Eufy vs Perifit Wearable Breast Pump

With the Eufy pump cost at a premium, which pump can rival it without spending $300?  

We tested the Perifit breast pump and really like what we saw.  First it actually does 300mmHg on it's highest level of suction which most wearable just do not reach.  Next we liked that it was high quality designed in France as you can note on the flanges as they are high quality silicone and you can choose your flange size on the double pump from 18mm, 21mm or 24mm instead of using an insert which can interfere with suction and also is another part to clean.  I also really like the suction and speed levels.  You can choose up to 12 levels of suction and the speed can be used at a fast pace, slow pace, massage pace and a unique intermittent pace that alternates 8 stimulation cycles and one expression cycle that helps milk to flow more quickly.

Below is a chart with features that may help you decide on the pump for me.  Some models of the Eufy do offer heat, but if there are issues with clogged ducts or mastitis, heat is no longer recommended due to increased inflammation. If heat is used on healthy breasts, it should be used short term at the beginning for let-down, not during the entire pumping session.

Feature	Perifit	Eufy
Milk Capacity	160 ml (5.4 oz)	150 ml (5 oz)
Suction Strength	300 mmHg	Up to 300 mmHg
Vacuum Levels	12 levels	7 levels
Speed Levels	3 speeds + Alternating	3 speeds
Noise Level	~35 dB	~45 dB
Battery Life	6–7 sessions	4–6 sessions
Special Features	App coaching, app           control, tracking	Heat (S1), timer, app control
Discreet Wear	Sits close to body;           natural shape	Rounded shape; bulkier
Parts Assembly	Easy, fewer parts	More parts to assemble
Cost	$249-$299	$309-$379

So should you spend over $200 on a wearable breast pump?  If you are using an electric pump like the Spectra S1 most of the time and just use a wearable on occasion, a less-expensive pump such as the Lansinoh Discreet Duo might be a good option.  If you have low milk supply or are going to use a wearable most of the time, then yes, these high quality pumps are going to be better for your milk supply and in the long-term easier on your wallet than buying formula.  I've tested a number of other wearables popular because of their price point including TSRETE and Imani, but for daily use there is no comparison in quality and consistent suction to Perifit and Eufy.

Here's to a great hands-free pumping experience,

Tanya

Love or Hate Pumpin Pals? Spectra OEM Flanges vs Pumpin' Pal Flanges

We get this question a lot.  Are Pumpin' Pal flanges worth it? Moms tend to either love or hate their Pumpin' Pals.  While there can be a variety of reasons, the most common reason is fit that can cause irritation. loss of suction and less milk output rather than a higher milk yield enjoyed by the moms who love them.  If you want to try Pumpin' Pals you will need to pack a little patience and expect that there is a learning curve because unlike any others I have seen they are angled like the baby's mouth which when used correctly does often result in more comfort and higher breast milk yield. 

Let's compare to Spectra which is a top choice with mothers today.

Difference in Sizing

Spectra OEM Size	OEM Inner Diameter	Pumpin’ Pals Size	Angled Inner Diameter	Practical Fit/Feel
16 mm	~16 mm	2XS	~17–18 mm	Slightly looser than Spectra 16mm — good fit if 16mm OEM is snug
20 mm	~20 mm	XS	~21–22 mm	Looser than Spectra 20mm — size may feel loose on many moms who use 20mm
24 mm	~24 mm	Small	~25–26 mm	Noticeably looser than Spectra 24mm  — may feel loose on moms who use 24mm
28 mm	~28 mm	Medium	~29–30 mm	Slightly larger than Spectra 28mm — good if comfort over vacuum strength is the goal
32 mm	~32 mm	Large	~33–34 mm	Larger than Spectra 32mm — extra comfort, less suction seal than OEM 32mm

                                      

Difference in Design

The Spectra OEM BPA-free plastic will feel and react differently than some of the Pumpin' Pal flange sizes.  XXS, XS and Small are made from silicone which is optimal for moms who have elastic nipples that get pulled too far into a normal flange tunnel.  Size medium, large and x-large are made from the same type of BPA-free plastic but the angle of the flange is often more comfortable especially when you learn how to use them.  Since they use a connector to attach to your pump, you can change the angle of the flange so moms who have nipples that face upward or even downward, can adjust the flange to meet the needs of their anatomy.

Difference in Price

A standard OEM flange is around $14.99, while the Pumpin Pal bpa-free flange is around $19.99.  Extra cost is for the silicone since it is more expensive to make which is $24.99 and the adapter to use with OEM valves and backflows is an extra $10 if you add it on to your purchase.

Moms who love the Pumpin' Pal flanges often have a more comfortable pumping experience and higher milk yield.  Moms who don't often don't give themselves enough time to learn to use them properly.  Pumpin' Pal offers an IBCLC to help with sizing and Lactation Connection offers a flange size credit to moms to help them get another size if that end up being the issue.  

Are they right for you?  Now that you know more about the sizing, you might try purchasing one size.  Know that these are hygienic non-returnable items but as long as you know your size, it is less expensive than buying a three size set.  If you are not sure about your size, purchase a nipple ruler to help you decide.

Here's to a more comfortable and prolific pumping experience,

Tanya

Power Pumping vs Cluster Pumping - Which is Better for Increasing Milk Supply?

As a retired IBCLC with 30+ years experience in breastfeeding support, I am not sure that power pumping is the best method for increasing milk supply for every mom.  The method has limited scientific research and can cause moms quite a bit of frustration with such ridged and lengthy pumping sessions. Not to mention friction when dry pumping. While nipple stimulation does sustain hormone signals, research supports that regular extraction is the source of increasing milk supply.  Apart from moms who are relactating or inducing lactation, cluster pumping is a better method than power pumping because there is more milk to extract every 2 hours than there is when pumping again in 10 minutes. For clarity, I have outlined the power pumping method and cluster pumping methods below for moms with babies under six months below. While we are listing these times as pumping, nursing sessions can and should be used in place of these when possible.

Power Pumping 

60 minutes session once per day as below; pump an additional 7 x daily for 20 min. 

• Pump 20 minutes

• Rest 10 minutes

• Pump 10 minutes

• Rest 10 minutes

• Pump 10 minutes

Cluster Pumping 

Pump every 2 hours with one 4 hour stretch. The schedule below includes cluster pumping during the midnight to 5am window that prolactin milk producing hormone is the highest.

• Pump @ 12am

• Pump @ 2am

• Pump @ 4am

• Pump @ 8am

• Pump @10am

• Pump @ 12pm

• Pump @ 2pm

• Pump @ 4pm

• Pump @ 6pm

• Pump @ 8pm

• Pump @10pm

Power pumping is normally used for one week daily and a second week every other day.  Cluster pumping is meant to closely imitate an infant's growth spurt and results should be evident after 7 days of the outlined schedule.

No matter how many years go by, research has never found the principle of supply and demand to be refuted.  Better extraction through waiting long enough for milk to build and simulating a natural way baby's cluster nurse is my recommendation.  And remember, better extraction with a breast pump means a double electric breast pump with properly sized flanges and optimally not a wearable breast pump. If you own a wearable, it is for convenience.  Your electric breast pump should always be your main breast pump. But having said that, the best breast pump is the one you will actually use.

Here's to demand for supply!

Tanya

Hospital Grade Breast Pump Comparison for Corporate Lactation & Clinical Lactation

Hospital grade breast pumps also know as multi-user breast pumps are often used for corporate lactation and clinical settings. There are three we most often recommend.  

	Ameda Pearl	Ameda Platinum	Spectra S3 Pro
Pump Type	Hospital-grade, multi-user	Hospital-grade, multi-user	Hospital-grade, multi-user
Power Source	AC + rechargeable battery	AC only (plug-in)	AC + rechargeable battery
Suction Range	Up to ~250 mmHg	Up to ~250 mmHg	Up to ~270 mmHg
Cycle Speed	Stimulation: ~80–120 CPM Expression: ~30–48 CPM	Adjustable speed, ~30–80 CPM	Adjustable, up to ~70 CPM
Modes/ Adjustability	Stimulation & expression; customizable settings	Fully adjustable vacuum & speed	Adjustable suction & cycles
Closed System	Yes	Yes	Yes
Portability	Portable due to internal battery	Least portable; plug in	Portable due to internal battery
Noise Level	Moderate	Moderate	Relatively quiet
Durability/Use Intensity	For frequent clinical and rental use	Heavy-duty clinical workhorse	For hospital and high-use settings
Typical Use Settings	Hospital, clinic, rental, home use	Hospital, NICU, rental	Hospital, clinic, rental, transitional home use
Available Flange Sizes	25mm, 28.5mm, 30.5mm Inserts: 11mm–21mm	25mm, 28.5mm, 30.5mm Inserts: 11mm–21mm	16mm, 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 32mm

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An important detail to consider is the availability of flange sizes for these pumps.  Ameda has very few flange sizes, but does offer flange inserts to help reduce the flange size as needed.  Spectra offers flange sizes 16mm-32mm without having to use an insert. Warranty is another consideration. The Ameda Pearl and Ameda Platinum carry a 3 year warranty on pump mechanism while the Spectra S3 Pro offers a 2 year warranty.

Summary

Ameda Platinum

• The most traditional hospital/NICU workhorse

• Plug-in only (no battery)

• Excellent for continuous, high-volume clinical use

• Often chosen for NICUs and long-term rentals

• 3 year limited warranty

Ameda Pearl

• Hospital-grade performance with added portability

• Internal rechargeable battery

• Good balance between clinical strength and flexibility

• Suitable for clinics or parents needing occasional portability

• 3 year limited warranty

Spectra S3 Pro

• Strong hospital-grade suction with Spectra’s comfort-focused design

• Internal rechargeable battery

• Closed system with intuitive controls

• Often preferred for comfort-oriented users transitioning between hospital and home

• More flange sizes available without using inserts

• 2 year limited warranty

Depending on your needs, any of these three pumps are exceptional choices for your corporate lactation or clinical needs.   Available at Lactation Connection.

Here's to productive purchasing,

Tanya

Relactation Protocols for Bringing Back Milk Supply

If you are considering relactation, your foundation for success is frequent, effective milk removal.  And the good news is that your breasts have made milk previously and mammary tissue and prolactin (milk producing hormone) receptors are established. It can take time to re-establish milk supply so be ready to put the effort in for the length of time that it has been since you last nursed.  For example if it has been two weeks, you may be able to relactate in as little as two weeks.  If it has been two months, it may take that long.  However, the protocols below may help expedite this process.

Protocols

• Frequent pumping or nursing (8–12x/day, including overnight when prolactin levels are highest)

• Latch your baby on if possible.  Feeding tubes allow you to supplement your baby at breast until milk comes in.

• Get skin to skin with your baby often as it increases oxytocin (milk ejection hormone)

Lactation Aids

• A high quality electric breast pump such as a Spectra S1 or S2; wearable are not as effective

• Lactation Aid Feeding Tubes can help keep baby to the breast for assistance with keeping the baby at breast to boost oxytocin for better let-down

• Supplements can be used to help, but will not work without adequate stimulation and extraction

Medications & Supplements

• Motherlove More Milk Plus - Tried and true herbal supplement containing goat's rue and fenugreek. Fenugreek is not recommended if you have diabetes, hypoglycemia, or PCOS subtypes sensitive to glucose shifts.

• Legendairy Milk Liquid Gold - Combination herbal supplement with goat's rue, milk thistle, shatavari, fennel, alfalfa and anise. Not recommended for mothers with SLE disease, plant allergies associated with ingredients listed.  May lower blood sugar.

• Metoclopramide (Reglan):
  Prescription only. Used occasionally, short-term, and cautiously. Evidence for meaningful volume increase is mixed, and side-effect risk limits routine use.

Manage Expectations

Frequent, effective removal of milk by baby or high quality double electric breast pump is essential.  Pack your tenacity as you will need to keep this up 8-12 times per day and include night feeding or pumping until milk supply is well established. Be prepared that volume increases gradually over weeks and manage your expectations. While a comprehensive study* shows that 79% of moms were successful at being able to resume breastfeeding, full milk supply may not always be reached. Some moms were only able to produce 25-50% milk supply, but every ounce counts for the health of your baby.

Hang in there mama!

Tanya

References:

*Matern Child Nutr. 2022 Oct 12;19(1):e13440. doi: 10.1111/mcn.13440

J Trop Pediatr. 1997 Aug;43(4):213-6. doi: 10.1093/tropej/43.4.21

Breastfeeding with PCOS

If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), maintaining milk supply requires intensive milk extraction due to risks of delayed milk "coming in" and potential hormonal interference from insulin resistance and/or high androgens. To endeavor to get milk to come in and keep your milk supply, below are some protocols that may help.

Immediate Postpartum Protocols

Early Initiation: Start nursing or hand expression within the first hour of birth.

Frequent Removal: Breastfeed on demand or use a hospital-grade pump at least 8–12 times every 24 hours (roughly every 2–3 hours).

Night Feedings:  Pitocin levels are the highest between 12pm-5am, so don't take advantage of nursing or pumping twice during those hours..

Antenatal Expression: Begin expressing colostrum at 38 weeks (with medical approval as it may cause contractions) to "wake up" breast tissue and build a supply before birth.

Avoid Early Supplementation: Unless medically necessary, avoid formula in the first few days to maximize biological stimulation of the breast. 

Skin to Skin Contact: Even if pumping, use skin to skin contact with baby to boost oxytocin which aids with let-down. 

 Advanced Extraction Techniques

Breast Pump & Flange Selection: Make sure to use a good double electric breast pump, not a wearable and measure for correct flange size to use.  A wearable breast pump should only be used on occasion.

Triple Feeding: If the baby cannot latch effectively, nursing is followed by 10–15 minutes of pumping on each breast to ensure thorough drainage.

Hands-On Pumping: Use a hands-free bra and perform breast massage while pumping to increase milk output by as much as 48%.

Power Pumping: Simulate cluster feeding once a day for several days by pumping for 20 minutes, resting for 10, pumping for 10, resting for 10, and pumping for 10.

Night Pumping: Prolactin levels are highest between midnight and 5 a.m.; ensure at least one extraction session occurs during this window. 

Metabolic & Hormonal Management

Insulin Sensitivity: High insulin can block milk synthesis. Manage this through a low-glycemic index diet and, if prescribed, continuing Metformin, which is considered safe during lactation.

Galactagogues: Certain herbs like Goat’s Rue (which supports insulin sensitivity) and Moringa may be more effective for PCOS-related supply issues than traditional herbs like Fenugreek.

Stress Management: High cortisol from stress can trigger androgen spikes that inhibit milk flow. Use skin-to-skin contact (Kangaroo care) to boost oxytocin and lower cortisol. 

Non-insulin Resistant PCOS

Following the immediate post-partum protocols and advanced extraction techniques is essential.  Poor prolactin response could be the culprit of low milk supply additional pumping especially between 12pm-1am and switch nursing (moving baby back and forth between breasts every 5 minutes) may be helpful.

Lifestyle, diet and weight management can help regulate hormones.  

Some find Myo-inositol and Vitamin D supplements helpful. Vitamin D dosage in prenatal vitamins is often 400-600IU/day which is insufficient.  Recommended dosage is 1000-2000IU/day to begin with upper level dosage at 4000IU/day.

Recommended Support

Prenatal Consultation: Meet with an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) before birth to assess breast development (checking for Insufficient Glandular Tissue) and create a custom plan.

Weight Monitoring: Frequent weight checks for the infant in the first two weeks are critical to ensure they are transferring enough milk despite potential PCOS-related delays. 

Having PCOS does not mean you are unable to breastfeed, but it does pose challenges and milk supply may wain even with your best efforts.  The initial colostrum is your baby's first immunization and any breastmilk is liquid gold for you baby's health. Don't be discouraged if your milk supply is not like the next moms.  Your tenacity and effort to give your baby the best is what counts.

Every ounce counts,

Tanya

Are Lansinoh Glass Bottles Lead-Free?

Lansinoh glass bottles are a great option when needing a larger than 5-6 oz wide mouth bottle in glass for your infant.  There was some question about three years ago as to whether the paint on the logo was lead-free.  This type of information stays on the internet forever, so we wanted to clear things up.  

Lansinoh changed their logo in 2023 and sources from Lansinoh recently stated to Lactation Connection in writing that the bottles contain no lead so you can be assured that they are now lead-free aka Pb-free if you are purchasing the Lansinoh 8oz Glass Bottles with the new logo.

We would not recommend buying older bottles with the older oval logo shown above out of an abundance of caution.  Above is an image of the older logos along with the dates of use by Lansinoh.  Below are images of the new glass bottles and where you can purchase to be assured you are receiving only the new style. 

Lactation Connection as a company prides itself on sending you what is pictured so as another example if you are buying Spectra bottles two-pack you will see pictured the new beige cap style which is what you are being sent or the Spectra pink logo bottle singles which are also always sent as pictured.  The pink logo bottles are being discontinued so the pink Spectra bottles will only be available while supplies last.

Here's to finding the feeding supplies you need,

Tanya