*This post may contain affiliate links, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission. I only recommend products that I would use or do use myself.*
If you’re a breastfeeding mama like me and are concerned about maintaining or increasing your milk supply but hate the idea of being chained to your corded electric breast pump, you’re not alone! I am always a little bit of a psycho about maintaining a good milk supply – as I write this I am exclusively breastfeeding my third baby. Being able to breastfeed is such a gift and so very convenient, but it definitely can be stressful when it comes to ensuring that our bodies are producing enough milk to feed our growing babies.
For this reason, I typically pump at least one time a day extra to ensure that 1) my milk supply remains solid and 2) I have a backup supply of breastmilk in the freezer to use in case of emergencies. BUT – confession – I despise pumping. And I know I’m not alone. I’ve never met anyone who loves sitting there for 20 mins chained to their electric pump being milked like a cow.
So here I have 3 alternate ways that we can accomplish pumping either while on the go or while we’re already nursing.
1. Cordless Wearable Breast Pump
YES THIS IS A THING!! I didn’t realize that these existed until one of my friends told me about them and oh my goodness is this a game-changer for any busy mama!! These breast pumps are battery-operated, rechargeable, and completely hands-free. You simply insert the portable pumps into your bra, turn it on, and that’s it!! You can wear it while doing the dishes, folding laundry, changing diapers, making dinner, driving, you get the point!! Is anyone else as excited about this as I am? These fabulous inventions mean that we never again need to be chained to our corded, electric breast pumps!
The Momcozy brand is one of the most popular wearable breast pump brands and launched their S12 Pro model in 2022. This model features a large 6 oz capacity for milk on each side, fast charging of 1.5 hours to full charge, long battery life of 140 mins/5-6 pumping sessions, BPA-free food-grade silicone, 3 modes of use, lightweight, comfortable fit, and pumping efficiency. You can insert the pumps into any standard nursing bra, or you can purchase a Momcozy Pumping Bra to go with your wearable pump.
I’m pretty much obsessed!
2. Manual Portable Breast Pump
For those looking for a quick, flexible, and inexpensive option, manual breast pumps come in VERY handy. I actually prefer using a manual breast pump throughout the day because of how easily, quickly, and flexibly I can squeeze in a pumping session. There are definitely pros and cons since you can only pump one breast at a time, but I find the pros to outweigh the cons for me personally.
Manual breast pumps are not entirely hands-free, but they are one-hand-free since it only takes one hand to operate them. And I actually like the fact that they pump one breast at a time as I find it very convenient for times when I’m experiencing an uncomfortable level of fullness on one breast versus the other, or when my baby nurses on only one breast and I want to pump just the other.
The other thing I love about these is that they are so portable. I literally bring mine with me everywhere by throwing it in my diaper bag or purse. What I love specifically about the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump is that you can pump directly into their Lansinoh bottles.
Manual breast pumps are ideal to use especially when you don’t feel the need to do an entire 15 or 20 minute pumping session but rather just need to do a few minutes or pump a few ounces here and there. If you are looking to do full pumping sessions on both breasts then going with the wearable breast pump would be the more efficient option in that case.
3. haakaa Silicone Breast Pump
I think everyone knows at least one breastfeeding mama who swears by the haakaa. The convenience factor to the haakaa lies in the fact that you can utilize it WHILE you’re breastfeeding your baby and it works in an entirely passive way meaning that there is no actual pumping involved. The haakaa works in expressing milk by using the power of natural suction. All you have to do it squeeze it, attach is to your breast, and the suction itself expresses an ample amount of breastmilk.
This is an amazing way to easily and passively increase your milk supply with barely any added work involved since you can use it while you’re breastfeeding. The haakaa is also really easy to transport with you anywhere by throwing it in your bag. They are also extremely easy to clean since they really are just one big silicone piece.
Between these 3 alternative ways that we can so flexibly, portably, and efficiently accomplish pumping, I think it’s safe to say that we can say bye-bye to our corded electric breast pumps!
