Manual Vs Electric Breast Pump

Are you trying to decide between a manual vs electric breast pump?

Then let us help you decide which is best for you and your baby with our guide on electric breast pump vs manual breast pump!

When it comes to breast pumps, there are two categories – electric breast pumps and manual breast pumps.

Manual breast pumps are more traditional, but electric breast pumps claim to be much more efficient and convenient. 

But which is better- manual breast pumps or electric breast pumps?

What are the benefits of each one?

And which one should you choose?

We have put together this useful guide to help you understand the differences between manual and electric breast pumps, including their features, pros, and cons, so you can figure out which one is best for you. 

And if you love this manual pump vs electric pump comparisons guide, make sure to check out our guides on best electric breast pumps and best manual breast pumps.

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Manual Vs Electric Breast Pump

Let’s dive in and take a look how a manual pump vs electric compare.

What Is A Manual Breast Pump?

A manual breast pump is a device that helps women express milk from their breasts.

It consists of a cup attached to a suction tube, which is connected to a vacuum source. The vacuum pulls the milk through the suction tube and into the storage container. 

There are many different types of manual breast pumps available, including hospital-grade models and portable ones. Some are even designed to work in conjunction with an electric breast pump.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Manual Breast Pump? 

There are several benefits to choosing to use a manual breast pump. Here are some of the most common ones:

Easy To Use

Manual breast pumps are easy to use. They consist of a simple design and require no special training.

You simply attach the cups to your nipples and start using them.

If you’re not used to expressing milk, then there will be plenty of time to learn how to do it properly.

Convenient 

Manual breast pumps are very convenient. They allow you to express milk at any time and anywhere.

You don’t need to worry about being away from home when you’re breastfeeding, because you can still express milk at any time.

Affordable 

Manual breast pumps tend to be cheaper than electric breast pumps. 

Suitable For All Mothers 

You don’t need to be fit or strong to use a manual breast pump. Most mothers find that they can easily produce enough milk by manually expressing milk.

No Electricity Required

You won’t need electricity to use a manual breast pump. This means that you can take your manual breast pump along on holiday trips without worrying about running out of battery power.

Portable 

Another benefit of manual breast pumps is that they are extremely portable. You can carry your manual breast pump around with you wherever you go, making it ideal for traveling.

Comfortable 

Many people prefer using manual breast pumps over electric breast pumps. They feel more comfortable and natural compared to electric breast pumps.

Can Be Used With Electric Breast Pumps 

Some manual breast pumps come with attachments that connect to electric breast pumps. These attachments make it possible to combine manual and electric breast pumps.

You may also like our guide on the best manual breast pumps.

What Is An Electric Breast Pump?

An electric breast pump is a machine that allows women to express milk from their breasts while they are sleeping.

Unlike manual breast pumps, these machines are powered by electricity. They usually consist of two parts: a base unit and a handheld unit.

The base unit contains all the components necessary to operate the pump, such as a motor, suction tubing, and storage containers.

The handheld unit is where you place your hands during pumping. It has controls that let you adjust the speed of the motor and control how much pressure is applied.

How Does An Electric Breast Pump Work?

The first step in using an electric breast pump is attaching the cups to your nipples. Next, you insert the suction tubes into your nipples.

Once this is done, you turn on the motor and begin moving the handheld unit up and down. As you move the handheld unit up and downwards, the suction tubes pull the milk from your breasts.

The milk flows through the suction tubes and into the storage container attached to the base unit.

What Are The Benefits Of Using An Electric Breast Pump?

Electric breast pumps are more modern- but what are the advantages of using an electric breast pump over a manual one? 

Convenience 

One of the biggest advantages of using an electric breast pump over manual breast pumps is convenience.

You can use an electric breast pump whenever you want, whether you are at home, at work, or even traveling.

Hands-free breast pumps allow you to get on with other things whilst you are expressing milk. 

Affordable 

Even though electric breast pumps are more expensive than manual ones, they are still reasonably priced considering how much easier they can make life for mothers.

Easy To Use 

Since an electric breast pump uses electricity, it is easy to use. You don’t need to put in the hard work yourself, just turn it on and let it do the pumping for you.

Versatile 

While some manual breast pumps only allow you to express milk from one side of your body, an electric breast pump lets you express milk from both sides at the same time. This makes the process quicker. 

Safe 

When using an electric breast pump, there is less risk of injury since you won’t be working directly on your breasts.

Also, unlike manual breast pumps, which may cause soreness, electric breast pumps tend to be much more comfortable. 

More Effective 

According to studies, electric breast pumps are more effective than manual ones. They produce higher volumes of milk in a shorter space of time.

Suitable For Traveling Mothers 

If you travel frequently, then you should consider buying an electric breast pump instead of a manual one.

Which Pump Is Best For You: Electric Breast Pump vs Manual Breast Pump?

If you are struggling to decide whether a manual breast pump or an electrical breast pump will be better for you, there are a few things that you should consider. 

First of all, you need to think about your budget. A manual breast pump is going to be a lot cheaper than an electric breast pump.

With an electric breast pump, you also have the ongoing cost of charging the battery which will use up electricity. 

You also need to consider how often you are going to be using the breast pump.

You may want to check out this guide on how often should I be pumping.

If you plan to do a combination of breastfeeding and expressed bottle feeding, then it might not be worth you spending the money on an electric breast pump. 

If you aren’t using it that often, a manual breast pump might be enough.

However, if you think you are likely to be using your breast pump several times a day then it will be more convenient to get an electric one, as it will save you time. 

You will need to decide how and when you are going to be using your breast pump.

If you are likely to be using it in public or the company of other people then you will be better off with an electric breast pump.

This is because they are more discreet, as they can fit underneath your clothes and have no external tubes or cords.

The people around you don’t even need to know that you are expressing milk at that time. 

An electric breast pump is also more convenient if you are very busy and you need to be able to move around and use your hands whilst you are expressing milk.

If you want to rest or sleep whilst you are using your breast pump then you will need an electric pump rather than a manual. 

However, there are times when having a manual breast pump can be quite handy. They are very portable, so they are easy to take with you if you are traveling.

As they don’t need to be charged, you don’t need to worry about getting an electrical plug converter if you are going to another country and need to take a breast pump with you. 

Final Thoughts on Hand Pump vs Electric Pump

There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of breast pumps.

Some people will prefer the traditional method of manually breast pumping, whereas other women will appreciate the efficiency and convenience of an electric breast pump.

Overall, an electric breast pump is probably better than a manual one because it is convenient, affordable, safe, versatile, and more effective.

Electric breast pumps allow you to continue with your day while you are breast pumping rather than having to sit in one place and use your hands to manually operate the pump. This gives women more freedom.

We hope this guide on a manual pump vs electric has helped you decide which pump will best suit your needs.

And if you’re looking for more great guides, make sure to check out these guides on Haakaa breast pump review, Motif Luna Vs Spectra S2, best mini fridge for breast milk, and best bottles for breastfed babies.