Best Breast Pump Australia: A Comprehensive Buyer's Guide
Short answer The best breast pump in Australia depends on how and where you plan to express. Wearable in-bra pumps offer hands-free convenience and discretion, traditional electric pumps with tubing are a long-standing choice for regular use at home, and manual pumps suit occasional expressing. Compare comfort, noise, suction control and portability to find your fit.
Choosing a breast pump in Australia can feel like a big decision, especially with so many options on the market. This guide is designed to help you compare the main types of pumps, understand what matters most, and make a calm, informed choice for your own situation. We look at wearable in-bra pumps, traditional electric pumps with tubing, and manual pumps, and we name some well-known brands so you can see where they fit.
Why Use a Breast Pump?
Mums express breast milk for all sorts of reasons. Some return to work and want to keep providing breastmilk, others want to share feeding with a partner, and some need relief from engorgement or want to build a small stash for date nights. A breast pump can help make these situations easier and more comfortable.
Expressing is a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong reason to do it. If you are unsure whether pumping is necessary for you, the Australian Breastfeeding Association and Raising Children Network have practical information on expressing and storing breast milk. They are good places to start if you have questions about how pumping fits into your breastfeeding journey.
| 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 and frequency adjustment |
| Controls | On-device LED display and touch buttons, no app, no Bluetooth |
| Materials | BPA-free, food-grade PP and soft medical silicone in the milk path |
The Main Types of Breast Pumps
There are three main types of breast pumps available in Australia. Each has a different design and suits a different lifestyle.
Wearable In-Bra Pumps
Wearable pumps, sometimes called hands-free pumps, sit discreetly inside your nursing bra. There are no tubes and no wires to the wall, so you can move around, do light tasks, or simply relax while expressing. Brands like Elvie and Momcozy make wearable pumps, and Relievoo also offers a range of breast pumps in this style.
These pumps are popular with mums who want discretion and freedom of movement. They are generally quiet, which makes them practical for expressing at work, in the car (when parked, of course), or beside a sleeping baby at night.
Traditional Electric Pumps with Tubing
Traditional electric pumps have been around for a long time. They consist of a motor unit that sits on a table, connected to breast shields by tubing. Brands like Medela and Spectra are well known for this type of pump. They are often used by mums who express regularly at home and want a reliable, straightforward option.
These pumps can be very effective, but they do tether you to a power source and a flat surface. If you are happy to sit at a table while expressing, a traditional pump can be a solid choice.
Manual Pumps
Manual pumps are simple, hand-operated devices that work without electricity. Brands like Philips Avent, Tommee Tippee and Lansinoh make manual pumps. They are lightweight, quiet and easy to pack, which makes them handy for occasional expressing or as a backup option.
The trade-off is that they require effort from your hand, and they are not ideal for frequent or full-time expressing. For mums who only need to express now and then, a manual pump can be more than enough.
What to Consider When Choosing a Breast Pump
Before you decide, it helps to think about a few key factors. These are the things that tend to matter most to mums, and they apply to every type of pump.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is the most important thing. A pump should not hurt, and the flange (the part that fits over your breast) needs to be the right size. Many pumps come with multiple flange sizes or inserts to help you find a good fit. The flange size guide from Relievoo explains how to check your sizing.
If you feel pain while expressing, it is worth checking your flange size and suction level. The Australian Breastfeeding Association has guidance on comfortable expressing, and your child and family health nurse can help too.
Noise Level
How loud a pump is can matter more than you might expect. If you want to express at work, in a shared space, or beside your baby at night, a quiet pump makes a big difference. Wearable pumps are generally designed to be discreet, and many traditional pumps are reasonably quiet as well.
Suction Control
Every mum is different, and so is every expressing session. A pump with multiple modes and adjustable suction levels lets you find a rhythm that feels right. Most electric pumps offer a stimulation mode to encourage let-down, followed by a suction mode for expression. Some also include a massage mode for comfort.
Portability
Think about where you will express. If you are mostly at home, portability may not be a priority. If you plan to express at work or while travelling, a lightweight, wearable pump is far easier to manage. A pump that fits in your bag and does not need a power point gives you more freedom.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Anything that touches your milk needs to be cleaned after every use. Pumps with fewer parts are quicker to wash and dry. Look for pumps made from BPA-free, food-grade materials, and check that the parts are easy to take apart and put back together.
Comparison Table: Types of Breast Pumps
To help you compare at a glance, here is a summary of the main pump types. The Relievoo column refers to the M22 PRO2 Serenity, a wearable in-bra double pump.
| Feature | Wearable In-Bra (Relievoo M22 PRO2) | Wearable In-Bra (other brands) | Traditional Electric with Tubing | Manual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hands-free use | Yes, worn inside the bra | Yes, worn inside the bra | No, tethered to a motor unit | No, requires one hand |
| Discretion | High, discreet under clothing | High, discreet under clothing | Low, visible tubing and motor | Moderate, compact but visible |
| Modes and levels | 4 modes, up to 12 levels | Varies by brand and model | Varies, often multiple modes | No electric modes |
| Noise | Ultra-quiet motor | Generally quiet | Varies, can be noticeable | Silent |
| Portability | Excellent, no wires or tubes | Excellent, no wires or tubes | Limited, needs a flat surface | Very portable, lightweight |
| Best for | Mums who want freedom and comfort | Mums who want freedom and comfort | Mums who express regularly at home | Occasional expressing or backup |
A Closer Look at the Relievoo M22 PRO2 Serenity
Relievoo's M22 PRO2 Serenity is a wearable, in-bra double pump designed around comfort. It has four modes: Stimulation to encourage let-down, Suction for expression, Massage to ease engorgement and tenderness, and Automatic, which moves between stimulation and suction for you. There are up to 12 adjustable levels, so you can find a gentle setting that feels right.
The pump is controlled with one-touch buttons on each cup, and a small LED display shows your mode, level and battery. There is no app and no Bluetooth to pair, which keeps things simple. The milk path is made from BPA-free, food-grade PP and soft medical silicone, and the clear collector cups let you see your milk as it flows.
The motor is ultra-quiet, which makes it practical for expressing beside a sleeping baby at night or on a work call. It is USB-rechargeable with a round charging base, and it sits upright in your bra for a tidy, spill-resistant fit.
Verdict: Which Breast Pump Should You Choose?
There is no single best breast pump for everyone. The right choice depends on how you live, where you plan to express, and what matters most to you. Here is a clear summary of who each option suits.
- Choose a wearable in-bra pump if you want hands-free convenience, discretion, and the freedom to move around while expressing. This is a strong option for mums returning to work, travelling, or caring for other children. The Relievoo M22 PRO2 Serenity is designed for comfort, with a massage mode and ultra-quiet motor.
- Choose a traditional electric pump with tubing if you mostly express at home and prefer a proven, straightforward design. This type of pump has been used by mums for decades and is a reliable choice for regular sessions at a table.
- Choose a manual pump if you only need to express occasionally, want a lightweight backup option, or are travelling light. Manual pumps are simple, quiet and easy to pack, but they require more effort.
If you are still unsure, it can help to think about your typical day. Do you want to express while your baby sleeps, or while you move around the house? Do you need to express at work? Answering these questions will point you toward the right type.
Practical Questions About Breast Pumps
Here are answers to some of the questions mums often ask when comparing breast pumps.
Is a breast pump worth it?
For many mums, yes. A pump lets you express breast milk so your baby can still have breastmilk when you are not there, whether that is for work, study, or a break. It also helps with engorgement and can make feeding more flexible. If you only plan to breastfeed directly and never be away from your baby, you may not need one.
Should breast pumping hurt?
No. Expressing should be comfortable. If you feel pain, it may be because the flange size is wrong or the suction is too high. A pump with gentle, adjustable levels, like the Relievoo M22 PRO2, lets you find a comfortable setting. If pain continues, talk to your midwife, child and family health nurse, or the Australian Breastfeeding Association helpline.
How does a breast pump work?
Electric breast pumps use suction to draw milk from your breast, mimicking the rhythm of a baby suckling. Most have a stimulation mode to encourage let-down, followed by a suction mode for expression. Wearable pumps sit inside your bra and are hands-free, while traditional pumps use tubing to connect the breast shields to a motor unit.
How long should a breast pump session be?
There is no single answer that suits everyone. A session typically lasts until the flow slows and your breasts feel softer. Follow the current advice from the Australian Breastfeeding Association or your child and family health nurse, and let your body guide you.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a breast pump is a personal decision, and there is no wrong answer. The best pump is the one that fits your life, your comfort and your goals. Take your time, compare the options, and remember that you can always adjust your choice as your needs change.
If you would like to explore wearable options, you can look at the Relievoo M22 PRO2 Serenity or browse the full Relievoo breast pump collection. For general breastfeeding information, the Australian Breastfeeding Association, Raising Children Network, healthdirect and Pregnancy, Birth and Baby are trusted places to learn more.
Relievoo offers free Australia-wide tracked shipping, a 30-day money-back return, and a lifetime warranty on all pumps. If you have questions about a product, Relievoo customer service is happy to help.
Frequently asked questions
Is a breast pump worth it?
For many mums, a breast pump is worth it if they plan to return to work, want to share feeding with a partner, or need to relieve engorgement. It allows you to express milk so your baby can still have breastmilk when you are not there. Think about how often you will express and where, as that will guide which type of pump suits you.
How does a breast pump work?
A breast pump uses gentle suction to draw milk from your breast, mimicking the rhythm of a baby suckling. Most electric pumps offer a stimulation mode to encourage let-down, followed by a suction mode for expression. Wearable pumps sit inside your bra and are hands-free, while traditional pumps use tubing connected to a separate motor unit.
What breast pump should I get?
Consider your routine. If you want to move around or express discreetly, a wearable in-bra pump is a popular choice. If you mostly express at home and prefer a proven, simple design, a traditional electric pump with tubing may suit. For occasional use, a manual pump can be enough. Comfort, noise and ease of cleaning all matter.
Should breast pumping hurt?
No, expressing should not hurt. If you feel pain, it may be a sign that the flange size is not right or that the suction level is too high. The Australian Breastfeeding Association offers guidance on comfortable expressing. A gentle pump with adjustable levels, like the Relievoo Serenity M22 PRO2, lets you find a comfortable setting.
How long should a breast pump session be?
There is no single answer that suits everyone, as it depends on your milk flow and your baby's needs. A typical session lasts until the flow slows and your breasts feel softer, which is often around 10 to 15 minutes per side. Follow the current advice from the Australian Breastfeeding Association or your child and family health nurse for guidance.
