LAST EDITED: MARCH 25, 2026

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 😍

PRIMARY AND PORTABLE PUMPS

both of the pumpables genie advanced breast pump (i may refer to this pump as PGA/GA in this blog post) and babybuddha 2.0 pump (i may refer to this pump as BB or 2.0 in this blog post) are considered portable pumps. this means you don’t need to be attached to the wall or an outlet to function, so they are more mobile! but portable pumps operate differently than wearable pumps since they connect to your traditional flanges via tubing, instead of a “boob” shaped pump + cups that fits inside your bra.

i consider both the PGA and BB to be primary pumps — but not all portable pumps are primary. confusing, i knowwww.

this is due to their (i mean PGA + BB) strength and motor capability to express milk effectively and in a timely manner. these are two of the ONLY brands with portable pumps that i feel comfortable labeling as PRIMARY (the other pump that i’m seriously looooving is Unimom Opera).

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 (vs collection cups that fit inside your bra and connect to your tubing) for a better milk expression volume, but this will depend on you and how you respond to your equipment!!! the bottom line and my rule that i tell my clients — i can tell you parameters all day, but you ultimately have to decide what works best for your body. each person is different, and i want you to use the equipment that:

• feels comfortable without pinching or rubbing (absolutely recommend flange sizing for your most effective pump session)
• expresses milk to the volume that your baby needs
• is accessible to your lifestyle, and as simple as possible to keep up with your breastfeeding goals

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/suction levels and 3 cycle/frequency 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 letdowns
• quiet suction + operation while pumping
• easy + simple interface to use

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 don’t need to have a degree as a technical analyst to read a pump manual!!!
• this is a very gentle pump — in general, i usually recommend softer settings than stronger, since using too strong of a vacuum level 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.
• if you have more availability to responsive pump — this means you can pay attention to your letdowns and move between letdown and expression modes to express more milk in a shorter time period! if you have absolutely nooooo idea what the hell this means, i gotchu — you need to get into my pumping course RIGHT HERE! i give you the low down in literally 1 hour for how to start pumping more effectively, express more milk, and know how to use your equipment more confidently

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).

• some clarification from the BB team (hiiiii, March 2026 Bethany here) — in the class stimulation mode, the “long pull” or “double bacon” function, this is where there is some decreased strength. level 1 classic stimulation strength is reduced by 30%, level 2 is reduced by 20%, level 3 by 10%, and the remaining levels 4, 5 and 6 are the same strength as the OG!!! a perfect medium for a starting point with the longer pull, AND for parents who loooove the strength on the higher levels. big thank you to BabyBuddha for clarifying so you can have more information!
  

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.
  • !!! MARCH 2026 UPDATE — the BB 2.0 pump now includes their EasyFit Kit: a sizing ruler, and 2 inserts for each size 21mm, 19mm, 17mm, 15mm and 13mm! these fit right inside your 24mm flange, for more accessibility and be able to use your pump right out of the box!

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 classic “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 more of the higher suction strength can potentially cause nipple damage
  

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SOME ADDITIONAL RESOURCES THAT MIIIIIIGHT BE HELPFUL FOR YA —

the free nipple ruler guide — it’s my damn Roman Empire that 80% of pumping concerns are solved with a more accurate flange size!!! i’m talking comfortable sessions, increased milk volume expressed, less clogs and inflammation, and emptying more effectively (aka LESS time hooked up to your breast pump). like if ya haven’t done this, this is your homework, love ya fav CLC bestie

instant download: engorged to empty (the no bullshit guide to choosing the right breast pump) — no more garbage pumps! here’s your easy button to breaking down of each different style of pump, when to use them for your pumping/breastfeeding goals, their strengths, and my CLC vetted list of pumps that are the bestttt in the business

the basics to successful pumping course — if you have no idea what the hell you’re doing with your breast pump settings, hate pumping with a passion, want to start increasing your supply — literally in an hour, let me get ya the pumping manual that your mama (and prob your hospital LC never gave ya)

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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