Before anything else is said, it is very important to note that not every woman needs to express. Breast pumps are a tool, and expressing can be a personal choice. Some mothers express to increase supply, some prefer it, and others need to express for work or medical reasons.  Technically to breastfeed all you need is a baby and lactating breasts (and lots of support and correct information ;) Click here to help these last 2 points).

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Many lactation consultants say you don’t need to buy a pump before baby arrives - and I agree. But it is helpful to understand the different types of pumps and where to get one quickly if the need arises.

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I’m often asked to explain the difference between the pumps I sell and rent. I usually start by saying there are two main categories:

• Hospital‑grade pumps

• Personal/occasional pumps

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And the next question is almost always: “What is the difference?”

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What is the difference?

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There is no official definition of “hospital‑grade” (ie, the TGA does not give any specifications on what breast pumps need to be able to be classed as hospital grade), so be very cautious of companies using the term loosely, especially if they are not listed below.  In the 10 years I have done this business I have seen many breast pumps claim to be hospital grade, but they usually do not meet the same standards as these.

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Among IBCLCs and those in the breast pump industry, “hospital‑grade” generally means:

• A closed system (milk cannot enter the motor) - so that they are safe for multiple users with their own kits

• Capable of initiating, maintaining, and increasing milk supply with the baby ever having to latch direcly

• The motor is capable of supporting exclusive expressing for months, even a year or more

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The Spectra® Dual S, S1, and S2 meet this definition.

Spectra® also class the Dew 350 as hospital‑grade, but it lacks a letdown mode, which many women need.  This model is no longer sold by Spectra, but you may come across it second-hand

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Other hospital‑grade pumps include:

• Medela® Symphony

• Ameda® Platinum

• Mamivac® (Germany)

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A personal or occasional pump on the other hand, are just that - for occasional use.

 

The Spectra ® Dual Compact, 9 Plus, and M1* are closed‑system pumps, but they are generally not strong enough to initiate or maintain supply long‑term. Some parents do exclusively express with them, but many find they are not as effective as hospital‑grade pumps.

These are usually called personal or occasional‑use pumps.  (*The M1 is no longer sold, but you may see them available second-hand)

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Other examples include:

• Medela® Swing and Freestyle

• Pumpables®

• Any other small portable/handbag‑sized pumps, including wearables (click here for a dedicated blog article on wearable pumps

 

These pumps can be fine once breastfeeding is established, especially for:

• Returning to work

• Occasional expressing

• Leaving baby with someone for a few hours

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So, which one should I used?

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Hospital‑grade pumps are most useful when baby cannot latch directly or feed effectively, such as:

• Baby is in Special Care Nursery/NICU

• Mother is unwell and separated from baby

• Baby with medical conditions affecting latch (e.g., cleft lip, cardiac issues)

• Baby struggling with attachment or not interested in feeding

• Mother chooses not to latch baby directly

 

They are also recommended when:

• Supply needs to be increased

• Baby is latching but not transferring enough milk
  (An IBCLC should assess this - perceived low supply is one of the top 2 reasons mothers stop breastfeeding prematurely)

 

Expressing after feeds with a hospital‑grade pump can help increase supply (if it is truely needed).

 

What if you have an oversupply?

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When someone with oversupply asks what pump to use, I always ask:

1. How old is the baby?

2. Why do you want to express? (Usually the answer is “for relief”)

 

In the first 6–12 weeks, supply can be heavily influenced by hormones.  Expressing with an oversupply can be tricky - in general, the more milk you remove the more you make, but if you do not remove enough, you may risk mastitis.

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If baby is feeding directly with no issues, then I would strongly urge to be very cautious with expressing - just do it occasionally to relieve any discomfort.

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For those who are exclusively expressing, an oversupply during this time can make mothers think they don’t need to feed or express often. When hormones settle, supply becomes supply‑and‑demand. If demand has been low, supply can drop suddenly.

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Using a less effective, non‑hospital‑grade pump early on may relieve pressure, but not effectively remove milk from the breast the breast.  Then when hormones settle, the output can drop - leading mothers to think that their body is broken.  Actually, their body has done exactly what it is meant to do - make milk in response to the demand.  Sometimes mothers start out fine with an occasional pump whilst hormones are driving supply, then it appears to stop working and a hospital grade pump might be needed

 

​My General Recommendations

 

Choose a hospital‑grade pump if:

• You need to express frequently because baby is not latching directly or transfer milk well

• You need to increase supply (keep in mind your baby should be able to do this, so ask why this is happening, or see a professional to help you work it out)

• You are exclusively expressing

 

A personal pump is usually fine if:

• Baby is 12+ weeks

• Breastfeeding is well established

• You need a pump for work or occasional expressing

 

If you have oversupply before 12 weeks:

• Be cautious with expressing if baby is feeding directly

• If you are exclusively expressing, use a hospital‑grade pump

• A personal pump may relieve fullness, but may not help if supply later drops

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Always check your flange size - it matters, especially when increasing supply.  A difference of 1-2mm can make huge difference.  Click here for my flange sizing guide (based on helping size >2500 nipples since 2020)

 

If you’re struggling with breastfeeding

It’s important to see a qualified IBCLC and surround yourself with people who support your feeding decisions. Please get in touch for help and support.

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I’m always happy to answer questions.

Please note: I can only rent or sell Spectra® pumps in Perth.
All other products on my website can be posted Australia‑wide.

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