Is the Elvie Pump Worth it? My Honest Thoughts

Breastfeeding can be a beautiful journey, but for some of us, it doesn’t quite go as planned.

I always envisioned nursing my baby with ease, but after numerous struggles and about six lactation consultants who all disagreed with each other, it became clear that breastfeeding wasn’t going to work for us.

The decision to exclusively pump came with its own set of challenges. That’s when I discovered the Elvie Pump, a game-changer that truly saved my pumping journey. Here’s how a wireless breast pump stacks up against a typical pump and whether it’s worth the money:

This is a sponsored post by Elvie, however I purchased and used the pump on my own, with my own money, prior to our partnership, and this review is genuine:

Why I Chose the Elvie

One of the most daunting aspects of exclusively pumping is the feeling of being tethered to a wall. Traditional pumps often come with a web of tubes and wires, making it nearly impossible to multitask. They’re also huge and difficult to travel with. I really didn’t want any of that.

With a newborn to care for by myself most days, I needed the flexibility to move around, whether it was preparing a meal, driving, or being able to pump while nap trapped without being anchored to an outlet. I hated feeling like pumping time was time out, which it did with my hospital grade pump. I’m not sure I would have pumped for very long without the Elvie, for real.

Whether you’re returning to work and want something that allows you to work at the computer while pumping, which many of my friends in the medical, corporate, or educational fields love, or are in the same situation as I was, needing to exclusively pump, being able to go chord free means getting so much time back in the day!

Freedom to Move

From the first use, the freedom that the Elvie Pump provided was a revelation. I could slip the pump into my bra and go about my day almost as if I wasn’t pumping at all. Cooking dinner, working at a desk, and even taking trips in the car became feasible while pumping.

I was able to pump discreetly in the seat without having to stop or fuss with wires. This level of convenience was something I hadn’t even realized I needed so badly. It gave me the ability to leave the house for more than a couple of hours.

Discretion and Noise Level

Discretion was a huge factor for me. I didn’t want a pump that would draw attention or make me feel self-conscious. The Elvie Pump is not silent but it is quiet, which is a stark contrast to the loud, mechanical noise of traditional pumps.

I was able to pump during conference calls, while socializing with friends, and even in public spaces without it being super obvious. A scarf or baggy jacket completely hid the pumps. The discreet design made it easy to integrate pumping into my daily life without it feeling like as much of a chore.

Ease of Travel

I could even easily pump on long plane journeys, and did so on our trip to Japan when my baby was six months old. The thought of pumping on an airplane initially filled me with dread. However, the Elvie Pump made it remarkably easy.

Technical Specifications

The Elvie Pump is designed to offer an easy and efficient pumping experience. Here’s what to know:

1. Dimensions and Weight:
   • Height: 128 mm
   • Width: 110 mm
   • Depth: 68 mm
   • Weight: 225 g
   • Power & Connectivity
2. Battery Life:
   • The pump features a rechargeable battery that lasts for about 2.5 hours of continuous use. This is typically sufficient for several pumping sessions throughout the day.
   • Charging is via a USB cable, and a full charge takes approximately two hours.
3. Capacity:
   • Each reusable bottle can hold up to 150ml (5oz) of milk. The app helps monitor the volume, so you know if you’re about to fill a bottle before it happens.
4. Material:
   • All components that come into contact with breast milk are made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone and plastic.
5. Connectivity:
   • The Elvie Pump connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. The companion app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. It keeps a log of your pumps as well, which I found super helpful for timing my next pump.

Suction Capabilities

As someone who transitioned from a hospital grade pump to the Elvie Pump, I was initially skeptical about its suction capabilities. However, my concerns were quickly alleviated after my first use when I got the same amount with the Elvie, then gradually transitioned to making wearables my only pumps.

1. Adjustable Suction Levels:
   • The pump offers seven intensity settings, allowing you to customize the suction strength to mimic your baby’s natural feeding pattern. This personalization helps optimize milk flow and comfort, and you can change out the flange for your correct nipple size.
2. Silent Operation:
   • Unlike many traditional pumps, the Elvie Pump operates quietly. This is due to its innovative motor design, which reduces noise without compromising suction power.
3. Stimulation and Expression Modes:
   • The pump features both stimulation and expression modes. The stimulation mode is designed to initiate milk letdown by mimicking the fast, light sucking that babies use at the beginning of a feed. Once letdown is achieved, the pump switches to the expression mode, which uses slower, deeper suction to express milk efficiently.
4. Smart Suction Technology:
   • The Elvie Pump utilizes smart suction technology to maintain a consistent suction strength throughout the pumping session. This ensures effective milk expression without causing discomfort or pain.

Sizing and Fit

Ensuring a proper fit is crucial for efficient milk expression and comfort. The Elvie Pump comes with multiple flange sizes, and finding the right fit was straightforward thanks to the detailed instructions.

The pump fits neatly into a standard nursing bra, making it easy to wear discreetly. Once I found my correct size, the pump felt secure and comfortable, allowing for hands-free pumping without worrying about it shifting out of place. It comes with 24mm and 28mm flanges, but you can buy as low as 21mm flanges as well.

The only thing You can’t do is bend all the way over or lay down, as the milk could spill, but otherwise I could easily maintain suction doing other things while pumping.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Anyone who has ever used a breast pump knows that cleaning the parts can be a tedious task. The Elvie Pump simplifies this with its minimal parts, which are easy to disassemble and clean:

• 2 Hubs
• 4 Bottles (5oz/150ml, BPA free)
• 4 Breast Shields (28mm and 24mm)
• 4 Valves
• 4 Spouts
• 4 Seals
• 4 Storage Lids
• 4 Bra Adjusters
• 2 USB Charging Cable
• 2 Carry Bag
• 2 year warranty

The components are dishwasher safe, and I like that the Elvie comes with an additional bottle (which the Willow Go does not), meaning you don’t have to constantly wash that part if you happen to fill it during a pump or want to screw on the cap for refrigeration.

I would also steam it regularly in between cleanings, which didn’t require soaping and scrubbing every single time.

The Elvie App

The Elvie Pump pairs with an app that I initially thought would be a novelty, but it quickly became an essential part of my pumping routine. The app tracks milk volume in real-time, which is helpful for knowing if you’re about to fill the container, but also helpful for when I didn’t want to know and just wanted it all hidden until my 20 minutes was up.

The app also logs pumping sessions, allowing me to monitor my progress and adjust my schedule as needed. The seamless integration between the pump and the app added a layer of convenience that I didn’t realize I needed until I had it.

Elvie Diaper Bag Backpack

Elvie sent along a the Seoul Max diaper bag backpack that is made exclusively for the Elvie brand by Freshly Picked, and I wish I’d had this before! It’s got perfect pockets inside for the pumps, plus a cold storage with trays that are perfectly shaped for the Elvie milk storage containers.

It’s also made with a luxurious Neoprene that reminds me a bit of Dagne Dover, but with more space and a lightweight design made specifically for pumping mamas with the Elvie. Here are the specs:

• Machine washable changing pad included
• Padded tech compartment for ipads and laptops up to 13″
• Transforms into a regular backpack with collapsible pump storage
• Water-resistant interior and exterior
• Easy-clean neoprene
• 10+ pockets plus key clip
• Adjustable padded straps
• Metal feet on the bottom so the bag never touches the ground
• Modern silicone logo and zipper pulls
• Luggage sleeve
• D-rings for stroller attachment 

Final Thoughts

Transitioning to exclusive pumping was not an easy decision, but the Elvie Pump made it manageable. I would not have lasted as long as I did pumping without the freedom to move around, the discreet and quiet operation, and the ease of cleaning. The app’s functionality added an extra layer of convenience that simplified my routine and reduced stress.

If you’re in a similar situation, struggling with breastfeeding and considering exclusive pumping, I cannot recommend the Elvie Pump enough. It allowed me to provide for my baby without sacrificing my mobility or sanity. Pumping became a part of my life, not a hindrance to it, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.

Tips for New Users

1. Take Time to Find the Right Fit: Spend some time experimenting with the different flange sizes to ensure a comfortable and efficient pumping experience.
2. Use the App: The app is more than just a gimmick; it provides valuable insights and makes tracking your milk output easy.
3. Stay on Top of Cleaning: Regularly clean the parts to ensure optimal performance and hygiene.
4. Choose outfits wisely: Wear loose clothing and position the pump correctly for the most discreet pumping sessions. These work great under scrubs, a scarf, or loose shirt.
5. Adjust the Suction Settings: Don’t be afraid to play around with the suction levels until you find what works best for you.

Common Issues

There are some common complaints that I want to address before you make that investment. Some reviewers complain about the learning curve with getting the seal right or not feeling emptied after they pump. Definitely follow every step of the app’s guidance for fitting the pump, as I didn’t experience any of these issues, but I was very careful to get the fit right.

For me, the 24mm breast shield was too big, so I bought the 21mm one. You can further purchase inserts if needed to make it smaller. Knowing your nipple size is a huge help. When you purchase, they will walk you through how to figure this out, and if you need smaller shields, they often include them free with the pump purchase.

The Elvie Pump turned what could have an overwhelming experience into a manageable one for me. I lasted for 6.5 months of exclusively pumping thanks to being able to have some freedom from being tethered to a wall, and with the ability to travel more with pumps, we weren’t afraid to take long flights or road trips while I was pumping.

Elvie provided the flexibility and freedom I needed to take care of my baby and myself. Exclusive pumping wasn’t easy, but with the right tools, it became a journey I could navigate confidently. The Elvie Pump wasn’t just a purchase; it was an investment in my well-being and my baby’s health. If you’re on the fence about which pump to choose, consider the Elvie Pump—it just might save your pumping journey too.

*Some links in this post are affiliate links that support us at no extra cost to you when you purchase through them. We only recommend products we love and use ourselves. Your trust always comes first!