Your Quick Guide to Breast Pumps

One of the most common questions I hear from pregnant women preparing for breastfeeding is:

“Should I buy a breast pump? And if yes, which one?”

If you live in Berlin or anywhere in Germany, the short answer is: No, you don’t need to buy a pump before birth.

If you live elsewhere on this planet, well, I might give you a different answer.

Here in Germany, you have access to top-quality hospital-grade pumps for free (with a referral), which are actually the best option for early breastfeeding challenges. So, there’s no reason to rush.

Once the early days are behind you and you’ve decided that pumping is part of your journey, then I’ll help you choose a pump that fits your specific needs.

🔍What Types of Breast Pumps Are There?

1. Hospital-Grade / Multi user (Mehrbenutzer) Pumps

• Access: Free with a referral (Überweisung) from your pediatrician or gynecologist. Renting is also possible.

• When to use: Low milk supply, pain, latch problems, tongue-tie, baby not nursing well, nipple shield use, or exclusive pumping.

• Most effective at emptying the breast completely.

💡 These pumps are essential during the first two weeks postpartum if there are any concerns about baby's feeding or your supply.

2. Single-User Electric Pumps

• Use case: Occasional or regular home pumping, returning to work, or building a freezer stash.

• Important: Not for second-hand use. They are designed for one user only.

• Maintenance tip: If reusing between children, replace flanges, valves, tubes, and check the motor for mold.

➡️ These pumps provide medium-level efficiency and are ideal for flexible home use.

3. Wearable Pumps

• Very popular and hands-free!

• Great for: Occasional use once breastfeeding is well established.

• Limitations:

  • Not ideal for large breasts or downward-facing nipples.

  • Hard to check nipple alignment, can lead to low milk output or nipple injury. Just make sure you place the nipple in the middle.

• Effectiveness: Draws milk mainly from the front of the breast. * Can be used in combination with other pumps for convenience reasons.
  

4. Manual Pumps

• Use case: Lightweight, quiet, and ideal for light use or travel.

• Surprising fact: May be effective in certain situations where electric pumps fail.

• Colostrum tip: May sometimes help with Colostrum hand expression in the first days, often better than electric pumps for this. *but will probably not help in establishing supply.
  

🔧 Pumping Tips You Should Know

• Replace parts regularly, especially those responsible for suction (check manufacturer guidelines).

• Baby vs. Pump: Most babies are more efficient than pumps so don't assume that what you pumped is what your baby is getting from the breast.

• Early pumping is critical if baby isn’t latching or gaining weight, or if you're using a nipple shield. A strong hospital-grade pump is a Must until the issue is resolved.
  

🚫 So, Is There a "Best Pump"?

Nope. There’s no universal "Best Pump". The right pump depends on your specific situation, body, and goals.

If you’re unsure what to choose, don’t worry, I’m here to help.

May you have all the milk you need and wish for! With care, Gal