What Do You Need to Know About Manual Breast Pumps?

I’ve made some mention of manual or hand pumps in articles here and there, but they deserve an article all their own. Our lactation consultants have noticed that many people don’t know about them! Hand pumps can be just the milk extraction solution some people need, and at a fraction of the cost and trouble of electric pumps.

What Is a Hand Pump? 

There are many options, but it is essentially an old-fashioned manual breast pump. You can use it on one breast at a time, and you have to literally “pump” or squeeze a handle, bulb, or plunger to create suction. This is the only type of pump I had with my first baby. I didn’t have to express milk regularly, but when I needed to make a bottle for my baby, this is what I used, and I didn’t know anything different. It usually took about 10 minutes to make enough for me to leave her with someone for a few hours. It came apart very easily, and all of the parts went into the dishwasher when I was finished. Mine required two hands. One held the pump in place, and the other pressed a plunger to create suction.

Now these can be operated with one hand, which makes it even easier, although most people don’t assume these will be easier than an electric pump or get as much output. That’s why I got a double electric pump with my second baby. But then I gave up on it quickly, because it was difficult to get set up, annoying to clean, and I didn’t get more milk using it. In fact, I got less. The reasons for that could be many. I may not have been using it correctly, had the wrong flange size, or the annoyance and stress of trying to pump may have interfered with my milk letdown. Whatever the reasons, hand pumps just work better for some people. 

When a Hand Pump Might Be Better

Even if you really like using your electric pump or you get more milk from it, there are some situations where a hand pump might be a better option. 

• Engorgement: If you are having issues with engorgement and just need to express a little bit of milk to ease the pressure, a hand pump might be preferable. It can get the job done well, you don’t have to go to as much trouble, and the clean up is easier. 
• Quick solution: Sometimes you just need to pump some milk fast. A manual pump is so easy to set up that it can save time in a pinch. And many people find that they can express the milk they need just as quickly. 
• On the go: If you are going to be away from home and think it will be hard to find a convenient place to do the full electric pump set up, a manual pump might be a great stand-in. 
• Collect milk while breastfeeding: Some manual pumps can collect milk in a very passive way, which means you can have it on the opposite breast while you’re breastfeeding your baby. When the milk letdown happens, it comes out of both sides. If you’re not collecting the milk from the opposite side, it just goes to waste onto a breast pad or towel. In this situation, you can use the simplest of manual pumps to collect and store that milk. 
• Your electric pump is not working: Manual pumps just work better for some people. It was true for me, and I’ve looked at many online forums where people share similar experiences. Your electric pump might not extract enough milk, is too complicated or frustrating to use, or you might just hate the sounds it makes. 
• Ease of use: A hand pump is just a simpler device. No need for batteries, plugs, or charging. They come apart easily and can be cleaned simply in the dishwasher. 
• Cost: Although most people can get an electric breast pump through insurance, the low cost of a manual pump means you can easily get this as your primary pump, or as one you use in addition to your main pump. Most hand pumps cost between $20-$40.

Types of Hand Pumps

There are a few different types of hand pumps. You might decide to have just one, or you might have more for different situations. 

• “Passive” milk collection: There are devices you can buy to literally just catch excess milk. When you are breastfeeding on one side, these are cups that attach to the breast on the other side to catch the milk that comes out. Milk catchers are great for that purpose, but some people prefer to use a hand pump for this in case they do need to pump milk occasionally or after a feed. This device is basically a suction cup with a reservoir to catch the milk. You can even find some of these with lids or “stoppers” that can be used to seal it up after you pump so you can store it in the container! This one is handy and inexpensive, but might not create as much suction or extract as much milk as the other options.
  

  

• Pump with handle: This is probably the most common hand pump. It is easy to use and very effective.

• Squeeze handle: Another option is this pump with a squeeze type pump handle. It’s sometimes the more ergonomic choice, and some people find it more comfortable. That can be a big plus if you’re using this type of pump often and for longer pump sessions.

Issues with Hand Pumps

If you are choosing to pump, it’s important to do only the amount needed, and not to do too much too soon. A hand pump is a very real pump and should be treated the same as an electric pump. Sometimes pumps are helpful to increase a dwindling milk supply. But they can also cause the opposite problem. Pumping too often or for too long can actually cause an issue with oversupply. Also, pumping too soon, even with a hand pump, can interfere with your baby’s ability to latch and nurse effectively. They need lots of practice to help them build strength and coordination. If not allowed to gradually condition as your milk supply and their bellies grow, they can get overwhelmed with a larger milk supply and begin to reject the breast.  

How to Choose a Hand Pump

Just like when choosing any pump, it really depends on how you plan to use it. If this is your primary or only pump, you might want to choose one that is very comfortable to use. It might also make it more important to choose one that is very easy to take apart and clean. Or you might like some of the “extras” that come with certain pumps that can make it easier to store the milk you express. Some come with a handy stand so you can set it down without it tipping over once it’s assembled. If you plan to use it for travel, some come with a carrying case. 

And remember that just like with electric pumps, the flange size matters. The flange is the part that touches your skin. Those come in a lot of different sizes, and the one your pump comes with might not be the best fit for you. Having the right size and fit means you can get more milk out more quickly, and that it will be more comfortable for you. 

See a lactation consultant for any help with flange fitting or just to help you decide what kind of pump to use and how to best use it!

References

Comparison of manual and electric breast pumps among WIC women returning to work or school in Hawaii – PubMed