Choosing a breast pump is one of those decisions that feels bigger than it should. Walk into any baby store — or open a browser tab — and you're immediately confronted with a wall of options, each one promising to make your life easier. This guide cuts through that noise.
We'll cover every type of pump, what actually matters when comparing them, and how to match the right pump to your life. If you're in a hurry, jump straight to the comparison table or the which pump is right for you section.
The three types of breast pump
Manual breast pumps
A manual pump is hand-operated — you squeeze a handle to create suction. They're cheap, silent, and require no power source, which makes them useful as a backup or for occasional use when you're away from home.
The downside is fatigue. Pumping by hand for 15–20 minutes, multiple times a day, adds up quickly. Most mums who pump regularly find manual pumps too slow and tiring for anything beyond occasional relief.
Best for: Occasional use, engorgement relief while travelling, or as a backup to a primary pump.
Electric breast pumps
Electric pumps — particularly double electric pumps — are the workhorse of the pumping world. They're faster, more consistent, and more powerful than manual options. Most have adjustable suction levels and a let-down mode to mimic a baby's natural feeding rhythm.
The trade-off is bulk. Traditional electric pumps come with a motor unit, tubing, flanges, and bottles — you're physically tethered to the machine while pumping. This means sitting still, which isn't always practical.
Best for: Exclusive pumpers, mums who need to maintain or increase supply, or anyone pumping more than once a day at home.
Wearable breast pumps
Wearable pumps fit entirely inside your bra — no tubes, no motor unit on a table, no being stuck in one spot. They're designed for mums who need to pump while doing other things: working, driving, caring for a toddler, or simply moving through their day.
Early wearable pumps had a reputation for weaker suction. That's changed. The Avari Neo Glow delivers hospital-grade suction in a fully wearable, tubeless design — including a spill-proof milk collection system and a built-in nightlight for those 3am sessions.
Best for: Returning-to-work mums, mums who also have a toddler to chase, anyone who values discretion and freedom of movement.
Side-by-side comparison
| Manual | Electric | Wearable (Avari Neo Glow) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suction strength | Low–medium | High | Hospital-grade |
| Hands-free | No | Partially (pumping bra needed) | Yes — fully in-bra |
| Portability | High | Low–medium | High |
| Noise level | Silent | Moderate to loud | Quiet |
| Spill risk | Medium | Medium | Spill-proof (SpillShield™) |
| Setup complexity | Simple | Complex (tubes, valves, bottles) | Simple |
| Price range (AUD) | $30–$80 | $150–$600+ | $310–$388 |
Single vs double pump: does it matter?
A double pump expresses milk from both breasts simultaneously. This matters for two reasons: time and supply.
Pumping both sides at once typically takes 10–15 minutes versus 20–30 minutes for single-side pumping. Over weeks and months, that difference adds up significantly.
Supply-wise, simultaneous pumping triggers a stronger hormonal response than pumping one side at a time. If maintaining or increasing your milk production is a priority, double pumping is the more effective choice.
Single pumps still have their place — they're lighter, usually more affordable, and convenient if you're feeding on one side while pumping the other. But for most mums pumping regularly, a double pump is the better long-term investment.
Five things to consider before you buy
1. How often will you pump?
Once a day or less? A manual or entry-level single electric pump might be enough. Multiple times daily — especially if returning to work — and you need something efficient, quiet, and easy to clean.
2. Where will you pump?
At home only? A traditional electric pump works fine. At work, in the car, or in public? A wearable pump changes the equation entirely. You can pump through a meeting, on a commute, or while doing the school run — without anyone knowing.
3. What's your flange size?
This is the piece most first-time buyers overlook. The flange is the funnel-shaped cup that sits over your nipple. If it's the wrong size, pumping will be uncomfortable and less effective — no matter how good the pump is. The Avari Neo Glow comes with four flange insert sizes (15mm, 17mm, 19mm, 21mm), and sizes down to 11mm are available separately. Use our free Fit Finder tool to find your correct size before buying.
4. How important is portability?
If you travel for work, visit family frequently, or simply want to pump without being anchored to a wall socket, battery-powered and wearable options make life considerably easier.
5. What's your budget?
A good pump is a genuine investment, but the cheapest option often costs more in the long run — through inefficiency, discomfort, or supply issues that require additional support. Think of it as one purchase for the full duration of your pumping journey rather than something to cheap out on.
So, which pump is right for you?
If you're an exclusive pumper building and maintaining supply: a double electric or hospital-grade wearable pump is your best bet. Efficiency and suction strength matter most.
If you're returning to work and need to pump during the day: a wearable pump is almost certainly the right choice. The freedom to pump during meetings, on your commute, or between tasks without retreating to a pumping room is transformative.
If you're a new mum who isn't sure yet how much you'll pump: start with a quality electric pump and assess from there. Many mums upgrade to a wearable once they realise how often they need to pump while on the move.
If you have a second baby and a toddler to manage: a wearable pump is almost non-negotiable. You need both hands.
Frequently asked questions
When should I buy a breast pump?
Most lactation consultants suggest having a pump ready before your baby arrives, ideally in the last trimester. You may not need it immediately, but you'll be glad it's there if you need to manage engorgement, build a freezer stash, or return to work earlier than planned.
Can I use a wearable pump as my primary pump?
Yes — provided it delivers adequate suction. The Avari Neo Glow has hospital-grade suction and is designed to be used as a primary pump, not just a supplement to a traditional machine.
How do I know if my flange size is correct?
Your nipple should move freely in the tunnel without rubbing the sides, and minimal areola should be pulled in. If pumping is painful or your output is low, wrong flange size is often the culprit. Use our Fit Finder to check.
Is a wearable pump as powerful as a hospital-grade electric pump?
Traditional wearable pumps have historically had weaker suction. The Avari Neo Glow is an exception — it's engineered to hospital-grade suction standards in a fully wearable form factor.
What does "hospital-grade" suction mean?
It refers to the maximum suction strength (measured in mmHg), which is comparable to the clinical pumps used in hospitals to establish supply in the early days postpartum. It doesn't mean the pump is medical equipment — it means the suction is strong enough to effectively establish and maintain supply.
Ready to find your pump?
If a wearable pump sounds like the right fit, the Avari Neo Glow is Australia's most fully-featured wearable breast pump — spill-proof, hospital-grade, and designed specifically for Australian mums. Free shipping on orders over $50, with a 12-month warranty.
Not sure about sizing? Start with our free Fit Finder tool — it takes two minutes and ensures you get the right fit from day one.
