If you have decided that breastfeeding is the best choice for you and your baby, you might be searching for breast pump options to make the process easier. At this point, you might feel as if you are at an impasse when you discover the range of models available in the market, but the ultimate choice comes down to two options - electric and manual breast pumps. Each option comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, but we'll dive into the differences so you can make a more informed choice when selecting a breast pump.

Electric Breast Pumps

Electric breast pumps require a power source such as an outlet or battery to function, and they come with a range of options that can provide both single and double pumping options and different modes, including expression and massage modes, for a customized experience. They are easy to use as you simply have to place the cup over the breast, and the machine suctions the milk allowing you to have a hand free to complete any tasks. Some great electric breast pump options include the Medela Symphony PLUS Breast Pump and the Medela Swing Breast Pump which provide a reliable and portable pumping option for mothers.

Benefits

• They are timesaving as they allow mothers to express milk effectively by selecting different mode options as they can simultaneously pump out milk, especially if it comes with a double breast pump
• They are extremely powerful as they can provide optimal suction consistently throughout the duration of the pumping process
• They provide mothers with a fuss-free and computable pumping experience as it is easy to start the process and continue it with minimum effort or involvement required on their part

Manual Breast Pumps

Manual breast pumps require active involvement when pumping as they are hand-operated and do not require electricity to function. To use, the pump has to be placed over the breast, and the other hand is used to squeeze the pump handle and create a rhythmic action that creates a suction force to extract the milk.

Benefits

• They are extremely portable and lightweight, making them easy to carry in your baby bag for convenient pumping.
• They are easy to set up as they don't require any batteries or power sources, making it easy to forgo the time it takes to set up any extra wires that can cut into the pumping time
• They are more reasonably priced than the electric options as the no-frills design reduces the price point significantly.

Electric or Manual Breast Pump?

Selecting the right breast pump can be an important decision for your breastfeeding journey as the process can often be time-consuming, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference and what you're comfortable with after you weigh the pros and cons. Electric breast pumps are a bit more pricey, however, can save you lots of time as a busy mom. Manual breast pumps are great to use too, especially when you need to express outside of the home, you can easily chuck them in your bag as they are lightweight and easy to use.