It happens at least once a day: there’s a post in some group asking about what pump someone should get. And either the original poster says that Medela is probably her top pick and she is just looking for confirmation, or the respondents throw out the accolades: “I loved my Medela PISA!” “Medela is the best!”
And then we go shopping at the big box retail stores, and that’s what we see on the shelves. It’s no wonder parents think that it’s the best (or the only quality option). Does this mean they make the perfect machine and if something with the name Medela on it doesn’t work for you, that means your body is defective?
NO! The fact is that we are asking a machine to attempt to replicate what nature has already perfected in most cases. (Though, if you are having pain or your baby is having issues gaining weight, please seek help from a lactation professional immediately, as there might be an issue with your baby’s ability to transfer milk optimally.) And no two people’s bodies are identical. Nor are their babies. So why should we think that one brand works well/the same for everyone?
Babies have the ability to respond to a mother’s body. It’s why babies suckle light and fast to initiate letdown and then move to slow swallows after. But a pump flange doesn’t sense how the breast is responding to it and adjust accordingly. And each time a pump motor is redesigned for a brand or model, there is the potential for your body to respond differently to the new motor than to the old.
Stockholm Syndrome with a Pump?
If there is one thing I could tell anyone that is pumping, it’s that if something doesn’t seem right, whether it’s a new something or it’s been a persistent issue, don’t assume it’s your body failing you. Don’t force yourself to “love” your pump just because it’s what you’ve always used and gotten used to. Please seek help. A lactation professional can help you troubleshoot a faulty pump, but you should also know that there are other pump brands available that you can look into if optimizing your pump routine and troubleshooting (timing, flange size, parts in good condition, alleviating stress) changes nothing.
It took me 5 different pumps to find one that worked for me. My mistake was assuming that if Medela didn’t work well for me, that my body just wasn’t going to be good at pumping — which is really a devastating mindset when you are exclusively pumping and dealing with supply issues, and every single drop of milk counts.
It took switching to a different brand that offered me the ability to control speed and suction independently of each other that I found success. That’s what worked for me. Don’t be afraid of trying a different pump if what you purchased in the first place isn’t a great fit.
What Else is Out There?
Here are some other brands to kick off your research. Each offers a range of products, including hospital grade pumps, and are well-regarded:
Comparing Various Pumps
| Brand | Parts readily available in big box stores | Offers independently adjustable speed and suction controls | Offers both retail and hospital grade electric pumps | Retail-grade pumps are also closed system | Compliant with WHO Code of Marketing (as of April 2015) |
| Medela | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Limerick | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hygeia | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ameda | Select parts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spectra | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
So, Which IS the Best Pump Brand?
I get asked this question often and my response is: the one that works best for your body. I do not endorse any one of these brands in particular. They all may have pros and cons (including some features or disadvantages not listed in the chart above), but ultimately finding the pump that works best for and with your body is your goal. I give my clients the information and allow them to make an informed decision which sounds like it might be the best match for them.
But ultimately, what I feel is the most important recommendation I can make is: if it doesn’t seem like it’s working well for you, you have options in choosing the best breast pump for you. Don’t be afraid to try something new.
If you would like to learn more about optimizing pumping and troubleshooting issues, Pump Prep is the class for you. I teach locally in St. Louis or I’m happy to set up a video-chat session with you. Use the Contact Form or email me directly at becca@purplelotusdoulas.com.
You might also be interested in reading “How Much Milk Do You Need in Your Stash When You Return to Work?”
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