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Top 5 Picks: Best Hospital-Grade Breast Pump 2024
By Tehreem Fatima Updated May 15, 2024
Finding the best hospital-grade breast pump can be daunting for new mothers and healthcare professionals.
These devices are essential for moms who require efficient, durable, and robust pumping solutions, especially breastfeeding twins, increasing milk supply, or pumping exclusively.
In this article, we’ll explore the 5 best hospital-grade breast pumps of 2024, breaking down their features, benefits, and what makes them stand out.
These top hospital-grade breast pumps are selected based on their effectiveness, ease of use, and overall customer satisfaction.
So, let’s dive in and choose the best-rated hospital-grade breast pump for your needs.
List of 5 Best Hospital-Grade Breast Pumps
Below, I have compiled a list of the top 5 best hospital-grade breast pumps based on research and user reviews.
1. Best Overall: Medela Symphony Hospital-grade Breast Pump Jump to Skip ↘
2. Best Customizable: Ameda Platinum Electric Breast Pump Jump to Skip ↘
3. Best Comfortable: Ardo Carum Hospital Breast Pump Jump to Skip ↘
4. Best Portable: Pumpables Super Genie Breast Pump Jump to Skip ↘
5. Best Twin Motors: Unimom Opera + Hospital-grade Breast Pump Jump to Skip ↘
Detailed Analysis
This section will examine each top hospital-grade breast pump, highlighting its unique features and benefits.
1. Medela Symphony Hospital-grade Breast Pump
Best Overall Breast Pump
Renowned for its efficiency and reliability, the Medela Symphony is a top choice for frequent, effortless pumping.
Key Specifications
- Weight: The pump weighs 7 lbs, making it slightly less portable than other options on this list.
- Suction Settings: The Symphony offers adjustable suction levels up to 250 mmHg, providing a customizable pumping experience.
- Included Accessories: The pump has a 24mm flange, tubing, and two bottles with lids. Other accessories, such as additional flange sizes, can be purchased separately.
The Medela Symphony is the best overall hospital-grade pump known for its powerful and efficient performance. It features 2-phase expression technology, mimicking a baby’s natural nursing rhythm to stimulate letdown and maximize milk production.
The pump has adjustable suction levels up to 250 mmHg and various flange sizes available for customization. For convenience, it also offers the option of single or double pumping.
The Symphony is designed for multiple users and is intended for use in hospitals or rental programs. However, it can also be purchased for personal use.
Moms who have used this pump rave about its effectiveness in increasing milk supply and its comfortable pumping experience.
If you want to get Spectra S1 plus through Insurance, check it out on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.
After-Sales Support and Warranty:
Medela offers a 3-year warranty for the Symphony pump, providing peace of mind for mothers who plan on using it long-term. They also have a customer service team to help with troubleshooting or questions.
Mom Insights:
“This pump is a powerhouse. It helps me maintain my milk supply and efficiently empties my breasts in one session. I highly recommend it to other breastfeeding moms.” – Amanda, mother of three.
“I’ve been using the Symphony for a few months now and have had no issues with milk supply. The adjustable suction levels make it comfortable for me, even after extended pumping sessions.” – Lisa, working mother.
Verdict:
Overall, the Medela Symphony is an excellent hospital-grade breast pump for its efficient performance, customizable options, and durability. However, it may be more suitable for mothers who plan on using a pump long-term or those needing more muscular suction strength.
If you want to rent the Medela Symphony, check out the website!
2. Ameda Platinum Electric Breast Pump
Best Customizable Breast Pump
Offering advanced adjustability, the Ameda Platinum ensures an optimal pumping experience tailored to your needs.
Key Specifications
- Weight: The pump weighs 6 lbs, making it slightly less portable than other options on this list.
- Suction Settings: With adjustable suction levels up to 280 mmHg and different cycle speeds, the Ameda Platinum offers a highly customizable pumping experience for mothers.
- Included Accessories: The pump has a 25mm flange, tubing, and two bottles with caps. Other accessories, such as additional flange sizes, can be purchased separately.
The Ameda Platinum is a hospital-grade breast pump known for its customizable settings, providing mothers with a comfortable pumping experience. It offers adjustable suction levels up to 280 mmHg and different cycle speeds to mimic a baby’s natural nursing rhythm.
The pump also has dual controls, allowing moms to adjust the settings separately for each breast. Its built-in memory feature remembers preferred settings for future use. The Ameda Platinum also has the option of single or double pumping.
It is designed for multiple users and can also be purchased for personal use. It’s perfect for mothers who need a customizable pumping experience, such as those with sensitive nipples or a low milk supply.
If you want to get Spectra S1 plus through Insurance, check it out on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.
After-Sales Support and Warranty:
Ameda offers a 2-year warranty for the Platinum pump, providing peace of mind for mothers who plan on using it long-term. They also have a customer service team to help with troubleshooting or questions.
Mom Insights:
“I love the dual controls on this pump. It allows me to adjust the settings independently for each breast, making it more comfortable and efficient for me.” – Rachel, mother of twins.
“The Ameda Platinum has been a game-changer for my pumping routine. The different cycle speeds make it feel like my baby is nursing, which helps with letdown and milk production.” – Stephanie, working mother.
Verdict:
The Ameda Platinum is an excellent hospital-grade breast pump because of its customizable settings and efficient performance. It may be more suitable for mothers who need a highly personalized pumping experience or those with sensitive nipples.
If you want to purchase or rent the Ameda Platinum, check out their website or buy through insurance!
3. Ardo Carum Hospital Breast Pump
Best Comfort Breast Pump
The Ardo Carum stands out for its gentle, comfortable suction, making it ideal for sensitive users.
Key Specifications
- Weight: The pump weighs 5.3 lbs, making it one of the most portable options on this list.
- Suction Settings: With adjustable suction levels up to 220 mmHg and different cycle speeds, the Ardo Carum offers a customizable and comfortable pumping experience for mothers.
- Included Accessories: The pump has a 26mm flange, tubing, and two bottles with caps. Other accessories, such as additional flange sizes, can be purchased separately.
The Ardo Carum is a hospital-grade pump known for its comfortable and quiet operation. It features adjustable suction levels up to 220 mmHg and different cycle speeds to mimic a baby’s natural nursing rhythm.
The pump also has soft silicone breast shields and a massage function that helps stimulate letdown. It offers both single and double-pumping options.
Moreover, it is also designed for multiple users and can be purchased or rented for personal use. It’s perfect for mothers needing a comfortable and discreet pumping experience.
If you want to get Spectra S1 plus through Insurance, check it out on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.
After-Sales Support and Warranty:
Ardo offers a 400-hour warranty for the Carum pump, providing peace of mind for mothers who plan on using it long-term. They also have a customer service team to help with troubleshooting or questions.
Mom Insights:
“The soft breast shields on the Ardo Carum make a huge difference in comfort compared to other pumps I’ve used. It’s also hushed so I can pump discreetly even in public places.” – Sarah, mother of two.
“I have sensitive nipples, and the massage function on this pump helps stimulate letdown without causing discomfort. It’s been a game-changer for me.” – Emily, stay-at-home mom.
Verdict:
Overall, the Ardo Carum is an excellent hospital-grade breast pump because of its comfortable and discreet operation. It may be more suitable for mothers prioritizing comfort and privacy while pumping.
If you want to purchase or rent the Ardo Carum, check out their website or buy through insurance!
4. Pumpables Super Genie Breast Pump
Best Portable Breast Pump
Perfect for on-the-go moms, the lightweight and portable Pumpables Super Genie combines power with ease of use.
Key Specifications
- Weight: The pump weighs 2.6 lbs, making it the most lightweight option.
- Suction Settings: With adjustable suction levels up to 300 mmHg and different cycle speeds, the Pumpables Super Genie offers a highly efficient and customizable pumping experience for mothers.
- Included Accessories: The pump has a 24mm flange, tubing, and two bottles with caps. Other accessories, such as additional flange sizes, can be purchased separately.
The Pumpables Super Genie is a hospital-grade pump known for its compact and lightweight design. It features adjustable suction levels up to 300 mmHg and different cycle speeds to mimic a baby’s natural nursing rhythm.
The pump features an LCD screen that showcases settings, time, and battery status. It includes a night light for discreet use in dim conditions and is versatile as both a single and double pump.
Moreover, it is designed for multiple users and can be purchased or rented for personal use. It’s perfect for mothers needing a highly portable and efficient pumping experience.
If you want to get Spectra S1 plus through Insurance, check it out on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.
After-Sales Support and Warranty:
Pumpables offers a 2-year warranty for the Super Genie pump, providing peace of mind for mothers who plan on using it long-term. They also have a customer service team to help with troubleshooting or questions.
Mom Insights:
“I love how compact and lightweight this pump is. It’s easy to pack and carry around, making pumping on the go much more manageable.” – Jessica, working mother.
“The LCD screen on the Pumpables Super Genie is a game-changer for me. I can see my settings easily and even pump in dim lighting with the night light feature.” – Maria, stay-at-home mom.
Verdict:
Overall, the Pumpables Super Genie is an excellent hospital-grade breast pump because of its compact and efficient design. It may be more suitable for mothers prioritizing portability and convenience while pumping.
If you want to purchase or rent the Pumpables Super Genie, check out their website or buy through insurance!
5. Unimom Opera + Hospital-grade Breast Pump
Best Twin Motor Breast Pump
With dual motors for independent control, the Unimom Opera + provides efficient and customizable pumping sessions.
Key Specifications
- Weight: The pump weighs 3.5 lbs, making it the second most lightweight option.
- Suction Settings: With adjustable suction levels up to 300 mmHg and different cycle speeds, the Unimom Opera + offers a powerful and customizable pumping experience for mothers.
- Included Accessories: The pump has a 24mm flange, tubing, two bottles with caps, and a carry bag. Other accessories, such as additional flange sizes, can be purchased separately.
The Unimom Opera + is a hospital-grade pump with two motors, making it ideal for mothers of twins or those looking to increase their milk supply. It offers adjustable suction levels up to 300 mmHg and different cycle speeds.
The pump also has a massage function to help stimulate the letdown and reduce discomfort. It can be used as a single or double pump and is designed for personal use.
Moreover, it is lightweight and comes with a carry bag for easy transport. It’s perfect for mothers who need a dual, powerful, and efficient pumping experience.
If you want to get Spectra S1 plus through Insurance, check it out on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.
After-Sales Support and Warranty:
The pump has a 3-year warranty, providing peace of mind for mothers who plan on using it long-term. The company also has a customer service team to help with troubleshooting or questions.
Mom Insights:
“I have twins, so the dual motors on this pump are a lifesaver. I can save time by expressing milk from both breasts simultaneously.” – Ellie, mother of twins.
“The massage function on the Unimom Opera + helps with my letdown and makes pumping more comfortable. I’ve noticed an increased milk supply since using this pump.”—Sam, working mother.
Verdict:
Overall, the Unimom Opera + is an excellent hospital-grade breast pump for its dual motors and efficiency in increasing milk supply. It may be more suitable for mothers of twins or those looking to pump from both breasts simultaneously.
If you want to purchase or rent the Unimom Opera +, check out their website or buy through insurance!
How to Choose the Best Hospital-Grade Breast Pump
Choosing the right hospital-grade breast pump involves considering many factors to ensure it meets your specific needs. Here are some key aspects to contemplate:
1. Pumping Efficiency: Pay attention to the pump’s maximum suction strength and cycle speed range. These factors greatly influence the time it takes to express milk and the overall pumping experience.
2. Portability and Design: If you’re planning to pump at work or while traveling, consider the pump’s weight and size. A more compact and lightweight design may be beneficial for on-the-go pumping sessions.
3. Battery Life: For mothers who may need to pump without access to a power outlet, the battery life of a pump is crucial. Consider models with longer battery life or options for external power sources.
4. Noise Level: A quieter pump might be preferable if discretion is essential, especially for pumping at work or in public spaces.
5. Hygiene and Safety: Pumps with a closed system offer an added layer of protection against contamination, ensuring the milk remains pure and safe for your baby.
6. Customization Options: Look for pumps with adjustable suction levels and cycle speeds to tailor the pumping experience to your comfort and needs.
7. Insurance Coverage: Given the cost of hospital-grade pumps, it’s worth checking with your health insurance provider to see if your chosen model is covered, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best hospital-grade breast pump is vital to sustain a healthy milk supply and ensure convenience during pumping sessions.
Understanding the important differences and things to think about when picking a hospital-grade pump, as well as figuring out how insurance covers it, helps you make the best decision for your breastfeeding journey.
Don’t forget to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized suggestions and guidance. They can offer tailored advice to suit your specific needs. Happy Pumping!
FAQs
Given the importance of selecting the right breast pump, here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs):
1. Should I Rent a Hospital-Grade Pump?
Renting a hospital-grade breast pump can be a good option for many mothers. This choice suits temporary needs or if buying one upfront is too expensive. It benefits moms who aim to boost milk supply, care for a baby in neonatal care, or feed twins/multiples.
A rental allows you to try a top-quality pump without the total purchase commitment. Consider rental terms, costs, and hygiene guidelines for shared use. Ensure the rental includes a new accessory kit for health and safety standards.
2. When Should I Switch from the Hospital-Grade Pump?
Switching from a hospital-grade pump to a personal breast pump can depend on factors like your baby’s feeding improvement, resolving medical issues, or reaching a point where intense pumping isn’t needed.
Mothers may switch when they are confident in their milk supply, and the baby’s nursing pattern is good. It’s common when pumping demands lessen, like returning to work or the baby starting solid foods. Get advice from a lactation consultant to help you decide when to switch, making sure it’s the right time for both you and your baby. They’ll give you personalized tips based on your needs.
3. Does Insurance Cover Hospital-Grade Breast Pumps?
Insurance coverage for hospital-grade breast pumps can vary among providers and health plans. Most insurance companies cover renting or purchasing these pumps, but coverage specifics hinge on medical necessity and policy terms. Mothers should contact their insurance provider directly to check coverage.
A prescription and documentation of medical necessity may be required. Inquire about rental duration and approved suppliers for covered pumps.
3. What Prescription Do I Need for a Hospital-Grade Pump?
A prescription from a healthcare provider is needed to get a hospital-grade breast pump. The prescription should state the need for a “hospital-grade breast pump” and explain the medical reasons why it’s necessary. Reasons could include premature birth, low milk supply, difficulty with breastfeeding, and requiring frequent pumping.
The prescription should also mention the recommended pump usage duration. Clear documentation of your or your baby’s condition is vital for insurance approval. Consult your healthcare provider for the right prescription for your situation.
Resources for Breastfeeding and Pumping Support:
Here’s a summary of some valuable resources and what they offer:
1. Kellymom (Kellymom): This website is well-regarded for its evidence-based information on breastfeeding, pumping, and parenting. It’s an excellent starting point for mothers seeking lactation support and practical advice on balancing work and breastfeeding.
2. UpToDate – Pumping Breast Milk (Beyond the Basics) (UpToDate): This resource offers detailed patient education materials for mothers seeking a deeper understanding of pumping breast milk. It includes additional resources for finding lactation specialists and peer support.
3. La Leche League Online Support Resources (La Leche League International): La Leche League (LLL) is a global organization offering breastfeeding support in over 80 countries. Their online resources include a search function for finding local LLL leaders and groups, providing mothers access to personal guidance and community support.
4. WIC Breastfeeding Support – Expressing and Pumping Milk (WIC Breastfeeding Support): The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program offers tips and videos on milk expression and pumping. This resource is beneficial for solving breastfeeding challenges and making milk expression work for each mother.
5. Women’s Health – Breastfeeding Resources (Women’s Health): This government website provides general information about breastfeeding from reputable sources like the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics. It’s a trustworthy source for mothers seeking authoritative advice on breastfeeding.
6. PHFE WIC – Breastfeeding Support, Resources & Information (PHFE WIC): PHFE WIC offers extensive breastfeeding support and resources, including classes and lactation information. Contacting their offices can connect mothers with more personalized support and educational materials.
7. Mamava – Breastfeeding Resources for Parents (Mamava): Mamava provides resources tailored to the needs of working mothers, including facts and talk tracks to help explain the necessity of pumping at work. It also reviews products like nursing covers, aiding mothers in finding the best gear for breastfeeding and pumping.
8. Cincinnati Children’s – Maintaining Milk Supply with a Breast Pump (Cincinnati Children’s): This resource offers insights into using a breast pump to build and maintain milk supply, alongside clinical trials, research studies, and ongoing support resources. It’s a valuable source of information for mothers looking to optimize their pumping routine.
9. Lurie Children’s – Breastfeeding and Pumping Resources (Lurie Children’s): Catering especially to mothers of NICU babies, this resource compiles support sites, organizations, and instructional videos to assist with breastfeeding and pumping during a challenging time.
These resources collectively provide knowledge and support for breastfeeding mothers, especially those in the consideration stage looking to make informed decisions about pumping.