make busy mornings smoother, while some flexibility keeps.

Here are some things I wish I knew ten months ago:

Flanges are important! It can make or break an experience. The wrong fit can make pumping painful and affect your milk output. And note, your flange sizes can change over time!

Stronger suction doesn’t necessarily mean more milk output. Pumping shouldn’t hurt. Finding a comfortable setting should be just as important as how much milk you can pump. Trust me when I say that when you’re pumping several times a day, comfort makes all the difference.

Your milk output isn’t a measure of how good your pump is. Nor is it an indication of “how good” you are at breastfeeding. Every mom’s breastfeeding journey is different, but each one deserves to be celebrated.

I hope the tips I’ve picked up along the way help you find a pump that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which breast pump is right for my lifestyle?

Consider where and how often you will pump. If you primarily pump at home and need maximum output, an electric pump like the Spectra S1 Plus offers high reliability. If you need mobility, multitask frequently, or travel, a wearable pump like the Eufy S1 Pro or Momcozy M5 offers hands-free convenience.

Does stronger suction on a breast pump mean more milk output?

No. Pain or discomfort from excessively strong suction can actually inhibit the milk ejection (letdown) reflex. Comfort is essential—you should look for a pump with adjustable speed and suction settings that allow you to find an efficient, pain-free rhythm.

Why is flange sizing so important when using a breast pump?

Using the wrong flange size can cause severe pain, nipple damage, and decreased milk output. Because flange size can change throughout your postpartum journey, it is critical to measure your nipple size and use flange inserts if necessary.

What is the main difference between traditional electric pumps and wearable pumps?

Traditional electric pumps (like the Spectra S1) generally offer higher suction consistency and faster emptying, but require you to sit near the unit with external tubing. Wearable pumps fit entirely inside your bra for hands-free mobility, though some moms experience slightly lower output or smaller cup capacities (typically 150 mL per cup).