Best Breast Pump Australia: A Practical Comparison
Short answer The best breast pump in Australia depends on how you plan to use it. Wearable in-bra pumps suit mums who want hands-free convenience and discretion, traditional electric pumps offer reliable suction for regular use, and manual pumps are a simple, budget-friendly option for occasional expressing. Consider your routine, comfort and budget to choose the right one.
Finding the best breast pump in Australia can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. This guide is for mums who want a clear, practical comparison of the main types of pumps available, so you can decide which one suits your lifestyle, your body and your budget. We will look at wearable in-bra pumps, traditional electric pumps with tubing, and manual pumps, and explain who each option suits best.
Understanding the main types of breast pumps
Before comparing specific products, it helps to understand the three main categories of breast pumps available in Australia. Each type has a different design, and each suits a different kind of mum.
Wearable in-bra breast pumps
Wearable pumps sit inside your nursing bra, so there are no tubes, no wires and no bottles dangling from your chest. They are designed to be discreet and hands-free, which makes them popular with mums who need to pump while caring for a baby, working or moving around the house. Brands like Momcozy, Elvie and Willow make wearable pumps, and the Relievoo M22 PRO2 is another option in this category.
Traditional electric breast pumps
Traditional electric pumps use a motor unit that connects to breast shields through tubing. They are often used by mums who pump regularly and want a reliable, consistent suction. Medela and Spectra are well-known brands in this space. These pumps usually require you to sit near a power source, which can make them less convenient for pumping on the go, but they are a dependable choice for regular sessions at home or at work.
Manual breast pumps
Manual pumps are simple, hand-operated devices that work without electricity. They are lightweight, quiet and easy to pack, which makes them a good option for occasional expressing or for mums who only need to pump now and then. Philips Avent, Tommee Tippee and Lansinoh all make manual pumps. They do require more effort from your hand, so they are not ideal for frequent or long pumping sessions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Wearable, in-bra, hands-free double electric breast pump (sold as a set of two cups) |
| Modes | 4 — Stimulation, Suction, Massage, Automatic |
| Levels | Up to 12 adjustable levels with intelligent suction & frequency adjustment |
| Controls | On-device LED display + touch buttons (mode, +, −, power), no app, no Bluetooth |
| Materials | BPA-free, food-grade PP and soft medical silicone in the milk path |
Comparing the options side by side
To help you see the differences at a glance, here is a comparison table. The Relievoo column uses the product details for the M22 PRO2, while the other columns describe the general characteristics of each pump type.
| Criterion | Wearable in-bra (e.g. Relievoo M22 PRO2) | Traditional electric (e.g. Medela, Spectra) | Manual (e.g. Philips Avent, Lansinoh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hands-free use | Yes, worn inside the bra | No, requires tubing and a motor unit | No, requires one hand to operate |
| Discretion | High, no visible bottles or tubes | Low, motor and bottles are visible | Moderate, compact but visible |
| Modes and levels | 4 modes with up to 12 levels | Usually multiple modes and levels | No modes, suction controlled by hand |
| Portability | Very portable, no cords | Requires a power source | Very portable, no power needed |
| Noise level | Ultra-quiet motor | Can be audible during use | Quiet, minimal noise |
| Ease of cleaning | Simple, no tubes | More parts, including tubing | Simple, few parts |
| Best for | Busy mums who want freedom and discretion | Mums who pump regularly at home or work | Occasional expressing or travel |
How a breast pump works
A breast pump uses suction to draw milk from the breast, mimicking the natural rhythm of a baby suckling. Most electric pumps have two phases: a stimulation phase with a light, quick rhythm to encourage your let-down, and a suction phase with a deeper, slower rhythm to express milk. The Relievoo M22 PRO2 adds a massage mode to help with engorgement and discomfort, plus an automatic mode that moves between stimulation and suction for you.
For general information on expressing and storing breast milk, the Australian Breastfeeding Association and Raising Children Network are reliable places to start. They cover topics like how often to express, how to store milk safely and how to look after your breasts while pumping.
Why a breast pump might be needed
There are many reasons a mum might choose to use a breast pump. Some mums express to relieve engorgement, others pump so a partner or family member can feed the baby, and many return to work and need to maintain their milk supply during the day. A pump can also be useful if you are expressing colostrum in the early days, though it is always worth checking with your midwife or child and family health nurse for guidance on what is right for you.
If you are wondering whether pumping is necessary for your situation, the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website has practical information about feeding your baby and expressing milk.
Choosing a pump for your lifestyle
Your daily routine should guide your choice more than anything else. Think about where you will pump, how often, and whether you need your hands free while expressing.
Pumping at home
If you mostly pump at home and have a regular routine, a traditional electric pump may be a reliable choice. These pumps are well established and many mums find them effective for regular sessions. They do require you to sit near a power point, so plan your pumping spot accordingly.
Pumping at work or on the go
For mums who need to pump at work, in the car or while caring for other children, a wearable hands-free pump is often the most practical option. The Relievoo M22 PRO2 sits discreetly inside your bra with no tubes or wires, so you can move around freely. If you are returning to work, our guide on pumping at work in Australia may also be helpful.
Occasional expressing
If you only need to pump occasionally, a manual pump could be enough. It is simple, quiet and easy to pack, and it does not rely on batteries or power. The trade-off is that it takes more effort from your hand, so it is not ideal for frequent or long sessions.
Comfort and fit considerations
Comfort is one of the most important factors when choosing a pump. A pump that does not fit well or feels painful will quickly become something you avoid. Look for pumps with adjustable suction levels so you can find a gentle setting that works for you. The Relievoo M22 PRO2 offers four modes across twelve soft levels, including a dedicated massage mode for tender breasts.
If you have larger breasts, you may need to check that a wearable pump fits securely in your bra. Our article on wearable pumps for large breasts covers this in more detail.
Verdict: who should choose which pump
There is no single best breast pump in Australia, because the right choice depends on your circumstances. Here is a clear summary of who each option suits.
- Choose a wearable in-bra pump if you want hands-free convenience, need to pump while caring for a baby or working, and value discretion. The Relievoo M22 PRO2 is a good example, with four modes, twelve levels and a quiet motor.
- Choose a traditional electric pump if you pump regularly at home or at a desk, prefer a well-established design, and do not mind sitting near a power source during sessions.
- Choose a manual pump if you only express occasionally, travel often, or want a simple backup pump that does not rely on power.
If you are still unsure, it can help to think about your busiest day and imagine pumping during it. That mental picture will often point you toward the right type. You can also browse the full range of Relievoo breast pumps to see what is available.
Final thoughts
Choosing a breast pump is a personal decision, and what works for one mum may not work for another. The most important thing is to find a pump that feels comfortable, fits your routine and supports your feeding goals. Take your time, compare the options, and remember that you can always adjust your choice as your needs change. If you have questions about a specific product, Relievoo customer service is happy to help.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best breast pump in Australia?
There is no single best pump for everyone. The right choice depends on how often you plan to express, whether you need to be hands-free, and your budget. Wearable in-bra pumps suit busy mums who want discretion, traditional electric pumps are reliable for regular sessions, and manual pumps work well for occasional use.
How does a breast pump work?
A breast pump uses suction to draw milk from the breast, mimicking the rhythm of a baby suckling. Most electric pumps offer a stimulation phase to encourage let-down, followed by a suction phase for expressing milk. The Australian Breastfeeding Association has practical information on expressing and pump use.
What breast pump should I get?
Think about when and where you will pump. If you are returning to work or often out and about, a wearable hands-free pump may suit you. If you mostly pump at home, a traditional electric pump with tubing could be a good fit. For occasional expressing, a manual pump is simple and affordable.
Should breast pumping hurt?
Pumping should not hurt. If you feel pain, the suction may be too high or the flange may not fit well. Starting on a low level and gradually increasing can help. If discomfort continues, it is worth speaking with your midwife, child and family health nurse or the Australian Breastfeeding Association helpline.
How long should a breast pump session be?
Session length varies from mum to mum and depends on your milk flow and the pump you use. A typical session might last around 15 to 20 minutes per side, but it is best to follow your body's cues. For current guidance on expressing, see the Raising Children Network website.
