While breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed our babies, for a lot of mothers out there, it's painful, time consuming and often for a lot of women it's just not possible.
For mothers who have decided to breastfeed, an electric pump will maximise the amount of milk you can express in a shorter amount of time.
What breast pump is right for you?
There are two main types of breast pump, manual or electric.
Manual breast pumps - as the name suggests, manual pumps require you to manually express milk via a pump handle. You're not always able to adjust suction levels so these tend to be for occasional use.
These pumps tend to be cheaper to there electric counterparts as well as quieter too, you also won't have to worry about recharging it, which is a huge plus.
Electric breast pumps - can be a godsend for mothers just returning to work, especially when they're going to be away from their babies for lengths of time during the day.
These pumps are powered by USB, mains or batteries and create a rhythmic, enabling you to pump larger volumes of milk in less time - without the manual work.
You can usually adjust the suction patterns of electric pumps too, making it a more comfortable experience for you whilst you express.
Single or double breast pump?
Manual breast pumps are only available as single models, using a manual breast pump will require you to use both hands.
Electric pumps come as single or doubles, cutting your pumping time in half and many of the modern designs come equipped with special attachments for simple, hands-free expressing.
Double pumps tend to cost more than the single counterparts, after all, it is two breast pumps.
So if you're in the market for an electric breast pump to make life a little bit easier, we've rounded up some of the best single and double electric breast pumps on the market, suitable for all mothers on every budget.
Read More
12 Best baby strollers 2022: Enjoy smooth hassle-free travel with your family
Best baby thermometers to get an accurate reading of your child's temperature
Best sterilisers from top-rated brands including Avent and Tommee Tippee
Best baby walkers for 2019 to help your baby take their first steps
Best electric breast pumps to buy in the UK
1. Bellababy Dual Suction Electric Breast Pump
Type: Electric
Single/Double: Double
This dual suction electric breast pump from Bellababy is a practical and a super affordable contender to keep an eye on if you're concerned about value for money and it's probably one of the cheaper double models around right now..
The Bellababy has soft silicone petal cushions, which are designed to emulate the rhythm of a feeding baby, enabling you to express milk in as most comfort as possible.
Four modes and nine different suction levels allow you to find the perfect level for your body and your needs. It also comes with 10 milk storage bags and two storage bag adapter clips - so you can express milk straight into a storage bag without, you know, crying over spilt milk.
2. Ardo Calypso Single Electric Breast Pump
Type: Electric
Single/Double: Single
The Ardo Calypso is a great all round, single electric breast pump and was voted Best Breast Pump of the Year back in 2018 by Mumsnet.
The powerful pump has a whopping 64 combinations of different speed and suction capabilities - ideal for mums who need to stimulate milk production. Vacuum Seal technology in all Ardo Pump sets includes a barrier against bacteria and impurities from entering the connecting tube or pump.
One of the most talked about features of this particular model is how silent it is. When pumping, you'd like to at least be able to do it somewhat discreetly - especially if you aren't in your most comfortable setting.
3. Medela Swing Maxi Flex 2-Phase Double Electric Breast Pump
Type: Electric
Single/Double: Double
It's a pricey breast pump, with great all round reviews and some amazing qualities that will help you understand why it's priced the way it is.
Leading experts in the field Medela, use two phase expression technology to help you and your baby get the most out of the experience. A PersonalFit Flex breast shield adapts to your body and therefore allows the breast pump to express in the most comfortable and efficient way.
According the Medela, with this breast pump you can get around 18% more expressed milk than with single expressing.
You can also switch easily between single and double pumping, as well as including a range of breastfeeding accessories to start you off on your journey.
4. Tommee Tippee Made for Me Double Electric Breast Pump
Type: Electric
Single/Double: Double
Discreet, light and mighty quiet.
The adjustable settings allow you to fully control the level of expressing needed during each pumping session. You'll be able to choose from 5 massage and 9 express settings to stimulate milk flow and express breast milk in a way that's comfortable for you.
This electric pump boasts lever switching expression technology, which switches from one breast to the other for a more natural and comfortable experience. The hygienic closed system makes sure that only breast milk and no other impurities go into the bottle.
5. Nuby Double Digital Electric Breast Pump
Type: Electric
Single/Double: Double
The Nuby double breast pump has nine different modes to help you find the most comfortable expressing setting for you, the super smart technology will even tell you how long you you've been expressing for on the LCD screen.
There are nine different adjustments you can make in stimulation mode and nine settings in expression mode, giving you freedom to explore the settings that work best for you.
A rechargeable li-ion battery will give you up to three hours on a single charge, which isn't the greatest battery life, but enough to get the job done.
6. MAM Electric 2 in 1 Single Breast Pump
Type: Electric and Manual
Single/Double: Single
The MAM 2 in 1 single breast pump gives mothers the best of both worlds, allowing you to easily transition between electric and manual when it suits you.
An easy to use LCD display with nine different expressing levels and silicone nipple shields ensure maximum comfort and the pump is also compatible with other products from the MAM range.
The rechargeable battery will give you over five hours of power on a single charge, not that you'll need it. The electric pump mode is really silent so you can express milk discreetly without noisy disturbances.
7. Tommee Tippee Electric Breast Pump Set
Type: Electric
Single/Double: Single
When it comes to feeding hungry babies, Tommee Tippee is one of the nation's favourites, so is it any wonder they made it to our top ten?
This electric breast pump is simple to use and assemble, and it also has a super soft silicone cup, which has been designed to mimic a feeding baby - which offers comfort and a natural feeling.
The simple and intuitive design of the Closer to Nature breast pumps makes them easy to assemble, use and sterilise, perfect with a hungry baby/babies to feed.
Included in the pack are breastfeeding essentials like breast pads, a milk storage pot and a sterilising container.
8. Elvie Single Electric Breast Pump
Type: Electric
Single/Double: Single
The Elvie electric breast pump is a single pump is super silent for discreet expressing - it's also wearable and able to operate via a mobile phone app - pretty neat right?
For busy mums, and mums on the go this wearable device is perfect. It fits inside your bra and is the shaped like a breast, so won't look super suspect underneath clothing.
The free app allows you to check your pumping history, as well as control the device remotely, so wherever you are and whatever you're doing - expressing milk doesn't have to take a backseat.
9. Lansinoh SmartPump 2.0 Double Electric Breast Pump
Type: Electric
Single/Double: Double
A pricey option but well worth the spend if you don't mind spending a little bit extra.
The SmartPump 2.0 Double Electric Breast Pump is fully custom to your preferences with three different pumping styles, eight suction levels, and two breast cushion sizes to choose from.
The pump syncs with the baby 2.0 app, to seamlessly track your expressing sessions and daily activities for you and baby. A handy built-in memory helps to remember your suction level and pumping style for ultimate convenience.
Many users have reported that the pump has a whisper quiet operation, which is idea for discreet expressing.
10. Vital Baby NURTURE Flexcone Electric Breast Pump
Type: Electric
Single/Double: Single
This ergonomic and portable design from Vital baby is perfect for expressing on the go and is also easily interchangeable between manual and electric modes.
The nine adjustable functions each work firstly by gently massaging the breast ensuring a relaxed and efficient milk expressing experience.
For flexibility throughout your day, whatever your up to - this breast pump provides a range of options to suit every mum.
Buy now from John Lewis (£99.99).
11. PiAEK Double Electric Breast Pump
Type: Electric
Single/Double: Double
The PiAEK double breast pump is great value for money, which we're sure any mum can and will appreciate.
This is the only electric breast pump on the list that works using a three phase (stimulation, expression and bionic mode) expression technology as well as the ability to use it as a single or double pump.
Each of the components, except the electrical ones of course are dishwasher safe for convenient and quick cleaning.
12. BEURER Electric Breast Pump Kit
Type: Electric
Single/Double: Single
The Beurer electric breast pump kit is middle of the range and comes with some fantastic features that will help you on your way to expressing with minimal effort.
It comes with an auto shut-off after 30 minutes, 10 pumping and 10 stimulation levels.
Features: Digital display, vacuum pump. non-slip and abrasion-resistant rubber feet, 1.8m cable length.
13. Momcozy Wearable Electric Breast Pump
Type: Electric
Single/Double: Single
This Momcozy Wearable Electric Breast Pump has 2 modes and 9 levels.
The pump will imitating the baby's feeding mode to optimize milk production ensuring that each mother produces more milk in a shorter time, whilst giving new mothers more choice and comfort.
14. Bammax Electric Breast Pump
Bammax electric breast pump has been designed with soft breast cushions that will work to stimulate breast milk.
Its efficient power suction will also help mums to comfortably produce more milk in just a short time.
