If you are preparing to breastfeed, one of the biggest decisions on your list is choosing the right breast pump. If you have started researching your options, you have probably realized that breast pumps are not one size fits all for everyone. So how do you know which breast pump you actually need?

As a mom of three who nursed and pumped for a combined eight years, I have pumped just about everywhere and with every style of breast pump. At home, at work, in the car during my commute, out in public, in the middle of the night and while getting ready in the morning. What I learned over those years is that the best breast pump is not necessarily the smallest, strongest, or most discreet option. It is the pump that fits your lifestyle.

One of the easiest ways to narrow down your options is to think about breast pumps in two categories: your primary breast pump and your secondary breast pump. Let’s dive into this topic further.

What Is a Primary Breast Pump?

Your primary breast pump is the pump you can rely on for regular and efficient milk removal throughout the day. If you are exclusively pumping, returning to work, separated from your baby for long periods of time, or pumping several times per day, this is especially important. Your breasts are producing milk based on supply and demand, so consistent and effective milk removal plays an important role in maintaining your milk supply.

A primary pump is designed to be the workhorse of your pumping routine.

The BabyBuddha 2.0 Breast Pump and newly released BabyBuddha 3.0 Breast Pump are great examples of pumps that can serve as a primary breast pump while also being portable. They give you the flexibility to pump with traditional flanges, but they can also be paired with in bra collection cups when you want a more discreet pumping setup.

That flexibility is something I really appreciate as a mom who has pumped through many different seasons of life. There were many times when I wanted traditional flanges because I felt they moved the most milk. There were other times when collection cups made much more sense for me to have a little more freedom. A primary pump with options is always going to be a good choice. 

Traditional Flanges Vs. Collection Cups

Traditional breast pump flanges sit directly against the breast while the bottles or milk containers extend away from the body. Tubing connects the flanges to the breast pump motor. This setup is very common but not particularly discreet. Traditional flanges do allow you to see your nipple position best for alignment. For moms who are learning to pump, working to improve output, or trying to determine the correct flange size, that visibility can be incredibly helpful.

Collection cups offer a different experience. Instead of extending away from the body, the cups sit inside your bra and collect milk within the cup. When paired with a compatible primary breast pump like the BabyBuddha 2.0 or 3.0, they can give you more freedom while still allowing you to use your primary pump.

I personally love having both options available because pumping needs can change throughout your breastfeeding journey. 

What Is a Secondary Breast Pump?

A secondary breast pump is a pump that you won’t rely on for every pumping session, but a pump that can make your overall experience easier when convenience matters most.

A secondary pump is where a wearable breast pump comes in. The BabyBuddha Wearable Breast Pump is an example that sits completely inside your bra without external tubing connecting you to a separate pump motor. That makes it a convenient option for pumping while commuting, traveling, working, running errands, or simply moving around the house doing chores. I also particularly loved having a wearable pump around when nursing, so I could pump the opposite side at the same time. I know firsthand how valuable that freedom can be.

When I was pumping and commuting as a full time working mom, my car was often my pumping room. Being able to pump while I was on the go gave me back time in my day that I simply did not have to spare. I don't look at primary and secondary breast pumps to select one over the other. They solve different problems.

Do You Need More Than One Breast Pump?

Not necessarily, but I personally think there is value in having both options if you are able to. Most insurance providers allow you to select a free breast pump during your pregnancy, so it’s a great idea to select your primary breast pump free with insurance and then purchase your secondary breast pump after. 

If you are pregnant and planning to primarily nurse your baby, you will still want a reliable primary pump available for times when you are separated from your baby.

Hands-free pumping bras for breast pumps

No matter if you select a primary style flange breast pump or a secondary style wearable breast pump, you will need a pumping bra to pair with it.

Traditional flanges need a pumping bra that securely holds the flange against the breast through a hole or slit, without requiring you to hold everything in place. Collection cups and wearable breast pumps have different support needs because the entire pump or cup sits inside the bra. A regular bra doesn’t have the proper stretch or support to hold a cup shaped pump.

Especially if you are switching between primary and secondary style pumps often, you will want a pumping bra that works with all types of breast pumps. 

Choosing the Right Breast Pump and Pumping Bra

Your breastfeeding journey will change as your baby grows and you learn what works best for your body. The pumping setup you need at three weeks postpartum may not be the same setup you need when you return to work. Give yourself permission to find the combination that works for you. If you need personalized support for breast pumps, we always recommend reaching out to your IBCLC for lactation support.

If you are searching for breast pumps and pumping bras for your breastfeeding journey, I highly recommend checking out the BabyBuddha breast pumps I showed above as well as the Davin & Adley Amelia Cami, our number one favorite pumping bra to pair with both flanges and wearables.