Parenting

5 Things You Should Know Before Choosing a Breast Pump

This post contains affiliate links. All content is my own.

It is so helpful having a good breast pump if you plan on breast feeding.

Breastfeeding was something I knew I wanted to do with my first baby. But, I knew nothing about pumping then or how to choose a good pump.

My first breast pump was awful. It didn’t pump any milk and since I didn’t know what to look for I thought it must be a problem with me. That I wasn’t producing enough milk or using the breast pump correctly.

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Not having a functioning breast pump as a resource made things way more difficult.

I couldn’t pump to build up a milk supply. So, no one else was able to help me feed the baby unless they fed him formula.

With my first baby this was so heartbreaking to me because I really wanted to exclusively breastfeed.

Since then I’ve learned that it wasn’t my fault the pump wasn’t collecting my milk. I just didn’t know how to find the right one.

5 Things You Should Know Before Choosing a Breast Pump

Here are some things you definitely should consider before choosing a pump. I just got a Motif Curve breast pump and love it. So, I’ll show you with this pump how you will know what to look for.

1. Choosing a High Quality Pump is Important

When you are picking out your breast pump make sure you are getting a good high quality pump, like the ones from Motif.

New baby expenses can make it difficult to invest in high quality pumps that are usually $100+. So, make sure before you do your shopping to see if you qualify for a free breast pump, I’ll talk more about this below.

2. Multiple Settings Help

Make sure your breast pump has multiple settings. When you get started in pumping it can be painful and you might want to start on a lower setting. You also may need a higher setting to get your milk to let down or to pump more quickly.

I love the settings on the Motif Curve. It’s easy to use with a digital interface and all you have to do is roll a little ball to change the pumping settings. 

3. Pay Attention to the Breast Shield

Make sure the pump you purchase has a wide enough shield for your breast size. If the shield is too small it can lead to painful pumping.

4. Not All Pumps Adapt

Some pumps aren’t adaptable to different bottle sizes and this makes it hard. It really just adds another expense because you may have to go out and purchase another set of bottles.

What I love about the Motif Curve is that it was adaptable to the bottles I already had, plus it came with bottles and nipples that my baby really liked.

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5. Portability is a Feature You’ll Probably Need

If this isn’t your first baby then you know the feeling of being away from your baby and having the feeling of engorgement coming on. Whether you are at work or out of town, this can be a painful feeling and you’ll need a way to express your milk to relieve the pain.

This is why it’s great to have a breast pump that’s easily portable.

The Motif Curve breast pump is perfect for this because it is cordless with a re-chargable battery and comes with a great carrying case that makes it easy to take to work or on vacation.

6. Bonus- Why shop for a pump when you can get one for free?

If you have insurance make sure to check to see if you qualify for a free high quality breast pump like the Motif Curve!

You can inquire to see if you qualify for the Motif Curve here. 

Many insurance companies will provide you with a free breast pump and even supplies for the first year after you receive your pump!

Applying only takes a few minutes and then you will receive your free pump in the mail!

What are you considering when shopping for a breast pump? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! 

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Sammy

View Comments

  • This is a really good informational post for first time breastfeeders. There is so much information being thrown at you as a first time parent that it can be overwhelming and you have made some very valuable points in this post. I have always loved and worked with Medela because that’s what the hospital I deliver at has. I did want to mention that if the bottles don’t fit Medela (I am not sure of any other brand has these) makes bags that you can stick to the breast pump and pump straight into them for storage or immediate use. It’s sucks because it’s not a reusable option but it’s an option.

    Anyway, I just wanted to say I really enjoyed reading your post. Read ya later!

    • Hi Shannon! I definitely agree that there is a ton of information being a first time mom that can become overwhelming. I've used Medela too with all three babies, it is a great choice! I still use my old Medela pump along with Motif. What I love about the Motif pump is the ease of throwing it in your purse on the go.

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