5 Things You’ve Probably Heard About Wearable Pumps (That Aren’t True)

Because pumping shouldn't mean pausing your life.

Pumping itself can already be a juggling act with tangled cords, rigid schedules, and an emotional rollercoaster. The last thing any mum needs? Outdated myths that make you second-guess your every move.

Imagine this: It’s 3 PM. Your toddler is having a meltdown, dinner needs prepping, and your boobs are sending those unmistakable "time to pump" signals. With a traditional pump? That’s 20–30 minutes tethered to the wall while chaos unfolds around you. With a wearable? You handle the tantrum, stir the pasta, and express milk – all at once.

Game changer? Absolutely.

Wearable breast pumps are revolutionising the pumping experience for mums worldwide. But like many other game-changing innovations, myths and misunderstandings tend to follow.

We spoke with real mums who’ve lived the hands-free life – through night feeds, work meetings, school runs, and beyond. Here’s what they want you to know.

Myth 1: “Wearable breast pumps aren’t as strong as traditional ones.”

The truth: Many wearable pumps now offer hospital-grade suction, minus the cords and chaos.

Sure, a bulky machine might look stronger. But today’s best wearables are built with advanced motors, custom suction levels, and smart design that makes powerful pumping possible – all while tucked neatly inside your bra.

“I was shocked that I pumped just as much – sometimes more – and I could walk around doing it. My first pump session at work with my wearable? 6oz in 20 minutes while answering emails.” – Saara, mum of 2

Wearables make it easier to pump consistently on your schedule, not the wall socket’s. And that consistency? That’s what protects your supply over time.

👉 Related: Our Smart Electric Breast Pump delivers hospital-grade suction in a compact, cordless design – ideal for mums looking for freedom now, with the flexibility to go wearable later.

Myth 2: “Wearable breast pumps leak more.”

The truth: Leaks usually come from poor fit or incorrect positioning, not the pump itself.

This myth probably stems from early wearable models that were, admittedly, a bit hit-or-miss. But today's wearables? They're built with leak-resistant closed systems that would make a submarine jealous.

The real culprits behind leaks are usually:

• Wrong flange size 

• Loose or unsupportive bras 

• Pumping while lying completely flat

• Overfilling the container

Modern wearable pumps are designed with sealed systems where milk flows directly into contained reservoirs. But just like shoes or bras, one size doesn't fit all. The right flange size, a secure pumping bra (invest in a good one – your future self will thank you), and proper positioning make all the difference.

“Once I figured out the right flange size and got a proper pumping bra, leaks became a non-issue. Honestly, I had fewer spills than with my old pump.” – Emma, first-time mum

💡 Pro tip: Don't lie completely flat when pumping. Most wearables work best upright or semi-reclined, like lounging on the sofa or propped up in bed. Think Netflix-and-pump position rather than full horizontal.

With the right setup, many mums say wearables are less messy than traditional pumps — no tubes, no spills, no drama.

Myth 3: “You won’t get as much milk with a wearable breast pump.”

The truth: Output depends on comfort, consistency, and letdown – all of which can actually improve with wearable pumps.

Here's what no one tells you about pumping: stress is the enemy of milk production. When you're hunched over a traditional pump, watching the clock, worried about that meeting starting in 10 minutes, your body responds accordingly. Stress hormones can actually inhibit your milk ejection reflex.

“At first I was skeptical. But I actually got more with the wearable because I wasn’t stressed. I pumped while doing laundry, playing with my toddler, even on Zoom calls. My body responded better when I wasn’t laser-focused on every drop.” – Laura, working mum of twins.

Wearables help mums sneak in extra sessions – while commuting, multitasking, or simply being upright and moving (which can even stimulate milk flow).

Here’s how they help:

• Custom suction levels and stimulation modes

• Discreet enough to use more often

• Hands-free = less pressure, more presence

“I added a pump session during my train commute. That extra 40 minutes daily made a huge difference in my supply.” – Rachel, commuting mum

Bottom line: a pump that works with your life works better for your body, too.

Myth 4: “They’re too bulky to wear in public.”

The truth: Most people won’t even notice – and the ones who do? They probably admire your multitasking superpower.

We’re not talking about strapping mini-fridges to your chest. Most wearables now fit snugly inside your bra, and when paired with the right outfit (read: not your tightest top), they’re surprisingly subtle.

“I wore mine to the shop and pumped a full session without anyone noticing. It just looked like I had on a thick sports bra. The only one who knew was my partner – I texted him a pic of my ‘milk and milk’ haul!” – Lynn, social butterfly mum

Places mums have pumped with wearables:

• Work (yes, even on Zoom – camera on)

• School drop-offs and pickups

• Grocery shopping

• Coffee dates

• Walking the dog

Let them stare. You’re feeding your baby and living your life.

Myth 5: “Wearable breast pumps are harder to clean.”

The truth: Some early models were fiddly, but today's best wearable pumps are designed with fewer parts, smarter engineering, and easy cleaning in mind.

Early wearable pumps were... let's call them "learning experiences" for manufacturers. Multiple tiny parts, complex assembly, cleaning instructions that required a PhD to understand. We get why this myth persists.

But today's wearables? They're designed by people who actually understand that mums don't have time for 47-step cleaning routines at midnight.

Modern wearable advantages:

• Fewer parts mean fewer things to wash, lose, or assemble incorrectly

• Closed systems prevent milk from getting into motor parts

• Quick-rinse designs for those "clean between uses" moments

• Clear assembly instructions with actual photos, not confusing diagrams

Bonus: Because the milk collects directly into the wearable container, you can skip the whole transfer-spill-rewash routine that comes with traditional pumps and bottles. No more crying over spilled milk — literally.

“Cleaning my wearable takes about two minutes. Hot water, soap, done. With my old pump, it felt like doing dishes after a dinner party.” – Maja, mum of 1 and efficiency queen

Some mums even get a second set of parts to rotate through – because if there’s one thing motherhood teaches you, it’s how to save time wherever you can.

So… Are Wearable Breast Pumps Worth It?

That depends on your lifestyle. But for many mums, the freedom, flexibility, and consistency make it a resounding yes.

Wearables might be ideal for you if:

• You're back at work and short on pumping breaks

• You’ve got other kids to care for

• You want to pump discreetly at events or on the go

• You’re done being glued to the wall

• You’re looking for a sustainable, long-term routine

“Wearing a pump that let me move around, parent, and feel human again was life-changing. I didn’t have to disappear for 30 minutes multiple times a day – I could show up for my baby and my family at the same time.” – Jennifer, mum of 3

Because the best pump doesn't just help you feed your baby – it helps you feel like you again. It helps you show up for your other children, your partner, your work, and most importantly, yourself.

When your pump fits your body and your life, everything changes. Pumping becomes something you do, not something that dominates your entire day.

Not Quite Ready to Go Fully Wearable?

No pressure to leap before you're ready. The pumping journey is deeply personal, and what works for your best friend might not work for you – and that's completely okay.

Many mums start with a cordless smart electric pump – like our Lola&Lykke Smart Electric Breast Pump – and gradually move to a wearable when life demands even more flexibility. It's like dating before you get married, but for breast pumps.

Explore the Lola&Lykke Smart Electric Pump

Why starting with a smart breast pump makes sense:

• Easier entry point

• You learn your pumping patterns and preferences

• Gives you more freedom than traditional pumps

• Easy transition to wearables later if you want

• Wireless and portable

"I wish I'd known about smart pumps with my first baby. By my second, I started with one and it was such a game-changer that I felt confident investing in a wearable for when I went back to work." - Katie, mum of 2

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to pump – or parent. But we believe every mum deserves tools that support her journey, not complicate it.

Whether you’re in the newborn haze or juggling toddlers and work calls, finding the right pump can change everything.

Because pumping shouldn’t feel like punishment. It should feel like power.

 ✨ And stay tuned – something wearable, wireless, and wonderfully mum-approved is on the way...