Getting hold of the best manual breast pump for everyday use, either while traveling or when you’re at home, can be all you ever wanted to make breastfeeding less traumatic.
Nursing can be difficult for anyone, whether you are a new mom or a midwife. My experience with my two kids was different during nursing as they respond differently to feeding.
Many factors can determine if you will need a manual breast pump or electric breast pump for exclusive pumping your daily use.
If you’re the lazy type like me and hate going through severe stress before pumping and not suffering from low milk supply, you may consider a manual breast pump as your best option.
They are usually made with few parts to clean and assemble; silicone manual breast pumps are a better example; you only have the pump or milk bottle and the flange cap to clean.
We have put together some of the best manual breast pumps in the market with our views about them so you can make a better choice for yourself.
Contents
How to use a silicone breast pump
This illustration can be used for any silicone breast pump if you are willing to buy one or you have one and do not know how it works. We notice putting this into writing might be difficult to understand; that is why we have a video for you to put you through without misconception.
How to use a hand manual breast pump
Best manual breast pump for low milk supply
1. Medela, Harmony Breast Pump, Manual Breast Pump
To mimic your baby’s suckles, these pumps have two-phase expression technology to give you better comfort while pumping.
The pump comes with a 24mm breast shield that fits well for most breasts to improve the mother’s comfort and efficient flow of breast milk; you can buy other shield sizes if that’s too small or too big.
The portability and lightweight of this pump make it easier to move around; also, it fits into any purse perfectly.
Pros
- Strong suction mode
- Manual Control vacuum for better suction experience
- It comes with two 150ml bottles (5 oz), a bottle stand
- User guide for better user experience
- Lightweight and very portable
Cons
- Weak suction over time as a result of the weak O ring that comes with the pump
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2. Haakaa Gen 3 Manual Breast Pump
Haakaa develops generation 3, which is bigger and better, to serve nursing moms better. The pump comes in 3 different sizes to give nursing mothers a better option to collect milk from their breasts.
The only silicone breast pump comes with bottle teeth; with this amazing development, you don’t have to transfer your milk from one bottle to another; you can now feed your baby directly after expressing.
The big silicone bottle provides continuous usage when your baby moves from liquid to solids; no money is lost with this wonderful pump.
A double anti-colic vent is positioned on the nipple to prevent unwanted air intake from providing a comfortable, smooth drinking experience for your baby.
Pros
- Leakproof design to keep expressed milk from spilling off.
- Wide bottle mouth for easy cleaning
- Convex angle to quickly change from a silicone pump to a feeding bottle.
- Light and comfortable while in use
- Big flange compatible with any breast size
- Safe in the steam sterilizer and boiling water
Cons
- Poor suction due to the convex angle
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Best manual breast pump for working moms
3. Q-JING Manual Breast Pump
With this pump working, moms have various options to provide milk for their babies when necessary; either you choose to pump or collect let down.
The hand pump is designed to switch between the stimulation and expression phase for a convenient and comfortable moment while pumping.
Both parts are easy to sterilize, clean, and compatible with a dishwasher. With this pump, you can choose to pump into the bottle and feed your baby directly without transferring it from one bottle to another.
Pros
- It provides multiple choices for a few bucks
- Easy to clean and assemble
- Both components are light and portable.
- It can also be used as a feeding bottle.
- Includes a complete pack for everything you to start pumping
Cons
- The silicone bottle doesn’t fit well and might fall off if care is not taken, causing milk to spill
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4. SMLZV Manual Breast Pump Silicone Hand
SMLZV has proven to give nursing more comfort while breast pumping as it is made with a petal massage pad that protects the breast and a soft massage cushion so the pump can fit well.
The pump is made to prevent air leaks with an adjustable function that could trick your baby action of suckling.
Silent while in use is another amazing feature of this pump; it’s also portable and would fit well into any bag or purse so that you can have it with you anywhere for easy expression.
It comes with very few parts for easy assembly and disassemble, making it easy to clean after and before use to save the mother’s precious time.
It also comes with a cover that prevents germs, dust, and other bacteria from finding their way into your precious milk.
Pros
- Provides more comfort for pumping mom
- Milk is safe from infection and
- Easy to assemble and clean
- Can withstand any temperature for sterilization
- Portable and lightweight – easy to care around.
cons
- None for now
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Best manual breast pump for travel
5. Philips Avent Breast SCF330/30 Pump Manual
The best manual breast pump for travel needs to have the characteristics of whenever, however, and that’s what Phillips Avent is giving.
It features a soft massage cushion with five textured petals to help gently stimulate milk flow by mimicking your baby’s natural suckling patterns.
The opportunity to pump on the go conveniently while relaxing is what this pump offers. With that, you can use this bottle as a feeding bottle; you don’t have to transfer milk from one bottle to another after pumping.
Suitable for babies from birth to six months old. The breast shape nipple makes conversion from breast to bottle easy for the baby by encouraging a comfortable latch.
Simple and easy design with few parts to assemble and also dishwasher safe. If you’re comfortable with the massage cushion, other sizes are available for sale, which you can check out.
Pros
- It comes with bottle teeth to be used as a breastfeeding bottle
- Portable, lightweight, and easy to clean
- Compatible with other electric Avent pump bottles
- Comfortable massage cushion for better expression
Cons
- Usually loud and squeaky
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6. Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump & Silicone
This is the silicone breast pump for every mom willing to collect letdown and provide constant milk for their babies.
If you’re a nursing mother willing to go on vacation with your baby, I think you need the manual breast pump for travel.
With this pump, there is no need to wait for an electric supply or look for batteries; all you have to do is squeeze the pump to let the air out of it and allow it to do its magic.
The pump comes in 3 different sizes, 3Fl oz, 4Fl oz, and 5.4 Floz, giving nursing moms the other options that suit them favorably with a fitting cap that prevents spilling milk.
The silicone flange sticks well to the breast surface to provide hands-free pumping to prevent it from falling off the breast.
Sterilizing this pump doesn’t affect it as it is safe and has a high resistance to high or low temperatures.
Since it’s just the pump and the cap straightforwardly to clean and maintain, you can use a brush for cleaning if your hand can’t get into the pump.
Pros
- Portable, lightweight, and easy to clean
- Super easy to use
- Secure and friendly for your baby (made with the best material)
- The flange is a size for all.
Cons
- The silicone rubber get weak over time
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Best manual breast pump for small breasts
7. Unimom Manual Breast Pump with Soft Silicone Massaging Breast Shield
The breast is made with comfort in mind with a soft silicone shield that warms and massages the breast to make pumping a better comfortable experience.
You don’t worry about transferring breast milk from the pump bottle, which can cause spillage; instead, you can pump and feed your baby directly from the pump with the help of the bottle teeth or nipple that comes with the pump.
The primary freedom manual breast pump allows you to control the suction rate; the ergonomic handle with this pump is soft, easy to use, and doesn’t cause fatigue to the hand when i.
For easy pumping on the go, the pump fits perfectly into diaper bags, handbags, or purses, and all parts are free from harmful chemicals that could contaminate your precious milk.
Pros
- Easy to use, assemble
- Lightweight and comfortable
- It comes with a teeth cap for direct bottle feeding
Cons
- Milk does get stuck under the funnel reducing the suction power.
- Too many parts to clean
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8. MAM Manual Breast Pump
The breast pump includes a transparent adaptor that lets you see the funnel’s positioning on the breast, a detachable silicone funnel for maximum comfort while pumping, and a funnel cover to preserve the silicone breast pump from dust and dirt.
This portable breast pump is harmonious with all MAM Easy start anti-colic baby bottles. Its sealing disc can be used to convert MAM Baby bottles into storage containers for breast milk.
The MAM manual breast pump also comes with one 5 oz, a start anti-colic baby bottle with a size one slow flow bottle nipple, One Size 0 extra slow flow baby bottle nipple, one sealing disc, and two spare valve membranes.
Pros
- Quiet, Easy, and convenient pumping for small breast
- It comes with a silicone insert funnel for more comfortability
- Portable and can fit into any purse or Handbag for easy mobility.
- Reduced colic gas and reflux
Cons
- Too many parts may be difficult to out together
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Best manual pump for large breasts
9. NatureBond Manual Breast Pump Silicone Breastfeeding
NatureBond manual breast pump is the best at collecting letdown while breastfeeding your baby from the other breast with comfort.
The flag that comes with the pump is wide enough for any breast size, comfortable, and doesn’t cause any pain to the nipple.
The pump comes with a dual ring smart pressure design to provide a better suction level so mom can adjust the suction force to their desired choice.
The pump comes with a strap to prevent your precious milk from spillage by accidental knocks or kicks; this strap covers the flange to avoid any spillage.
Also, the pump stopper and duct cover are present to prevent milk leaks and dust or other bacteria from finding theirs into the breast milk.
Pros
- Better suction with the invention of the dual ring
- Portable, lightweight, and easy to clean
Cons
- It doesn’t stick well to the skin
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10. Bumblebee Manual Breast Pump
The breast has a milk stopper that prevents spilling milk due to accidental knocks or kicks from your baby because every milk is precious.
The breast pump is made from the finest material as it can endure any temperature from warming and is easy to clean because it comes with few parts.
Every drop of milk collected into the pump is safe and clean from germs and other bacteria that can contaminate your precious milk, as it comes with an anti-dust lid to ensure your breast milk is pure and clean.
The pump is soft on the skin, gives you little to no pain, and is lightweight to provide a hands-free pumping experience.
Pros
- lightweight and easy to clean
- More suction levels
- Super easy to use
- made with the best material
- Perfect for either small or large breast
Cons
- The silicone rubber gets weak over time
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What to consider before buying a breast pump
There are many manual breast pumps in the market, and buying the best that is effective and efficient is essential. Here is a detailed guide to everything you need to consider before purchasing a breast pump.
Comfortability: Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt neither should pumping. Though pumping may come with some difficulties like nipple pain, but should not be persistent. To get a comfortable pump on your skin, you need to look out for a pump whose flanges are made with soft silicone or petal cushion. These cushions help to stimulate the areola for a natural letdown. It would also help to choose a pump where you don’t have to lean forward or backward to express, which can cause body pain. Check the features and comfortability before buying.
Flange size: Many pumps come with at least two flange sizes, though some only come with one. You have to check well before selecting any pump. Those made with one flange size may be too small or too big for your breast, causing the flange not to stay on you.
With a two-size flange pump, you can choose between the options available without having to incur additional expenses. If the flanges are still uncomfortable, you can buy a fitting one.
Easy use: Pumps with complicated settings and instructions should be avoided, especially if you’re a first-time mom. You should be able to use a pump as smoothly as possible without going through any difficulties. This will help enhance pumping on the go, in the office, or the car.
Portability: manual breast pumps are usually portable and lightweight. Although you are pumping away from home or traveling sometimes, you may use a lighter pump. You need a breast pump with a bag and other pumping accessories to move your tool around.
Easy to assemble: coupling and decoupling your breast pump shouldn’t take your precious time and should be done in a split of seconds. With a silicone breast pump, you have nothing to put together. If you choose other types of pumps, you need one that’s simple and sleek in design. This will help you stay organized while you pump away from home.
Efficiency: effective and efficient is what you need when you pump away from home. No one likes to be tied to a pump for hours, all in the name of pumping, while there are other activities you need to do. It would be best to have a pump that fasts at expressing enough breast milk within a limited period.
Benefits of a manual breast pump over electric
Lightweight: manual pumps are usually simple in design and made with little parts. That little parts made it easy to clean and assemble, unlike electric breast pumps that are bulky and made with lots of parts. The lightweight makes it easy to have and also promotes pumping on the go.
Cheap: many manual breast pumps cost less than $50, unlike electric breast pumps, which are usually expensive. You can also check out some cheap electric breast pumps, which are usually less effective.
Quiet: These pumps are generally quiet though you may experience squeaking sounds. You can use it anywhere, even when your baby sleeps, without disturbing them. They are usually silent compared to electric pumps.
It does not require batteries: manual breast does not require batteries or electricity to function, making it easy to use anywhere. You may not be able to electric pumps while away from the electric area. There are also possibilities that batteries may get damaged, and you may need to replace them. All these do not apply to a manual bread pump.
Manual Breast Pumps FAQs
How often can I use a manual breast pump?
You can use a manual breast pump whenever you like enough milk to pump or collect. For your breast to be ready for another pumping section, it will take a minimum of an hour or two after a nursing or pumping period.
It is important always to sterilize your pump after each pumping section and also before use to keep your milk germs free.
Since a manual breast pump does not require a battery or any power outlet, this gives you the freedom to pump whenever you want to without worrying about the pump battery life.
Does a manual breast pump work better?
That depends on what you want to use it for; if you’re collecting milk to feed your baby later or wish to increase your milk supply, a manual breast can be your go-to option.
If your options are beyond that, you will want to opt-in for an electric breast pump with different power suction modes to express your breast milk better.
In some cases, you might want to try the silicone or the manual breast pump with a handle to see which works best.
Silicone breast pumps usually collect milk or let it down, while other manual breast pumps with handles allow you to pump by squeezing the handle to milk out of your breast.
Do I need to sterilize my breast pump every day?
Yes, you need to; I suggest you sterilize before every use to give yourself a good conscience that your baby is taking what’s clean.
When you can’t go through sterilizing before use, you must clean every part of the pump immediately after use and before use.
While nursing, your milk goes directly into the baby’s mouth without being contaminated, and that’s what you’re trying to do again by ensuring every part that comes in contact with your breast milk is safe.
Is a manual breast pump better than an electric?
The most prominent advantage of having a manual breast pump is that you can pump whenever you want without electricity or batteries.
Manual breast pumps are usually easy to clean because they come with few parts and are readily available anytime.
Besides that, you can always go for an electric breast pump; we have varieties in the market, the hospital-grade pump, wearable breast pump, and the standard breast pump to choose from different features and capabilities.
An electric breast pump will be your best option if you’re looking to pump conveniently without stress exclusively.
Do you get more milk with a manual pump?
This varies depending on each individual; I get the same amount of milk when using a manual pump, though at a longer period than an electric pump. Manual pumps like the medela hand pump could get more within a shorter time frame because you get to control its suction rate.
And if you’re collecting letdown using the silicone pump, you won’t have much milk, unlike when you’re hand expressing or using the electric breast pump.
How long after pumping Can I breastfeed?
Though milk is being produced non-stop by your body, you will have to wait until you feel you have enough milk to give out, usually 1 to 1 and half hours after pumping or breastfeeding.
Within this time frame, your body will have produced enough milk for your baby, usually more than enough.
So you don’t have to pump and dump; instead, you pump and stack up in a freezer or fridge for your baby’s consumption at a later day.
You can also pump and breastfeed simultaneously; this practice allows your body to produce enough milk for your baby because the baby’s demand increases as they grow.
Is it better to pump more often or longer?
Pumping longer can cause severe pain in your nipples; it’s the same as nursing for a long time. So it is advisable to pump more frequently, and if you’re planning to increase your milk supply, you can always pump till you feel your breasts are empty; this will help increase your milk supply with time.
Too much of everything is terrible while pumping more often; ensure you give your breast enough time to produce enough milk for your baby to nurse on or pump.
Conclusion
For relief and an adequate supply of milk, you need the best manual breast pump for everyday use, and some varieties are suitable for any occasion you find yourself.
Manual pumps with handles can cause frequent fatigue, unlike silicone breast pumps we have put together in the article so you can have a flexible choice.
With the manual breast pump, you can attend to your baby’s needs anytime, anywhere you find yourself.
Are you planning on going on any vacation, spending some time away from your baby, or are you probably about to resume work? Why don’t you get one of the best manual breast pumps for everyday use and be sure of a constant milk supply for your baby wherever you are