We know the importance of breast milk for growing babies; in fact, it is even recommended by the World Health Organisation to breastfeed for up to two years or longer. It is no surprise, given the many benefits of breastfeeding, such as the high nutritional value and antibodies for a strong immune system.
However, we know breastfeeding can be a struggle, and as a mom, you probably do not want your baby to miss out on the benefits of breastmilk. Thus, an easy-to-use, best manual breast pump could be the answer to your breastfeeding troubles.
Manual vs electric
Manual vs electric breast pump (hands-free breast pump) is a common topic of discussion among breastfeeding mothers who are considering using a breast pump to express milk. Check out their differences.
- Usage of manual vs electric breast pump: A hand pump is a device that is operated by hand and uses suction to extract milk from the breasts. Electric breast pumps, on the other hand, are powered by electricity and can often be used hands-free.
- Device look of manual vs electric breast pump: Hand-operated ones typically have a lever or a handle that the user must press in order to create suction and express the milk. A hands-free breast pump typically has a motor that creates suction, allowing the user to express milk without having to use their hands.
- The efficiency of manual vs electric breast pump: A hand pump is often a small and portable breast pump, making them a convenient option for mothers who need to "milk" on the go. Electric breast pumps are often more efficient than manual pumps and can be used to express more milk in less time.
- The price difference between manual vs electric breast pump: In general, A hands-free breast pump tends to be more expensive than hand-operated one. The exact price difference will depend on a variety of factors, such as the brand, features, and overall quality of the breast pump. It is always a good idea to do some research and compare prices before making a purchase.
Now you ask, which breast pump is best? Overall, the choice between a manual vs electric breast pump will depend on the individual mother's needs and preferences.
Benefits of milking manually
There are a wide variety of breast pumps in Singapore, such as manual, electric, and hospital-grade breast pumps, and it can be difficult to choose the ones that best suit your needs. Which breast pump is best, and why is it the hand-operated one? Here are some reasons why you should opt for a manual option:
- Price. A manual option is usually cheaper than electric and hospital-grade breast pumps. They also require no further maintenance costs.
- Usage. Not only are manual pumps easy to use, but they can also be used anywhere.
- Sound. It is also lighter and quieter than an electronic pump.
Choosing the best manual device
While there isn't a single pump that is perfect for all mothers because of the difference in needs, there are still a few common things to look out for in a safe and reliable manual pump for your breastmilk. We explain some of the features you ought to look out for:
- Safety. Ensure that your choice of breast pump is BPA-free.
- Hygiene. Look for pumps that are dishwasher-safe, as you will need to clean them after every use.
- Comfort. Pick breast pumps with ergonomic handles to lessen hand fatigue and cushioning for a smoother pumping experience.
7 top hand-operated breast pumps in Singapore
Let’s take a look at some of the best manual breast pump brands available:
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Best for
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Brand
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Alleviate Pain
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Mama’s Choice Breast Pump
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Convenient
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Hegen PCTO Manual Breast Pump
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Comfortable
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Pigeon Manual Breast Pump
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On-the-Go
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Tommee Tippee Made for Me Single Manual Breast Pump
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Budget
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Haakaa Silicone Breastfeeding Manual Breast Pump
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Breast shield
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MEDELA Harmony Flex Manual Breast Pump
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Cushion feel
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Philips Avent Comfort Manual Breast Pump
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[product-comparison-table title="7 top manual breast pumps in Singapore"]
Best to Alleviate Pain
Do you experience sore nipples after every breastfeeding or breast-pumping session? Wanna know which breast pump is best for practicality?
Mama’s Choice is a perfect and practical choice for a breast pump. It alleviates the pain from breast pumping thanks to its innovative design that mimics the gentle sucking of a baby.
Mama’s Choice is an affordable pump that does not compromise on quality. Thanks to its unique design, it is also easy to use because the pump only requires one hand to operate it.
Finally, from its attractive colour to the complimentary bottle it comes with, this product is a definite shoo-in to be every mum’s go-to manual pump.
Features We Love:
- BPA and plastic-free.
- Nipple and breast-friendly.
- Designed to reduce wrist fatigue.
Most Convenient Breast Pump
In addition to its single-handed operation for pumping breast milk, the Hegen manual pump allows for a unique one-hand close with its trademark Twist-to-Open and Press-to-Close capability. Basically, the best breast pump for convenience, right?
Both efficiency and comfort are priorities in the design of the Hegen manual pump. Applying exactly the proper amount of force will allow you to pump comfortably at the intensity you desire while using the Hegen manual pump.
With little milk loss and oxidation, you may express-store-feed into a single container, making every drop matter during the usage of the Hegen manual pump.
You may also swap between the Hegen manual pump, the breast milk storage and lid (sold separately) and even the feeding collar (sold separately) for storage or direct-to-feeding, all without the risk of spillage.
One Hegen breast pump review said that the device "works so well if you're already using Hegen bottles. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to hold and operate with one hand" and she "found it to be much more efficient than other hand-operated pumps."
While another Hegen breast pump review praised its packaging. "Products came well sealed and packed," the Hegen breast pump review said.
As for the delivery, a Hegen breast pump review said that it is fast. "Delivery is within three days," said a user who left a 5-star Hegen breast pump review.
Features We Love:
- BPA-free
- Phthalate-free and PVC-free.
- Hegen manual pump fits all Hegen PCTO™ bottles.
Most Comfortable Breast Pump
Using the best manual breast pump can be tiring to use and become an unpleasant experience, with the need to constantly engage the device to collect milk. Presenting you the Pigeon manual breast pump.
Luckily, the Pigeon manual breast pump's ergonomic design handle reduces the hand pressure needed so that minimal effort is required for maximum results, allowing for an easy and comfortable experience with manual pumping over a longer period of time.
Although using the Pigeon manual breast pump needs some manual labour, it is actually incredibly simple to do so. This is because the ergonomic handle lessens hand fatigue for comfortable and simple pumping that has been tried and tested.
The handle of this Pigeon manual breast pump uses two-phase technology, which offers two distinct compression points for expressing milk—one to start the flow of milk and the other to gather letdown.
Moms who prefer to manage their pumping tempo will benefit most from Pigeon manual breast pump. It comes with a 6-ounce bottle, a screw cap and a full nipple, as well as a stand to keep the baby bottle from toppling over.
Features We Love:
- No backflow feature to prevent milk from flowing back into the funnel.
- BPA/BPS free materials.
Recommended Breast Pump for On-the-Go Moms
The Tommee Tippee manual breast pump is the perfect travel companion, measuring a mere 9.7 x 15.5 x 18.5 centimetres when assembled.
As a result, the Tommee Tippee manual breast pump can easily fit into most handbags or diaper bags for convenient pumping anytime and anywhere.
Although light and compact, this best breast pump for traveling are still super comfortable with its cushion silicone horn for your breasts and ergonomically shaped handle for a more efficient pumping session.
Even a 5 oz. Closer to Nature baby bottle with measuring marks is included with the Tommee Tippee manual breast pump so you can keep track of how much you're expressing.
This Tommee Tippee manual breast pump is the ideal travel companion because it is cord- and tube-free and small enough to fit in your handbag or diaper bag.
Its incredibly light weight won't slow you down, and its discrete design enables you to pump discreetly while your baby sleeps at work, in a coffee shop, or at home.
You may quickly and easily start expressing thanks to the flange's hygienic one-piece design, which is also simple to construct and remove from this Tommee Tippee manual breast pump.
Features We Love:
- BPA/BPS free materials.
- Dishwasher and steriliser-safe.
Best Budget-Friendly Breast Pump
If you're wondering which breast pump is best for those on a budget, then look no further than Haakaa. Their silicone milk pump is a super easy-to-use one-piece model with no assembly required.
Simply have it cover your breast and nipple, gently squeeze and allow the suction to do the work and extract your breast milk.
For its price, you will not be missing out on effectiveness or comfort. Moreover, it is also suitable for fitting breasts of all shapes and sizes.
Features We Love:
- 100% food-grade silicone.
- BPA PVC and Phthalate-free.
Best Breast Pump with Breast Shield
For busy schedules, as a backup to your electric device, or for periodic use, if you typically nurse your infant, the Medela manual breast pump is ideal.
Mums adore their on-the-go Medela manual breast pump because it is portable, requires no batteries or cords, and can fit in a handbag.
Medela manual breast pump's PersonalFit FlexTM shield, which has a 105-degree opening angle, a soft rim, and an oval shape for improved fit, relieve pressure from your milk ducts more effectively and comfortably than typical breast shields. Clinically proven: better comfort for you, more milk for your infant.
Thanks to 2-Phase Expression technology and the PersonalFit Flex shield, Medela manual breast pump is one of the best.
It is lighter, quieter, and simpler to use than electric pumps. The Medela manual breast pump is perfect for occasional usage and is easy to use and transport anyplace.
A double electric pump like the Swing Maxi Flex or Freestyle Flex can be a better option for mothers who breastfeed more frequently.
Features We Love:
- Pump discretely and quietly whenever and anywhere you like.
- PersonalFit Flex breast shields: for more milk and enhanced comfort.
- With its distinctive grip, the 2-Phase Expression technology allows you to imitate your baby's natural suckling rhythm.
Best Cushion Feel on a Breast Pump
Even when you are sitting up straight, the innovative design of the Avent manual breast pump allows your milk to flow directly from your boobs into the bottle.
As a result, you can milk with the Avent manual breast pump while sitting more comfortably because you won't need to bend forward to ensure that all of your milk fills the bottle.
When you are pumping with Avent manual breast pump, it will be easier for your milk to flow if you are relaxed and sitting comfortably.
The Avent manual breast pump's massage cushion has a warm, smooth velvety texture that feels nice against the skin and gently stimulates milk production.
The recognisable petal cushion of the Avent manual breast pump is made to seem like a newborn sucking and is meant to help subtly induce letdown.
Price Comparison Table
Which breast pump is best for those on a budget? Let us take a look at the prices of the best manual breast pump reviewed here to help you make a better financial choice:
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Brand
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Price (in SGD)
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Mama’s Choice Manual Breast Pump
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19.90
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Hegen PCTO Manual Breast Pump
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Pigeon Manual Breast Pump
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Tommee Tippee Manual Breast Pump
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Haakaa Silicone Breastfeeding Manual Breast Pump
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34.90
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Medela Manual Breast Pump
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89.90
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Avent Manual Breast Pump
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49.90
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Editor’s Note: Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication. However, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
Tips on milking manually
When using a hand pump for milking, it's important to make sure that the flanges (the part that fits over your breast) are the right size for your breasts.
If the flanges of the pump are too small, it can be uncomfortable and ineffective. To find the right size, you can measure the diameter of your nipple and use that measurement to choose the appropriate size flange.
Once you have the right size flange, you can begin using the hand pump. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your pump:
- Start by massaging your breasts to stimulate milk production. This can help get your milk flowing and make it easier to pump.
- Position the flanges over your nipples and make sure they are centred and comfortable. You should be able to see and hear the milk flowing into the bottle.
- Use a gentle, steady motion to operate the pump handle. This will help you extract the most milk in the shortest amount of time.
- If you're having trouble getting your milk to flow, try pumping at a faster rate or using a warm compress to help stimulate your milk production.
- When you're finished pumping, be sure to clean your breast pump thoroughly to prevent the growth of bacteria.
In general, using a hand pump can take some practice and patience. But with time, you'll be able to extract milk efficiently and comfortably.
Tips on using electric breast pumps
Make sure the flanges (the component that fits over your breast) on a hands-free breast pump are the appropriate size for your breasts before using it. The flanges may be painful and inefficient if they are too small.
You can use the diameter of your nipple as a guide to determine the suitable size, then use the flange size that corresponds to that measurement.
You can start using the pump as soon as you have the appropriate size flange of your breast pump. Here are some suggestions to maximise the use of your hands-free breast pump.
- Start by massaging your breasts to stimulate milk production. This can help get your milk flowing and make it easier to pump before using the best breastpump.
- Position the flanges over your nipples and make sure they are centred and comfortable. You should be able to see and hear the milk flowing into the bottle.
- Turn on the hands-free breast pump and adjust the suction and speed settings to find the combination that is most comfortable and effective for you.
- If you're having trouble getting your milk to flow, try increasing the suction or speed settings of your best breastpump, or using a warm compress to help stimulate your milk production.
- When you're finished pumping, be sure to clean your breast pump thoroughly to prevent the growth of bacteria.
In general, using an electric one can be more efficient and comfortable than using a manual one. With the right size flanges and the proper settings, you can extract milk quickly and easily with your best breastpump at home.
Opting for a portable breast pump
A portable breast pump is typically designed to be lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport. The size and weight of the breast pump will give you an idea of how travel-friendly it is.
Also, a portable breast pump comes with carrying cases or bags, which can make it even more convenient to take with you on the go.
Some qualities of a good portable breast pump include being lightweight and compact, easy to use and has adjustable suction and speed settings. A portable breast pump should also be easy to clean and maintain and should come with a carrying case or bag for easy transport.
In addition, a good portable breast pump should be durable and reliable and should be backed by a good warranty or customer service policy. It's a good idea to read reviews from other users to get an idea of how portable a particular breast pump is before making a purchase.
How to clean your breast pumps?
Now you know which breast pump is best for your needs, how do you clean your best breastpump in general?
The key to ensuring your milk is safe to drink is to properly wash your best manual breastpump/hand pump before and after every use. Here are some tips on how to best clean them:
- Firstly, rinse milk from every part of your best manual breast pump before washing it with hot soapy water.
- Secondly, all parts of the breast pump should be washed, dried, and sterilised.
- Thirdly, use dedicated cleaning sponges, brushes, and cloths to clean them well. If possible, use a dedicated washbasin to avoid contamination.
- Finally, air dries the parts instead of using a towel as they may contain germs and bacteria.
For example, a Hegen breast pump review said that hand-operated ones are easy to clean with minimal parts for washing.
To further help you breastfeeding mums, read: Best Baby Bottle Bags in Singapore to Keep Milk Safe for Consumption
