Manual vs Electric Breast Pump: Which One Is Right for You?

Searching for the “right” breast pump can feel overwhelming for mums. New mums assume that they need the most advanced breast pump with all the features because it’s “better”. But actually, simplicity is the best place to start.

We want to help you skip the tough learning curve because the best breast pump depends on your lifestyle, budget, comfort, feeding goals, and how often you need to pump. A manual breast pump and an electric breast pump can achieve all of this, depending on the individual’s needs.

Manual breast pumps are often overlooked, but they can be a great fit for mums who only need to pump occasionally or want to start small whilst they’re figuring out what works for them. Even experienced breastfeeding mums use a manual breast pump to relieve engorgement or pump milk on the go.

What Is a Manual Breast Pump?

A manual breast pump is hand-operated and doesn’t require any electricity to function. So there are no wires, motor, or “I forgot my charging cable” with a manual breast pump!

First-time mums seek out a recommended manual breast pump because they are simple and quiet to use. They have fewer parts to clean (hooray!) and are lightweight to carry in your bag. They can also be a more affordable option than an electric breast pump for first-time parents.

A good manual breast pump is ideal to travel with because they are compact and lightweight. For mums who only need to pump occasionally, such as exclusive breastfeeding mums, a manual breast pump is a great option for mums who don’t need to invest in an electric breast pump yet. They also come in handy for urgent pumping needs (e.g. relieving engorgement to save your work outfit from milk leaks!).

Why Many First-Time Mums Start with a Manual Pump

Given that new parents already have a high cost to outlay for baby items, an affordable manual breast pump is more appealing to families who are on a budget. For mums who are finding their rhythm with feeding and pumping, a manual breast pump is less intimidating because you don’t need to spend time figuring out how to put it together and what buttons to press.

(With the Lola&Lykke manual breast pump, you can pump directly into breast milk storage bags.)

The best manual breast pump is one that ticks all the boxes for what you need it to do. Lola&Lykke’s Manual Breast Pump has simplistic, yet innovative features, to make each pumping moment a smoother one. It’s nighttime quiet, cordless, and light to hold. It features two breast shield sizes and soft silicone inserts to achieve a comfortable fit, alongside two adjustable suction levels.

Even the most experienced pumping mums say that a manual breast pump makes a good “just in case” pump for their changing bag.

What Is an Electric Breast Pump?

An electric breast pump has a motor which automates pumping. The motor powers the suction, and it mimics a breastfeeding rhythm to effectively pump milk without you needing to do any more than press a button.

Mums who need to pump more regularly (exclusive pumping) lean towards an electric breast pump because they can pump faster with less hand fatigue. You can buy electric breast pumps as a single or a double setup, which can be useful for building a breast milk stash quickly. Mums who are returning to work and need to pump more regularly may opt for an electric breast pump because they need a solution that effectively withdraws milk quickly.

As pumping becomes a bigger part of your daily routine, many mums choose to upgrade from a manual breast pump to an electric breast pump.

Manual vs Electric Breast Pump: What’s the Real Difference?

It can be helpful to view the differences between an electric and a manual breast pump by comparing their features. Each one is better suited to a specific setup, and every mum's breastfeeding journey will look differently to one another.

Who Should Start with a Manual Breast Pump?

Not every mum needs a high-powered pumping setup from day one. You just need to start simple, until you can figure out what your feeding routine looks like, and decide how often you will need to use a breast pump.

A good manual breast pump may be a great fit for you if you:

• Are a first-time mum, unsure how often you’ll want to pump
• Decide to breastfeed (or mostly) exclusively
• Need occasional relief, e.g. from engorgement, a partner to feed, or a blocked milk duct
• Want a simple backup pump for your electric pump
• Want something lightweight and ultra quiet
• Are shopping on a budget
• Simple & effective option to catch the milk flow while nursing your baby on the other side

When Does It Make Sense to Upgrade to an Electric Pump?

Many mums start with a manual breast pump, then move to a smart electric pump once pumping becomes part of their daily routine. Sometimes your needs change, or your baby’s feeding patterns adjust, and you need a little more oomph!

You may benefit from an electric breast pump if you:

• Pump multiple times daily
• Return to work and need to pump quickly and efficiently
• Exclusively pump or combine breastfeeding & pumping
• Have multiple babies you need to pump for, e.g. twins or triplets
• Need to increase milk expression frequency to increase your milk supply
• Want shorter pumping sessions

The Best Setup Might Actually Be Both

Who’s to say you can’t have the best of both, right? Just think, the best manual breast pump to give you flexibility and the best electric breast pump to give you efficiency. That’s a power couple every mum would want!

What this could look like in reality:

• Manual breast pump for a trip away from the baby, and you need some relief from engorgement
• An electric breast pump to use at home or at work
• Manual breast pump for quick relief in the morning or at night
• An electric breast pump for scheduled power pumping sessions
• A manual breast pump can act as a reliable, silent, and portable backup to your electric breast pump
• You’re exclusively breastfeeding, with a freezer stash of breast milk, and you can downgrade your electric breast pump for the occasional manual pumping session
• An electric breast pump you can wear to multitask
• A manual breast pump for day trips out with your baby that’s easy to travel light with

Fran, mum of two, remembers when she used a mixture of manual and electric breast pumps before finding the right fit for her breastfeeding routine.

“With my firstborn, I exclusively breastfed. I bought a powerful hospital-grade electric breast pump because I thought I would need it. In reality, I used my manual breast pump more often to attach to my other breast when I was breastfeeding! It was really handy to catch my letdown without prompting any more milk to be produced.

When I had my son almost 3 years later, I used a double electric breast pump in the first few months to help establish my milk supply. This time, my supply didn’t establish as easily, and I needed an electric pump to help increase my supply. Each pump had its use, and I just wish I had been more informed the first time around!”

Lola&Lykke Manual Breast Pump Solution

A beginner-friendly breast pump that delivers! The whole design has mum at the centre. It’s easy to use, lightweight to hold, cleaning is a dream, and the price point makes it accessible to any new mum who wants to try pumping. It makes the best manual breast pump to travel with and keep as a backup to use alongside other breast pumps.

Ready for More Frequent Pumping?

When you’re ready for a little more power to boost your pumping sessions, Lola&Lykke’s Smart Electric Breast Pump wins again. Featuring hospital-grade suction and customisable settings, you can squeeze in a quick, powerful, and comfortable pumping session into your day easily. The wireless design removes the fuss, and it’s designed to be used for frequent pumping.

Our Take: Start Simple, Upgrade If You Need To

You don’t need to predict your entire feeding journey before your baby arrives. Start with what feels manageable, and the rest is figureoutable. A good manual breast pump can be the perfect first step, and if your needs change later, a smart electric breast pump can grow with you.

Electric vs. Manual Breast Pump FAQs

Is a manual breast pump enough for a newborn?

If you’re using a manual breast pump for occasional pumping, this would be suitable.

Does a manual breast pump hurt more?

A breast pump is only uncomfortable if the fit isn’t right. Some mums want to be in control of the suction rhythm rather than automate it. Check which breast shield size you need before you pump.

Is an electric breast pump worth it?

If you need to pump more frequently or efficiently with less time, then an electric breast pump is more suited to your needs.

Can I use both manual and electric breast pumps?

Absolutely! Many mums choose to use both types of breast pumps because it allows them to be flexible in their feeding routine.