Wearable breast pumps are quickly becoming one of the most popular breastfeeding products, thanks to the unparalleled simplicity and comfort they offer breastfeeding moms.
You can wear the breast pump under your bra without any tubes getting in the way, and moms are practically free and able to pump while driving, working, washing dishes, caring for baby, etc.
Of course, as with any breast pump, wearable breast pumps have their drawbacks. If you are considering purchasing a wearable pump, here are some pros and cons to consider.
Pros:
Portability
The ability to move around and do things freely while pumping is the number one reason wearable breast pumps are so popular. Who wants to be strapped to a breast pump for hours every day? Unlike traditional breast pumps that require AC power and have several feet of tubing, wearable breast pumps are battery powered and do not rely on tubing for suction. This flexible power source and the discreet nature of wearable breast pumps make it easy for moms to pump wherever they go!
Discreet
With most breast pumps, even if you are able to check your email while wearing a hands-free breast pumping bra, you still have to pump in a private place because your bra has flanges attached to the bottle. But with wearable breast pumps, you can wear them under your bra, under your shirt, so you can wear them while shopping, driving, or working in the office. (This can be especially helpful if you're someone else who can't really take time off from work).Comfortable
Not only do wearable breast pumps fit comfortably in any regular or nursing bra, but they also help moms feel more comfortable when pumping in public. While breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful process, wearable breast pumps can help moms feel relaxed wherever they are pumping because they are so quiet and discreet. The social and physical comfort provided by a hands-free breast pump is an attractive combination for many moms.
Quiet
Wearable breast pumps are less than 50dB, similar to a human whisper. You can wear them under your shirt and most people won't even know you're pumping.
Easy to clean
The wearable breast pump has very few parts, so it is very easy to clean. the Upslife wearable breast pump has only five parts (bowl, breast shield, tee, duckbill valve and diaphragm) and you can clean these parts by hand and then dry them on the shelf.
Cons:
Power
While the portability of hands-free breast pumps is excellent, there are drawbacks to any product. Because wearable breast pumps are designed to be lightweight and compact, the motors used in these products are typically not the most powerful. For example, a hospital grade breast pump can provide up to 300 mmHg of suction, while a wearable breast pump may only provide up to 220 mmHg of suction. This isn't necessarily a bad thing! However, mothers who plan to exclusively breast pump or who have a small baby with a large appetite may need a breast pump motor with more suction power.Charging
Because wearable pumps do not have a cord attached, you must remember to charge them. The wearable breast pump takes about 2 to 3 hours to fully charge and lasts about 90-120 minutes!