when it comes to portable pumps, this is the most common question my community asks — “which pump?! pumables genie advanced or babybuddha, which one do you like most or recommend?”

omggg yes, let’s talk about it 😍

both pumpables genie advanced (i may refer to this pump as PGA/GA in this blog post) and babybuddha pumps (i may refer to this pump as BB or 2.0 in this blog post) are considered portable pumps. this means they don’t need to plug into the wall to function, but are different than wearable pumps since they connect to your traditional flanges via tubing.

more about wearable pumps and how to use them with success HERE in this blog post — the ultimate guide to using your wearable breast pumps to keep up your supply

both the PGA and BB i consider to be primary pumps —

this is due to their strength and capability to express milk. these are two of the ONLY brands with portable pumps that i feel comfortable labeling as PRIMARY.

your primary pump is one that you’ll use 90% of the time to support your full milk supply. this is typically one that has the ability to choose different vacuum and cycle levels, stimulation and expression modes! primary pumps have tubing that can connect to a variety of your choice of traditional or collection cups.

i typically recommend using traditional flanges for a better milk expression volume, but this will depend on you and how you respond to your equipment!!!

before we get deeper, don’t forget that my codes can get you $$$ off your pumps!!!

***please note that some of these links have affiliates, and i do get a small kickback if you order anything through my individual link or coupon codes! THANK YOU because this helps me continue to give you pumping and breastfeeding content and support this community!!!

• use code BETHANYBOU for 10% off your Pumpables Genie Advanced

• use code BETHANY for 10% off your Baby Buddha 2.0

PUMPABLES GENIE ADVANCED

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FEATURES INCLUDE:

• 40 minute automatic shut off time
• 10 vacuum levels and 3 cycle levels
• both vacuum and cycle modes can be adjusted independently of each other
• purchasing GA pump with silicone liquid shields, or by itself (i really love the liquid shields, if you wear 15mm or larger, these flanges are some of the softest things i’ve ever used to pump with!!!)
• programmable settings so you can customize and save to your individual body! aka, program, click “PLAY” and have the most relaxing pump session without having to pay attention to your ledowns

WHEN TO CHOOSE GA:

• this is truly perfect for you if this is your first pumping journey — this pump is laid out very simply + user friendly. so good when you need to not have to read a manual to pump!
• this is a very gentle pump — in general, i usually recommend softer settings than stronger, since too strong can sometimes prevent milk from expressing adequately. if you have a sensitive body, or prefer softer options.
• when paired with the liquid shields, there are less parts to wash! talk about spending less time attached to the sink, and making pumping more accessible.

BABYBUDDHA 2.0 PUMP

use code BETHANY for 10% off | click here to get your BabyBuddha pump through insurance!

this is different than the BB OG pump! the 2.0 came out in May 2024 with gentler vacuum options, around 30% less suction strength — more than likely, the 2.0 pump is what you have. and hopefully with the new button navigation (instead of the toggle).

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• both the standard “classic” stimulation modes and new soft stimulation modes
• during stimulation mode, every 45 seconds will move you to the next highest vacuum mode (quick tip: click through the modes one whole time until you get back to the beginning to prevent this from happening)
• 9 expression levels, 6 classic stimulation levels, 6 gentle stimulation levels
• both vacuum and cycle modes move together (you cannot adjust these settings independently)
• automatic 30 minute shut off time

CONS:

• one thing i really wish was different about this pump — your 2.0 pump automatically comes with two 24mm flanges. if you wear a different size, you do have to purchase those separately on the website (which honestly don’t offer much smaller sizes than 21mm anyway), or use a different flange/collection bottle set up.

(need help figuring out which flange size your body needs? snag my FREE nipple ruler guide here!!!)

OR if you want to know what the hell you’re doing for a successful pump session, or to increase your milk supply — the “basics to successful pumping” course is the manual to pumping that no one ever gave you!!!

WHEN TO CHOOSE BB:

• i love the BB when you are not in the space to keep an eye on your letdowns, or where your milk flow is in its natural lactation rhythm. it is great to start and go about your routine!!!
• if you like a little stronger suction — this pump still has the option for the standard “strong pull” stimulation mode. every 11th suction pull is longer and stronger! for my ADHD humans that have high sensory needs, this is your jam
• if you have a foundation of pumping, how to flange size and what your letdown rhythm looks like — i think BB is better to use after having some pumping experience under your belt! using it incorrectly with such suction strength can potentially cause nipple damage.
  
  

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related blog posts that i think you’ll seriously love —

• when is the best time to measure your flange size for the most accurate and comfortable pumping experience?
• the ultimate guide to using your wearable breast pumps to keep up your milk supply
• why you need to stop thinking of foremilk as “low-fat” and hindmilk as “high in fat”

tell me!!! which one are you snagging, or which one do you love?!

xoxo, Bethany | Certified Lactation Counselor | Your Overproducing Exclusively Pumping Mama