If you’re having trouble producing enough milk, it’s best to see a lactation consultant who can help you make pumping sessions more productive. Yes, breastfeeding twins can be a challenge, mama. That’s why we’re here to help you find the best breast pump for twins that will suit your needs and preferences. Would you like a hospital-grade breast pump you can use at home, or would you prefer a hands-free pump designed for working moms to express milk for twins even if you’re busy at work? We review the best breast pumps for twins to help you decide which one to get so you can express milk for your twins, mama. Continue reading to learn more about these pumps.
The Best Breast Pump for Twins
Whether you’re planning on exclusive pumping or alternating between pumping and breastfeeding for your twins, a reliable breast pump can be a useful medical device for you. Though you can still choose manual, wearable, or single electric pumps, these might not be enough to meet the demands of regularly pumping enough milk for two babies. So, the following double electric breast pumps are our top picks for the best pumps you can use if you have twins. You might even be able to get these pumps for free through insurance:
Spectra S2 – $159.00 Motif Duo / Portable Double Electric – $190.00 Philips Avent Double Electric Breast Pump – $199.99 Ardo Calypso Double Electric Breast Pump – $199.99 Spectra S1 – $200 Hygeia Enjoye Cordless – $267.56 Medela Pump In Style Advanced – $268.00 Medela Freestyle Flex – $379.99 Spectra Synergy Gold – $499.99 Medela Symphony – $2,002.49
Note that though we excluded wearable pumps, you can still use all these double electric models for hands-free pumping. Just use them with a pumping bra (usually costs around $20 to $30) to hold the bottles in place. Read on to get more information about these best breast pumps for twins:
Spectra S2 Plus
Pricing: $159.00 Weight: 2.0 lbs Noise Level: Quiet
Why It’s a Good Breast Pump for Twins
Pump Type & System: Single and double electric pump; closed system Suction Strength: Up to 270 mmHg Settings: Letdown and expression modes, with 12 vacuum suction levels Convenience: It has a nightlight to help you check the settings for nighttime pumping sessions. The pump also has a memory to keep your favorite settings. Special Features: Spectra S2 uses a hygienic closed system that prevents backflow to the tubings. This ensures that your breast milk won’t come in contact with bacteria or viruses that might be in the tubes. It’s a quiet yet strong pump that can be your ally in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). It’s a popular pump that you can get for free through insurance.
Cons
It has no portability options because it doesn’t have batteries. Its design might look nice with its pastel pink colors, but this pump can be bulky.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “I was so close to switching over to formula because the pump I had before did nothing for me & I have to head back to work soon. This pump is a dream.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps. Negative Reviews “Every single setting (even the lowest) makes my nipples hurt so bad. I hardly get any milk out, and I think it’s because the pain is so intense.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.
Motif Duo Portable Double Electric
Pricing: $190.00 Weight: 0.6 lbs Noise Level: Quiet
Why It’s a Good Breast Pump for Twins
Pump Type & System: Single and double electric; closed system Suction Strength: Up to 250 mmHg Settings: 10 massage settings and 10 expression modes Convenience: It comes with a Multi-Pocket Maylilly or Motif backpack. Special Features: It’s also a lightweight, portable pump with a built-in rechargeable battery that can last up to 2.5 hours. Having a stimulation mode with 10 massage settings can promote letdown to help you pump a higher amount of milk. This pump has memory options to keep your favorite settings.
Cons
The suction power of this pump may not be as strong as other hospital-grade pumps.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “I get just as much milk from this pump as I do the Medela or the Spectra I have, and it’s so convenient!” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps. Negative Reviews “Suction sucks. I could only pump on one side at a time with suction on 10!! When using both at once, suction felt like it was at a level 1. Terrible.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps.
Philips Avent Double Electric Breast Pump
Pricing: $199.99 Weight: 2 lbs Noise Level: Noisy
Why It’s a Good Breast Pump for Twins
Pump Type & System: Double electric; closed system Suction Strength: Up to 128 mmHg Settings: One stimulation mode, three expression settings Convenience: It comes with a handy travel bag. Special Features: This pump is lightweight and portable. The pump’s flanges have built-in silicone massage cushions so you can be more comfortable during pumping sessions. That can be a nice feature for twin moms who need to pump for two.
Cons
It’s not as strong as the other electric pumps. It’s noisy and has small (4 oz) milk collection bottles that might not be enough for one pumping session.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews Negative Reviews
Ardo Calypso Double Electric Breast Pump
Pricing: $199.99 Weight: 3.2 lbs Noise Level: Quiet
Why It’s a Good Breast Pump for Twins
Pump Type & System: Single and double electric; closed system Suction Strength: Up to 240 mmHg Settings: You can adjust the suction strength (vacuum) and frequency settings (cycle) individually and independently from each other. Convenience: It comes with a stylish messenger bag and a cooler bag. Special Features: This is a portable pump with six 6AA batteries (not included; $20.00 for eight AA batteries) that can last for around 12 pumping sessions or up to six hours. It’s a quiet pump with a total of 64 settings and combinations. So, you can find a comfortable setting to pump for twins.
Cons
It doesn’t have a letdown feature. The complicated suction or cycle settings might be difficult to use. The pump motor isn’t as strong when using batteries.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “The batteries last for 5-6 hours, with an average pumping session of up to 30 minutes, so that’s about 12 pumping sessions before you need to change or recharge your batteries.” – Reviewer on Ardo USA. Negative Reviews “The vacuum and cycle aspects of this machine are confusing. The instructions never really explain how this works or what these actually do.” – Reviewer on Ardo USA.
Spectra S1
Pricing: $200 Weight: 2.42 lbs Noise Level: Quiet
Why It’s a Good Breast Pump for Twins
Pump Type & System: Single and double electric; closed system Suction Strength: Up to 270 mmHg Settings: Separate letdown and expression modes, with 12 vacuum suction levels Convenience: It’s a portable breast pump with a long battery life of up to three hours. Special Features: It’s the portable twin of the popular Spectra S2 Plus. It has 12 suction levels for you to choose from, while the letdown mode promotes more milk flow.
Cons
It has a bulkier (but still lightweight) design compared with other portable breast pumps.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews Negative Reviews
Hygeia Enjoye Cordless
Pricing: $267.56 Weight: 2.8 lbs Noise Level: Loud
Why It’s a Good Breast Pump for Twins
Pump Type & System: Single and double electric; closed Suction Strength: Up to 250 mmHg Settings: You can change two settings: speed and vacuum strength. Convenience: This pump comes with a tote and a cooler. Special Features: It can be used with rechargeable batteries that can last for up to four hours. It’s from an environmentally friendly company with a disposal program for old or damaged pumps.
Cons
It’s loud and only uses knobs for the settings. It has fewer customization options compared to other pumps.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews Negative Reviews
Medela Pump In Style Advanced
Pricing: $268.00 Weight: 7.0 lbs Noise Level: Quiet
Why It’s a Good Breast Pump for Twins
Pump Type & System: Single and double electric; open system Suction Strength: Up to 250 mmHg Settings: This pump uses 2-phase expression technology with a one-touch letdown mode button. Convenience: It comes with a tote bag, backpack, or Metro bag, plus a cooler bag with one ice pack. Special Features: This portable pump comes with a big tote bag that can fit the entire milk collection system (pump, bottles, milk storage bags, cooler bag, and ice pack) plus some extras. It’s less expensive than the Medela Freestyle Flex ($379.99).
Cons
It uses an open-system pump that’s less hygienic than closed-system pumps. It’s heavier than most pumps. In 2010, this pump was subjected to a recall (manufacturing dates: February 10 to March 3, 2010) because of a compromised circuit board. The error caused affected pumps to turn off on their own in the middle of the pumping session. Some pumps wouldn’t turn on while others lose suction or make a clicking sound while pumping. Medela replaced these faulty pumps. (1)
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews
Spectra Synergy Gold
Pricing: $499.99 Weight: 4.2 lbs Noise Level: Quiet
Why It’s a Good Breast Pump for Twins
Pump Type & System: Single and double electric; closed Suction Strength: Up to 270 mmHg on each side Settings: It has more vacuum suction levels (15 instead of the usual 12) than other Spectra pumps). Convenience: You can customize the pump settings for each breast separately. Special Features: It’s the most customizable of all Spectra breast pumps. Its powerful motor can provide 270 mmHg of suction power for each breast instead of the shared/split power used in other breast pumps. It features three illumination settings for the night light.
Cons
It’s an expensive pump that isn’t covered 100% by insurance. You’ll have to pay for the upgrade. It’s not available for retail to personal/individual users. It’s only sold to lactation centers, medical facilities, and select vendors. But you can still get this pump as a rental.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “My left breast seems to respond better to vacuum six, while my right seems to need vacuum eight. I love that I can do both at the same time! #nomoreslackerboob!” – Reviewer on Spectra Baby USA. Negative Reviews “This is a PLUG IN pump! It’s the same size as the others. For $200 more than the S2, it should be portable.” – Reviewer on Target.
Medela Symphony
Pricing: $2,002.49 Weight: 7.05 lbs Noise Level: Quiet
Why It’s a Good Breast Pump for Twins
Pump Type & System: Single and double electric; closed system Suction Strength: Up to 250 mmHg Settings: 2-phase expression technology with letdown button Convenience: It can be attached to a stand with wheels so it can be easily moved around, especially in a hospital setting. Special Features: It’s a heavy-duty hospital-grade pump that’s designed for safe, hygienic use by multiple users. It’s quiet and has a closed system to prevent the backflow of milk to the tubes.
Cons
It’s an expensive pump that’s not covered by insurance for individual purchases. But you can still get this breast pump as a rental. It’s a big, heavy, and bulky pump. The Medela Symphony was subject to a recall in 2010 (lot #67099S) for compromised sterility due to possible pinholes found in the rigid tray of the package. Medela replaced these compromised pumps. (2)
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “I had to use this pump due to my son needing heart surgery when he was born. I was able to create a large supply of milk for him.” – Reviewer on Aeroflow Breast Pumps. Negative Reviews Do I Need A Breast Pump With Twins?
Many moms are able to exclusively breastfeed their twins, but having a breast pump can also be helpful. It may even help you establish your milk supply as your body adjusts to feeding two hungry babies instead of just one.
What Are The Different Types of Breast Pumps?
Hospital-grade breast pump Automatic breast pumps Small electric or battery-operated units Manual breast pumps Wearable & hands-free pumps
Are Electric Pumps Better Than Manual Pumps?
Some manual pumps, such as the Lansinoh Manual ($25), can reach a suction strength of up to 250 mmHg. But most manual pumps weren’t tested for their suction strength and could be less powerful than electric pumps. Though they are more expensive, electric pumps can let you express more milk in less time.
Should I Bring A Breast Pump To The Hospital?
If you already have a breast pump, then it’s better to bring this to the hospital. Include it in your hospital bag checklist. The hospital or birthing center can provide you with a breast pump during your stay, but you might want to practice using yours right after your twins’ birth.
Can I Pump Immediately After Birth Or Breastfeed First?
You can pump immediately after birth, but doctors and lactation consultants suggest trying to breastfeed first.
What’s The Most Important Feature Of My Breast Pump?
Suction strength is the most important feature because it can help you pump more milk in less time. But a massage mode is also important to help you achieve letdown. If your pump doesn’t have a massage mode, you can manually massage your breasts to promote letdown before starting to pump.
Will My Insurance Policy Cover The Cost Of A Breast Pump?
Depending on your insurance policy and the breast pump model you pick, you can get a breast pump for free without additional costs. If you choose an upgrade, you’ll need to pay the price difference from the pump your policy will cover. You may use your FSA/HSA (flexible spending accounts & health savings accounts) to pay for the upgrade if the medical supplier or retailer accepts these as payment.
Should I Purchase A New Pump If I Need New Pump Parts?
No. Most brands sell individual pump parts, bottles, and accessories.
How Do I Know Which Of These Pumps Is Best For Me?
Each mom has different pumping needs. If you’re a twin mom, it might be a good idea to choose a heavy-duty hospital-grade pump that can handle your twins’ high breastfeeding demand.
What If My Milk Supply Is Delayed After Giving Birth To My Twins?
Most twin births happen ahead of schedule, before 37 weeks gestation. At this time, your body might need time to catch up before it starts producing milk. If your milk supply is delayed, lactation consultants suggest more skin-to-skin contact with your babies because this can help stimulate milk production. If your babies are spending time in the NICU because they were born prematurely, you can start pumping to help establish your milk supply.
Can I Pump My Breast Milk Exclusively If I Have Twins?
It’s possible to pump exclusively if you have twins. But if you’re having trouble catching up on your supply, don’t feel guilty about supplementing with formula. Though the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends breastfeeding until your babies are six months old, the situation is different with twins.
How Often Should I Pump With Twins?
Moms pumping for one baby often do it every two to three hours during the first few weeks. The frequency decreases down to every four to six hours, depending on the baby’s needs. But if you’re pumping for twins, don’t wait for them to be hungry to pump. Often, twin moms find themselves pumping twice more than singleton moms.
How Many Ounces Should I Pump For Twins?
Each mom is different. Some can produce more milk than others. But you can still set a pumping goal of around 25 to 27 oz per day for the first seven days. Then, you can try to increase your collection to around 27 to 32 oz per day, starting on the second week.
How Long Does It Take To Pump Milk For Twins?
Whether pumping for one or two babies, you’ll need around 15 to 20 minutes per session if you’re using a double electric breast pump with hospital-grade suction. Sessions will be longer if you’re using a single electric breast pump or a manual pump.
Should I Consider A Single Or Double Breast Pump For Twins?
Some moms prefer single pumps because they’re cheaper. You can still pick a single pump even if you’re pumping for twins. But that’s ideal only if you’ll be breastfeeding one baby from one breast and pumping the other breast for your other baby.
How Do I Pump Enough Breast Milk For Twins?
Breastmilk may be produced on demand, but if you have twins, it can be harder to keep up with feeding both babies at the same time. You can try power pumping. It’s done by pumping several times, each for 20-30 minutes each. You rest around 10 minutes in between sessions. It may help your body realize the demand for more milk. But make sure to consult your doctor or lactation consultant.
What Should I Do If I Have Low Breast Milk Supply?
Stay hydrated. Eat a healthy diet. Massage your breasts before and after pumping. See a lactation consultant.
What Are The Characteristics Of The Best Breast Pump For Twins?
More suction settings Adapter/batteries Double pumping capabilities Effective suction and letdown mode Convenient and easy to use Hospital-grade pump for regular use No recent product recalls
Summary & Recommendation
The following are our top picks for the best breast pump for twins: Best Value For Your Money
Spectra S2 – $159.00
Strongest Pump with More Customizable Features
Spectra Synergy Gold – $499.99
Best Portable Pump for Twins
Spectra S1 – $200
Most Comfortable Pump
Philips Avent Double Electric Breast Pump – $199.99
Longest Battery Life
Ardo Calypso Double Electric Breast Pump – $199.99
Best Heavy-Duty Hospital-Grade Pump
Medela Symphony – $2,002.49
REFERENCES (1) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfres/res.cfm?id=96744 (2) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfres/res.cfm?id=93790
