Which breast pump is right for you? An honest guide for (expectant) mothers

Breast pumps… it's been a while for me. Almost 6 and 8 years ago to be exact. But I've spent countless hours pumping at all possible times of the day and night.

Both children received breast milk from me for the first few months, but they didn't really breastfeed much. In hindsight, perhaps I should have taken more time or persevered longer. But luckily, pumping went very well. My production was more than sufficient, and we had many bags stored in the freezer. This also meant that not only mom could give a bottle, but dad could regularly take over. And when I think back, I actually have very positive memories of it.

Back then, you really had to stay seated in a chair while pumping. Hands-free pumping hardly existed. But precisely because of that, it sometimes became a moment of rest for myself. I remember often waking up at 5:00 AM due to engorgement (read: leaking breasts) and then going to pump in the living room. I would often put on an episode of Storage Wars — one episode was about equivalent to one pumping session, haha.

But enough about me. You're probably reading this because you're pregnant, perhaps preparing for breastfeeding, or looking for what best suits your situation for a next child. And honestly? Often, you don't really know what you'll find comfortable beforehand. Will you exclusively breastfeed? Do you want to pump? A combination? Or will you eventually choose formula feeding? Anything is possible. Anything is allowed.

Nowadays, there's quite a lot of pressure to give breast milk. Of course, breast milk has many benefits. It contains important nutrients and antibodies that contribute to your baby's immunity and development. Additionally, breast milk even adapts to your baby's needs. But ultimately, it's also about what's feasible for you as a mother and for your family. Can you combine it with work? Is latching going well? Do you want to be able to share feedings with dad so you can also get a few hours of sleep? Then pumping can be a very practical solution. And with this, we mainly want to convey: everything is okay. Really.

Why we added breast pumps to our assortment

Recently, we received more and more questions from parents about breast pumps, nipple cream, nipple shields, and other products related to breastfeeding and pumping. Then we thought: why don't we include this in our assortment? Especially now that we've also added products like Baby Brezza and Emulait (bottles), we also wanted to offer a good range for parents who combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

When we think of breast pumps, we immediately think of Medela. Medela has specialized in breastfeeding and pumping technology for over 60 years and is widely used by mothers and hospitals worldwide. The brand is known for reliability, comfort, and innovative techniques that mimic a baby's natural sucking rhythm as much as possible. But when we delved deeper into the latest breast pumps, one thing particularly struck us: The technology has really made enormous progress in recent years. From large devices where you had to sit still, to compact, quiet, and even completely hands-free models that you can simply wear in your bra.

But then, of course, comes the next question: Which breast pump is right for you? Online you can find all kinds of options nowadays, and honestly… it doesn't always make it clearer. Therefore, below is a brief explanation of the different types of breast pumps and for which mothers they are particularly useful. We have already made a selection that we believe meets most mothers' wishes:

Medela Solo Hands-free Electric — 299 XCG

For moms who pump occasionally
The Solo is the entry-level model in the hands-free line. You pump one breast at a time, making this model ideal for:

• occasional pumping;
• combining with breastfeeding;
• or a smaller budget.

Compact, simple, and user-friendly.

Medela Mini Hands-free Double Electric Breast Pump — 475 XCG

For moms who want to double pump without a fuss
The Mini is compact but allows you to pump both breasts simultaneously. This means you finish faster than with a single pump.

Ideal if you:

• pump regularly;
• want to save time;
• but don't need a large or extensive system.

A good middle ground between price and convenience.

Medela Swing Maxi Hands-free Double — 475 XCG

The practical all-rounder
The Swing Maxi is perfect for daily use. A bit more powerful and extensive than the Mini, making it popular among moms who pump more often or combine work with breastfeeding.

Ideal if you are looking for:

• daily comfort;
• efficient double pumping;
• a reliable all-round pump.

Medela Motion InBra — 549 XCG

For maximum discretion
The Motion InBra is all about freedom and invisible pumping. This model is worn entirely in your bra and is designed for moms who want to pump as discreetly as possible. No tubes. Everything is compactly in your bra.

Perfect for:

• on the go;
• at work;
• multitasking;
• or pumping without a noticeable device.

The most stylish and discreet model in the collection.

Medela Hands-Free Double Electric Breast Pump — 699 XCG

The most complete premium choice
This is essentially the top model in the collection. While other models primarily focus on compactness or simplicity, this one combines everything:

• powerful performance;
• double pumping;
• maximum comfort;
• freedom of movement;
• and intensive daily use.

Ideal for moms who:

• pump multiple times a day;
• pump exclusively;
• combine work with motherhood;
• or simply want the best comfort.

Yes, this is also the most expensive model. But especially if you're going to pump a lot, you'll notice how much difference comfort, speed, and ease of use make.

This is truly the "all-in-one" solution for moms who don't want to compromise.

Ultimately, there is no “perfect” choice

Every mother, baby, and situation is different.

While one swears by exclusive breastfeeding, another opts for pumping or a combination with formula feeding. And sometimes things just turn out differently than you had planned beforehand.

That doesn't make you less of a mother. The most important thing is ultimately that you find a way that works for your family — and that you feel good about.

And luckily, there are many more options nowadays than a few years ago. Alternating between bottle and breast is also easier now. Emulait bottles also make a big difference here. But we'll talk about that another time.

If you have any personal questions, we are here for you. Or visit our page to view all breast pumps and other breastfeeding accessories. Click here.

Love,

Nikki