What Is A Breast Pump ?
A breast pump is a device that mimics your baby’s natural sucking rhythm, allowing you to express milk to collect for whenever you need it. It’s a tool that allows you to give your baby breast milk at times when you may not be able to breastfeed.
A breast pump is an investment. There’s no fixed timeline on how long you’ll use or need your pump. Some strong pumps can last through multiple pregnancies. Just take care of it and refresh the parts as needed!
Why Would I Need a Breast Pump?
There’s no one “correct” way to nourish your little one. Exclusive pumping is a way for mothers to feed breast milk without having to actually breastfeed. This method comes with many benefits and challenges. Many moms choose this path for a variety of reasons, such as issues with breastfeeding, wanting to share feeding responsibilities, wanting to donate breast milk, or simply deciding that this is the best choice for them.
We encourage you to be open and consider all options for feeding your baby and maintain a flexible attitude. Trust yourself, listen to your body and mind, and do what’s best for both your baby and your mental & physical health.
Not every mom can, or wants to, be a stay-at-home mom. However, that shouldn’t mean that you can’t continue to feed your little one breast milk throughout the day. Pumping allows you the flexibility to pump as you need to, even at work, to build up a supply for baby when you aren’t there.
The ability to express and store breast milk grants you the freedom to address both personal and professional commitments while still feeding them breast milk. This flexibility also enables shared caregiving responsibilities, allowing partners or other trusted caregivers the opportunity to form a stronger bond with the baby through feeding.
If you’re a new mom, you might not be familiar with engorgement, which is a natural and common condition where your breasts become swollen and painful due to an overabundant milk supply. To ease the discomfort, expressing milk through pumping is highly effective. It can also be done before feeding to help your baby latch on more easily when your breasts are swollen.
If you're pumping to relieve swollen breasts, avoid pumping until they are completely empty. Instead, pump just enough to alleviate the pressure. Pumping until empty can cause your breasts to fill up again and worsen the issue.
While breastfeeding is a natural process, mastering it doesn’t always come effortlessly. Surprisingly, 60 to 80% of mothers encounter challenges while attempting to breastfeed, and a significant 42% even contemplate quitting within the initial 6 weeks.
If you’re grappling with the profound difficulties of breastfeeding and notice that it’s taking a toll on your mental well-being, exploring alternatives like pumping and bottle-feeding, or opting for formula, can be a supportive choice. Should you find yourself in this situation, pumping can become your ally, ensuring that your precious little one continues to receive the nourishment they require while lightening the burden on your shoulders.
Breast pumps are valuable tools to help boost, maintain or establish a supply, especially if you aren’t able to breastfeed. It can help to regulates the natural supply and demand mechanism of your body, while providing a backup source for times away from your baby.
Boosting milk supply is crucial when your baby’s needs increase. Breast pumps can help you fully empty your breasts during each session, which stimulates further milk production to meet feeding needs. On the other hand, maintaining milk supply becomes essential when demand decreases, like when baby isn’t feeding as much or if you and baby are temporarily apart.
For preterm or sick babies, a breast pump can be a lifeline. Preemies may struggle with latching due to their early arrival or being separated in the NICU. Research shows that breast milk is not only easier to digest for these tiny fighters but also provides vital benefits. Additionally, sick babies benefit from the antibodies present in breast milk, bolstering their immune system during a vulnerable time. Pumping allows you to provide this invaluable nourishment, even if your little ones have difficulty latching due to illness or other challenges.
If you’re heading back to work soon, or if you want to make sure you have some extra breast milk in your freezer, then a breast pump can help you build your stash.
A breast pump will allow you to boost your supply so that you have sufficient milk to both feed and store, and, it will help you express your milk for storage.
When to Buy a Breast Pump?
If your goal is to exclusively breastfeed, your main focus in the first few weeks should be establishing a deep latch, frequent feeding, and a strong breastfeeding relationship with your baby. During this time, your body is learning how much milk your baby needs and adjusting supply accordingly.
For many mothers, it’s best to avoid regular pumping in the early weeks unless there is a specific reason to do so. Introducing a pump too frequently can sometimes stimulate your body to produce more milk than your baby needs, which may contribute to oversupply, engorgement, discomfort, or a forceful let-down. Ideally, your body should learn to produce the right amount of milk for your baby—not too little and not too much.
That said, breast pumps absolutely have a place from birth when needed. They can be incredibly helpful if your baby is unable to breastfeed effectively, is struggling with latch difficulties, is born prematurely, requires NICU admission, or if you are separated from your baby for any reason. In these situations, pumping can help establish and protect your milk supply while your baby learns to feed directly from the breast.
While it’s not absolutely necessary to purchase a breast pump before your baby arrives, many parents find it reassuring to have one available just in case. Unexpected situations can arise after birth, and having a pump on hand means one less thing to organise during an already busy and emotional time. It can be particularly valuable if you and your baby are temporarily separated, if your little one requires additional support in the NICU, or if breastfeeding doesn’t get off to the smooth start you were hoping for.
We generally recommend having at least a manual breast pump before your baby arrives. The first few days are critical for establishing milk supply, and it’s impossible to predict exactly how feeding will go.
You don’t need an expensive pump—a simple manual pump with the correct flange size can be incredibly useful if your baby struggles to latch, you’re separated after birth, or you need a little extra support getting started.
Think of it as a backup plan: hopefully you won’t need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there if you do.
What To Consider When Picking A Breast Pump?
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Pump Type
There are hundreds of different breast pumps on the market, which can make choosing the right one feel overwhelming. Broadly speaking, most pumps fall into three categories: traditional electric pumps, wearable pumps, and manual pumps, with electric pumps also available as either single or double models.
When deciding which pump is right for you, consider your lifestyle, how often you plan to pump, your budget, and your long-term breastfeeding goals.
The best pump isn’t necessarily the most expensive or feature-packed—it’s the one that fits seamlessly into your routine and helps you meet your feeding goals. Each pump type has its own advantages and trade-offs, and understanding these can help you find the option that works best for you and your baby.
What to Think About...
Manual pumps require you to pump the milk, usually with a lever, while electric pumps use a motor that creates suction.
Manual breast pumps are a simple and cost-effective choice, ideal for mothers who pump infrequently or need a backup option. It’s great during emergencies or power outages, like loadshedding. Although they don’t extract as much milk as electric pumps, their portability and lightweight design make them perfect for discreet and quiet pumping on the go.
Electric breast pumps are particularly efficient at expressing milk and often allow for hands-free operation with certain accessories, making them a great option for busy moms. Many come with adjustable settings that you can tailor to your own needs for a customised and comfortable pumping experience.
Although electric pumps can be noisier and bulkier, they are a great option for moms with twins, moms looking to maintain or build their milk supply, and moms going back to work or spending extended periods of time away from their little one.
Wearable pumps are hands-free, lightweight, and discreet, fitting directly inside your bra without external tubes or cords. Their biggest advantage is convenience: they allow you to pump while working, caring for your baby, or getting on with daily life, making pumping feel far more manageable.
For many mothers, this convenience can actually support their breastfeeding journey by making it easier to fit pumping sessions into a busy day.
That said, convenience does not always mean better milk removal. While some mothers respond extremely well to wearable pumps and achieve output similar to a traditional electric pump, others find they do not empty the breast as effectively.
According to La Leche League International’s guidance on pumping and milk supply, maintaining milk production depends largely on how effectively and how frequently milk is removed from the breast. If milk is not removed well enough, supply can gradually decrease over time.
It’s also important to remember that successful pumping depends on much more than suction strength alone. As highlighted by La Leche League International’s expressing milk resources, factors such as flange fit, comfort, breast stimulation, and individual response to a pump all influence how much milk is expressed. A pump that works brilliantly for one mother may not work nearly as well for another.
The research on wearable pumps is promising but still relatively limited. Early studies suggest that some wearable pumps can remove milk effectively and comfortably, but most research has been conducted in mothers with established milk supply. We still have limited evidence on how well wearable pumps perform during the critical first few weeks postpartum when supply is being established.
For this reason, many lactation consultants continue to recommend a traditional double electric pump when establishing supply, exclusively pumping, managing low milk production, supporting a premature baby, or maintaining supply during NICU separation. Wearable pumps are often viewed as an excellent convenience tool rather than the ideal primary pump for every mother.
Ultimately, the most important factor is how your body responds. If a wearable pump empties your breasts comfortably, maintains your output, and fits your lifestyle, it can be an incredible tool. However, if you notice reduced output, recurrent blocked ducts, engorgement, or a drop in supply, it may be worth considering a more robust traditional pump.
With a single breast pump you can only express milk from one breast at a time whereas double pumps allow you to express from both simultaneously.
Single pumps have fewer parts to clean and sterilise, making them ideal for on-the-go and budget-friendly feeding. However, pumping takes longer since you have to pump each side separately. They are a great choice if you don’t pump frequently, prefer easy setup and cleaning, or have time to pump each breast separately.
Double pumping is a game-changer when it comes to expressing milk. Some reasearch has shown that mothers can express around 18% more milk when pumping both breasts simultaneously compared to pumping each breast separately. Double pumping has also been associated with more complete breast drainage, an additional milk ejection (let-down), and milk with a higher fat and energy content.
Beyond producing more milk, better breast drainage sends stronger signals to your body to continue making milk, which may help support and maintain milk supply over time. For mothers who pump frequently or exclusively, double pumping is often both a time-saver and a more efficient way to express milk.
Pump Motor & Settings
Once you’ve decided on the type of pump that best suits your needs, it’s time to take a closer look at what actually powers the pump and how much control it gives you. Not all pumps are created equal, and differences in motor strength, suction patterns, adjustability, and battery life can have a significant impact on your pumping experience.
When comparing pumps, some of the key things to consider are whether the pump is rechargeable or mains-powered, how powerful the motor is, what pumping modes are available, and which settings can be adjusted independently. Features such as adjustable suction strength, cycle speed, dual-motor functionality, noise levels, timers, memory functions, and app connectivity may also be important depending on your lifestyle and breastfeeding goals.
What to Think About...
Rechargeable pumps offer excellent portability and convenience, allowing you to pump wherever you are without needing to be near a plug point. They’re particularly useful for South African moms navigating loadshedding (or load rotation or whatever we are calling this now), with most batteries lasting anywhere from 4–6 pumping sessions before needing a recharge. The trade-off is that rechargeable pumps are often slightly more expensive due to the built-in battery.
Mains-powered pumps, on the other hand, need to be plugged into a power outlet while in use. They can be a good option for moms who pump infrequently or have reliable backup power at home. However, they’re becoming increasingly uncommon in South Africa, with the vast majority of pumps available locally now offering rechargeable batteries. For most parents, this means one less decision to worry about.
That said, not all batteries are created equal. Some pumps offer significantly longer battery life than others, which can make a real difference if you’re pumping multiple times a day, travelling frequently, returning to work, or regularly away from a charger.
A newer trend is wearable pumps that come with dedicated charging and storage cases, similar to wireless earbuds. These cases recharge the pumps between sessions, helping keep them topped up throughout the day without needing to plug them in directly. This can be incredibly helpful for moms who pump frequently, travel often, spend long days out of the house, or simply forget to charge their devices.
Examples include the eufy S1 Pro, eufy S2 Pro, and Momcozy Air 1, all of which use charging cases that automatically recharge the pumps between sessions. The Momcozy Air 1’s charging case can support up to 15 pumping sessions before needing to be recharged itself, while the eufy S1 Pro and S2 Pro are specifically designed around extended on-the-go pumping with integrated charging and storage systems.
These charging cases are certainly not essential, and many moms do perfectly well with standard rechargeable pumps. However, if you’re a frequent pumper, travel often, work long shifts, or know you’re someone who regularly forgets to charge devices, they can be a genuine quality-of-life upgrade rather than just a flashy extra feature.
Once you’ve narrowed down the type of pump you want, it’s time to look at the pump’s settings and modes. This is where things can start to feel a little overwhelming, with manufacturers using different names and marketing terms for what are often very similar features.
The good news is that most modern electric pumps are built around the same core principle: mimicking the way a baby naturally feeds at the breast. The differences lie in how much control you have over the pump’s behaviour and how well those settings suit your body’s unique response.
Dual-Phase Expression & Other Pumping Modes
Most quality electric pumps feature some form of Dual-Phase Expression, which is designed to mimic a baby’s natural feeding pattern. Every pumping session starts in a let-down or stimulation mode, which uses a fast, light sucking pattern to encourage milk flow and trigger your let-down reflex. Once milk begins flowing, you either manually switch—or the pump automatically switches—to expression mode, which uses a slower, deeper suction pattern designed to remove milk more efficiently.
Different brands may refer to this technology as Two-Phase Expression, Dual Rhythm Pumping, Natural Expression, or similar names, but the underlying principle is largely the same.
Beyond standard dual-phase expression, some pumps offer additional modes and features built around this same concept:
Automatic or Mixed Modes
Some pumps automatically alternate between different suction patterns throughout the pumping session. These modes are designed to mimic how babies naturally switch between active feeding, comfort sucking, and triggering additional let-downs. They can be particularly useful for moms who prefer a more hands-off “set it and forget it” experiences
Dual Motors
Traditionally, most traditional double pumps use a single motor to power both breasts equally. However, some newer pumps feature dual motors, allowing each side to be adjusted independently. This can be particularly useful for mothers whose breasts respond differently to pumping or produce different amounts of milk on each side.
While additional modes can be useful, don’t get too caught up in the marketing. The most important thing is finding a pump that comfortably and effectively removes milk from your breasts. For most mothers, comfortable milk removal will always be more important than having the longest list of features.
Suction strength refers to how strongly a pump pulls on the breast and is usually measured in mmHg. While it can be tempting to assume that more suction equals more milk, that’s not necessarily the case. The goal is to find the strongest setting that remains comfortable, as milk removal is often most effective when you’re relaxed and comfortable rather than using the highest possible suction.
Most modern pumps offer maximum suction strengths ranging from around 220–300 mmHg, with some pumps reaching 300–320 mmHg. In reality, however, very few mothers pump comfortably at these maximum settings. Most women tend to find their “sweet spot” somewhere in the middle of the pump’s range, where milk flows well without discomfort.
If you’re comparing pumps, don’t focus solely on the maximum suction number. A pump with 280 mmHg of comfortable, well-designed suction may work far better for you than a pump capable of 320 mmHg that you find uncomfortable. Factors such as flange fit, cycle speed, pumping rhythm, and how your body responds to the pump are often far more important than an extra 20–30 mmHg of suction.
As a general rule, stronger suction becomes more important for mothers who are exclusively pumping, establishing supply, maintaining supply during NICU stays, or trying to maximise milk removal. For occasional pumping, many mothers do perfectly well with pumps that have more modest suction strengths, provided they respond well to the pump and can comfortably empty their breasts.
Cycle speed refers to how quickly a pump cycles between suction and release, usually measured in cycles per minute (CPM). In simple terms, it’s how fast the pump “sucks.” During breastfeeding, babies naturally change their sucking speed throughout a feed—starting with quick, light sucks to trigger let-down before switching to slower, deeper sucks once milk begins flowing. Breast pumps attempt to replicate this pattern through different cycle speeds.
Most pumps on the market have fixed cycle speeds that are pre-programmed by the manufacturer, while others automatically adjust cycle speed as you increase or decrease suction strength. This works well for many mothers and keeps pumping simple, but it doesn’t allow you to fine-tune the pumping rhythm to match your body’s unique response.
Some mothers find they respond better to faster cycle speeds, while others express more milk with slower, deeper rhythms. This is where pumps such as the Spectra S1 and eufy S1 Pro stand out. Rather than forcing you into a single pre-set rhythm, they allow you to adjust cycle speed independently or choose from multiple pumping patterns. This extra flexibility can help you find the combination of speed and suction that feels most comfortable and effective for your body.
While cycle speed is often overlooked in favour of suction strength, many experienced pumpers will tell you that finding the right rhythm can make just as much difference as finding the right suction level. If you’re someone who pumps frequently, exclusively pumps, or has struggled to respond well to other pumps, greater control over cycle speed may be a feature worth prioritising.
Breast pumps are a significant investment, so it’s worth paying attention to both the warranty period and the support available after purchase. While all pumps sold in South Africa are covered by the Consumer Protection Act and carry a minimum 6-month warranty, a longer manufacturer warranty can provide additional peace of mind. Most pumps in our catalogue come with a 12-month warranty, and we work closely with local distributors and suppliers to help resolve any issues as quickly as possible.
It’s important to note that pump warranties typically cover the motor and electronic components only. Consumable parts such as valves, duckbills, membranes, backflow protectors, tubing, and other soft silicone components naturally wear out with use and are not usually covered under warranty. Depending on how often you pump, these parts may need replacing every few weeks to few months to maintain optimal suction and keep your pump performing at its best.
If something does go wrong with a pump purchased from Pandylane, simply get in touch with us and we’ll help guide you through the troubleshooting and warranty process. A good warranty is important, but having a knowledgeable team behind it can be just as valuable when you’re relying on your pump day after day.
Spares and Accessories
When choosing a breast pump, it’s easy to focus on features such as suction strength, battery life, and pumping modes, but the availability of spare parts and accessories can be just as important. Breast pumps contain a number of components that experience regular wear and tear, and even the best pump can quickly become unusable if a small but essential part goes missing. Before investing in a pump, it’s worth considering how easy it will be to find replacement parts, different flange sizes, inserts, collection cups, and accessories locally—not just today, but throughout your entire pumping journey.
What to Think About...
The availability of spare parts and accessories is one of the most overlooked factors when choosing a breast pump, but it can have a huge impact on your long-term experience. Parts such as valves, duckbills, membranes, diaphragms, backflow protectors, and tubing are considered wear-and-tear items and will need replacing periodically to keep your pump performing at its best.
It’s also worth considering what happens if you accidentally lose or damage a part. Even the best breast pump can quickly become unusable if a small component goes missing and replacements aren’t readily available locally. Before investing in a pump, make sure that replacement parts, accessories, different flange sizes, collection cups, and consumable components are easy to source.
Importantly, this isn’t just an issue with budget pumps. Some premium brands have excellent pumps but limited local spare part availability, which can lead to frustration, delays, and unexpected costs when replacement parts are needed. Easy access to spares and accessories can often make a bigger difference to your day-to-day pumping experience than a few extra features on the pump itself.
As a general rule, we’d strongly recommend choosing a pump with an established local support network and readily available spare parts. Your future self will thank you the first time a valve tears, a duckbill wears out, or a small but essential piece mysteriously disappears during a late-night washing session.
Getting the correct flange size is one of the most important—and most overlooked—parts of successful pumping. Before choosing a pump, it’s worth measuring both nipples, as they’re often more like sisters than twins and can be different sizes. Ideally, you want to make sure the pump you’re considering offers flange sizes that will fit you comfortably, either out of the box or through additional sizing options.
Many mothers require a flange size somewhere between 17mm and 24mm, with sizes around 19mm–21mm being particularly common. However, there is significant variation, and it’s not unusual for mothers to need smaller or larger sizes.
Many pumps can be adjusted down using silicone inserts, allowing a standard 24mm flange to fit nipples as small as 13mm–15mm. Going larger, however, can be more challenging. Some pumps only offer flange sizes up to 24mm, which can be frustrating if you require a larger size and compatible larger flanges aren’t available.
This becomes particularly important with pumps that use a unique or proprietary flange system. While these designs can offer benefits, they may limit your sizing options and make it difficult—or sometimes impossible—to find a flange that fits you properly. Since incorrect flange sizing can lead to pain, nipple trauma, poor milk removal, blocked ducts, and reduced output, we’d strongly recommend checking what flange sizes, inserts, and replacement parts are available before purchasing a pump.
A great pump with the wrong flange size will almost always perform worse than a simpler pump that fits you properly.
Other Considerations
While pump performance is important, there are a few practical considerations that can have just as much impact on your day-to-day experience. Things like portability, noise level, and how easy a pump is to clean and sterilise can make the difference between a pump you love using and one that spends most of its time in the cupboard. As you compare options, think about where you’ll be pumping, how often you’ll be using it, and how much convenience matters to you. Small differences in these areas can have a surprisingly big impact over months of regular use.
What to Think About...
If you plan on pumping away from home, portability can make a big difference to your experience. Consider the pump’s size, weight, battery life, carrying case, and whether you’ll realistically be able to fit it into your daily routine. A traditional pump may offer incredible performance, but a smaller, more portable pump is often the one that actually gets used consistently.
Breast pumps vary significantly in how much noise they produce. While noise doesn’t affect milk removal, it can impact your comfort and confidence when pumping around family, at work, during meetings, or while your baby is sleeping nearby. If discretion is important to you, it’s worth paying attention to noise levels and reading real-world reviews rather than relying solely on manufacturer claims.
Every pump part that comes into contact with breast milk needs to be cleaned after use, so the number of parts can have a surprisingly large impact on your day-to-day experience. Some pumps can be fully disassembled and washed in just a few minutes, while others have multiple valves, membranes, and collection components that require more time and effort. If you’ll be pumping frequently, choosing a pump that is quick and easy to clean may save you a lot of frustration in the long run.
So, Which Breast Pump Should I Choose?
Unfortunately, there is no single “best” breast pump. Every pump involves some trade-offs, whether that’s between power and portability, convenience and customisation, or price and features. The reality is that the perfect pump on paper isn’t always the perfect pump for you.
The best pump is the one that fits your lifestyle, supports your breastfeeding goals, and most importantly, is a pump that your body responds well to. A mother who pumps occasionally may have very different needs to someone returning to work, exclusively pumping, or supporting a baby in the NICU.
Try not to get too caught up chasing the highest suction strength, the longest feature list, or the latest technology. Focus instead on the fundamentals: a pump that fits comfortably, removes milk effectively, has good local support and spare parts availability, and suits the way you plan to use it.
And remember—your first pump doesn’t have to be your forever pump. Many mothers find that their pumping needs change as their breastfeeding journey evolves. The goal isn’t to find the perfect pump; it’s to find the right pump for where you are right now.
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry—that’s completely normal. Explore our range of breast pumps and feel free to reach out to our team. We’d be more than happy to chat through your unique circumstances, breastfeeding goals, lifestyle, budget, and medical aid options to help narrow down the choices and find a pump that’s likely to work well for you.
