Portable Breast Pumps: A Mother’s Saving Grace

As a mother of two and a homebirth midwife, I run into many mothers-to-be who, to put it plainly, don’t want to give up their careers to stay at home with their newborns. Nor should they have to! My daughter is almost 5 now, but when she was a baby, I breastfed and pumped maybe three times total.

I didn’t do it often because it was not convenient – at all. I found it to be more of a hassle than helpful. The machine was bulky, the tubes were thick, and I was too tired by the time there was enough peace to do it. When I’d commit to the occasional pump session, I found I couldn’t do anything else. I’d sit there and stare at the wall when I wanted and needed to be doing other things. 

Fortunately for new moms wanting to pump (y’all are truly incredible as nothing about being a new mom is for the faint of heart), there’s something pretty amazing out there to help make life easier as you navigate your motherhood journey: portable breast pumps!

Why Choose a Portable Breast Pump?

Portable breast pumps change everything. No more bulky machines. No more loud noise. No more waiting for the right time to pump. Because let’s be real: when is there ever a quiet, calm moment for a new mom?

Take it from me, as someone who didn’t pump because I thought it was more trouble than it was worth. It made working harder. It meant fewer date nights with my husband, perhaps even affecting my marriage.

But while I made my own choices during the newborn phase, I sure would have pumped much more had there been the options there are now! 

Here’s why portable pumps are must-haves:

• Fits right into your bra. No tubes, no hassle.
• Hands-free pumping. Walk around, get things done, and still pump.
• Quiet and discreet. No one hears the hum. No more hiding.
• Tracks your pump history. Some even sync with an app.
• Long battery life. Perfect for busy moms on the go.
• Covered by insurance. Many brands qualify for full or partial coverage.

Top Portable Breast Pump Brands We Love

And now, here’s my list of the best portable breast pump brands you should try out!

Elvie Pump

We also covered Elvie's smart breast pump in our list of the best smart smart baby products this year, and for a good reason! It fits entirely into your nursing bra and is sleek, hands-free, and completely portable. Different sizing options are available upon purchase. 24 and 28 mm breast shields included. This pump uses piezoelectricity, which is electricity generated by pressure and crystals. This kind of electricity is precise and responds quickly.

Price: $549.99

Get in on Elvie | Get it on Amazon

‍

FetalPlus Air Wearable Breast Pump

This product pumps at 450 mmHg, the highest rate on the market, and has 12 gears, 3 modes, and a long battery life. It does a great job of emptying the entire breast. All accessories are included, so there’s no need to make extra purchases. They offer a money-back guarantee. This product is not app-controlled but seems to be the favorite among many!

Price: $169.95

Get in on FetalPlus Air

Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump

The higher settings are a touch louder, but this pump is app-controlled. Its size fits perfectly in your bra so you can go about your business while discreetly pumping. It offers an extra flange compared to the FetalPlus Air. Its max suction is 280 mmHg.

Price: $279.99

Get in on Willow Go | Get it on Amazon

Momcozy S12 Pro Wearable Breast Pump

This is a hands-free pump at a great price point. Some moms report this pump to be a tad on the noisier side and not as strong of a suction as they’d like, but the levels are adjustable. This pump comes with a handy dandy carrying bag and two sets of flanges.

Price: $139.99

Get in on Momcozy S12 Pro | Get it on Amazon

Olivia Wearable Breast Pump

This pump is awesome if you have any kind of breast issues like pain or mastitis. Also, if your supply is lower than you’d prefer, its massage mode stimulates and increases milk supply. It’s BPA-free and FDA-approved. Olivia offers 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Price: $199.99

Get in on Olivia

3 Eco-Friendly Tips for New Moms and Babies

Sustainability and motherhood can go hand in hand. From feeding essentials to everyday baby gear, here’s how to create a safer, greener experience for both of you.

Choose Glass Bottles Over Plastic

Glass bottles are a great choice if you want to avoid chemicals. They’re free from BPA and phthalates, two compounds linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and reproductive issues. BPA (bisphenol A) affects metabolism, mood, sleep, and more. Phthalates, used to make plastic more flexible, can also interfere with the endocrine system.

Hormones control so much. This means mood, energy, and even how well we rest! The last thing we need is something disrupting them, especially during the postpartum phase. If you prefer plastic, make sure it’s BPA-free and phthalate-free. But if you want the safest option, glass is the way to go. Bonus? It’s recyclable and lasts longer than plastic alternatives.

Go for Rechargeable Batteries

Anything battery-operated? Make sure it’s rechargeable. Not only does this cut down on toxic waste, but it also saves money over time. Many eco-friendly baby gadgets, including portable breast pumps, now come with rechargeable options. Less waste, more convenience.

Keep Breastfeeding Gear Non-Toxic

Whatever touches your baby’s milk should be as pure as possible. That includes bottles, storage containers, and pumps. Portable breast pumps have made life easier for moms, but choosing non-toxic, BPA-free options is key. When your body works hard to produce milk, the last thing you want is contaminants getting in the way.

Here’s to a Healthy, Happy Motherhood Journey

Motherhood is overwhelming enough. Keeping things simple, safe, and eco-friendly doesn’t have to be complicated. Also, embracing technology like portable breast pumps can make all the difference! 

A pump that’s non-toxic and portable saves time, fits into your routine, and helps you keep up with your baby’s needs, all without the hassle of tubes and bulky machines. If pumping ever felt like too much before, this might be the thing that changes your mind.