
Breast Pump Options & Info
Many breastfeeding supporters will say that if you want "the best" pump, you could buy a Spectra or rent a medela symphony or an Ardo carrum pump, however, these pumps are very cumbersome, noisy, and to use them, you need to sit, hunched forward slightly and hold the pump with both hands.
For this reason, I find many families rent/buy these pumps, but then only use them a few times every 24 hours.
For most people, for occasional pumping (such as one bottle per day),it’s better to use a wearable pump, or a more powerful hybrid pump (with in-bra cups and an external motor).
If you are working hard to build supply, “purely pumping” or separated from your baby, then a rental or spectra is probably necessary.
If you have the budget then think about hiring a pump and also getting wearable.
Some people do 10mins hands-on double pumping and then pop a wearable pump into their bra for 5/10/15 mins afterwards, enabling them to get on with other tasks.
When it comes to “Wearable” pumps (the original was the £300 Elvie) there are now lots of much cheaper options from £60 ish.
As a general rule cheaper wearables = louder & bulkier but doesn’t always affect the suction strength.
Sally Rickard is an Amazon Associate earning a small percentage from some links shared in this page - This money is ring fenced to enable Sally to provide free services at her breastfeeding cafe.
More info here: https://www.baby-thrive.com/weekly-group
*Prices correct at time of publishing