If you’re planning to pump breast milk, you typically had two main options until recently:

1. Traditional Breast Pumps: These are usually plugged into the wall or powered by batteries. While effective, they can be bulky, often weighing around 2-3 pounds.
2. Wearable or Portable Pumps: These are lighter and more flexible, with some models designed to fit inside your bra for discreet use. However, they often come with a price tag exceeding $200.

When I first started breastfeeding, I had a “go-with-the-flow” attitude and didn’t want to spend a lot on pumping gear. I used an insurance-covered traditional pump, paying a little extra for a battery-powered version. While it worked fine, I found it cumbersome to carry around, especially when multitasking. After successfully breastfeeding and pumping for 13 months with my first child, I wanted a more portable option for baby number two.

Enter Momcozy Pumps—a brand that has gained massive popularity on TikTok for its affordable and wearable pumps. Starting at around $65 for a single pump or $120-$199 for a double set, I was curious to see if they could deliver the same performance and comfort as my traditional pump, at a fraction of the cost.

My Testing Approach

To get a fair comparison, I tested Momcozy pumps over several days, using them in place of my traditional pump for 3-4 sessions each day. I tested them while working from home, driving, and even at social gatherings to see how comfortable and efficient they were in different settings. Here’s what I found.

Wearable vs. Portable Pumps: Key Differences

Before diving into specific models, it’s important to understand the distinctions between wearable and portable pumps, especially if you’ll be pumping regularly.

• Portable Pumps: These are compact versions of traditional pumps, with a separate motor and tubing. They can weigh less than a pound and clip onto your waistband or fit in your pocket. They typically come in two designs:
  1. Traditional flanges with collection bottles.
  2. In-bra flanges with separate collection cups, allowing for more mobility.
• Wearable Pumps: These are completely hands-free, with no tubing, making them highly discreet and mobile. Their motors can either be:
  1. Rectangular and sit on top of the collection cup.
  2. Rounded, forming a more natural breast-like shape that fits better inside a bra.

What Sets Momcozy Pumps Apart

Momcozy wearable pumps come with several common features that make them stand out:

• Comfortable Flanges: Momcozy’s pumps use soft, flexible silicone flanges, which are significantly more comfortable than the rigid plastic flanges of traditional pumps.
• Single or Double Options: You can purchase Momcozy pumps individually or as a set, making them a more budget-friendly choice if you want to start with just one pump or pump on one side.
• Nine Suction Levels: All Momcozy pumps come with nine suction levels. I found the suction quite strong and could only go up to level six comfortably after getting used to it.
• Manual Settings: Unlike more expensive pumps that connect to smartphone apps, Momcozy pumps require manual adjustments for suction levels, stimulation modes, and timing, meaning you’ll need to adjust them via the pump itself rather than an app.

The M5 All-in-One: My Top Recommendation

Out of the models I tested, the M5 All-in-One stood out as the best choice. Unlike the S9 and S12 Pro models, the M5 combines the motor and milk collector into a rounded shape, making it less noticeable inside your bra. Here are some features that make the M5 worth considering:

• Compact Design: The M5 holds 4 ounces per side (slightly less than the S9 and S12 Pro, which hold up to 6 ounces). This is something to keep in mind if you have a larger milk supply.
• Easy Assembly: The flanges and milk collectors feature heart icons that align for a secure fit, making setup simple.
• Customizable Fit: The pump includes flanges in 24mm and 27mm sizes, with additional inserts (17mm, 19mm, and 21mm) for a personalized fit.
• Quick Charging: The M5 charges fully in just two hours and offers close to two hours of battery life per charge. One downside is that you can’t use the pump while it’s charging, so plan your sessions accordingly.
• Intuitive Display: The display doesn’t stay lit constantly, but you can press a button to check the timer or suction level without altering the settings.

Overall Takeaway

Momcozy’s wearable and portable pumps are an excellent balance of affordability and comfort. The M5 was my favorite for its quiet performance and ease of use, though it produced slightly less milk than my traditional pump. If you’re looking for an on-the-go pumping solution without breaking the bank, Momcozy pumps are a smart option.

That said, if discreteness and output are your top priorities, the V2 Portable Pump is another great choice. Its larger collection cups and stronger output make it a top contender. Plus, the motor allows for easy adjustments without needing to reach inside your shirt.

In conclusion, while Momcozy pumps might lack the advanced tech features or slim profiles of pricier models, they offer solid performance at a fraction of the cost, making them a valuable addition to your pumping toolkit. If you’re seeking comfort, portability, and a reasonable price, Momcozy pumps are definitely worth considering.