Working and pumping is not easy!
I went back to my stuffy corporate job where I worked long hours when my first baby was 4 months old.
I felt very lucky to have 4 months of maternity leave but the process of preparing to go back to work was tough. I had no idea what to do or where to start.
On top of sorting out child care for my infant, I had to worry about building a freezer stash, ensuring my baby would take a bottle, figuring out how much to feed him per bottle, finding a routine and schedule for pumping while away to ensure I was pumping enough, etc, etc, etc.
But one topic I didn’t focus enough on was finding the right breast pump.
I had no idea there were pumps that were considered the best breast pump for working moms…
Or that there was a huge difference in pump performance, portability, and accessories to worry about.
I found out fairly quickly that having a quality, strong and portable pump is a must as a working mom!
Best Breast Pump for Working Moms
So what are some things to look for when selecting a pump before returning to work?
- Pump Strength – You will want a strong pump to ensure you are pumping enough milk on limited time.
- Portability – If you need to pump on the go or will not have access to a wall outlet, you need a pump that will run off batteries.
- Lightweight – Hauling a massive pump around isn’t fun and can be very inconvenient.
- Double Electric Pump – While you can pump with a single pump or even a manual pump, you will save time and yield more milk (studies show) by using a double electric pump.
- Accessories – Having the right accessories to complement your pump can make your life a lot easier. Things like extra pumping parts, a pump-to-feed system, a quality Pump Bag, a good cooler, etc are all ways to ensure you are able to easily carry your pump and save time pumping!
My Picks for 8 of the Best Breast Pumps for Working Moms
1 – Medela Freestyle
The Medela Freestyle is by far at the top of my short list of pumps for working moms!
Best Features of the Freestyle:
- Lightweight – weighs less than 1 lbs!
- Built-in Rechargeable Battery lasts 3 hours
- Features Medela’s 2-Phase Technology including Letdown Mode
- Digital Screen with Backlighting
- Comes with Hands-free attachment
- Memory Mode setting
- Strong Pump Suction – One of the best on the market!
- Comes with a ton of Accessories including a tote and cooler!
If you need a super strong pump that is lightweight, contains a ton of accessories, then the Freestyle is the perfect pump for your pumping journey. I cannot say enough good things about my Freestyle. It has been a lifesaver when on the go!
Read my Full Review of the Medela Freestyle, here!
2 – Spectra S1
The Spectra S1 is a pump that I refer to often. It is hospital grade strength, closed system, and said to be one of the most comfortable pumps to use on the market (I would agree with that).
It is not nearly as small as the Freestyle, but it is portable and a good pump bag would make carrying it around a breeze.
Best Features of the Spectra S1:
- Hospital Grade Strength – Powerful Pump Motor
- Built-in Rechargeable Battery
- Closed System
- Digital screen with backlighting
- Memory Mode to save pump cycle settings
- Very quiet
- Lightweight for its size – weighs less than 4 apples!
- Affordable Price Tag!
The Spectra S1 shines in a lot of ways but its powerful pump motor and how comfortable it is to use makes this a great choice for working moms who have a concern about keeping their supply up. It works amazingly well off the built-in rechargeable battery making it perfect for pumping when you have no access to a power source.
The best thing about the Spectra S1? The price! It is super affordable and costs hundreds less than some of the other popular pump brands. This pump is a steal!
Read my Full Review of the Spectra S1, here!
3 – Medela Sonata
The Sonata. Just wow. I am so in love with this pump.
Medela’s newest pump features their hospital grade technology from their stand out hospital grade pump, the Symphony.
With Medelas signature 2-Phase Expression Technology that mimics how your baby nurses automatically and their Responsive Pump Technology which detects and responds to your body to ensure consistent pressure, the Sonata is a Pumping Moms dream come true!
The features of the Sonata are endless. It is the best pump I have tried thus far technology-wise. It has everything you need and more as a pumping and working mom.
Best Features of the Sonata:
- Light Weight – Only weighs 2.2 lbs!
- Quiet – The quietest pump I have used so far
- Built-in Rechargeable Battery – Can go about 3-4 pumping sessions before needing a charge
- Sleek, Modern Pump Design
- Backlit Pump Face – Makes late night pumping a breeze
- 2-Phase Technology
- Responsive Pump Technology
- Bluetooth enabled Smart Pump – Connects to MyMedela App to tracking pumping sessions
- Hospital Performance Pump – Features the same technology as the Medela Symphony
- 2 Pumping Rhythms to choose from
- Closed System
This pump has so many options to customize your pumping session, that it is truly tailor-made for each mom. It also connects to Medela’s MyMedela app which tracks your pumping sessions via Bluetooth and allows you to enter the number of ounces you pumped per side, per session to help you be sure you are pumping enough for your baby!
If you are looking for all the bells and whistles, the Sonata is IT!
Read my Full Review of the Medela Sonata, here!
4 – Ameda Finesse
The Ameda Finesse features Ameda’s Natural Rhythmic Waveform. This technology is featured in their hospital grade pump, the Ameda Platinum. The only way I can describe the Waveform technology is that it truly feels like how a baby nurses rather than a tugging (like a lot of pumps).
It is one of the most comfortable pumps to use! It’s also lightweight, small, and has the option to run off batteries making it portable.
Best Features of the Finesse:
- Natural Rhythmic Waveform for your comfort, which means more milk
- Quiet Technology
- Portable – Option to run off Batteries
- Comes with several Breast Shield Sizes
- Closed System
- Lightweight and small
- Comes with a lot of accessories including a tote bag and cooler
The Finesse is a great option for working moms who need a comfortable, small, and portable pump!
Read my Full Review of the Ameda Finesse, here!
5 – Ardo Calypso
The Ardo Calypso is one of the quietest pumps on the market. It is a good option for working moms who don’t have a lot of privacy!
Along with a host of features, the Ardo Calypso is portable, lightweight, and easy to use!
Best Features of the Ardo Calypso:
- WHO Code Compliant
- Quiet
- The suction strength (vacuum) and frequency settings (cycle) can be adjusted individually and independently from each other
- Closed Pump System thanks to “Vacuum Seal” technology
- Optiflow inserts actively massage the breast
- AA Battery feature for operation away from electric power
- Small and Lightweight
There are several different sets you can choose to buy when looking at the Calypso and some come with a lot of accessories like their Amaryl Lever which allows the pump to also be a manual pump. This is an awesome feature! If you ever had an issue with the batteries, pump motor, or had no access to a power source, you can still use your Ardo Calypso!
Read my Full Review of the Ardo Calypso, here!
6 – Spectra 9
If you are looking for a tiny, yet powerful pump, the Spectra 9 is worth a look. This pump is literally the size of a cell phone and weighs almost nothing but you don’t lose the power you expect from a Spectra pump.
Best Features of the Spectra 9:
- Very portable! Easy to carry and lightweight.
- Features a Letdown Mode – With a touch of a button, stimulate your milk to flow by switching to “Letdown Mode.” The fast and lighter section of this setting mimics a hungry baby to help get your milk flowing.
- Control of cycle speed & suction strength.
- Built-in rechargeable battery – Can be used plugged in or with the built-in battery that lasts up to 3 hours.
- LCD display that allows you to easily adjust the pump speed and suction strength, keep track of how long you have pumped with a timer and see the battery life.
- Closed system
- Powerful pump motor you come to expect from Spectra with a maximum suction of 260mmHg
The Spectra 9 is quite affordable and is a great option for any working mom who wants to be able to slip their pump into their purse.
For its size, performance, and price, the Spectra 9 is a standout!
Read my Full Review of the Spectra 9, here!
7 – Motif Duo
The Motif Duo is an amazing little pump. Not only is it lightweight and has a built-in rechargeable battery, but it has plenty of features to make your pumping sessions easier and faster!
One of my favorite things about the Motif Duo is its ability to record your pump session and replay that in memory mode so you don’t have to manually switch to expression mode.
The Best Features of the Motif Duo:
- Light-weight (weighs less than a pound)
- 10 different Massage and Expression levels for max customization
- Memory Mode to automatically follow your preferred pump settings
- Backlit LCD screen
- Auto shutoff after 30 minutes to save battery
- Closed System
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- Quiet pump motor
- Features three settings: Massage, Expression, and Memory Mode
- Wide-mouth collection bottles
- The display features a timer
If you want a tiny, lightweight pump that also comes with some of the features of a full-sized pump, the Motif Duo is a great option!
Read my Full Review of the Motif Duo, here!
8 – Hygeia Enjoye
The Hygeia Enjoye has rave reviews among pumping moms. It is a strong, lightweight pump that is very efficient at pulling down the most milk per pumping session.
Best Features of the Hygeia Enjoye:
- WHO Compliant
- Green Company with No Pumps in Dumps campaign
- Independent speed and suction controls allow you to mimic baby’s unique suckling pattern
- Prerecorded and Recordable Buttons to record baby to assist with letdown
- Personal Accessory Set is included
- Lightweight – weights 2.04 pounds
- BPA/DEHP free.
- Closed System pump
- Enjoye Cordless features built-in rechargeable battery
Overall the Hygeia Enjoye is an affordable, portable, and strong pump. It is a great option for moms who love to support green-minded companies and take advantage of their recycling program!
Read my Full Review of the Hygeia Enjoye, Here!
Up Next:
8 Tips for Working and Pumping – READ NOW—->
How to Build a Breast Milk Freezer Stash – READ NOW—->
7 of the Best Hands-Free Pumping Bras: Perfect for Working Moms! – READ NOW—->
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Karla says
Hi
Thank you so much for your reviews it has really helped I just had my baby a week ago and am using the medela Pisa from my last child. It works great and I had a big freezer stash last time but now I’m at a new job that is further away and I will be away from my baby for longer stretches, I will also have less time to pump since I’m a teacher I will only have about 10 min at a time. I need a pump that is very efficient at emptying your breast in 10 min, easy to assemble and very reliable. I have been looking at the Medela Freestyle or the medela sonata not sure which one to pick. Can you please help me choose price isn’t really an issue as long as it’s reliable. I will not be going back to work for another 2 months but want to get started and In a routine soon. Sorry for the long post.
Thank you
Karla
Heather Grace says
Hi Karla,
Huge congrats on your baby! You are very smart to start this research now and prepare.
I so feel for your situation. I wish teachers were given more flexibility when it comes to pumping. This is a common issue I see come up. So with that said, let me do my best to help you out:
1) You will be able to pump several ounces in 10 mins but you will need a VERY strong pump to empty the breast in that timeframe. Even the best personal use pumps really need a good 15-20mins (20 mins is best) to achieve maximum letdowns to produce enough ounces to replace 1 feeding unless you are super responsive to pumping and have an oversupply. Renting a hospital grade pump might be something to look into if you need that extra power to maintain a supply in this case. The Medela Symphony or the Lactina are two great choices. The pump strength could empty your breast in that timeframe. Your insurance might even cover the cost… Something to look into at least if supply is a concern.
2) If renting a hospital-grade is not an option or you aren’t interested in that approach you can still make it work pumping 10 minutes at a time. I would look into pumping and driving on your commute to and from work and adding pumping sessions while at home as well (late evening and early morning after baby goes to bed or wakes up works well). That might give you those extra ounces. Pumping on weekends as well. Basically, you will need to pump outside of work as well, more than likely, to keep up with your baby.
Of the pumps you mentioned, I love both the Sonata and the Freestyle! I feel they are comparable in suction strength and both have great features and digital controls and are very portable with builtin batteries. The Sonata is bigger but very quiet. It also connects to the Medela app (MyMedela) which lets you track your pumping sessions and ounces pumped which can help you keep track of your freezer stash and if you are keeping up with your baby’s demand.
The Sonata is the pump I am currently using. I am not away from my baby often so I pump occasionally right now and the Sonata pulls an impressive 4 ounces down even without consistent pumping for me. Very few pumps can achieve that for me. So it’s got some strength. I do love my Freestyle for being on the go though! It’s so small and easy to carry. It might be a good option if you don’t want to lug a big pump around.
I think it will come down to the size of the two for you since they offer much of the same.
I hope this helps! Best of luck and let me know if I can help in any way!
Aqui says
Thank you for this, very helpful indeed for working moms like me. I gave birth last Jul 12 for my 2nd child, however now I’m EBF vs the 1st born (which is almost 10yrs apart). I’m currently using Spectra S1 and trying to build my stash however I’m getting only max of 3oz, and it saddens me as I am determined to do EBF for my LO. Any recos? Also, I’m looking for a carry-on breast pump and trying to compare between Spectra 9 vs Medela Freestyle, what is the best? Thanks in advance!
Heather Grace says
Hi! Congratulations on the birth of your baby! You ask some great questions:
1) Building a Stash-
3oz per pumping session is actually great for this stage. You have to remember that your baby is still very young. Your body will make only what is demanded of it. The key to building a freezer stash is to actually go slow. You do not want to end up with a major oversupply. You can see some tips on building a good freezer stash, here.
2) As for the Spectra 9 vs Medela Freestyle:
I love both pumps. I think the Spectra 9 is more comfortable to use but I prefer the Freestyle for its strength.
I hope this helps!
Sera says
Hi there. I’m looking for a portable pump and my insurance options are motif duo, ardo calipso. I’ve never heard of any of these and have no experience with them. I’ve used medela that I didn’t care too much for, disliked the freestyle as well. It was too loud to be discreetly used. I travel a lot and have to constantly be on the phone as well or I would have picked S1 (based on reviews here and forums). I have the option to upgrade to ameda mya or s9, if those are better than the duo and calipso I wouldn’t mind getting those. It’s just so difficult to decide, last time all I heard was Medela, hospital offered medela as did insurance. There seem to be so many brands now, it’s overwhelming.
Heather Grace says
Hi Sera,
Both the Motif Duo and Ardo Calypso are portable and perfect for what you described. You mentioned you need something discreet. The Ardo Calypso is one of the quietest pumps on the market and would definitely fill that need for you.
Between the Motif Duo and the Ardo Calypso, you have some differences to consider:
Battery Options:
The Calypso runs off disposable batteries so something to consider if you pump without power often.
The Duo has a built-in rechargeable battery.
Controls:
The Duo has letdown feature (massage and expression mode) that you can control. The Calypso switches to letdown mode/expression mode automatically but does not feature a button which some moms prefer.
Size:
They are both very small and compact. Perfect for traveling!
Pump Noise:
The Calypso is noticeably quiet. Far more so than the Duo BUT the Duo is not a loud pump. It is fairly quiet compared to pumps like the Medela Pump in Style.
This decision might come down to how quiet you need the pump and if pumping off disposable batteries makes sense for you. I hope this helps!
Amina says
Thank you so much for your response. I’ve been leaning towards the Mya myself but was worried about the negative reviews of Ameda online! I have a month to go so I’ll try and wait for your review before I get it. Thanks again!
Heather Grace says
I think the thing to remember is that Ameda is a HUGE company. As we all know, those with a negative review are more likely to go voice that opinion. I have had to deal with their customer service before and found it easy and they were responsive. I have not had a major issue with any of the pumps I own from them so I can’t speak to how they would handle that, however.
Spectra has an amazing reputation for their customer service and I find that to be 100% true! I love dealing with them.
I think the bottom line is that all of us have different bodies that will respond to a pump in different ways. Some love the Ameda line, some don’t. Same with Medela and Spectra. It’s always a tough choice when choosing a pump for that reason. These are both really great pumps, so you can’t go wrong either way!
Amina says
Hi Heather,
I would love to hear your opinion about the Mya by Ameda. Currently trying to decide between that and Spectra S9.
Thanks!
Heather Grace says
Hi Amina!
I am working on a full review of the Mya as we speak! I will post the full review once it is complete. So far I am leaning toward the Ameda Mya. It is a little stronger than the Spectra 9 (and easier to get- Spectra 9 is often out of stock) but they both have similar features like a rechargeable battery, digital controls, etc.
Both are great but if I had to choose right now, I would probably go with the Mya. I hope this helps!
Andi says
Hi, For my first child I got the Spectra S2 and loved it. Did a great job of emptying. Once I return to work, my company has Medela Lactina and Symphony pumps in nursing mother rooms so you just buy flanges, tubing and the piston and plug in. That said, this time around I’m thinking for home that I should get something more portable since I’ll have a toddler and infant to deal with. Should I got with the Spectra S9 or the Motif Duo? Would love to know your thoughts. Or any other recs that you might have.
Heather Grace says
It’s amazing your work offered that! You are very fortunate. How nice to not have to carry a pump around and only the attachments! I’m super jealous haha. As for choosing between the Spectra 9 and Motif Duo, while I like both I prefer the Spectra 9. It drained my breasts a little faster than the Motif Duo and it’s slightly lighter. I also find the Spectra pumps to be incredibly comfortable to use while pumping. If you have the Spectra S2, then another thing to consider is that you already have an extra set of parts for the Spectra 9 since they use the same attachments. So that’s a plus! Best wishes on your new baby! Let me know if I can help in any other way!
Linda Peters says
Thank you so much for this amazing post! I have been looking for a pump for when I go back to work and this was just the list I needed. Thank you!
Heather Grace says
Hi Linda,
I am glad you found the list helpful! You really can’t go wrong with any of the pumps listed. Making a smooth transition back to work is important and I feel a quality pump helps take some stress off since you don’t have to worry! Best wishes and thank you for your comment!