How to Choose the Right Breast Pump: Ameda's Guide

Q: Can I use my pump at work?

Yes—many moms use a wearable or portable double electric pump at work. Choosing a quiet pump can make sessions easier and more discreet during a busy workday. Ameda also offers a Universal Breast Pump Carrying Case to help keep your pump and parts organized and ready to go.

Q: What are good backup options?

A manual, wearable, or portable pump can all serve as reliable backup options for travel, work, or unexpected situations. Ameda’s wearable pump is fully hands-free with no tubes or power cords, while our portable pumps (like Mya Joy and Mya Joy PLUS) offer strong performance in a lightweight, travel-ready design.

Make Sure It's The Right One For You

Your breastfeeding and pumping journey starts with the right pump

Choosing a pump can be an intimidating process, especially for first time moms. When doing your research, consider your lifestyle and priorities to make sure your pump fits your expectations.

	Personal Pumps			Hospital Grade Pumps

PUMP MODEL	GLO Wearable Pump	Joy	Joy PLUS	Pearl^®	Platinum
TYPE OF PUMP	Single User	Single User	Single User	Multi User	Multi User
AVAILABLE TO RENT				✓	✓
IDEAL FOR	Busy moms seeking a discreet, hands-free pumping experience at home, work, or on the go	Occasional or Daily Pumping, Back to Work	Occasional or Daily Pumping, Back to Work	Exclusive or Frequent Pumping, Building and Maintaining Milk Supplies	Exclusive or Frequent Pumping, Building and Maintaining Milk Supplies
MILK COLLECTION SYSTEM TYPE	Closed	Closed	Closed	Closed	Closed
MILK COLLECTION SYSTEM	Integrated wearable cups	Universal HygieniKit^™	Universal HygieniKit^™	Universal HygieniKit^™	Standard or Universal HygieniKit^™
SIZE (L x W x H)	4.88” x 4.37” x 2.68”	7” x 5.50” x 8”	7” x 5.50” x 8”	8.5" x 7.25" x 6.5"	9.75” x 10.5” x 8”
WEIGHT	8.6 oz	.5 Lbs	.7 Lbs	3.3 Lbs	9.75 Lbs
PUMPING STYLE	Single or Double	Single or Double	Single or Double	Single or Double	Single or Double
BATTERY TYPE	Rechargeable via USB-C	4 AA	Rechargeable with USB-C cord	Rechargeable	AC Adaptor Only
NOISE LEVEL	Quiet Operation	45db	45db	45db	45db
PREPROGRAMMED STIMILUATION MODE	Yes, 15 levels / 4 modes	Yes, 6 combinations	Yes, 6 combinations	Yes, 6 combinations	Manual selection - 5000 combinations
PREPROGRAMMED EXPRESSION MODE	Yes, 15 levels / 4 modes	Yes, 12 combinations	Yes, 12 combinations	Manual Selection - 72 combinations	Manual selection - 5000 combinations
WARRANTY	1 year	2 years	2 years	3 years	3 years
SERVICEABLE					✓
LED DISPLAY W/ PUSH BUTTONS & TIMER	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
AUTO POWER OFF	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
INTEGRATED CARRY HANDLE				✓	✓
INTEGRATED BELT CLIP OR LANYARD		Yes, Belt Clip	Yes, Lanyard
INTEGRATED BOTTLE HOLDERS	Not applicable			✓	✓
ADJUSTABLE NIGHT LIGHT				✓

A person holding an Ameda Mya Joy Plus Breast Pump device with a digital screen displaying settings, while a baby lies on a play mat in the background.

Choosing the Right Breast Pump: A Complete Guide

Whether you’re building a registry, planning to return to work, or preparing for exclusive pumping, finding the right breast pump can be a game-changer. With so many models and features to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose a breast pump that meets your lifestyle, budget, and milk supply needs.

Manual Breast Pumps

Manual breast pumps are lightweight, affordable, and a great choice if you only pump occasionally. These pumps rely on hand-powered suction and don’t require a wall outlet or batteries. For some parents, a manual pump like the Ameda Portable Manual Breast Pump serves as a reliable backup pump or travel option.
Electric Breast Pumps
Electric pumps are the most common choice for parents who need to pump breast milk regularly. These pumps are powered by electricity or batteries and are generally more efficient than manual options. Electric pumps can be single or double.
- Single Electric Pump: Pumps one breast at a time. Great for occasional use or for parents who plan to nurse mostly.
- Double Electric Pump: Pumps both breasts simultaneously. Ideal for building milk supply and saving time. The Ameda Mya Joy and the Ameda Mya Joy PLUS are both compact, powerful double electric models.
Hospital Grade Breast Pumps

Hospital-strength pumps like the Ameda Pearl and Platinum are durable, multi-user pumps designed to support moms with medical needs, low milk supply, or those establishing milk production. Often used by parents with premature babies, low milk supply, or special medical circumstances, these pumps are known for their efficiency and comfort. The Ameda Pearl and the Ameda Platinum are trusted by hospitals and lactation consultants for their proven performance and reliability.
Wearable Breast Pumps

Wearable pumps like the Ameda GLO Wearable Breast Pump allow you to pump discreetly and hands-free. These lightweight pumps fit into a bra and are ideal for multitasking, traveling, or returning to work. Portable and quiet, wearable pumps are increasingly popular among busy parents. While wearable pumps offer unmatched convenience, many parents also use a traditional pump to support their full pumping routine.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Breast Pump

Lifestyle and Frequency

Occasional pumping: If you only pump occasionally, a manual pump or single electric pump can be a simple and affordable choice.
Pump regularly: If you pump regularly, consider a double electric, wearable, or hospital-strength pump to save time and support supply.
Exclusively pumping: If you exclusively pump, choose a hospital-strength or high-performance double electric pump made for frequent use.

Portability and Power Source

Consistent, effective pumping is important for maintaining milk supply—especially when exclusively pumping or supplementing breastfeeding. If you plan to pump away from home, look for a portable or wearable pump with a rechargeable battery or USB charging. Pumps that require a wall outlet are best for at-home or bedside use.

Pumping Comfort

Choose a pump with adjustable suction levels and cycle speeds to help personalize your comfort. This can help mimic your baby’s natural nursing rhythm and support better milk flow. Using a hands-free pumping bra can make pumping more comfortable and convenient—especially if you pump often.

Suction Strength and Efficiency

Understanding how a pump works—whether it uses single or two-phase suction—can help you find a model that better mimics your baby’s natural nursing rhythm. Suction strength varies by pump, so if you're trying to build or maintain milk supply, look for a pump with strong, adjustable suction. Hospital-strength and high-performance double electric pumps typically offer the best support for milk production.

Insurance Coverage

Many insurance plans cover breast pumps. Before purchasing, check whether your insurance covers breast pumps and which models are included. Your lactation consultant or OBGYN can also help with documentation.

Insurance Plans

Pumping Accessories to Consider

Pumping Bra

A hands-free pumping bra holds flanges in place so you can pump without using your hands—ideal for multitasking, working, or longer pumping sessions.
Breast Shields

Also known as flanges, breast shields come in various sizes to match different nipple widths and breast sizes. Using the right size can improve comfort and milk flow. Ameda offers a free Flange Sizing Guide to help you get started
Pump Parts

Parts like valves and membranes are designed to be replaced regularly for best performance. Ameda’s tubing stays dry thanks to our patented HygieniKit® closed system, so it typically doesn’t require routine replacement. Always use compatible parts and follow Ameda’s recommendations.

Woman wearing Ameda wearable breast pumps slices cantaloupe in a kitchen while two children stand nearby watching, all engaged in a casual family moment.

How To Pump Milk Efficiently

Pump consistently to support your milk supply—especially if you're not breastfeeding.
Use a double electric pump to express both breasts at once - this can save time and help increase output.
Adjust suction to your maximum comfort vacuum—the highest level that’s effective without causing discomfort.

Refer to your pump’s instruction manual for cleaning and usage guidelines. All Ameda breast pumps include a printed instruction manual, and digital versions are also available at www.ameda.com for easy access.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much milk should I expect to pump?

Milk output varies by mom and by session. Many moms express 2–4 ounces total, while others may pump more or less depending on the time of day, frequency of pumping, and baby’s nursing habits. If you're returning to work or need more flexibility, a reliable pump can help you express efficiently and support your feeding routine.

Can I use my pump at work?

Yes—many moms use a wearable or portable double electric pump at work. Choosing a quiet pump can make sessions easier and more discreet during a busy workday. Ameda also offers a Universal Breast Pump Carrying Case to help keep your pump and parts organized and ready to go.

What if I only pump one breast?

All Ameda pumps can be used for single or double pumping. Thanks to our pump design and HygieniKit® system, you can easily pump one side while nursing on the other or when full expression from both sides isn’t needed.

What are good backup options?

A manual, wearable, or portable pump can all serve as reliable backup options for travel, work, or unexpected situations. Ameda’s wearable pump is fully hands-free with no tubes or power cords, while our portable pumps (like Mya Joy and Mya Joy PLUS) offer strong performance in a lightweight, travel-ready design.

What are the best pumps for comfort?

A good breast pump offers adjustable suction power, quiet operation, and customizable settings. Look for one that fits well with your breast shield size and has minimal parts to clean.

Woman sitting on a couch using a laptop while wearing Ameda wearable breast pumps under a green cardigan and black top, demonstrating hands-free pumping.

Find the Perfect Breast Pump with Ameda

Choosing the right breast pump depends on your lifestyle, comfort, and feeding goals. Whether you’re exclusively pumping, returning to work, or building a freezer stash, Ameda offers a range of pumps to match your needs. From the powerful Ameda Platinum hospital-grade pump to the portable Mya Joy or Mya Joy Plus and hands-free GLO Wearable Pump, Ameda supports you at every stage.

Need help deciding? Our team is here to guide you. Let us help you find the right pump, so you can focus on what matters most—your baby and your well-being.

Flange size matters.

You wouldn’t buy any bra off the rack without checking the size on the label. But what fewer new moms realize is that the same principle applies to pumping. Your best flange fit might be different from the mom next to you.

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