Using DATA to compare Breast Pumps! | The “Boobie Barometer” got an update!!!!!

Hey there, friends! Today, we’re diving into something super exciting (well, at least to me). I finally got an upgrade to my beloved Booby Barometer! The 1.0 was great, but the 2.0? Game changer. This fancy little gadget lets me take breast pump testing to the next level, and since I’ve got over 100 pumps sitting in my closet, it felt like the perfect time to splurge and play around.

If you’re as nerdy about data as I am (and I know a lot of you are), you’re going to love this. We’re breaking down the four key metrics to look for in a breast pump: suction, cycle speed, suction pattern, and flange kits. I’ll show you some live testing results, geek out over graphs, and share what really matters when choosing a pump.

So, grab a snack, settle in, and let’s talk data-driven pumping!

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

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Why Metrics Matter

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why understanding pump metrics is so important. Sure, suction is a big one—but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The right pump for you isn’t just about numbers; it’s about finding something that matches your body’s needs and feels comfortable.

And here’s the kicker: many pump companies love to market “high suction” or “hospital-grade” like it’s the ultimate gold star. But spoiler alert: more suction isn’t always better. In fact, too much suction can hurt your milk supply.

Let’s dive into the metrics and debunk some myths, shall we?

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Suction: Is More Always Better?

Let’s get one thing straight: most pumps on the market fall within a similar suction range. For example, the Spectra 9 (an oldie but goodie) hits around 375 mmHg at its max suction, while the Ameda Joy Plus tops out closer to 275 mmHg.

Here’s the catch: those numbers are for single pumping, which naturally gives higher suction. When you switch to double pumping, suction often drops. For example, the Spectra 9 goes from 300 mmHg single-pumping to 220 mmHg double-pumping.

Pro tip: Don’t fall for marketing that brags about “hospital-grade suction.” There’s no regulated standard for that term, so it’s often just a buzzword.

And what about manual pumps like the Haakaa? These can generate surprisingly high suction—up to 125 mmHg—but the constant pull can make it harder to trigger a letdown.

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Cycle Speed: The Secret to Quick Letdowns

Here’s where things get really interesting. Cycle speed (how fast the pump cycles per minute) plays a huge role in triggering letdowns and expressing milk efficiently.

• Stimulation mode (fast cycles) mimics baby’s quick suckling to trigger letdowns.
• Expression mode (slower cycles) mimics baby’s deeper, longer sucks to extract milk.

For example, the Medela Symphony has a blazing 120 cycles per minute in stimulation mode, while the Spectra is closer to 70 cycles per minute. Even though the Spectra’s number is lower, its unique suction pattern makes it super effective (more on that in a sec).

Switching between pumps with different cycle speeds can feel weird. If your hospital pump cycles faster than your home pump, your body might take time to adjust.

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Suction Patterns: The Feels Matter

This might be my favorite part of pump testing—the suction patterns. It’s so hard to describe why a pump feels good or bad until you see the graph.

The Spectra 9 has a simple “up and down” pattern—classic and effective.

The Spectra S1 adds a triple-burst vibration, which feels faster and mimics a baby’s natural rhythm.

The Medela Pump in Style Max Flow? Shark-toothy and aggressive—great for some, but not everyone’s cup of tea.

And then there’s the Willow’s constant suction, which holds suction at the breast without releasing fully. This unique feature makes it 100% leak-proof (yes, you can do yoga while pumping—trust me, I tried!).

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Flange Kits: Why Size (and Setup) Matters

Your pump is only as good as its flange kit. Different flange setups can significantly impact suction levels, comfort, and milk output. For example:

• The Ameda Joy Plus loses suction when paired with its original soft backflow protector but performs better with a Spectra flange.
  
• Cups like the Baby Buddha or Freemie offer convenience but may not deliver the same suction levels.

Pro tip: Always start with the flange kit designed for your pump, and be cautious when mixing and matching parts. It can affect the motor and even void your warranty!

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What’s the Best Breast Pump?

What’s the best breast pump? I get this question all the time, and my answer is always the same: It depends. Your perfect pump depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and body.

But here’s what I’ve learned: data + user experience = success. Pairing objective metrics with real-life feedback is the key to finding what works best for you.

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Let’s Nerd Out Together

This was just a glimpse into the world of pump metrics, and I had so much fun testing and sharing this with you. If you’re as nerdy about pumping as I am, let me know in the comments what pumps you love (or hate) and why.

Until next time—good luck, and happy pumping!