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When it comes to pumping, choosing the right pump is one of the key factors in having a successful pumping journey. There are so many different types of breast pumps out there. From hospital-grade, medical-grade, and closed-system to open-system and double electric pumps–it can get a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, I get it.
Each type of pump has its very own set of features and benefits, and finding out which pump is right for your breastfeeding journey (pumping and nursing) can make a HUGE difference (PS: our pump matching quiz can help here). In this post, I’m focusing specifically on hospital-grade breast pumps, what sets them apart, and which might be most suitable for your needs.
What Is A Hospital Grade Breast Pump?
Hospital-grade breast pumps are designed to be powerful pumps, capable of handling frequent, long-term use for high level milk production. This is because they need to hold up to being used A LOT by many different women in the hospital setting or lactation clinic. The main benefit of a hospital grade pump is that it is multi-user. It has a closed-system design and each mom has a set of parts to fit the device, so it can be used again and again while still ensuring hygiene by preventing breastmilk from coming into contact with the pump mechanism.
Most often, they’re one-size-fits-all, which, if you know me, you know I’m not the biggest fan of. They only come with the standard flanges and settings, meant to work for a wide range of users. Most of the time, they don’t suit every breast and nipple shape, leading to discomfort, and even causing moms to stop pumping all together. This is especially discouraging for first time pumping moms.
While they can be helpful, they might not be the best choice for every mother’s unique needs. For most, a more customizable pump will be a better choice. And, if you speak to one of our lactation consultants, we can set you up with a personal pump that you can take to the hospital with you if you plan to exclusively pump from birth! So you’re ready to go and comfortable from the very beginning.
What Makes A Breast Pump Hospital Grade?
Powerful Motors
Hospital-grade pumps have strong, durable motors that provide consistent suction, making milk expression faster and more efficient. The motor helps to create a strong vacuum that mimics breastfeeding, helping to empty your breasts more effectively and increase milk supply.
Multiple Settings
These pumps offer adjustable suction and speed settings to make milk expression easier. The different settings allow moms to stimulate their natural nursing pattern, making pumping more efficient and comfortable.
Closed Loop-System
A closed-loop system keeps milk from touching the pump's internal parts, keeping cleanliness top of mind. This clever design stops milk from entering the tubing or motor, keeping everything sanitary.
Multi-User Capability
Hospital-grade pumps are made to be safe for multiple users, making them ideal for hospital settings. All mothers use the same motor to express milk, sometimes making it hard to customize the hospital-grade pump to every breast. While it may be multi-use, it’s not a multi-user breast pump as it doesn’t ACTUALLY fit every user. However, this isn’t always the case. Some of them do come with kits for personalization and comfort.
Quiet Operation
These pumps are designed to operate quietly, reducing noise during use. This makes for a more discreet pumping experience.
Are Hospital Grade Breast Pumps Better?
Hospital-grade breast pumps are good for when you’re at the hospital and need to express. They have strong suction, fast milk expression, and provide an efficient experience. This feature makes them an okay option in hospitals.
Experts will often recommend a hospital-grade breast pump for their durability and performance. The ones I’ve compiled below will be much more comfortable than the ones you’ll usually find in hospitals as they can be switched and changed to fit you and suit your needs. These pumps are actually better at expressing milk, more comfortable, and you can better customize to your needs. Also, renting a hospital grade pump is around $80-$90 a month, when you can buy one of these pumps for 2 months worth of rent!
A huge misconception is that hospital-grade breast pumps empty you better. This is not AT ALL the case. You should aim to find a primary pump in general, it doesn’t need to be hospital grade. Just because a pump is hospital-grade, it doesn’t mean it's better than any primary pumps.
Here are some of the best pumps on the market:
Genie Advanced Portable Breast Pump (Code: ONEWITHTHEPUMP)
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The Genie Advanced Portable Breast Pump is an awesome option for mothers looking for a flexible and portable hospital-grade pump. With a compact design, this pump is easy to transport and has a rechargeable battery, making it perfect for pumping on the go. It also offers dual-mode functionality, helping users switch between modes depending on their needs.
Baby Buddha 2.0 (Code: ONEWITHTHEPUMP)
The Baby Buddha 2.0 is a very popular choice amongst pumping mothers due to its compact design and powerful pumping capabilities. This portable hospital-grade pump is known for its ability to express milk efficiently and quietly, making it suitable for mamas who are on the go. One of its very best features is its ultra-quiet operation, making it perfect for discreet pumping in public or at work.
This pump also has adjustable suction strength and cycle speeds, ensuring that users can customize the experience for both letdown and expression. Its built-in rechargeable battery further adds to the convenience of this pump.
Spectra S1 (Blue)
The Spectra S1+ offers hospital-grade suction with customizable settings and a handy Letdown+Expression Mode for natural milk flow. Its rechargeable battery and in-built nightlight add to the option for using this pump anywhere, while the motor makes it easy to discreetly pump. This handy pump also comes with a complete double kit for double pumping.
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Spectra S2
This pump is similar to the S1+ but lacks the rechargeable battery option. It does have very strong suction and customizable settings with a quiet motor. It’s great for regular use if you have a sport to pump near a power outlet. This pump comes at only a fraction of the price of what you’d expect, with an in-built nightlight and timer to make sure you can know and see what’s going on.
All of this to say, yes hospital grade pumps can work, but they are not actually much better or stronger than a regular primary pump. The hospital grade title really refers to multi-user, because they are used in the hospital.
Confused? A little lost? Let us help you out with all of your pumping needs!
I hope this little guide helps you make an informed and confident decision when choosing a pump that fits your lifestyle. Remember mama, every journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solutions. No matter what pump you choose, you are worthy, you’re doing great, and you’re nourishing your little one perfectly. You’ve got this!
