Best Manual Breast Pump Of 2020

Becoming a mother has its ups and downs. You carry a baby for nine months, and after the birth, you have to adjust to your new lifestyle. That includes feeding times, changing nappies and sometimes even forgetting about sleep.

Breastfeeding has always been a favorite choice for hands-on mothers. Not only does it provide your baby with all necessary nutrients, but it also helps you bond with your child. However, sometimes things do not go as planned and you have to get some help in the form of a breast pump.

There are different types, but here we are going to talk about the best manual breast pump currently on the market. Keep reading if you want to find out more about this neat device.

What is a manual breast pump and why you need one

Breast pumps are all the rage nowadays because mothers tend to go back to work as soon as possible. And, why shouldn’t they? It is essential to provide for the newborn – not just with breast milk.

However, when the mother is in the office or traveling, her breast tend to engorge, and the milk comes in. It does not matter if the baby is near her or not – the fact is that she should pump the milk out to avoid discomfort. Furthermore, even when the mother is far away, the nutrients should not go to waste.

That is when the breast pumps come in. Today, many mothers opt for the electrical kinds because they are usually faster and there are various ways to use them. They offer more settings and speed adjustments, and you can use some models for double pumping.

However, electrical breast pumps tend to make the whole process a bit more technical, and far less enjoyable. It feels as though the mother is just a milk machine. Not to mention that the suction can hurt when you use them. Many mothers then opt for manual breast pumps.

A manual breast pump usually offers a simple, yet practical design. There are various models on the market, and most of them are rather easy to use because there are just a few parts. On top of that, they are a budget-friendly aid that can last you for years if you take care of them correctly.

Electrical vs. Manual Breast Pump

Mothers choose the breast pumps according to their preferences. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages.

With an electrical breast pump, you just attach yourself to it and let it work its magic. The pumping does not last long, and you can even pump both breasts at the same time.

However, there are so many parts included that it can drive anyone crazy, let alone an already vulnerable new mother. After the use, you have to clean all the parts properly to avoid molding and bacteria growth. That can last even longer than the pumping itself.

Not to mention that electrical breast pumps are bulkier, and you have to have a power source near you when you want to use them.

The best manual breast pump allows you to have a more natural pumping experience. Because you are pumping with your hands, the suction is far gentler, and it mimics the baby’s feeding.

It does last a bit longer, and your hands get tired, but it is far enjoyable than being attached to a device. Furthermore, they are incredibly convenient to carry around, and you do not even need to buy a designated bag for them.

They also have fewer parts – some of them come as a whole even, so there is less to clean afterward.

What to look for in a manual breast pump

Even though manual breast pumps are relatively cheap, you still have to make sure that you choose a high-quality one. Here are some factors you should consider before deciding on your purchase:

Is it efficient? Do not just get the first one you find before checking if it works. Reviews help a lot with this step, so make sure to research every model you find interesting. A manual breast pump should allow you to pump most of the milk without too much hassle, so if it does not do that – it is not the right choice for you.

Is it comfortable to use? Manual breast pumps are a fantastic choice if you are just getting into pumping, or you are home a lot, and you mostly breastfeed. That does not mean that you should feel discomfort on those rare occasions when you use one. Make sure that it offers comfortable suction, and it does not tug your breast in any way.

Can you carry it with you? Why spend money on something you would have to carry in a separate bag? A manual breast pump should be small and portable, so you can just throw it in your bag or suitcase.

Is it user-friendly? When you have a baby, sleepless nights are a new thing in your life. The last thing you want is a gadget that requires you to press a lot of buttons to get it to work. Get a manual breast pump that is easy to use wherever you are.

Can you clean it fast? Lastly, when you finish pumping, you have to clean the pump and stop the bacteria from forming. The pump should have just a few parts you can quickly wash and let dry until you need it again.

Top 5 – Best Manual Breast Pump

Motherhood is hard, and you may not have enough time to research breast pumping. That is why we have come up with a list of the top 5 best manual breast pumps currently on the market. One of them is inevitably going to grab your attention and become your new pumping companion.

NatureBond Silicone Manual Breast Pump

If you are looking for a low-cost breast pump that will catch every precious ounce of milk, then check out NatureBond.

Lactation nurses recommend this breast pump because it is exceptionally comfortable and safe to use. It is also FDA approved, and the manufacturer used food grade silicone to make it. That way, you can rest assured that it will not contaminate the milk in any way.

Furthermore, it is a lightweight and portable breast pump that you can throw in your diaper bag and carry everywhere you go. It collects about 100 ml during each use, and it uses a natural suction pressure. That way, the milk will just leak into the bottle without too much hassle on your part.

PROS

• checkIt is dishwasher safe, and you can also boil this pump to sanitize it further.
• checkAllows you to express milk from one breast while you are nursing your baby on the other one.
• checkThe silicone is comfortable enough, so even if the pumping takes a bit longer, it will not harm your breasts.

CONS

• exclamation-triangleThe suction might not be the strongest, so it could take a while to get the milk going.
• exclamation-triangleIt might not fit smaller busted women.

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Haakaa Silicone Breastfeeding Manual Breast Pump

Similar looking to the previous one, this Haakaa Manual Breast Pump is also made of 100% food grade silicone.

It is quite easy to use – there are just a few parts, and you do not have to assemble it beforehand. Furthermore, it is perfect for traveling, wherever you go.

You can wash it in the dishwasher as well, but make sure you do not use any bleach based detergents. The manufacturer says that you can also sterilize it with any steam system, or just plain boiling water.

PROS

• checkIt is an eco-friendly option for all those parents who care about our environment.
• checkThere are no small parts, and the breast pump comes in one piece – you do not have to struggle to assemble it.
• checkOffers a pain-free pumping experience because the suction is not that rough on your breasts.

CONS

• exclamation-triangleThe suction might not be the strongest on bigger busted mothers.
• exclamation-triangleIt could take about ten minutes to collect an ounce of milk, so bear in mind that it is not the fastest manual breast pump.

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Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump

Medela is a famous brand that offers both electrical and manual breast pumps. Even though this model has a simple design, there are two phases of expression to choose from.

It mimics the natural breastfeeding of the baby. First, the baby needs to get used to the breast, and it tends to suck faster and not as hard. Afterward, newborns get used to the idea, and they take deeper and slower sucks.

The pump offers these two expression styles, and that maximized the comfort substantially. Furthermore, it is a lightweight design and somewhat discreet so that you can use it almost anywhere.

PROS

• checkThe handle is comfortable enough for more extended pumping periods, so your hand will not get tired quickly.
• checkYou can use it to relieve pressure when your breasts engorge during the day.
• checkIt is great to use while traveling – even during long trips with or without the baby.

CONS

• exclamation-triangleYou have to be patient when pumping – it is not the fastest manual breast pump on the market.
• exclamation-triangleAlthough it is budget-friendly, the spare parts can be quite pricey.

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Ashtonbee Silicone Manual Breast Pump

Just like our first two suggestions, this Ashtonbee is an excellent product for when you are traveling or going to the office.

It allows you to save time while you are nursing – just attach it to the other breast, and you can collect even more milk. Furthermore, it is easy to use, and it does not come with any bulky parts. You can just throw it in your purse and carry it anywhere you go.

This breast pump is 100% free of toxins, and Ashtonbee used only high-quality silicone to make it. In addition to that, it is quite efficient to use because it mimics your baby’s natural sucking.

PROS

• checkThe suction is strong enough, yet comfortable to use for as much as you want.
• checkIt is a budget-friendly option for money-saving parents.
• checkThis breast pump is exceptionally gentle, so you do not have to fear that you will hurt yourself while using it.

CONS

• exclamation-triangleAfter you get it half-full, there is a chance it might fall off. You would then have to hold it in place.
• exclamation-triangleIt works best if your breasts are engorged. Otherwise, the suction might hurt a little.

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Philips Avent Manual Comfort Breast Pump

If you are looking for a comfortable and relaxing pumping experience, then this Philips breast pump might be the perfect choice for you.

It works even if you do not lean forward to get the milk going, so you can sit upright and relax while pumping. Furthermore, while you are resting, you are producing more milk, so it is a win-win situation with this breast pump.

This pump features a soft massage cushion that simulates your baby’s natural sucking pattern. It is easy to use it, and there is an ergonomic handle, so you can rest assured that your hand will not hurt afterward.

Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump is exceptionally lightweight, and you do not need a particular bag to carry it. In addition to that, the container also works as a bottle too, so you do not have to pour the milk out when you finish.

It contains only a few parts – use your dishwasher or boiling water to sanitize them, and you are good to go.

PROS

• checkAlthough it may squeak a bit while you use it, it pumps the milk faster than most manual breast pumps.
• checkThe price is exceptionally reasonable for such a high-quality gadget, so almost everyone can afford it.
• checkIt requires minimal effort to get the milk going, so hands will hurt less, even if you use it for an extended period.

CONS

• exclamation-triangleYou may lose suction while using it because it can fall off or move around if you are not careful.
• exclamation-triangleThe squeaking sounds can get annoying over time, and they are quite loud too.

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The verdict

Each of these pumps could make your life a lot easier, but the best manual breast pump is Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump.

The Medela pump offers two ways of expressing milk, and they mimic your baby’s sucking pattern. That way, if you are already used to breastfeeding, it is comfortable to use for longer time periods.

You can easily assemble it and carry it around, and unlike the Philips breast pump, it is exceptionally quiet and subtle. Furthermore, it is reasonably priced, and it fits most breast sizes.

You will not make a mistake if you choose this breast pump. It is perfect for breastfeeding mothers all over the world who need an occasional break and time apart from their baby. And, if you are traveling, it helps to take the pressure off quickly and efficiently, without a drop of milk lost.