The Difference Between Primary Pump VS Secondary Pump

Instead of using hospital grade pump as a criteria for your breast pump search, changing the narrative to primary pump and secondary pump, makes finding the right pump for you less overwhelming.

The difference between a primary and secondary pump is how well it empties your breast.

It is important to have a pump that can empty your breast most of the time to protect your milk supply. If you do not empty your milk, it sends a signal that less milk is needed hence your body will be making less over time.

To protect your supply, you need a pump that you can rely on to empty your breast efficiently and effectively every time you pump at your regular intervals.

A primary pump is usually bulkier with a powerful motor and is wired.

A secondary pump is usually portable and compact with wearable, wireless features. These pumps tend to have a less powerful motor hence it may not clear you all the time.

Getting close to 90% empty means you have likely found an ideal secondary pump.
You can use it 1-3 times in a 24 hour interval, like going to work or outdoors where portability becomes more of a priority.
Try extending your pump session by 10 mins to empty as much milk as you can in order to protect your supply.

We would suggest you to use your primary pump at the start of the day, secondary pump while you are out at work/outdoors and end the last session of the day with your primary pump.

That being said, there are mums who are able to empty their breast with a secondary pump after their milk supply has been established and by doing a longer pump session. As we always say, breastfeeding journey is one filled with trials and errors. Keep trying and don't give up!