07/17/2025
Our Experts
To help develop our testing methodology and learn about what to look for in wearable breast pumps, we spoke to these lactation experts:
Jessica Madden, M.D., FAAP, IBCLC, medical director of Aeroflow Breastpumps and a breastfeeding medicine and infant feeding specialist
Julie Brill, IBCLC, CCCE, CLD, a lactation consultant, childbirth educator, doula, and owner of WellPregnancy in Bedford, MA
D. Erin Guerriero, RN, BSN, IBCLC, a certified lactation consultant and lactation education manager at Montifiore Medical Center in New York
Factors to Consider When Buying a Wearable Breast Pump
When choosing a wearable breast pump, look for features that fit your lifestyle. For instance, if you’ll need to use the pump primarily during work, choose the quietest, most low-profile option. If you’ll be using the pump mostly around the house, you may want to focus more on convenience or budget. Here are other aspects to consider:
Comfort: Assess the comfort of all pump parts and pieces, including the motor. Consider the shape of your breasts and your ni**le size against the pump. Be sure the pump you’re looking at offers different fl**ge sizes. The right fl**ge size ensures a comfortable fit and adequate milk supply. “Poorly fitting fl**ges can lead to pain, a decrease in the amount of breast milk pumped, or both,” says Dr. Madden.
Ease of Use: Wearable pumps may have a learning curve. Before buying, glance over the instructions—most have YouTube videos—to preview setup and use. Look at what kind of customer assistance the company offers. The more responsive and accessible they are, the better chance you’ll get comprehensive help.
Pumping Strength: Wearable pumps are typically less powerful than plug-ins since they use batteries. If you want a strong, efficient wearable, look for a high-powered motor or a pump labeled “hospital-grade strength.” Just know that more power likely means louder. A less powerful option should be fine if you just need to pump a few ounces here and there or need a secondary pump.
Portability: Consider the portability of the pump itself, its accessories, and the pumped milk. Does the pump have caps that allow you to store milk in the pumping container or will you need separate milk bags or bottles to pour the milk into? If the pump parts need to be cleaned and dried between each use, you’ll need cleaning supplies that are portable too.
Tips for Using a Wearable Breast Pump
Adjusting to a wearable breast pump can be daunting. I found using my Elvie incredibly easy initially (I had it on within minutes of opening the box), but I did need to do some occasional troubleshooting throughout my year of using it. If you’re struggling with your wearable breast pump, here are some tips:
Don’t assume you are the problem: If you notice a drop in output with your wearable pump or get insufficient yield right off the bat, Brill suggests working with a lactation consultant or contacting the pump manufacturer for assistance. Get help as soon as possible; if you don’t, you may face long-term challenges. “Lower yield can lead to lower production,” Brill adds.
Don’t force it: Wearable pumps are not for everyone; if it’s not working for you, that’s OK. “There are folks for whom a traditional pump works much better,” Brill says. In addition, traditional pumps are often fully covered by insurance, and many have portable options that work well with pumping bras to provide hands-free pumping.
Mix and match as needed: Wearable breast pumps are incredibly convenient (Dr. Madden even has peers who've performed surgery while pumping!), but they’re not your only option. For those who exclusively pump, Dr. Madden recommends a traditional double-electric pump for most pumping sessions. “This is because the suction is stronger than in wearable pumps and, as a result, there is usually a higher yield of milk and fuller emptying of the breasts.”
Build a supply first: It’s best to build up your supply before turning to a wearable pump, Dr. Madden says. To give you the best chance for breastfeeding success, start your pumping journey with a traditional double electric pump since it provides a stronger suction and yield.
Plug it in: “Always make sure to charge your pump before use,” Dr. Madden says. While it sounds simple, maintaining a full charge on a wearable breast pump is crucial; without it, you won’t get the full suction and power you need. I kept my charging cords in my kitchen so I could easily plug my pumps in to charge immediately after cleaning.
Stock up on accessories: Dr. Madden suggests having a stash of extra accessories and storage containers on hand—as a former exclusive pumper, I second this recommendation. I actually ended up purchasing a second set of pumping parts to ensure I always had one clean and ready to go.
Buy it new: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that wearable breast pumps are designed for individual use; using someone else’s pump could expose you and your baby to harmful bacteria. “As with any pump, wearable pumps are made for single use and should not be shared due to a risk of bacterial contamination,” says Dr. Madden. If you buy a used pump, you won’t have access to the manufacturer’s warranty or customer service.
After consulting with a pediatrician and a lactation consultant, we had parents test the best wearable breast pumps while multitasking in and out of their homes. These six are our top picks, including wearable pumps by Momcozy, Medela, Lansinoh, Elvie, and more.
