A wireless breast pump is just what it sounds like: a battery-powered portable breast pump that doesn’t need to be plugged into an outlet. Its small and compact size means it fits easily into a breastfeeding bra (or just your regular bra, for that matter), which can be a plus for busy moms who need to pump on-the-go or at work. It also comes with a shoulder bag and everything else you need for your pumping sessions, including reusable milk sacks, which are a huge selling point to many new moms.
There are a few things to keep in mind with a wearable pump, though. For one, it can only be used while the wearer is standing upright and not moving around too much (which is fine if you’re walking around your house or running a Zoom call). It’s also audible, which some moms may find off-putting, but again, that will vary by individual preference. And while most wearable pumps allow moms to move a bit more freely than traditional pumps, they’re still pretty noticeable (and not exactly stealthy).
One of the most popular wireless pump options is from the startup Elvie, which specializes in smart pelvic health products for new and expecting mothers. Its first product was a Kegel trainer that helps tone your post-pregnancy core, and the second is this wearable pump that’s designed to be discreet, powerful and efficient. Despite its petite size, this pump packs in plenty of features including a customizable app that tracks your breast milk volume, shows your pumping session history and allows you to remotely control the pump.
Our testers found that this wearable pump can power through three 15-minute pumping sessions without needing to recharge, which is great for moms who pump frequently or have a limited supply of breastmilk to produce. It also has a unique massage function that mimics a baby’s natural sucking motion to help stimulate and encourage letdown, which some moms find really helpful. Plus, it’s a closed system so you don’t have to worry about germs.
The only downside to this pump is that the parts are delicate and must be hand-washed instead of popping them in the dishwasher or microwaving. This can add up over time, especially if you need to replace the breast shields and backflow protector diaphragms every two months, the vacuum valve membranes every six months and the flange inserts every six weeks.
For a more budget-friendly option, check out this new release from Willow, which is similar to the Elvie in that it’s portable and wearable but doesn’t require you to use any external tubing for connection. The biggest difference is that this pump isn’t quite as quiet and doesn’t have nine high-powered suction levels like the Elvie, but it does have a more affordable price tag. It’s also worth noting that while we didn’t test it personally, the company promises that its wearable breast pump is inaudible to others — a huge selling point for some moms.
