Why Mobile Pumps Might NOT be the Best Choice for You

 

Okay, let me start by saying don’t shoot the messenger! I am here delivering the information that you may not want to read. You know I have a real passion for mobile pumping, no, not referring to the BabyBuddha or Pumpables Genie Advance, but Eufy S1, Momcozy M5, Zomee Fit, or etc. type of mobile pumps. The wearable cup types with attached motors that sit in your bra. Further explanation to come on that... 

 

Let’s dial in the difference between mobile pumping and portable pumping according to Kristen. You’ll read different interpretations between different pumps depending on whose advice you’re following. So let me share my definition between the two so the remainder of this conversation is clear!

• Mobile pumping: pop those one and done pumps into your bra and get going. No tubes, just two hubs, two collection cups and your bra.

 

• Portable pumping: a rechargeable, primary pump small enough to tuck in your pocket with tubes that can connect to your ideal flange set or hack with preferred mobile (non electric) collection cups!
  

 

• **Caveat** Pumping with mobile collection cups falls under the mobile pump category.
  Any time we are using cups, or one and done pumps, they will fall into my mobile category. Portable pumps, while typically viewed as primary, can still fall into the mobile pump category when used with collection cups. Think Ven Diagram! If you want to read more about choosing your breast pump read this blog!

Now that we have the descriptions shared above, let’s chat why a mobile pump option might not be the best choice for you.

Here's the key takeaways and then I'll break each down!

1. You’re looking for a primary pump
   
   
2. You have a history of low supply
   
   
3. You saw an advertisement or social media share of a mom pumping copious amounts of milk with her Willow (or any other mobile type pump) and she said it’s the best pump ever
   
   
4. You’re an exclusive breastfeeding (nursing) mom but you plan on using your pump when you return to work and will need to pump more than two times during the day

Let’s dive into the details!

1. You’re looking for a primary pump.
   I will whistle this from the roof top. 9.5 times out of 10, a mobile pump will not be your top choice for a primary pump. Yes, unicorns exist but the problem is, until you're in the thick of it you may not realize that this mobile pump that you chose as your primary is actually hurting or already hurt your supply until it’s too late. So I like to recommend starting with a more solid pump, check out my primary pump reviews. My top suggestions for primary would be the Spectra S1, BabyBuddha or Pumpables Genie Advanced. Find all my primary pump reviews on the blog!
   
   
   
2. You have a history of low supply.
   If this isn’t baby number one and you’re already aware of any complications that may have presented with earlier breastfeeding journeys, I would reconsider a mobile pump. I would possibly reconsider using them all together, if I’m being honest. Depending on your supply, pumping schedule, and response to a mobile pump, these types of pumps could really be a hinderance. Sticking to a more effective primary pump and flange set is your best bet to maintaining a better supply. Taking a deeper approach to low milk supply, there’s also IGT, insufficient glandular tissue. This condition is more involved than this blog entry can tolerate. Highly suggest listening to EP 36 - Low Milk Supply with Kaia Lacy if you want to dive more into IGT and primary low milk supply.
   
   
   
   
   
3. You saw an ad or social share about how great (read: effective) a mobile pump is. 
   Advertisements, the root of all evil. Don’t get me wrong, I am not opposed to affiliate marketing, obviously. But I do believe there is honest marketing and dishonest. I like to consider myself one of the truthful ones. I definitely don’t have a problem sharing when something doesn’t work. My end all goal here is to make sure you are able to successfully breastfeed, not lie to you so I can make a dirty dollar. If I loved everything that came across my desk, I wouldn’t trust me either. If you’re viewing women on social media pumping ungodly amounts of milk with their mobiles, it’s not their mobiles but their genetics. Unfortunately, there’s no discount code that can get you that supply. Some mobiles work better than others, there is no doubt that can be the case, but if you’re banking on pumping a ton of milk with said pump because you saw it on TikTok, you might be disappointed to learn a lot more makes an overflowing milk supply than just the pump you’re using.
   
   
   
4. You're an exclusive breastfeeding (nursing) mom, returning to work, and will need to pump a multiple times throughout the day.
   Even if you never intend on using a pump, maybe you’re thinking pumping isn’t for you, you’re only slapping that baby straight on your boob and calling it a day. However, your insurance is still providing a pump and you want to take advantage of this, so your choice of pump is still important! This can go two ways, you’re a stay at home mom boob feeding all day every day, but looking for something to move a little extra milk for a rainy day- then sure, I would agree that a mobile pump could be the right choice for you. I mean, why not? You might only be talking one session a day for a little extra umph. Baby is at the wheel driving that supply and you’re getting a little help from your electric friend by removing a tad bit more from time to time. You have my blessing, get that mobile if your heart desires!
   
   Okay, now other side of the coin now. You’re an EBF Mama but you’re going back to work and you need to remove milk multiple times a day while away to help keep your supply elevated for when you return home to baby. Even as an EBF Mama you may really want to consider a pump that will have a better reputation for milk removal. If you’re away from baby for longer stretches of time you’ll want a more effective pump! To this I would recommend either the BabyBuddha or Pumpables Genie Advanced, I firmly believe you’ll get best of both worlds with either of these options. You’ll get both the primary capabilities paired up with a well fitted flange and bottle setup AND can easily pair with a collection cup- allowing you go mobile when needed! I wouldn't recommend a collection cup all the time (remembering that Ven Diagram again!) but when necessary you can certainly use this hack for added flexibility. Check out my comparison review between the BabyBuddha and Pumpables Genie Advanced here! 
   
   

• • Use code BEMYBREASTFRIEND for 10% off at BabyBuddha
    
    
  • Use code BREASTFRIEND for 10% off at Pumpables

 

 

Well, that’s it my friends! Hopefully this gave you an understanding as to those times you wouldn't want to opt for a mobile pump, and a few alternatives to get the best of both worlds. Want to take it a step further? Check out this blog post which goes into more detail about the hard truth about mobile pumping, or tune into EP 13. - Milk Regulation Chat - Part Two; Why Cups Aren't Ideal for Primary