Find the suction level you’re comfortable with - Using the pump's vacuum control, adjust the suction level until you feel comfortable. The suction should be strong enough to effectively express milk but not uncomfortable or painful. Experiment with different settings to find the right balance. Pros: Electric pumps offer adjustable suction levels and pumping settings for more comfort and efficiency. They typically allow for double pumping which is a big time saver if you’re in a rush to express milk before work etc. Electric pumps are well-suited for regular or exclusive pumping and can help maintain milk supply over time. The soft and flexible silicone design of the hands-free Lansinoh Silicone Breast Pump makes it a popular choice amongst Mumsnetters who claim that the gentle suction works really well to extract breast milk without any hand pumping motions needed. All you do is gently compress the lower portion of the pump and unfold the pump's opening outward. Next, position the pump's opening over your nipple and return the cushion to its initial position, covering the nipple area. This creates the suction you need to start expressing. Regardless of how often you plan to use your manual breast pump, for ultimate comfort it’s best to choose one with adjustable suction levels to suit your preferences, ergonomic handles, and soft breast shields that can help stimulate milk let-down and expression. Many Mumsnetters also find silicone manual breast pumps, such as Haakaa-style pumps, to be quite simple and convenient. These pumps attach to the breast and use gentle suction to draw out milk without requiring manual squeezing or pumping. What’s the best manual breast pump to buy? These pumps are operated by hand, without the need for electricity or batteries. They’re also portable, compact, and often more affordable than electric counterparts, making them suitable for occasional use. Simply put, they give you the flexibility to express milk on your terms, providing a convenient option for on-the-go pumping. How do I choose the best type of breast pump for me?

I had both. I could keep the manual in my bag and use in bed in the night (DC2 was in nicu) and the electric for in the day. I used Tommee Tippee ones.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user, Gin4thewin) Our verdict Chances are high that you’ll be carrying this pump around with you so that you have it on hand in case you need it, so make sure it’s made of durable materials and is a size that is easy to tote around. Whether you're pumping at work, at a friend's house, or on the road, having a manual pump that is compact and lightweight is ideal. Single or double pump: Single | Number of settings: One | Closed system: Yes | BPA free: Yes | Warranty: 90 days What we like Efficiency - Look for a pump with adjustable suction levels/buttons and a comfortable pumping rhythm to suit your needs. Known for their expertise in designing and manufacturing top-quality baby products, we're not surprised that MAM’s manual breast pump is popular on our Mumsnet Forum. While it might look like other manual breast pumps, it’s evident that a lot of thought and consideration has gone into this breast pump’s design to make it as simple and as comfortable to use as possible.

How do I choose the best type of breast pump for me?

We believe this manual breast pump has a lot of value due to its great features and thoughtful accessories. The set comes with one 5-ounce bottle with extra wide mouths, a lid and stand, one harmony connector, one valve, and one membrane. The battery lasts 6-9 pumping sessions or about three days on one charge. A manual breast pump is a small-to-medium handheld device designed to extract breast milk from your breasts. It relies on manual squeezing or gentle pumping motions to create suction, which stimulates milk flow and draws out the milk.

Sit comfortably - Choose a comfortable and relaxed seating position that allows you to lean slightly forward. This can help gravity assist with milk flow and prevent straining during pumping. Exact instructions depend on the style of pump you get, but generally speaking, manual breast pumps work by creating suction through squeezing and releasing the pump while the breast shield is pressed up against the areola and nipple. If you only have one pump, you’ll want to switch breasts about every five minutes during your session. What’s more important, however, is ensuring you’re comfortable using a manual breast pump physically and mentally.

Another feature of the pump is a nifty suction base for stability and the fact that it can be used for collecting leaking breastmilk while feeding from the other breast. The only downside? Some say the suction isn’t as strong as other manual pumps on the market and may take longer to express your desired amount. Another great feature of this pump is the massage cushion which is designed to ensure that your nipple is properly centred within the breast shield. Plus, the soft, flexible petals of the cushion help to create a massaging motion on the breast as you pump, thus helping to stimulate more milk flow. Some reviewers have said that’s it’s so comfortable and easy to use that they can breastfeed on the other side, whilst using this pump on one breast – simply because it’s so easy to manoeuvre with one hand. It also comes apart well and is easy to clean, what a bonus! Single or double pump: Single | Number of settings: One | Closed system: No | BPA free: Yes | Warranty: 90 days What we like

Cons: Manual pumping can require more effort and repetitive hand movements, which might be tiring or painful for some. They may also be less efficient for long or frequent pumping sessions. Price - Consider your budget and choose a pump that offers the best features within your price range. The good news is that manual breast pumps are generally a lot more affordable than electronic versions. Insert the stem in the silicone diaphragm. Make sure that the stem is pushed through to the end (Fig. 3). Once your milk has started flowing, you can switch between sides as much as you choose, but ensure that both breasts get the same amount of pumping (even if they don't produce the same amount of milk). Aim to pump for about 15 minutes per breast.

If you’re worried that your hands might get tired or sore with a handheld manual pump, then the Mochi Manual Wearable Pump is a good option. The sleek, compact design is super lightweight and made from 100% medical grade silicone, so it won’t weigh your breasts down. And we like that the flange structure is designed to adapt to all breast and nipple sizes. Mumsnetters can’t stop talking about the clever one-piece design and effectiveness of the Haakaa Manual Breast Pump, which is why we’ve included it in our top 10 list once again! (You’ll also see the Haakaa in our best breast pumps roundup for 2023).

If you're using an electric breast pump, start slowly with the suction on the lowest setting. The advantage of using an electric breast pump is that it does the work for you, and takes less time than manual breast pumps.The pump is designed with a handle, diaphragm, and stem with an O-ring to make manual pumping easier. The soft and flexible rim of the PersonalFit shield is clinically proven to make every pumping session more efficient and produce more milk. On the highest suction level, the suction doesn’t feel very strong but is very comfortable.