When I became a mom for the very first time, I didn’t know what to do with all the milk that was flowing out of me! The second time around, the opposite happened, and I was always searching for ways to increase my milk supply.
That was when I discovered the world of expressing milk. It’s a practical and quite helpful way to get your milk flowing. You could also store a few bottles of readily available breastmilk for when the need arises.
Here, I rounded up the best breast pumps for low milk supply. Along with some tried and true tips to increase your nursing milk, and how to select the right breast pump to increase breast milk supply.
Table of Contents
Which Is The Best Breast Pump For Low Supply?
While I’ve included the breast pumps for low milk supply down below, I’m going to give you the top breast pump first.
The best breast pump for low milk supply is the Spectra S1 Plus double electric breast pump. It is a closed system, hospital grade breast pump featuring multiple modes, timer, lights, and a rechargeable battery. Click here to see it on Amazon.
Most breast pumps have mixed reviews. I know when I was looking at struggling with low milk supply and looking for the best breast pump I wanted the one with the most 5 star reviews and the least negative reviews. That was the Spectra S1. It’s almost universally adored and has so many helpful features that make it unbeatable for moms with low milk supply.
Read on for a more detailed review of the Spectra S1 and reviews of the top breast pumps for low milk supply.
Interested in manual pumps? Click here to read about the Best Manual Breast Pump For Low Milk Supply
Top Breast Pumps for Low Milk Supply
- Spectra S1 Plus Breast Pump
- Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump
- Haakaa Manual Silicone Breast Pump
- Lansinoh Signature Pro Portable Breast Pump
- Philips Avent Breast Pump
Breast Pump Comparison Chart
Buyers Guide: How to choose the Right Breast Pump for Low Milk Supply
To make sure that you select the right pump, here are the essential points that should make the decision process easier.
Why are you pumping?
Using a breast pump to increase breast milk production is a bit different to pumping for working mothers or to build a freezer stash.
When using a breast pump to increase low milk supply you may need to pump multiple times a day, up to 8 sessions of pumping, and possibly do regular sessions of power pumping.
This is an important consideration, because many electric breast pumps don’t have a strong enough motor or battery to pump that many times in a day without wearing out the motor.
Likewise, trying to increase breast milk supply with a manual breast pump may end up being stressful because it takes a lot longer using a manual pump than an electric breast pump.
Another thing to consider is if you are pumping at home or while out and about or working. Is a rechargeable battery important for you or will you be able to use a wall socket at all times when you need to pump?
Pumping Modes
Not all moms are the same in how they respond to the breast pump’s suction power. Applying a more powerful pressure while the breasts are already expressing milk is unnecessary.
Some electric pumps come with 10 levels or more. Moreover, the good quality electrical pumps also provide a simulation of a baby’s nursing movements to stimulate the flow of milk and increase breast milk production.
Pick a Quiet Pump
A lot of moms use the breast pump while the baby is napping. That’s definitely a very good reason to keep things quiet.
This feature is also important if you’re in the office, and don’t want to attract too much attention. There are several hands free breast pumps which sit inside your bra, which come with an integrated milk pouch. They don’t have any external tubes or an operating unit. The only thing that really makes such devices perfect is that they don’t hiss and buzz as they express milk.
Price
It’s worth noting that breast pumps are often included in medical insurance plans. However, there could be a limit to how much they can cost.
Also, some moms need two units, as they have to leave one at work, or they might want to upgrade along the way. These options might not be covered, so you’d need to check the conditions of your plan.
Size and Weight
There are currently compact devices that literally fit inside the bra and portable units that can be carried in a tote. Then there are the slightly larger breast pumps that need some space to work with them.
Also, some of the portable units are lightweight, but the attachments that need to be carried along with them add significantly to the weight.
Hands Free Breast Pumps
These units are among the new tech that was recently introduced into the markets. Using a hand-free pump helps a lot if you need to express your milk frequently, and at the same time need to multitask with work and chores. The Elvie Pump is a popular choice.
A Closed System or an Open System?
The difference between the two systems is where the extra milk goes when it overflows the filling container. In open systems, it could flow back inside the tubes and pumping mechanism. Contrary to that, in closed systems, it’s blocked from proceeding to these paths.
Hospital grade pumps are always closed systems. That’s because they need to be 100% safe and sterile at all times, and getting that backflow could compromise their cleanliness.
This requirement is less stringent for home use, where only the mom is using the breast pump. But still, you need to make sure that the pump and its tubes are thoroughly cleaned after each session. This is a bit more complicated in open systems.
Manual or Electric?
Both manual and electric breast pumps can do a good job of taking milk from the breast and therefore, can increase milk production.
The deciding element for increasing milk production comes down to time and money. Manual pumps are usually single pumps, so pumping both breasts will take longer than using a double electric breast pump. However, the positive for using a manual breast pump is that they are significantly cheaper than electric breast pumps.
Double or Single Pumping?
Breast pumps come in both configurations, and it’s up to you to decide what works best. Double electric breast pumps are better than single electric breast pumps in terms of efficiency since you are able to express both breasts at the same time.
Many double electric breast pumps can be used as single breast pumps, but the reverse is not true – single breast pumps don’t usually convert to double breast pumps. So again, it comes down to time and money. However, a single breast pump can be really effective if you use it at the same time as breastfeeding.
Top Rated Breast Pumps For Low Supply Reviews
This is a variety of pumps that should suit every mom’s needs. They also come with different price points to fit most budgets.
Spectra S1 Breast Pump: The best electric breast pump to increase breast milk supply
Spectra S1 Breast Pump Review
The Spectra S1 is one of the most popular double electric breast pumps for low milk supply available on the market and for good reason, it is an excellent hospital grade breast pump – particularly for lactating mothers who are experiencing low breast milk supply.
Along with it’s sister model, the Spectra S2, the Spectra S1 delivers superior performance. It is a hospital grade pump, which means that it has a powerful motor which is perfect for the demands of low supply. When pumping to increase low breast milk supply you may need to express more often than other mums (sometimes more than 8 times per day) and the S1 has a powerful enough motor to handle these frequent pumping sessions. Hospital grade pumps are more effective, efficient and perfect for exclusively pumping.
The Spectra S1 is easy to clean, with all parts being BPA free and dishwasher safe. However, the dishwasher will cause parts to deteriorate if used often, it is better to hand wash using normal detergent and allow them to dry naturally.
It is also a closed system, which prevents milk overflowing and leaking into the pump, keeping the whole system hygenic and healthy for your child, and also meaning you won’t ruin the motor by accidentally getting milk into the motor.
This hospital grade breast pump has an automatic let down massage setting, which simulates your babies initial sucking action. This promotes milk flow and helps you to increase breast milk production.
Another excellent benefit of the Spectra S1 and the Spectra S2 breast pumps is that they have timers which not only measure the time spent on any one pumping sessions (and you can program them to stop after a certain period), they also store the total minutes spent pumping for the device’s lifetime.
But one of the best features of the Spectra S1 is the built in rechargeable battery which can last for up to 2 weeks.
We also rate the Spectra S1 as the best breast pump for working moms because of it’s excellent suction, strong motor and long lasting rechargeable battery. It’s also one of the quietest pumps on the market.
Pros:
- Closed system
- Rechargeable battery
- Very quiet
- Effective double or single breast pump option
- Massage mode
- Adjustable speed and suction
- Night light
- Hospital grade breast pump
- LCD display
- Lightweight and portable
- Plenty of accessories available
- BPA free and DEHP-free construction
Cons:
- Comes with 1 flange set
- May be a little bulky
- Only available in one color (blue for S1, pink for S2)
>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews on Amazon
Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump: Best breast pump for travel
Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump Review
A breast pump for low milk supply should be responsive to the mom’s body, efficient in milk expression, durable, fully portable. It should also come at an affordable price, and preferably look good. I have some news for you; the Medela pump in style double electric breast pump checks all these boxes, and then some.
The most important feature is the two-phase stimulation and suction, which helps to increase milk supply by removing more milk in less time. This gives your body the necessary preparation before actually applying any pressure to express breast milk. I know from experience that starting while you’re not ready leaves you a bit sore, so I’m glad to see this tech employed here.
The whole unit, tubes, bottles, battery pack, and cooling accessories fit inside a black bag, that looks quite similar to a work or leisure tote. Elegance is nice, even when you’re carrying baby stuff. The Medela is fully adjustable, and only one knob is needed to set it to a comfortable power.
Another nice feature of this hospital strength breast pump is the adjustable suction level, which gives you control over the suction and rate of milk flow.
This pump is perfect if you’re constantly on the move, and express your milk on a daily basis to help increase your low breast milk supply.
Pros
- Stimulates milk expression
- Fully portable
- Effective and efficient double pumping
- Customizable settings
- Easy setting selection with a single knob
- Equipped with milk cooling accessories
- Comes with an elegant tote bag
- Includes a portable battery pack
- Has some performance awards
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side
- The main unit is velcroed inside the bag, which takes some space.
>> Click here to check the price and read reviews on Amazon
Haakaa Manual Breast Pump – Best Silicone Breast Pump
Haakaa Manual Silicone Breast Pump Review
Manual breast pumps are great for increasing milk supply and have been around for much longer than electric breast pumps. That’s why they had enough time to be improved and optimized for best results. There are two main types of manual pumps: one that works with a lever action, and another which employs direct pressure on the container.
We consider the Haakaa breast pump to be one of the best manual breast pumps, because it employs the second method to express milk. The Haakaa sticks onto the breast skin just by applying a little suction, and you can use it to collect dripping milk at leisure.
It can also stimulate the breasts and express milk by applying variable pressure on the container. Where you apply that pressure also matters since the diameters vary from top to bottom. If you squeeze the bottom where it’s widest, the suction power would be higher. And you get the opposite outcome if you squeeze at the top where it’s narrow.
This is a great pump to increase low milk supply. Unlike other pumps that use suction and stimulation, this silicone breast pump does a great job at using suction to catch milk that would otherwise not be removed from the breast.
Pros
- Simple operation
- Easy to clean
- Hands-free operation
- Soft on the breasts’ sensitive skin
- Three modes of functioning
- Comes with a heart-shaped stopper
- Made from premium-quality food-grade materials
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Not as efficient as an electric breast pump
>> Click here to see more reviews and check the price on Amazon
Lansinoh Smartpump2.0 Double Electric Breastpump – Best Double Electric Breast Pump
Lansinoh Smartpump2.0 Double Electric Breastpump Review
Lansinoh is a company that’s “mom founded and parent led”. They produce a multitude of mother and child products, and actively encourage breastfeeding.
This electric pump is among the versatile and effective models in the market, and it’s quite popular among users. That’s expected, as it’s quite responsive to mother’s nursing needs. It’s also hygienic, portable, and comes at a nice price.
The Lansinoh double electric pump can also work as a hands free breast pump, but you’d need to purchase a pumping bra along with it.
Pros
- 3 different pumping styles
- 8 levels of suction power
- Easy to use
- Closed system for better hygiene
- Lightweight and portable
- Double electric pump for more efficiency
- Direct pumping into enclosed baby bottles
- Backlit LCD display
- Expression set is dishwasher safe
- Comes with a bunch of accessories
- Comes with a tote bag
- Moderately priced
- Hospital strength suction
Cons
- Moms need to lean-in a bit for best results
- It might leak if not used in a certain position
>>Read more reviews and see the price here <<
Tommee Tippee Made for Me Double Electric Breast Pump
Tommee Tippee Made for Me Double Electric Breast Pump Review
This truly portable double breast pump is smaller, lighter and quieter than other double pumps. It can be used as a single or double pump making it perfect for increasing milk supply on the go.
With massaging comfort from soft silicone cups, it gently stimulates breast milk flow. Featuring long lasting rechargeable battery it provides up to 90 minutes of use between charges. The Tommy Tippee is a great option for the best breast pump to increase milk supply in 2021.
Pros
- Double pumping option
- Portable unit
- Closed system
- BPA and phthalate-free
- USB or adapter charging
- Low noise
- Fair and affordable price
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a battery charger
- Occasional shut-off despite being fully charged
>>Click here to see the current price and read recent reviews on Amazon
Philips Avent Breast Pump – Best Low Milk Supply Single Electric pump
Philips Avent Breast Pump Review
Avent has been in the market for a long time with a stellar record of success and popularity. And the 2006 acquisition by Philips only strengthened that market presence. It’s a trustworthy reliable brand, and this pump demonstrates that so well.
The is geared towards helping moms to enhance their milk expression through a thoughtful process.
It starts with the soft warm cushions that mimic the baby’s movements on the mom’s breast. And from that smooth preparation the pump then goes through successive levels of milk expression. This enhances milk production over time, and doesn’t leave the breast tender or sore.
This premium quality device comes at a high price tag, but totally worth the extra cash considering its merits.
Pros
- Gentle stimulation mode
- Soft warm textured cushions
- 3 expression settings
- Quiet operation
- Compact and lightweight
- No-lean forward design
- BPA-free materials
Cons
- It’s an expensive device
>>Click here to check out the latest reviews and price on Amazon <<
What Makes Your Milk Supply Less Than Baby’s Needs?
A decreased milk supply can be a result of really simple causes, like not drinking an extra glass of water.
It’s beneficial to know some of the more common reasons why the milk supply of a nursing mom could be dwindling at times.
- Being a new mom.
- The diet is missing some essential nutrients.
- Insufficient hydration with water or healthy beverages.
- Not getting enough sleep.
- Nursing is too painful as a result of nipple inflammation.
- Being extra stressed for a prolonged amount of time.
- Taking certain medications.
- Hormonal changes.
- The baby is nursing infrequently.
- The baby doesn’t nurse actively in each feeding.
- Going through surgery or other medical interventions.
- Changing the routine when going back to work.
- Traveling or moving to a new place.
Some Tips for Increasing Low Milk Supply Using a Breast Pump
There are of course the usual tips on increasing your milk supply through good nutrition, hydration, rest, and relaxation.
But besides that, there are also some simple practices that you can do while using the breast pump. They could also help with stimulating your yield of breastmilk. Think about it as doing physical exercise, more training increases overall fitness.
It helps to use a breast pump with various modes, speeds and suction levels. There’s also the type that mimics your baby’s nursing movements. Both features will provide the necessary gradation towards a higher breast milk supply.
Can a breast pump increase milk supply?
Breast milk supply is dictated by supply and demand.
The only way to truly increase low breast milk supply is by having more milk taken from your breasts. If your baby is unable to take enough milk from you, using a pump to increase milk supply will increase your breast milk.
Tips to Increase Breast Milk Supply
- Pump your breasts when your baby is taking long naps.
- Try using your pump on the opposite breast to where you baby is
- If you’ve returned to work recently, try to express during your breaks.
- Don’t pump when you’re exhausted, this is not a good time for expressing. Rest!
- Don’t pump while you’re stressed. Your breast would probably express little milk, and that would stress you even more.
- Watch something funny or romantic as you pump. Your milk is prompted by emotional factors, so feed your heart as much as you feed your body.
- Pump one breast only before feeding your baby, to make sure the other one has enough for nursing.
- Pump both breasts alternately. Don’t focus on one and not the other.
- Apply a mild lotion or moisturizer for your nipples.
- If you’re feeling well, your milk would flow easily. The opposite is also true.
- Make sure the pump you’re using has a powerful motor.
- An old pump would probably be too weak to express your milk. It’s not you, it’s the aging machine! You might want to replace it.
- Try to use a pump that fits your breast size, and the position that’s most relaxing to you.
Conclusion
It’s hard to select a single top recommendation since all the pumps on this list are exceptional. However, the Spectra S1 Breast Pump is the best breast pump to increase milk supply in both home and at work.
If you’re considering a manual pump, then the Haakaa Manual Silicone Breast Pump is a good option. It’s simple, efficient, and comes at a great price.
Related content:
- Spectra S2 Breast Pump Review
- Best Breast Pump For Working Moms: Full Reviews and Comparison
- Which Is Better? Spectra S9 vs Medela Freestyle
- Haakaa Breast Pump Review: The Best Silicone Pump
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