Whether you’re a first-time or an experienced mum, breastfeeding your little one can take a toll on you. The frequent pumping hours (approximately eight times a day for newborns!) and having to breastfeed on demand can cause plenty of pent-up frustration.
Knowing how to choose the best breast pump for you is important — some factors to consider include the frequency you intend to use it, your budget and your preference for a manual (budget-friendly and portable) or electric pump (higher efficiency). Read on for our guide on choosing the best breast pump in Singapore, including tips on how to increase your milk supply when pumping!
Types of breast pumps
There are a wide variety of breast pumps available in Singapore and it can be difficult to choose the one that best suits your needs. We’ve broken down the different breast pumps into three main types:
1. Manual
Manual breast pumps are a low-cost option and tend to be quieter and smaller, making them one of the best breast pump options in Singapore for mums on a budget! One thing to note, though: manual breast pumps do require more work, as they need you to squeeze the pump repeatedly to create the suction that mimics your baby suckling.
2. Electric
One of the most popular breast pump options in Singapore are electric breast pumps! The suctions from an electric breast pump are powered by a motor and most models allow you to adjust the speed and suction. Electric breast pumps also come with double breast pump options, making it an efficient choice for working mums!
3. Hospital-grade pump
If you are looking for the most efficient breast pump, the hospital-grade breast pump is the one for you. Pumping at a faster and stronger frequency, it’s also more costly than the other two types of breast pumps. The faster speed also means that the hospital-grade breast pumps are louder than the rest. They will be most suited for mums who prioritise efficiency over other factors!
Factors to consider when choosing the best breast pumps in Singapore
There are plenty of factors and specifications to consider when choosing the best breast pumps. If you’re wondering how to increase your milk supply when pumping, follow this guide! With the right breast pump, you can ensure that you’ll be comfortable and even increase your milk supply.
Frequency of use
In selecting your breast pumps, consider how frequently you’ll be using them. If you’re only pumping occasionally, a simple manual breast pump may be all you need. Alternatively, if you want to only feed breastmilk to your babies and will be pumping frequently, invest in a hospital-grade pump or an electric breast pump!
Cost
Another important consideration in picking the best breast pump for you is your budget. The hospital-grade breast pumps are more powerful and effective and hence tend to be the most costly, followed by electric and manual breast pumps.
Open system vs closed system
For your breast milk to take the most hygienic route, ensure that your chosen model has a milk barrier. Models with a milk barrier, also known as the closed-system breast pumps, are one of the best breast pumps to get in Singapore. Milk barriers help to prevent milk from back flowing and entering the tubing, allowing milk to go straight from breast to bottle. This lowers the risk of mould or bacteria growing in the tubing.
However, an open-system breast pump is not a bad choice too. If you buy an open-system breast pump, do remember to pay extra care to cleaning the tubes of the pump. Make sure that they are properly dried so your baby’s milk will always be safe for consumption!
Breast shield size
To avoid experiencing any pain and discomfort during the pumping process, it’s important to make sure that the breast shield, also known as the flange, is of the correct size. There are plenty of sizes available so find the one that fits you as the wrong size could potentially lead to boob soreness and injury!
Weight and noise of the pump
Take the portability and noise of the model into account. If you’re pumping at work, a lightweight, quieter model will be more ideal. For convenience, make sure that the model comes with an additional insulated bag to store your milk between commutes.
Best manual breast pumps in Singapore
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
The Medela Harmony features 2-Phase Expression technology, designed to mimic a baby’s natural sucking rhythm, making it effective for milk extraction. It has an ergonomic handle for ease and comfort during pumping. This pump is ideal for occasional use and is easy to assemble. It’s compact and portable, making it convenient for mothers on-the-go. The pump comes with a breastshield and a bottle that attaches directly to the pump.
Price: Around $119
Key Details:
- 2-Phase Expression Technology
- Ergonomic handle for ease of use
- Includes breast shield and bottle
- Easy to clean
- Suitable for occasional use
NatureBond Silicone Manual Breast Pump
The NatureBond manual pump uses natural suction to express milk, making it gentle and efficient for mothers. Made from high-quality, BPA-free silicone, it’s both safe and comfortable. Its simple one-piece design makes it easy to clean and assemble. The lightweight and portable design make it great for mothers to carry around when out. It can collect milk hands-free, especially while nursing from the other breast.
Price: Around $29.90
Key Details:
- BPA-free, high-quality silicone
- Lightweight and portable
- Hands-free milk collection
- Easy to clean
- Compact design
Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump
The Haakaa breast pump uses natural suction to collect milk with no electrical parts. It’s made from soft silicone that is gentle and comfortable on the skin. It’s compact and easy to carry, making it ideal for mothers to use while traveling or in public. The design ensures there’s no backflow of milk, making it hygienic. The pump is simple to clean and assemble.
Price: Around $38
Key Details:
- Soft, high-quality silicone
- Easy to use and clean
- Portable and compact
- Ideal for traveling
- No electrical parts, simple suction-based pump
Hegen Manual Breast Pump
Hegen’s manual breast pump is designed for comfort, featuring a soft silicone flange that helps ensure an optimal fit. It uses natural suction to express milk efficiently and is easy to assemble and clean. It’s designed for mothers looking for a comfortable and hassle-free pumping experience. The pump is portable and perfect for daily use. Its modern design is stylish and ergonomic.
Price: Around $109
Key Details:
- Soft silicone flange for comfort
- Ergonomic design for easy handling
- Easy to clean and assemble
- Portable and convenient for daily use
- Stylish, modern design
Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump
The Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump features an ergonomic handle to provide comfort while pumping. Its unique diaphragm design prevents milk from backflowing into the tubing, ensuring a clean and efficient pumping session. The pump is lightweight and easy to assemble, making it perfect for occasional pumping. The soft silicone breast shield provides comfort, while the compact design is ideal for storage and portability.
Price: Around $69.90
Key Details:
- Ergonomic handle for comfort
- Diaphragm design prevents backflow
- Soft silicone breast shield
- Lightweight and easy to assemble
- Ideal for occasional use
Best electric breast pumps in Singapore
Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump
The Spectra S1 Plus is a hospital-grade double electric breast pump known for its powerful suction and quiet operation. It features a closed system for hygiene, customizable settings, and a rechargeable battery for portability. The pump offers adjustable suction levels and cycle speeds to mimic a baby’s natural feeding rhythm. Its lightweight design makes it suitable for both home and on-the-go use. The Spectra S1 Plus is compatible with Spectra’s range of accessories, including storage bottles and breast shields.
Price: Approximately $499
Key Details:
- Hospital-grade suction strength
- Closed system for hygiene
- Rechargeable battery for portability
- Adjustable settings to mimic natural feeding
- Lightweight and compatible with Spectra accessories
Philips Avent Comfort Double Electric Breast Pump
The Philips Avent Comfort Double Electric Breast Pump is designed for comfort and efficiency. It features a soft massage cushion that gently stimulates milk flow, and its ergonomic design allows for comfortable pumping positions. The pump offers multiple settings to customize the pumping experience. Its compact design makes it easy to assemble and clean. The Philips Avent Comfort Double Electric Breast Pump is compatible with Philips Avent storage containers and bottles.
Price: Approximately $379
Key Details:
- Soft massage cushion for gentle stimulation
- Ergonomic design for comfortable pumping positions
- Multiple customizable settings
- Compact and easy to clean
- Compatible with Philips Avent storage containers and bottles
Medela Swing Maxi Flex Double Electric Breast Pump
The Medela Swing Maxi Flex is a double electric breast pump that combines efficiency with portability. It features Medela’s 2-Phase Expression technology, designed to mimic a baby’s natural sucking rhythm. The pump offers adjustable settings for personalized comfort and efficiency. Its compact design makes it suitable for both home and on-the-go use. The Medela Swing Maxi Flex is compatible with Medela’s range of accessories, including storage bottles and breast shields.
Price: Approximately $369
Key Details:
- 2-Phase Expression technology
- Adjustable settings for personalized comfort
- Compact and portable design
- Compatible with Medela accessories
Cimilre S7 Dual Pro Electric Breast Pump
The Cimilre S7 Dual Pro is a hospital-grade double electric breast pump known for its powerful suction and quiet operation. It features dual motor technology, allowing for independent control of suction levels for each breast. The pump offers multiple settings to mimic a baby’s natural feeding rhythm. Its compact design makes it suitable for both home and on-the-go use. The Cimilre S7 Dual Pro is compatible with Cimilre’s range of accessories, including storage bottles and breast shields.
Price: Approximately $699
Key Details:
- Dual motor technology for independent control
- Multiple customizable settings
- Compact and portable design
- Compatible with Cimilre accessories
Elvie Electric Breast Pump
The Elvie Electric Breast Pump is a wearable, hands-free pump that fits discreetly inside a bra. It offers quiet operation and is controlled via a smartphone app, allowing for personalized settings and tracking. The pump automatically switches from stimulation to expression mode and stops when the bottle is full. Its compact design makes it suitable for on-the-go use. The Elvie Electric Breast Pump is compatible with Elvie’s range of accessories, including storage containers and breast shields.
Price: Approximately $899 (Double)
Key Details:
- Wearable and hands-free design
- Quiet operation
- Smartphone app control for personalized settings
- Automatic mode switching and shut-off
- Compatible with Elvie accessories
Best hospital grade breast pumps in Singapore
Cimilre S6 Plus Hospital-Grade Double Electric Pump
The Cimilre S6 Plus is a hospital-grade double electric breast pump that offers customizable pump sessions with adjustable cycle speeds and suction strength in both Massage and Expression modes. It features a super-quiet motor and a convenient nightlight to support a peaceful pumping experience. The pump allows for single or double pumping and includes a Massage Mode to gently stimulate milk letdown. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort during use. The Cimilre S6 Plus is compatible with Cimilre’s range of accessories, including storage bottles and breast shields.
Price: Approximately $499
Key Details:
- Customizable pump sessions with adjustable settings
- Super-quiet motor for a peaceful experience
- Nightlight for convenience
- Single or double pumping options
- Compatible with Cimilre accessories
Medela Symphony Double Electric Breast Pump
The Medela Symphony is a hospital-grade double electric breast pump designed for efficient milk expression. It features 2-Phase Expression technology to mimic a baby’s natural sucking rhythm. The pump offers adjustable settings for personalized comfort and efficiency. Its closed system ensures hygiene during pumping sessions. The Medela Symphony is suitable for frequent use and is compatible with Medela’s range of accessories, including storage bottles and breast shields.
Price: Approximately $1,200 (rental)
Key Details:
- 2-Phase Expression technology
- Adjustable settings for personalized comfort
- Closed system for hygiene
- Suitable for frequent use
- Compatible with Medela accessories
Ameda Elite Hospital-Grade Breast Pump
The Ameda Elite is a hospital-grade double electric breast pump known for its efficient performance and quiet operation. It features a closed system for hygiene and offers adjustable suction levels and cycle speeds. The pump is designed for frequent use and is suitable for mothers with a high milk supply. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort during use. The Ameda Elite is compatible with Ameda’s range of accessories, including storage bottles and breast shields.
Price: Approximately $1,000 (rental)
Key Details:
- Closed system for hygiene
- Adjustable suction levels and cycle speeds
- Suitable for frequent use
- Ergonomic design for comfort
- Compatible with Ameda accessories
Hygeia Enjoye LBI Double Electric Breast Pump
The Hygeia Enjoye LBI is a hospital-grade double electric breast pump that offers customizable settings for suction levels and cycle speeds. It features a closed system for hygiene and is designed for frequent use. The pump is lightweight and portable, making it suitable for mothers on the go. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort during use. The Hygeia Enjoye LBI is compatible with Hygeia’s range of accessories, including storage bottles and breast shields.
Price: Approximately $1,200 (rental)
Key Details:
- Customizable settings for suction and cycle speeds
- Closed system for hygiene
- Suitable for frequent use
- Lightweight and portable
- Compatible with Hygeia accessories
How to clean your breast pumps
The key to ensuring your milk is safe to drink for your babies is to properly clean the breast pumps and tubes before and after every use. If you’re wondering how to best clean your breast pumps, here are some tips you can adopt:
- After expressing milk, all parts of the breast pump (including the bottles!) should be washed, dried and sterilised before your next session
- Rinse milk from every part of the breast pump before washing with hot soapy water. Use dedicated cleaning sponges, brushes and cloths to scrub them well. If possible, use a dedicated washbasin so as to avoid any germs that may be lurking in the kitchen basin.
- Air-dry the parts instead of using a towel as that may contain germs and bacteria
More breastfeeding tips for the new mums
We hope this guide has been helpful to you in choosing the best breast pumps in Singapore and learning how to increase your milk supply when pumping! If you’re expecting, check out these best pregnancy apps to guide you through this exciting time. Alternatively, download this newborn checklist for a list of items to prepare before the arrival of your little one. We know that being a new mum can be daunting, so join us at Shopee’s Mum’s Club for exclusive membership benefits and useful tips to help you along in this journey.
This article was first produced by Shopee Singapore and republished on theAsianparent with permission.
ALSO READ:
Cleaning Your Breast Pump 101: New, Revised Guidelines
Side Effects Of Using A Breast Pump And How To Avoid Them