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Moms favor manual breast pumps for various reasons. Moms that do not pump frequently tend to favor manual breast milk over the electric breast pumps, while those that pump more often daily are advised to settle for electric pumps.
Another reason why manual breast pumps are popular among some mothers is their lightweight and portability. They are easy to move about. This makes them ideal travel companions. Working moms will like the fact that you use these pumps anywhere and feed your baby on the go.
Manual breast pumps are also more affordable compared to their electric counterparts. They are not as fast as the electric breast pumps, but they are more comfortable and easier to clean. There are various manual breast pumps from different brands available on the market.
The Seven Best Manual Breast Pump Are Reviewed Below
Manual breast pumps come in various shapes and sizes. Some have ergonomic handles, while others depend on natural suction to do the job. All of them have their advantages as well as their shortcomings. Therefore, getting the best sometimes can be tricky if you don’t know what you are looking for. Below are some of the best manual breast pumps on the market.
1
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
The Harmony manual breast pump is one of the best manual breast pumps for everyday use. It also ranks high on the impressive line of Medela breast pumps, and it comes with a breast shield, 5-ounce bottle with lid, valve and membrane, an ergonomic swivel handle designed for pumping and a stand.
The breast pump uses a two-phase expression technology. Firstly, after connecting the breast shield to breast, you start the pumping process by pressing the top of the swivel handle. This helps to prepare the breast for expression. The second process begins when the milk starts coming out, you move to the longer part of the swivel handle. This part is used to express milk until the pumping session is over.
One of the reasons this breast pump has high reviews among nursing mothers is its suction and gentleness on the breast, which is relatively impressive when compared with most manual breast pumps.
Assembling the Medela harmony breast pump is relatively easy. It is lightweight and very easy to transport from place to place.
Key Features:
- Breast shield
- Membrane, and valve
- Breastmilk bottle with lid
- Swivel handle for pumping
- Stand for holding the breast pump
Specification:
- Brand: Medela
- Product: Harmony Manual Breast Pump
Pros
- It is easy to assemble
- Compact and easy to transport
- Makes relatively less noise
- It is affordable
- Gentle on the breast
Cons
- The suction power reduces over time
- Some parts wear off too quickly, therefore, needing frequent replacement.
2
Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump
The Lansinoh manual breast pump is another top-rated manual breast pump favored by mothers on the market. This is due to its ease of use as well as its unique pumping modes.
The stimulation and expression modes are the respective pumping mode of this breast pump. The stimulation phase is designed to enable letdown, while the expression mode is designed to improve milk flow and complete the pumping session.
The breast pump comes with two differently sized ComfortFit breast shields which are the regular and large size. This helps mothers to find the right fit with optimum suction. It also comes with an ergonomic easy-express handle that seamlessly switches between modes and reduces hand fatigue.
The pump is compatible with Lansinoh milk storage bottles, as well as the Momma bottle. It is easy to clean the parts of these breast pump, and you can couple all the parts together in no time.
Key Features:
- Two pumping modes
- Two ComfortFit breast shields (standard & large)
- Ergonomic easy-express handle
- Lansinoh storage bottle
- BPA and BPS Free
Specification:
- Brand: Lansinoh
- Product: Manual breast pump
Pros
- It is lightweight and easy to transport
- It is affordable
- Its handle makes it easy to use for a long time
Cons
- The pump is not compatible with all bottles
- The suction weakens over time.
3
Philips Avent SCF330/30 Manual Breast Pump
Philip Avent is a popular brand renowned for its high-quality baby products, that is why it is no surprise that its manual breast pump features on this list.
The breast pump is one of the best in terms of reduced hand fatigue and its comfortability on the breast when pumping. The unique design of this breast pump helps moms to find the ideal pumping position.
It comes with a soft, textured massage cushion designed to activate the letdown process by stimulating milk flow. The pump is very easy to attach and hold to the breast thanks to its lightweight and portable design, making it very easy to transport from one place to another.
The manual breast pump is compatible with the Philip Avent Natural and Classic bottles. The parts of the pump are easy to clean, and they are dishwasher safe. The pump is BPA-free.
Key Features:
- Ergonomic handle
- Soft massage cushion
- Compatible with Philip Avent natural, and classic bottles
- Lightweight, and compact design
Specification:
- Brand: Philips Avent
- Product: SCF330/30 Manual Breast Pump
Pros
- It is easy to use
- It is gentle on the breast
- It is easy to clean and assemble
- Helps moms find the best pumping position
Cons
- It is not compatible with standard bottles.
4
Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump
The Haakaa silicone manual breast pump is popular among nursing moms for its simplicity and impressive suction. The pump is very easy to use and does not require you to assemble its parts.
All you just have to do is fold back the breast pump’s flanges, squeeze it, and attach it to your breast. The squeezing helps to apply suction leading milk flow. You can use this breast pump to store the letdown from one breast while still breastfeeding your child on the other, therefore saving yourself more milk, which would have been wasted.
This breast pump also comes handy for moms by providing relief when the breast is engorged. It is portable and lightweight, making it fit into most bags. Mothers can move it from place to place with ease and can use it anywhere at any time.
The pump is also easy to clean. You can steam or boil it in water for 2-3 minutes. Also, it does not contain harmful materials such as BPA, PVC, Phthalate, and lead-free.
Key Features:
- Food grade silicone
- Portable and lightweight
- Fits comfortably on the breast
Specification:
- Brand: Haakaa
- Product: Manual Breast pump
Pros
- It is very easy to use
- Easy to transport
- Easy to clean
- It is affordable
Cons
- The suction power reduces with time.
5
NatureBond Silicone Breastfeeding Manual Breast Pump
The NatureBond Silicone Breastfeeding manual breast pump is a bit similar to the Haakaa manual breast pump. It provides nursing mothers an opportunity to breastfeed and save milk at the same time. This pump also provides relief to moms when their breast is engorged.
It has a customized suction pull, therefore, helping moms to control the suction force of the pump. It is soft and comfortable on the breast. It also has pump straps that help prevent milk spills. It is made from food-grade silicone, which is BPA free.
It is lightweight and portable and can fit into most bags, including baby bags. This makes it easy to use anywhere. Another good news is that this pump is very easy to clean and sterilize.
Key Features:
- Soft food grade Silicone pump
- Pump stopper
- Strong suction
- Safety pump strap
Specification:
- Brand: NatureBond
- Product: Silicone Breastfeeding Manual Breast Pump
Pros
- It is soft and comfortable
- It helps to prevent spills
- It is easy to transport
- Easy to clean and sterilize
Cons
- The suction force reduces with time.
6
Bumblebee Breast Pump Manual Breast pump
The Bumblebee breast pump is another impressive manual pump on the market. It is designed to collect breast milk leaks using natural suction pressure. It can also be used to relieve engorgement.
The pump comes with a breast pump stopper, which effectively works to prevent milk from spilling or leaking. The breast pump is made of soft food-grade silicone, and it is free of harmful materials such as BPA, PVC, and Phthalate.
Nursing moms can use this breast pump while breastfeeding their babies at the same time. It is lightweight and compact and is easy to move from place to place. The breast pump is easy to clean and sterilize. It is also dishwasher and microwave safe.
Key Features:
- Soft food-grade silicone
- Breast pump stopper
- Dust cover lid for the breast pump
- Lightweight and compact
- It has natural suction pressure
Specification:
- Brand: Bumblebee
- Product: Manual Breast Pump
Pros
- It is easy to use
- Easy to clean and sterilize
- Easy to move and use anywhere
- BPA, PVC, Phthalate-free
Cons
- The suction weakens with time.
7
NUK Expressive Manual Breastpump
This is one of the most inexpensive breast pumps in this category, and it does its job very well. Breastfeeding moms control the pump’s speed and suction while it is in use.
Moms don’t have to start looking for a bottle to store this milk after expressing as it comes with a NUK bottle. Its soft silicone breast cushion helps to stimulate letdown.
Mothers can go ahead with other activities while pumping with one hand when using this pump. It lightweight and can fit into a purse.
It comes with an ergonomic handle, which helps reduce the stress of pumping, although some moms still complain about this. The breast pump is very easy to assemble and clean
Key Features:
- Ergonomic handle
- Soft massaging breast cushion
- 5-ounce NUK breast milk bottle.
- Container stand
Specification:
- Brand: NUK
- Product: Expressive Manual Breastpump
Pros
- Gentle on the breast
- Easy to clean
- Easy to transport
- It is very affordable
Cons
- Its ergonomic handle is not the best around
- It makes some squeaky sounds when pumping.
Buying Guide Questions
Below are some questions parents around the world ask concerning manual breast pumps and answers to help you make informed and better decisions when you want to get one.
Does a manual breast pump work better?
It depends on what you want. If you want to pump breast milk faster, then the manual breast pump isn’t for you. It is not as effective as the electric breast pump in terms of pumping.
However, it is ideal if you are traveling as it doesn’t require so many breast pump parts or going to work. It is comfortable and light on the breast.
Which is better electric or manual breast pump?
Electric breast pumps beat Manual breast pumps in terms of effectiveness. They empty the breast, and they do it in record time, while most manual breast pumps do not. However, in terms of comfort and ease of use, the manual breast pump is better.
Do I need a manual breast pump?
Firstly, if you produce lots of milk, you need a breast pump and you need quality breast milk storage bags. Then, you need a manual breast pump if you don’t need to pump more than once or twice per day. Also, when traveling or going to work, they can prove useful as you don’t need a full fledge breast pump bag.
How long should I manually pump each breast?
It is advised that mothers pump each breast for about fifteen minutes at first. Generally, mothers are expected to pump until their breasts are empty, keep in mind that you can consume some lactation cookies and other lactation supplements to help jump start milk production.
Do you get more milk with a manual pump?
Compared to an electric breast pump, the answer is no. However, you can still get a considerable amount of milk with a manual pump.
Does pumping damage breast tissue?
It depends on the setting of the pump. Also, prolonged usage can damage breast tissue. If pumping is done regularly at high speed, it can damage breast tissues. It is recommended that nursing moms do not pump for long durations, and should only do it at regular intervals. You can also pump directly into glass baby bottles or traditional plastic bottles.
Conclusion
Pumping breast milk ensures that mothers who cannot breastfeed directly still get to provide breast milk for their little angels. Also, milk can be saved for rainy days. Getting good quality manual breast pump is very important. This is, in turn, benefits both the mother and the baby.