Should You Use a Silicone Breast Pump? See What It’s All About

You’re juggling feeding, holding, burping… and then you notice milk leaking from the other side. Ugh! One of those simple, viral silicone breast pumps could be exactly what you need. Just attach it during a nursing session, and it’ll catch any milk you’d otherwise lose—no tubes, cables, or motors required.

That said, some moms face challenges like oversupply or discomfort when using silicone pumps, and they’re not really recommended for exclusive pumping. So, should you give one a try?

In this guide, we’ll explain why silicone breast pumps have become a favorite among moms, compare them to traditional options, and offer expert tips to help you choose the right one for you and your baby.

Benefits of Using a Silicone Breast Pump

A silicone breastfeeding pump might look simple, but it’s surprisingly effective. Made from soft, food-grade silicone in one seamless piece, it uses natural suction to gently draw milk from your breast, with no complicated parts.

Here’s why it’s become such a popular tool:

• Catches let-down effortlessly.While your baby nurses on one side, you can attach the silicone pump to the other breast to collect every drop of milk that might otherwise soak a nursing pad.
• Soothes engorgement gently.The soft, steady suction can help ease fullness and relieve discomfort without the stronger pull of an electric pump.
• Silent, easy, and hands-free.All you need to do is squeeze the bottom of the pump and place it on your breast. Once it’s suctioned on, you can leave it in place and go about your day, no loud motors or manual pumping required.
• Compact and portable.Lightweight and small enough to fit in your diaper bag, it’s easy to take on trips, car rides, or keep in your bedside drawer.
• At a fraction of the cost of electric or wearable pumps, it’s a budget-friendly addition to your breastfeeding toolkit.
• Easy to clean.With just one molded piece, there are no valves, membranes, or tubing to scrub, making sterilizing quick and simple.
• Safe and comfortable materials.Silicone pumps are BPA-free, soft on the skin, durable, and safe for high-heat sterilization.

Whether you’re building a freezer stash, easing engorgement, or just want to beat the drip, a breast silicone pump can be a smart and stress-free option.

Silicone Breast Pumps vs. Traditional Breast Pumps: A Comparison

As you can see, these silicone pumps for breastfeeding work very differently from traditional manual lever pumps, electric pumps, or modern wearable hands-free pumps. Of course, each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Here’s a side-by-side look at how they compare:

How to Choose the Right Breast Pump for You?

Finding the right breast pump really depends on how and when you plan to use it. Are you just looking to catch milk during let-down? Will you be pumping a few times a week for occasional bottles? Or are you heading back to work and planning to pump daily?

The answers to these questions will help you figure out what type of pump fits your routine best. Here’s how to decide:

How often will you pump?

• If you’re mainly breastfeeding but want to save every drop of let-down or ease occasional engorgement, a simple silicone pump is ideal.
• For a few bottles here and there, like for date nights or short trips, a manual lever pump is a compact and affordable choice.
• If you’ll be pumping regularly or exclusively, a double electric pump or a wearable pump is worth the investment for speed and efficiency.

Where do you plan to pump?

Pumping at home gives you more flexibility, but if you’re at work, traveling, or multitasking, you’ll want something quiet and truly hands-free. Wearable pumps are a game-changer here.

How important is comfort?

Look for pumps with soft flanges, multiple shield sizes, and gentle suction options. A well-fitted flange can make a huge difference in comfort and milk flow.

What’s your budget and cleaning preference?

Silicone and manual pumps are budget-friendly and have just a few parts to clean. Electric and wearable pumps cost more but save time and effort for frequent use.

Now, if hands-free pumping fits your lifestyle, wearable eufy silicone breast pumps are designed to make the process seamless and discreet. They combine strong, adjustable suction with a lightweight, in-bra design that lets you move around freely while you pump. Here’re two models worth checking out:

The eufy Breast Pump E10is a sleek, budget-friendly wearable that offers impressive power in a small package:

• Delivers hospital-grade suction up to 300 mmHgwith 7 intensity levels and 3 pumping rhythms, customizable through the eufy Baby app.
• OptiRhythm™ smart pumpinglets you save your preferred settings for stimulation and expression modes and start them instantly from your phone.
• Ultra-quiet at just 46 dB, so you can pump discreetly even in shared spaces.
• Soft 105° silicone shieldsensure a comfortable fit, and the leak-proof double seal design keeps milk secure while you move.
• Holds 5 ozper session and runs for 4–6 sessions per charge, perfect for a full day out.
• Easy to clean with only four parts to wash and reassemble.

The eufy Breast Pump S1 Probuilds on the E10’s strengths with premium features for moms who pump often:

• HeatFlow™ warming flangehelps stimulate let-down and prevent clogs, and can increase milk flow by up to 30%.
• Includes a wireless charging casethat provides up to five days of power, so you’re never stuck searching for an outlet.
• Keeps the same 300 mmHg hospital-grade suctionwith 7 levels and 3 speeds, plus OptiRhythm™ presets for total control.
• Whisper-quiet operation at 46 dBand a slim, in-bra design for complete discretion.
• BPA-free, food-grade breast pump silicone insertsand flanges are comfortable to wear and easy to sterilize.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to breast pumps. A silicone breast pump is great if you’re looking for something simple, gentle, and easy to use, especially for catching letdown, relieving full breasts, or light pumping at home or on the go. It’s quiet, affordable, and doesn’t need electricity.

That said, if you need to pump more often or want something that gives you both comfort and efficiency, eufy’s wearable, battery-powered options are worth checking out. They are designed with soft, food-grade materials and offer hospital-grade suction, while still being quiet and hands-free.

FAQs

Is silicone breast pump painful?

Silicone breast pumps are designed to be gentle and comfortable. They use natural suction to collect milk, reducing the need for hand squeezing. Most users find them pain-free, especially when used to catch letdown during nursing. However, discomfort can arise if the pump isn’t positioned correctly or if the flange size doesn’t fit well.

Can I use a silicone breast pump for exclusive pumping?

Silicone breast pumps are great for occasional use and catching letdown during nursing, but they’re not the best choice for exclusive pumping. If you pump full-time, you’ll need a more powerful electric pump that can provide consistent suction to effectively express milk and maintain milk supply.

How do I clean and maintain my silicone breast pump?

Before using it for the first time, boil the pump in water for 3–5 minutes. After each use, wash it well and sterilize again by boiling for 2–3 minutes or using a steam sterilizer to keep it clean and safe for your baby.