As a pumping mama, owning more than one pump is par for the course… but already owning two double electric pumps and a manual pump, why did I switch to a hands free pump?
The short answer is, I couldn’t take care of my two boys (nearly a year and a half, and two months) while tethered to a wall (my original double electric pump) or even with one hand regularly occupied by toting my battery operated pump (loved it, though!).
Curious how I started my pumping journey in 2021 and what went wrong? Read the article where I troubleshoot my pumping process, Pumping and Not Giving Up.
Did a Hands Free Pump Help?
The short answer is, yes and no.
The long answer is, not entirely, but it went a long ways in the right direction.
Now, I currently own TWO hands free pumps as well as the two double electric pumps… so keep in mind that just because a pump is hands free doesn’t mean it will work well for you and your lifestyle. But more on that later.
When I purchased my second hands free pump, it gave me the freedom to wash dishes or make dinner while my sons played or were otherwise occupied. However, although I can bottle feed (or breastfeed and just pump one side) while pumping, I cannot burp my son, or hold him to my chest, or be very much help in the comfort department.
Having a pump that doesn’t require a tether (cord) or me to hold it definitely helps, but it doesn’t entirely fix the problem with pumping when you have a toddler and a newborn.
I can hold my toddler on my hip while pumping, but the noise really tempts him to grab at the pumps, so I have to be on guard to keep his hands away if holding him… but it’s a major improvement over the tubes that keep him from being able to be held at all.
The Pump for Your Lifestyle
Originally, when looking for a pump that didn’t require a special bra (other than being extra large in the cup) or me to hold it in place, I went for a major brand that I thought would be perfect, and found a great deal… but it didn’t turn out to be all that I’d hoped.
Later I hope to compare my two double electric breast pumps, and my two wearable breast pumps, but right now it’s about what to look for.
- Size matters – if you feel too awkward/uncomfortable to be seen pumping due to the abnormally large size (of your breasts) with your pump, then it *might* not be a good option
- Frequency/duration of pumping is something to take into account – some pumps shut off automatically after 20 minutes, some after 30. Take into account how frequently and how long you typically pump, and if you want an automatic shut off or to be watching the clock.
- Bags or containers or both – one of my wearable pumps uses bags, the other uses containers. Both have their own benefits, so consider which works best for you and your lifestyle. Also consider the expense of the bags if you go that route.
- Charge lifespan – if you pump several times a day, you might not want to be charging your pumps all the time… one of my pumps lasts for five rounds, the other for only three before needing a charge. This is definitely something to keep in mind.
Have you made the switch to a hands free pump? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments below.
Christian, wife, “hybrid” mama, I run the site All Behind A Smile to help others like me.
[…] making the switch to a hands free pump yourself? Read Why I Switched to a Hands Free Pump to help get some clarity on the decision (especially since I already owned two double electric […]