Wearable Breast Pumps: Pros, Cons, and What You Need to Know

Wearable breast pumps are often hailed as a game-changer for busy working moms, allowing for hands-free, discreet pumping. But are they the perfect solution for managing your milk supply, or are there hidden risks? In this post, we’ll explore the benefits, risks, and everything you need to know about using wearable pumps—especially for career-driven moms balancing work and breastfeeding.

(This post was originally a video. Check it out, here!)

The Benefits of Wearable Pumps

There are two big reasons why wearable pumps have become popular among working moms:

1. Hands-Free Pumping: With a wearable pump, you’re not tethered to a machine. This allows you to multitask, whether you’re at work, handling household chores, or just trying to relax.
   
2. Discreet Pumping: Since wearable pumps fit inside your bra, you can pump without having your nipples or pumping setup exposed. This can be especially helpful in workplace environments where privacy is limited.

These benefits are huge for moms on the go. But as with any technology, there are risks and trade-offs to consider.

The Risks of Wearable Pumps

While wearable pumps offer convenience, they do come with some downsides:

1. Ineffective Pumping: One of the biggest concerns with wearable pumps is that they might not empty your breasts as effectively as traditional pumps. This can lead to a drop in milk supply over time, especially if you rely solely on a wearable pump.
   
2. Cost: Wearable pumps are often more expensive than traditional pumps, and the replacement parts and long-term maintenance can add up quickly.
   
3. Flange Sizing Issues: Getting the right flange size is crucial for effective pumping, but it can be more difficult to manage with a wearable pump since you can’t see what’s going on as easily.
   
4. Learning Curve: Despite what some marketing suggests, wearable pumps aren’t always “plug and play.” It takes time to get the hang of using them properly.

How to Use Wearable Pumps Effectively

If you plan to incorporate a wearable pump into your routine, it’s important to start with a solid foundation of pumping knowledge. Here’s my number one piece of advice:

Start with a traditional pump before switching to a wearable.

Using a traditional pump helps you understand your milk supply, find the right flange size, and get comfortable with the process of pumping. Wearable pumps can then be added in as a supplement to your routine. But relying solely on a wearable pump from the get-go can be risky, especially if you’re new to pumping.

Common Questions About Wearable Pumps

Let’s address some of the most common questions I get from working moms about wearable pumps:

1. Are wearable pumps less efficient?

Possibly. Wearable pumps might not be as efficient as traditional pumps due to the way they sit on the breast. There’s often a bit of compression that can block milk flow, and the settings on wearable pumps are usually more limited. This can make it harder to achieve letdowns or fully empty the breasts.

How to mitigate this: Try pumping for longer periods or more frequently with a wearable pump. Since convenience is one of the main benefits, adding a few extra minutes or sessions throughout the day usually isn’t a big deal.

2. Can you exclusively pump with a wearable pump?

Yes, some moms do exclusively pump with wearable pumps, but it’s not the norm. Those who succeed with this method typically have abundant milk supply and respond well to pumps. However, one concern is the durability of wearable pumps. The motors in wearable pumps are smaller and might not last as long, so you may need to replace them more frequently.

3. Do you need to spend a lot on a wearable pump?

Not necessarily. While high-end pumps like the Willow and Elvie offer unique features like full mobility and quiet operation, there are more affordable options on the market now, such as the Willow Go, Zomee Fit, and Tommee Tippee. These mid-range pumps perform well and may be a better fit for your budget. However, if you need specialized features (like the ability to pump in any position with the Willow), you may want to invest in a more expensive model.

4. What should you consider when choosing a wearable pump?

• Nipple Alignment: Proper alignment is crucial for effective pumping, and it can be tricky with a wearable pump.
  
• Bra Fit: Your bra needs to hold the pump securely in place to maintain suction and prevent leakage.
  
• Replacement Parts: Make sure you can easily find replacement parts, as wearable pumps do require maintenance over time.

If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, brands like Momcozy and BellaBaby offer decent results, but they may not be as durable or reliable as higher-end pumps.

Should You Use a Wearable Pump?

Wearable pumps can be a fantastic addition to your pumping routine, but they aren’t for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Wearable pumps may not work for everyone. Some moms just don’t respond well to wearable pumps, and that’s okay.
   
2. Use with caution. Make sure you have a solid foundation with traditional pumping before relying too heavily on a wearable pump. This will help you gauge whether the pump is working for you or if adjustments need to be made.
   
3. Consider using wearable pumps as part of a larger plan. For most moms, wearable pumps work best when used alongside a traditional pump. This allows you to manage your milk supply more effectively while enjoying the convenience of hands-free pumping when needed.

Final Thoughts

Wearable pumps offer a lot of benefits, but they aren’t the perfect solution for everyone. If you’re considering a wearable pump, make sure you understand how it works, what its limitations are, and how to use it effectively alongside other pumping methods.

If you want help developing a customized pumping plan or navigating the challenges of pumping at work, I offer a long-term coaching program designed specifically for career-driven moms. Let me help you find a system that works for your unique needs, so you can pump efficiently, meet your milk supply goals, and balance work and motherhood.