Curious About Wearable Breast Pumps? Here’s All You Need to Know

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

If you're already pumping your breast milk or are planning on starting, you're probably at least curious about wearable breast pumps. They've become increasingly popular over the past few years, with more and more pumps becoming available as the years go by. They offer parents who are breastfeeding more freedom than traditional pumps because they're self-contained and worn inside of the bra, where the milk is collected in reservoirs.

Best Wearable Breast Pumps

What to Consider

There are several wearable breast pumps on the market, so I spoke with a lactation consultant to find out what you might want to consider before you buy a wearable breast pump. Krystyn Parks, M.S., R.D., IBCLC of Feeding Made Easy tells Best Products, "Wearable breast pumps have come a long way in the past few years. There are a few main brands that are true wearable pumps, along with portable pumps and different adaptors (like Freemie Cups) that make non-wearable pumps more mobile."

Parks also notes that there's a learning curve to wearable pumps, because spilling and overfilling can be a problem.

The major things you need to consider are your supply, the cost, and where you plan to wear the pump. Most importantly, it should be noted that all materials that come in contact with the milk should be BPA-free and food-safe. All of the pumps on this list fit those parameters.

Why Your Supply Matters

“There is a maximum volume, which is usually adequate for most people, but it may not be enough for those with an oversupply,” says Parks. If you’re pumping regularly, this might be less of an issue, but when you’re going a long time between pumps (or are just blessed with abundance), these pumps might not be right for you.

Cost

The cost can be pretty high for these pumps, which is why if you don't use one as much, Parks suggests that you consider a cost-benefit analysis to see if buying a pump is a worthwhile spend. Also, some of the pumps require special bags, which can get quite pricey in the long run. Not many of them are covered by insurance, but some, such as the Elvie Stride usually are covered. If they're not covered, you can likely use HFSA dollars for it.

Where and How You'll Use It

Wearable breast pumps are more discreet than regular pumps, but make no mistake: People can usually tell that you're pumping. After all, these pumps stick out on the chest under your shirt. They're less noticeable under loose clothing like hoodies or sweaters, but those aren't always an option.

Mechanism

These pumps all basically work in the same way — think multiple levels of suction powered by a rechargeable battery, and the milk drains into a bag or reservoir. The differences are primarily in the style of the pump: Models such as the Willow and Elvie are smooth all over and mimic the shape of the breast, making them the least conspicuous. Less expensive models tend to have the mechanics at the top of the pump, and they don't fit seamlessly into your bra. If you're pumping either at home or privately in your office and are just looking for something hands-free, these options are actually pretty great.

Here are the seven best wearable breast pumps on the market right now that'll suit pretty much any mom.

Stride Hospital-Grade App-Controlled Breast Pump

Our tester for this breast pump told me that "I think the Stride was actually pulling my mammary glands inside out and then squeezing them just to be sure. It didn't hurt at all, but it was a bit startling at first."

If you've ever had use of a breast pump, you'll know that is a rousing endorsement. Sure, you feel a bit like Bessie the cow on a dairy farm being professionally milked, but it really gets the job done.

It's a super quiet wearable, discreet, breast pump with hospital grade 300mmHg suction, five ounce basins, and an app that let's you control it and tells you how much you've pumped and for how long. You really do have to wear a sports nursing bra with this pump, but the suction is worth the potential uniboob issue.

If you want something a bit more gentle, don't worry, the Elvie Stride has 10 levels of suction, and it's easy to move between them even in one pumping session. This is important if you tend to have a powerful letdown, but lag when the hindmilk starts pumping. You can start out at a gentle pressure, and move into a more "mammary squeezing" power.

This is all well-and-good, and these facts alone are worth the one-click, but there's something major that makes this wearable breast pump our best overall: most insurance plans will cover it, which isn't the case for many wearable pumps.

Read more: The Best Maternity Underwear All Pregnant People Need

Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump

Medela has made some of the best breast pumps available. I used the Pump in Style myself, and loved it. The Freestyle takes all of Medela's vast knowledge of pumping and makes it wearable.

The difference with the Freestyle from other wearables is that it designed in a way that avoids localized compression of the breast — a common complaint in wearable breast pumps — by having a slightly different shape that mimics a baby's suction. Each cup weighs just under 3 ounces and holds 5 ounces of milk.

Yes, it is app-enabled, but it also has a handy-dandy unit attached that lets you change things up with just the click of a button.

Our tester said that "It's a solid wearable, and works as you'd want it to. The only pain is the tubing which you can get tangled up in a bit if you're not careful."

Willow Pump Wearable Double Electric Breast Pump

For many, the Willow pump is considered the best wearable breast pump on the market. The Willow pumps are sleek and easy to use, and you can either collect and pour your milk directly from the pump or keep it in convenient storage bags. It's the most leak-free model on this list, and there are multiple shield sizes available to get just the right fit for your nipples.

The pump has seven levels of suction with modes for stimulation to let down, and you can even control the suction mid-pump if you wish. Also, you can connect directly to their app to note times pumped and ounces, as well as get helpful tips. The pump takes 2 full hours to charge to its maximum, and lasts through approximately five sessions.

However, note that the Willow is very expensive, putting it out of the budget of many people who breast- or chest feed.

M5 Hands Free Breast Pump, Double Wearable Breast Pump

When I started to research for this article, a bevvy of breastfeeding moms told me that I shouldn't overlook the Momcozy. It's one of the most affordable options out there, and people genuinely seem to love it.

I got one in the hands of a tester, and she was blown away. She had previously been using the Elvie, and really did like it, but she was surprised by the power and intensity of the suction of the Momcozy. She said that "It's night and day from other wearables that I've tried. I get so much more milk in the same amount of time."

It has three modes and nine levels of adjustment for comfortable pumping. The entire unit is made of medical-grade silicone, and there are no bags to worry about. They do sell storage bags, for the freezer, though, and they are pretty great.

At full charge, it can be used for 80 minutes, three to six times.

Hands-Free Wearable Electric Double Breast Pump

The Elvie rivals the Willow pump in terms of convenience and stealthy style. While it's a bit more prone to leaks than the Willow, it has a whopping 14 levels of suction as opposed to the Willow's seven. The pump comes with two sizes of shields, but a third is also available.

This pump is quieter than the Willow, and the app is far more intuitive. However, it takes 2.5 hours to get to full charge, and that charge lasts about the same length of time, depending upon usage and modes used.

Note that there are no bags with Elvie, either: It’s a pump-and-pour model.

Double Wearable Breast Pump

This is another one of those random Amazon brands that everyone seems to love! This very affordable model is lauded for being fairly leak-proof and comfortable. It does have the highest profile and is the loudest of any pump on this list, but since it's so inexpensive, it might just be worth the trade-off. It has nine levels of suction, and holds a charge for three full sessions after about 3 hours of charging.

It's a pump-and-pour model, but they do include storage bags for the freezer. It comes with two shield sizes and two bra clips.

Liberty II Deluxe Hands-Free Wearable Breast Pump

A cross between a traditional breast pump and a wearable option, this pump by Freemie has the tubes you'd expect from a pump, but the cups are that of a wearable model.

The motor of the pump is clipped to the waist of your pants, and while this might seem like a pain, what this model lacks in stealth, it makes up for in power. This is the strongest suction on our list!

This pump also has a sleep timer, which is a real game changer for night pumping, and each cup holds up to 8 ounces of milk. It's a pump-and-pour model just like the Elvie, and also like the Elvie, it comes with two sizes of shields for a great fit.

Note that the charge time isn't the best, though: It takes around 2 hours, and the pumping power decreases after two to three sessions.

Closed System Collection Cup Set

So, you already have a pump, and still want to live that hands-free life? This is the Freemie adapter that Parks was talking about: It takes your pump and adapts it to fit right in your bra. The Freemie collection cup works with the Motif, Spectra, Ameda, Evenflo, Philips, Ardo, Lucina, or Freemie breast pump.

The levels and modes of suction depend on your base model, and you will have to have tubes attached. However, it's a very comfortable, less-expensive option.

CaraCups Wearable Milk Collection

An adaptor made specifically for the popular Spectra pumps, this option gives you all the pumping power and affordability of the Spectra pumps, with the convenience of a wearable pump.

The big win with this option is — because Spectra pumps are so powerful — you can get your pumping done in a hurry, and you can do so without sacrificing the use of your hands or opening up your shirt. And since Spectra breast pumps are frequently covered by insurance, this might be a good union of the two choices.

You Might Also Like

• The Paris Hilton Housewares Collection Brings ‘That’s Hot’ Energy to Your Kitchen

• 16 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Perfect for Rocking Out in Quiet Bliss

• Beyoncé Uses This $26 Amazon Product for Her Glossy Blonde Hair