The 7 Best Wearable Breast Pumps in 2023

"First and foremost, breastfeeding parents shopping for wearable breast pumps should consider comfort," says Jessica Madden, MD, FAAP, IBCLC, medical director of Aeroflow Breastpumps. "If a wearable breast pump does not fit you correctly, this can cause issues with the amount of breast milk ultimately pumped, as well as pain and discomfort. Next, it’s important to consider cost, noise level, and the desired volume of milk to be collected."

"Buyers should should look for good suction and a variety of different flange sizes," says Laura Howells, lactation consultant, postpartum doula, and founder of Woven Lactation. "Some hands free pumps have a motor that has to be worn on your belt, others have the motor on the part that fits into the bra. It's also worth considering if they require special bags which can get expensive or if you can pump directly into the reservoir and decant at the end of the pumping session."

• How much does a wearable breast pump cost?
  The cost of a hands-free pump varies broadly. Buyers can expect to pay between $100 and $500.
• Are wearable breast pumps covered by insurance?
  "Traditional, wired breast pumps are typically covered by insurance but wearable breast pumps are not necessarily covered by health insurance plans," says Dr. Madden. "It’s important to check your specific health insurance plan before purchasing to see what is covered for you."
• Can you return breast pumps?
  Definitely not. These items are regulated by the FDA and once they're bought, they cannot be returned or resold.
• Do you need to wear a bra with a hands-free pump?
  Yes. These motorized cups are bulky and won't stay on purely because of the suction. Invest in a quality nursing bra or a loose sports bra.
• Do women need to consider individual breast size when buying, or are they all sized the same?
  "Breast size is not really a big deal except if someone is considering a wearable that will require some position maneuvering and add weight to the breast," says Kennedy. "Nipple size, however, needs to be considered with flange size choice. Most pumps will allow for sizing up or down with the flanges so you can have a fit that can effectively extract milk and maintain suction in the absence of nipple or breast discomfort."
• Can a hands-free breast pump be substituted for a traditional pump?
  In short, no. Wearable breast pumps should not be a replacement for the good old-fashioned kind — especially in the beginning. "There’s a timeline with milk supply calibration," says Kennedy. "In the first one to four weeks post-delivery, the lactating person’s body is trying to figure out how much milk is needed to meet baby’s nutritional needs. If you are relying on or utilizing a pump during this time of setting the foundation for production, you will want a machine that’s effective and easy-to-use. I hear from many mothers that there’s a 'learning curve' with the wearables. Postponing this 'learning' until things feel more settled on the feeding front might be helpful for your sanity and to build a sufficient milk supply."