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Home » Breastfeeding Products » One or Two Breast Pumps? Why You Might Need a Backup Pump

One or Two Breast Pumps? Why You Might Need a Backup Pump

By Amanda Glenn, CLC. Last Updated February 2, 2022. Originally Posted August 4, 2021.

Should you get one or two breast pumps? If you’re exclusively pumping, it’s a good idea to have a backup breast pump. Here’s why, and what kind of pump to get.

overhead shot of woman pumping breast milk with a white pump with text overlay Why You Need a Backup Breast Pump as an Exclusive Pumper 4 different options

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click a link and take action, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I love! More information here.

Why have a backup breast pump?

It’s a good idea to have a backup breast pump if you are an exclusive pumper because you need to consistently remove milk from your breasts.

If you’re not able to do that, you’re at risk of losing milk supply or getting a clogged duct or mastitis.

Here are some situations where a backup pump can come in handy.

1. Your pump stops working

One reason to have a backup pump is in the event that your pump breaks.

If you can’t turn it on, or it won’t charge, or something seems wrong with the suction, you can reach out to the manufacturer. If your pump is under warranty, they will often overnight you a replacement. However, you still need to be able to remove milk from your breasts in the meantime.

2. Your power goes out

Another reason to have a backup breast pump is in the event that your power goes out.

If you lose power and you have a Spectra S2 or a Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow or any pump that needs to be plugged into an outlet while you use it, without power (or a battery pack), it obviously won’t work.

3. You lose a pump part

Say one of your duckbills goes down the garbage disposal. Obviously, you wouldn’t be able to use it any longer and would need another option until you can get a replacement.

What kind of backup pump should you get?

So what should you use as a backup breast pump?

What Kind of Backup Pump? 1) Get a manual pump <image of Medela Harmony> 2) Learn hand expression <illustration of breast> 3) Use a Haakaa <product image of a Haakaa> 4) Get a second electric pump <product image of Baby Buddha breast pump>

1. Get a manual pump

The first option is a manual pump, which is usually powered with your hand like a crank.

product image of Laninoh manual breast pump with the pump in the foreground and the box behind it on a white background
This is probably one of the more cost effective options that is efficient for removing the milk from your breasts.

There are tons of great manual breast pumps, and which one you get doesn’t matter. However, one thing to consider is that it might make sense to get the same brand as your electric pump.

For example, if you have a Medela breast pump, it might make sense to get a Medela Harmony as a backup pump just because the pump parts may be compatible and you’re already familiar with the brand.

(A manual pump can also be good to use on the go, because it can fit in a handbag. Additionally, some people find that manual pumps are more effective for them, so sometimes they can be good to integrate into your pumping routine.)

2. Learn hand expression

Another option isn’t really a breast pump at all – it’s just learning hand expression.

Hand expression is a fantastic skill to have, because you’ll never be without a pump.  You can always use your hand, no matter where you are or what else you have on you.

More information about how to hand express breast milk here.

3. Use a Haakaa

You may also be able to use a Haakaa (or milk catcher) pump.

product image of a Haakaa silicone breast pump with the box next to it on a white background
Before making this your backup pump, I would try it out first and make sure that you can trigger a letdown. Some people struggle a bit to get their milk flowing without an electric pump or their baby nursing. But if you are able to get a letdown with hand expression, this can work well as a backup pump.

More on how to use a Haakaa here, and different brands here.

4. Get a second breast pump

The last option is to get a second electric breast pump.

This can be cost-prohibitive, but it’s not unusual for exclusive pumpers to get one pump free through insurance, and another more mobile pump, like a Willow or Baby Buddha. (Most pumps that you get through insurance need to be plugged into an outlet, though this depends on your policy.)

It’s not necessary to buy a second electric pump just so you can have a backup. But if you wanted to get a second pump anyway – to have additional mobility or to leave one at work – it can function as your backup pump too. It’s a good idea for it to have a battery or battery pack just in case the power goes out.

Hopefully this helps you decide on getting one or two breast pumps! Feel free to ask any questions about getting a backup pump in the comments.

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Filed Under: Breastfeeding Products

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Comments

  1. Kate says

    January 28, 2019 at 10:05 pm

    I couldn’t agree more! I had a power outage and didn’t freak out even thought the power came back by the time I had to charge my pump. I dropped my pump and it broke, on a Friday night (so a replacement wouldn’t ship until Monday). The hand pump was amazing! I’ve also used it for when I dropped my middle of the night pump to relieve pressure. This is the best $ I’ve spent on pumping.

    Reply
    • Amanda Glenn says

      January 29, 2019 at 9:07 am

      Oh my gosh – my worst nightmare. So glad you had a backup hand pump!!

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Amanda

Hi! I’m Amanda. I'm a Certified Lactation Counselor® and an experienced exclusive pumper. My goal is to help make exclusively pumping as easy as possible for you, so that you can enjoy your baby! This website is for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. Read More

As Featured In Buzzfeed, the Atlantic, Romper, San Diego Breastfeeding LLC

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