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An advert we created for Human Milk, Tailor-made for Tiny Humans launched in #bristol today At-Bristol Science Centre #humanmilk #breastfeedingadvert

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It's an anatomical fact that men don't have the equipment to give birth or breastfeed, but that doesn't mean that fathers can't play an important role in helping their partner give birth and successfully nurse their new baby.

For most mothers, their partner's opinion is the biggest influence on making the decision between breast or bottle feeding - more important than that of their parents or friends. It helps tremendously if the father is on board from the beginning.

Dads can help by educating themselves on the many benefits of breastfeeding, as well as what to expect during the early days postpartum. If they are aware of the many "pluses", including cost savings as well as the nutritional and immunological advantages, they can be more encouraging and supportive, especially when moms encounter the inevitable 'bumps in the road' and may become overwhelmed and tempted to give up during the early days of breastfeeding.

Taking breastfeeding classes together during the pregnancy is a good way for both mom and dad to learn what to expect when the baby arrives. However, all the classes in the world can't prepare parents for the real thing, so it's important to have a good support system in place so that as questions arise or problems occur, dads won't find themselves frantically Googling 'engorgement'or ' sore nipples ' at three in the morning.

Before the baby arrives, find out what resources are available in your area. Ask what support services the local hospital or birth center offers, locate the closest IBCLC or La Leche League group, or reach out to one of mom's friends who breastfed their babies.

Many fathers feel a bit helpless when their baby is a newborn. Since nursing is the only thing babies are interested in at this stage, dads often don't know what to do when they get fussy. They may be tempted to feed the baby a bottle of that formula sample from the hospital, which can cause problems with the mom's milk supply, as well as nipple confusion - and that often means the beginning of the end of breastfeeding before it really gets started.

There are many, many ways for dads to nurture their infants and interact positively with them besides feeding them. They can give baths, change diapers, and soothe fussy babies by walking or rocking or swaddling or patting their backs while they curl up on their hairy chests. Babies love skin to skin contact, and it's wonderful way for dads to bond with their little ones.

Many dads find that 'baby wearing' (using a baby sling or front pack) is a good way to keep their little one settled. Babies love the feeling of being held closely, and the motion is very soothing as well. This works out better for many dads than sitting in a chair with a baby who is rooting around looking for mom's breast.

Dads can also "baby" the new mother by helping with household chores, making sure she remembers to eat and drink, and taking care of details like paying bills and running errands.

Although sex will have to wait for a while, new fathers can still be physically close by giving mom massages, rubbing her feet, running her bath, or doing anything they can to make her more comfortable. After watching her give birth, most dads are in awe and are more than ready to spoil mama a bit!

Dads can take the baby after feedings to give mom time to take a bath or shower. They can help her get more rest by getting up during the night to change the diaper and bring baby to her for feedings, then burping and helping baby settle back to sleep.

Dads can also create a 'buffer zone' after the baby arrives. During the early hectic days after mom and baby return home, there will be phones ringing and people visiting and adjustments to be made by older siblings or family pets. This is all happening at a time when mom is more tired than she has ever been in her life, is still recovering from childbirth, and going through some major hormonal upheavals and physical changes as her milk "comes in." She and the baby both need time to get the hang of this whole nursing thing.

Dads can screen calls, handle visitors, and order pizza. During those early days, families need time to spend together bonding as family, and mom needs lots of rest. It's best to wait until the mom's milk supply is well established (the first couple of weeks) before introducing bottles, but after that, dads can share in feedings by giving the baby a bottle of expressed breast milk.

Breast pump technology has come a long way in the past few years, making it possible to quickly and efficiently express milk for supplemental feedings. Investing in a good breast pump is one way to ensure that you will be able to have extra milk so that your partner can share in the feedings.

Although the father's role in the nursing process will never be the same as the mothers, his understanding and support can make all the difference in helping his partner and his baby have a positive breastfeeding experience.

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It's an anatomical fact that men don't have the equipment to give birth or breastfeed, but that doesn't mean that fathers can't play an important role in helping their partner give birth and successfully nurse their new baby.

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Expressing milk via pumping can help you save time, store milk for later, or make it easier for your partner to assist with feeds. But with so many breast pump types and models to choose from, it can be hard to know the right option for you.
Our handy guide is here to help - from explaining the pros and cons of manual, electric and other types of breast pumps, to knowing how much to spend - our expert buying advice can steer you towards a great value pump best suited to your needs.

We also answer some top questions on how to get the most from your breast pump, including when and how to start pumping, as well as how to store breast milk.

Please note that we haven't tested any breast pumps, but data from our survey reveals parents favourite types and brands to help inform your buying choices.
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Do I need a breast pump?

The short answer is no - you don't necessarily need a breast pump.

However, investing in one can make feeding and caring for baby slightly easier compared to solely breast feeding. In our 2018 Which? survey, 40% of mums bought a breast pump so their partner could help with feeds, while 38% bought one so they could go out and leave milk at home. Around a third wanted a top-up supply of milk for general feeding.
From bottles and teats to warmers and sterilisers, make feeding a breeze for you and baby with our expert .
Whether or not you decide to opt for a breast pump will be down to your personal circumstances. But if you do decide to use one, it's good to know all the buying considerations before investing.
Figures based on a January 2018 survey of 1,008 mums who have used a breast pump in the last five years.
Most popular breast pump brands

See below for the percentage of mums who use each brand:

Best electric breast pump brands

Mums told us how satisfied they were with the electric breast pump brand they've used and whether they would recommend it to others. We combine these scores to produce an overall customer score, so we are able to rank the best manual breast pump brands.

We've also listed the star ratings mums gave for comfort, value for money and how easy it is to control or vary the speed of the pump, so you can see which breast pump brand to go for.

Best manual breast pump brands

Mums told us how satisfied they were with the manual breast pump brand they've used and whether they would recommend it to others. We combine these scores to produce an overall customer score, so we are able to rank the best manual breast pump brands.

We've also listed the star ratings that mums gave each manual breast pump brand for comfort, value for money and how easy it is to change the speed, so you can see which breast pump brand to go for.

Types of breast pumps

There's no one-size-fits all when it comes to breast pumps. As well as electric (both mains-powered and battery-powered) and manual pumps, you should also consider whether you'd like a single or double pump.

Electric breast pumps

Electric breast pumps take a lot of the effort out of expressing milk, and tend to be faster and easier than manual pumps. They're more expensive - usually starting around £50 or £60 - but you'll also get more features, such as adjustable speed and suction levels, double-pump capacity, or travel-safe versions.

Once the pump is placed on your breast, the work is automatically done for you, at your choice of pace - saving you from aching hands or hard-to-maintain rhythm patterns.
Pros:

Easy to use

Faster than other methods of expressing milk

Multiple settings

More choice of models, including double breast pumps

Can be rented

Cons:

More expensive than manual pumps

Noisy

Can be fiddly to sterilise

Can be bulkier to transport

Mains-operated models are dependent on you being near a socket

And while most electric breast pumps are mains-powered, you can also buy battery-powered models which will allow you to pump when you're away from a plug socket.

According to our 2018 Which? survey, the majority of mothers (60%) owned an electric breast pump, and 82% found an electric pump useful. The most common reasons for using an electric breast pump include being faster than their manual counterparts (69%), less hassle to use (39%) and more comfortable (26%)*.

*Figures based on a January 2018 Which? survey of 1,008 mums when asked for reasons to use an electric breast pump (620 responses).

Manual breast pumps

Manual breast pumps are generally cheap, quick and simple to use with a lot fewer settings than electric versions, but you'll have to do all the hard work when expressing milk to feed your baby.
Pros:

Lightweight

Compact - easy to fit into your handbag

Quiet

Straightforward mechanism

Cheaper than electric breast pumps - and no running costs

Cons:

Slower than electric pumps

Repetitive pumping can be tiring over time

Can be difficult to get into a regular pumping rhythm

Manual pumps work by mimicking the sucking action of a breastfeeding baby - the cup (or shield) attaches to your breast and the vacuum created when you pump the handle stimulates milk flow.

Our 2018 Which? survey revealed that most mothers opted for a manual pump as it was the cheaper option (55%), while others found them more portable (21%), quieter (19%), or more comfortable (13%)*.

Single breast pump - only pumping from one side at a time will be more time-consuming, but this can be a good option if one side needs to heal or rest.

Double breast pump - pumping on both sides at once will halve the time you spend pumping milk, making this option great for busy mums. Some research also claims that double pumping can improve let-down and help express more milk in one go.

Hands-free breast pump - while technically any breast pump can be 'hands-free' if you wear a supportive pumping bra, these electric models are designed to discreetly fit inside your top with no tubes or protruding attachments.

Hospital grade breast pump - these are larger and more powerful pumps, and you may use one if you stay in hospital for longer than usual, or if your baby is premature. You can continue to hire these on a monthly basis once you're home, either from a pharmacy, the National Childbirth Trust, or a UK parenting charity.

*Figures based on a January 2018 Which? survey of 1,008 mums when asked for reasons to use a manual pump (468 responses).

Other types of breast pumps

What's the difference between an open- and closed-system breast pump?

You may hear the terms open-system or closed-system when looking at breast pumps. A closed-system breast pump is designed so none of the breast milk comes into contact with the breast pump or air while pumping. Most hospital-grade breast pumps are closed systems, and need to be used with a separate, sterilised, milk collection kit - this is the only part that the milk will touch. This means that a lot of women can use the same breast pump without their milk coming into contact with anyone else's.

Using an open-system breast pump means that breast milk can come into contact with the tubes of the breast pump and the air inside them. Most single-use breast pumps are open systems, as these are designed to be used by just one person.

All breast pumps should be thoroughly cleaned and sterilised after use.

How much do I need to spend on a breast pump?

A manual breast pump can cost from as little as £15 and go up to around £35, while electric breast pumps will set you back anywhere between £50 to £250 plus.

Although electric pumps are the more expensive option, it could be worth paying extra if you plan on expressing a lot of milk and want to save your wrists from aching.
Real parents rate the products they can't live without, and which they'd rather avoid, in our guide to the best and worst baby products
If you have a baby in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or special care baby unit (SCBU) and are exclusively expressing before establishing breastfeeding, investing in an electric breast pump could also help keep your supply up.

If you're not planning on expressing milk regularly, a manual pump will probably suffice.

Breast shields - the plastic part which covers your breast and nipple, sometimes called the cup or funnel. The plastic can vary from rigid to flexible, and while usually transparent, some are opaque to cover your nipple. An ill-fitting shield will affect suction and be uncomfortable to use, so check for online manufacturers guides to assess whether yours fits correctly.

Breast pump bras - a specially designed bra to allow for hands-free pumping. The shield usually tucks inside the fabric while the rest of the pump remains attached to the front. These are commonly used with double breast pumps.

Milk storage cups - most breast pumps will come with some sort of storage container for milk, such as spare bottles or small pots, as well as lids and seals to prevent leakage.

Baby-feeding bottles -not all bottles are compatible with pumps, so check beforehand that that yours fit together. If you do end up with bottles that aren't compatible with your pump, you can always express milk into the collection container that comes with your pump and transfer to your chosen bottle brand before feeding.

Dishwasher-safe components - some breast pumps are dishwasher-safe, which is something worth looking out for when buying a pump, as it makes cleaning much easier. Remember to check there aren't any pools of water lurking anywhere once they're washed and sterilise it afterwards, too.

Discretion and portability - you may need to express milk while you're out and about, so a travel-friendly pump is worth considering. Manual pumps tend to be quieter and more lightweight and most will fit in your bag, or come with their own carry-bag for portability. Electric options tend to be louder and weigh more, but some newer models are designed to be convenient in or out of the house. If you're comparing models in a shop, pick them up and check how heavy they are, and whether they'll fit easily into your bag.

Variable speed and suction (electric pumps only) -having adjustable speeds and vacuum levels can help maximise comfort when expressing, as you can start gently before increasing the speed. Some electric models even have settings to mimic a baby's sucking during breastfeeding.

Breast pump features and accessories

While you can buy most breast pumps on their own, investing in a larger set with additional accessories can make pumping an easier job. Here's some add-ons worth bearing in mind when shopping:

Where to buy a breast pump

currently stocks 17 different breast pump models, ranging from single and double pumps to larger pumping kits. Prices start at around £15 for a single manual pump, and up to £499 for higher-end electric options. You can collect your items for free from a local Argos store, or pay £2.95 for home delivery.

retails a range of breast pumps and nursing accessories, including nipple covers, nursing pillows and bras. The cheapest pump available is £13, but larger packs and electric models are around £160 to £170. Click & Collect is free, while home delivery is £2.95. George at Asda also says you can return pumping items for free at Asda stores within 100 days.

sells a large variety of breast pump brands, like Elvie, Medela and MAM, plus additional extras including nipple creams, breast pads and milk storage bags. A manual silicone pump will cost about £14 while the most expensive double electric set is £500. Click & Collect is free when you spend £25 or more, or you can get free home delivery when you spend over £15.

stocks a wide variety of manual, electric, single and double breast pumps from brands including Tommee Tippee, Elvie and Lansinoh. Prices start at around £10 for a manual pump and go up to around £300 for electric double pumps. Delivery charges and time slots will depend on the product you buy and whether you're a Prime member.

You can usually buy branded breast pumps, such as Tommee Tippee or Medela, from their websites. Alternatively, some larger high street stores will stock them, as well as extra accessories. Be sure to check warranties and returns information before you buy, as some retailers won't take back a used or opened breast pump.

Popular retailers for breast pumps include:

Can I buy a second-hand breast pump?

Second-hand breast pumps are available or you might be given a pump by friends or relatives, although most mums prefer to buy a new breast pump.

Manufacturers advise against using a second-hand breast pump, and most instructions say the product is designed for a 'single user' only. Some manufacturers also state that use by more than one person will void the warranty.

If you're considering buying a breast pump second-hand, speak to your hospital health visitor, local NCT group or breastfeeding healthcare professional for more advice or information.

When can I start breast pumping?

You can consider starting to pump around three to five days after birth or as your milk supply increases.

If you and/or your baby stay in the hospital for a longer period of time, a hospital-grade breast pump should be provided for you.

Do I need to sterilise a breast pump?

Guidance on whether or not you need to sterilise all your pumping equipment isn't always clear, but you should always start with clean hands before using a breast pump.

The NHS advises you thoroughly clean and sterilise everything your milk touches after every use - including bottles, pumps, containers and tubes - until your baby is one year old. Alternative sources, such as the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) suggest you should clean everything you use with hot, soapy water, but not necessarily sterilise it.

If you're not sure, check the manufacturers manual when you purchase your breast pump.

How to use a breast pump

Always thoroughly wash and dry your hands and pumping equipment before starting. Familiarise yourself with the manufacturers instructions and take it slow and steady.

1. Place the shield over your nipple, and switch the machine on. It can take a few minutes for the milk to express, so wait until the flow starts before increasing the speed.

2. Adjust the speed as is comfortable for you. Some electric models have settings to mimic baby's sucking motion.

3. If you're using a single pump, switch breasts when the supply begins to slow down. You may find one breast expresses more than the other - this is normal. You can keep switching until both sides have emptied.

4. Turn the machine off and release the breast shield. Remember to also put a lid on the bottle of milk to avoid spillage.

5. Store the milk safely, or feed baby right away with a bottle. Clean your equipment and hands.

Remaining calm and comfortable in a relaxed space will help with let-down, as well as spending a few minutes gently massaging the breast. If they're not in the room with you, looking at a picture of your baby can help also.

1. Place the shield over your nipple, and gently begin to pump the mechanism with your hand. It can take time for the milk to start flowing.

2. Adjust your speed as is comfortable for you. Keep a steady pace while taking care not to wear your hand or wrist out.

3. If you're using a single pump, switch breasts when the supply begins to slow down. You may find one breast expresses more than the other - this is normal. You can keep switching until both sides have emptied.

4. Stop pumping when both sides are emptied and gentry release the shield. Remember to also put a lid on the bottle of milk to avoid spillage.

5. Store the milk safely, or feed baby right away with a bottle. Clean your equipment and hands.

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How to use an electric breast pump

How to use a manual breast pump

Does expressing milk hurt?

Expressing or pumping breast milk shouldn't be painful, but it can be uncomfortable at first until you get used to the feeling. Some women find expressing milk helps to relieve the discomfort caused by overly full breasts. If you do experience any pain on your nipple when expressing using a breast pump, check that you're using the right size of breast shield, so it's not excessively pulling on the delicate area around where you'll pump.

Your midwife or health visitor should be able to help you with breastfeeding and expressing advice, other places for help include the NCT and specialist breastfeeding networks such as La Leche League. You can also call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 between 09:30 and 21:30 daily.

How should I store breast milk?

Breast milk can be expressed in advance and then stored in a fridge or in a freezer. Any collection container should be sterilised thoroughly before use, and once the milk has been expressed it should be transferred to the fridge or freezer as soon as possible.

Advice on how long to store breast milk in the fridge varies slightly. The NHS say it can be stored for up to eight days in a fridge below 4ºC, while the NCT recommend storing for no longer than five days in a fridge below 4ºC. If you're unsure of the temperature of your fridge, it's best to use the breast milk within three days.
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The NHS advise that you can also carry breast milk that's been cooled in the fridge for up to 24 hours in a cool bag with ice packs.

If you want to freeze your breast milk, the NHS and NCT both recommend freezing it at at least -18ºC and using it within six months. Remember that it will expand as it freezes, so don't overfill the bag or container. Do not refreeze defrosted breast milk.

Many breast pumps come with guides to milk storage in their instructions. For more information on expressing, storing and defrosting frozen breast milk, visit the or the NHS expressing breast milk guide .

Content last updated 14/10/2022. Please check out Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists for any more recent updates.

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Best breast pump brands and expert buying advice - Which?

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If you're browsing manual or electric breast pump models, want to know more about hands-free pumping, or need advice on brands like Tommee Tippee, Medela and Lansinoh, our breast pumps guide can help

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This video guides mothers on how to hand express and talks about the times when hand expression might be useful.

See the Breastfeeding Network website for FAQs and a leaflet all about expressing and storing breastmilk.

Problems viewing this video? Contact us.

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Hand expression video - Baby Friendly Initiative

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This video guides you through how to hand express, and talks about the times when hand expression might be useful for you.

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Good attachment will help a baby get more milk and make breastfeeding more comfortable. This video shows why good attachment is so important to breastfeeding success and what a mother can do to deeply attach her baby to her breast.

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Attaching Your Baby at the Breast - Video - Global Health Media Project

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Good attachment will help a baby get more milk and make breastfeeding more comfortable. This video shows why good attachment is so important to breastfeeding success and what a mother can do to deeply attach her baby to her breast.

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What's it really like?
Informative videos discussing..

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This information and videos are available in verified by experts in our Editorial Board including representatives from Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and Royal College of Psychiatrists as well as other key health organisations in the UK. To download Baby Buddy, visit the relevant app store of your choice:

Meet four prospective mums, Melissa, Maria, Teresa and Angela. Melissa has never been through labour - she had a caesarian-section with her previous child. For medical reasons Maria has to have a c-section; Teresa wants to give birth at home; and Angela is expecting her third child. We follow them as they prepare for their births.

All our mums have different birth experiences. Find out why skin-to-skin contact is so important and about breastfeeding for the first time. "It's a great feeling to be able to provide for him without anything else, just me myself," Angela says. Melissa's partner Andy says breastfeeding is healthy, cheaper and much less effort than making up bottles.

Angela is back home with baby Cameron and breastfeeding is going well. "It's a great feeling to be able to sit there and watch him feeding away. It's a really special bond," she says. Teresa is making sure she has plenty of contact with Rufus, ensuring her body is supplying enough milk for him. Breastfeeding can protect you against ovarian cancer and give you stronger bones in later life.

How to make sure your baby is attaching well at the breast.

Meet four mums whose babies have been breastfeeding for a little while and hear their experiences. Linda was troubled by breastfeeding outside the home - until she tried it. "I thought, 'nobody breastfeeds in public,'" she says. "What I realised is, loads of women breastfeed in public, you just don't realise it's happening."

Find out about overcoming challenges like uncomfortably full breasts and mastitis, and how to position your baby so he or she feeds properly.

Linda and Heidi have fed their babies breast milk for six months. Now their babies are ready to try their first solids.

Join a class with specialist midwife Bella Dale, who explains how breastfeeding works and how mums' bodies start preparing to feed their babies before birth.

Three mums tell us how they overcame hurdles with breastfeeding. Thomasina overcame sore nipples, while Lowri encountered mastitis, both of which were caused because their babies weren't attaching properly at the breast.

We meet three mothers who express their milk for different reasons and learnt how to do it in different ways. Find out techniques for expressing, different pumps and ways to store breast milk. We also discover how mothers fit breastfeeding into their return to work.

In their first few weeks, pre-term babies may be fed using a nasogastric tube. But as they progress they will begin to take milk feeds, usually through a tube into the baby's mouth or nose. Breast milk is best for many reasons. Find out why and how as we follow four mothers and their premature babies.

Follow three mothers as they share their tips on the joys and challenges of feeding twins.

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The Impact Lead will focus on developing Best Beginnings' frameworks for monitoring and evaluating our national and international work ensuring that learning continues to be captured in ways that can be shared and used for effective advocacy and influencing. The successful candidate will also play a pivotal role influencing policy and its implementation within the maternity, early years, digital health and public health context.

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Your guide to breastfeeding and how to do it successfully.