What is a Hospital Grade Breast Pump
When you’re shopping for or trying to rent a breast pump, the sheer number of options, and the confusing terminology, can feel overwhelming. One phrase you’ll see everywhere is “hospital grade.” These days, it seems like almost every pump on the market is marketed this way.
Here’s the truth: “hospital grade” isn’t a regulated term. That means any company can put it on their pump to make it sound stronger or more effective, even if it doesn’t meet the standards you might assume. I can’t tell you how many moms have told me, “I have a hospital grade pump”, only to discover it’s a subpar breast pump that duped them. Instead of focusing on that label, it’s more helpful to understand what really matters: whether a pump is designed for multi-user moms (like those you can rent from a hospital or pharmacy) or for single-person use.
This post will walk you through what people usually mean by “hospital grade,” why the term can be misleading, and how to identify the features that actually make a pump more effective.
What is a Hospital Grade Breast Pump
A hospital-grade breast pump is more appropriately called a multi-user breast pump with a powerful motor designed for frequent, long-term use in a hospital setting or at home when needed. Multi-user is actually a designation given by the FDA, unlike the hospital-grade term. These pumps are typically used to help establish or increase milk supply, especially in situations where a baby can’t nurse effectively or at all, such as with premature infants or medical complications.
Unlike most personal-use pumps, hospital-grade pumps are built for durability, multiple users, and consistent suction strength. You have your own pump kit, meaning the parts that actually touch breast milk are not shared, while many different people can use the main pump unit. This is possible because these pumps are a closed system, preventing milk from entering the motor or tubing.
The most well-known multi-user pump is the Medela Symphony. However, here is a list of multi-user/hospital grade breast pumps that are on the market, though keep in mind their strength may vary:
What Makes a Breast Pump Hospital Grade
While there is no official FDA definition for “hospital grade,” pumps in this category generally share these features:
Multi-User Breast Pump
Hospital grade pumps are designed for multiple users, something personal pumps are not. Each user has their own closed system kit to ensure hygiene and safety, making them suitable for sharing in hospitals or rental programs.
Powerful Motor
A feature of a hospital grade pump is its powerful motor. This allows for stronger and more consistent suction strength, which can help prevent milk supply from dropping in challenging situations. The motor is also built to last through many hours of daily pumping.
Hospital Strength Suction
These pumps provide consistent and customizable suction that closely mimics a baby’s natural sucking pattern. This can be especially helpful for establishing supply early on or working through supply issues, especially when paired with techniques like power pumping.
Closed System
All true hospital grade pumps use a closed system that prevents milk from entering the tubing or motor. This ensures sanitary use between multiple people and keeps the pump functioning at its best.
Double Electric Function
Hospital grade pumps are always double electric, meaning you can pump both breasts at the same time for efficiency and better stimulation. This is key for busy moms, especially breastfeeding and working moms, and for those looking to boost milk supply.
Adjustable Speed and Suction Settings
These pumps allow you to fine-tune both speed and suction for comfort and efficiency, which can be especially helpful for sensitive nipples or when troubleshooting supply.
Are Hospital Grade Pumps Better?
Whether a multi-user pump (often labeled as “hospital grade”) is better really depends on your needs and goals in your breastfeeding journey.
For most parents with a healthy, full-term baby who latches well, a high-quality personal use pump, including many double electric or even some hands free options, will be more than enough, especially if you’re eligible for breast pumps through insurance. These pumps are designed for convenience, portability, and daily use by a single person.
However, a multi-user breast pump has some clear advantages in specific situations:
Establishing milk supply: If your baby is premature, in the NICU, or unable to nurse effectively, the stronger motor and consistent suction strength of a multi-user pump can help you establish and maintain supply.
Recovering from supply issues: When you’re working to prevent milk supply drops or boost production, a hospital strength pump can be more effective, especially when combined with strategies like power pumping.
Durability: Multi-user pumps are designed for heavy, long-term use by many moms, so they can handle frequent pumping sessions better than some personal pumps.
That said, multi-user pumps aren’t automatically “better” for everyone. They’re bulkier, less portable, and usually require you to rent a hospital grade breast pump rather than purchase outright. For moms who just need a reliable pump for work or occasional use, a personal pump may actually be the better fit.
In short: multi-user pumps shine in medical or high-demand situations, while personal pumps meet the needs of most day-to-day pumping parents, including those that exclusively pump.
How to Rent a Hospital Grade Breast Pump
If you think you might benefit from one, here’s how to rent a hospital grade breast pump:
1. Ask Your Hospital or Birth Center
Many facilities rent pumps directly, often the same ones used in the maternity ward, such as the Medela Symphony.
2. Check with Local Pharmacies or Medical Supply Stores
Some pharmacies and durable medical equipment suppliers have rental programs for hospital grade pumps.
3. Contact a Lactation Consultant
An IBCLC can help you determine if you need a hospital grade pump and may have rental units available.
4. Look for Breast Pump Rental Services Online
Some companies will ship pumps to your home and include your pump kit for sanitary use.
5. Check Your Insurance
While not all plans cover rentals, some do, especially if your baby is in the NICU or you have medical documentation that supports the need. Ask about breast pumps through insurance to see if you qualify.
Choosing the right pump for your breastfeeding journey can make a huge difference. If you’re facing supply challenges, need a multi user breast pump for a short time, or want the reliability of a powerful motor, a hospital grade breast pump can be a game-changer. Whether you decide to rent, buy, or stick with a personal pump, the key is finding what works for you and your baby.
WIth that said, remember that many pumps claim to be “hospital grade” when they really aren’t. So unless it’s one of the breast pumps mentioned above, disregard that marketing term when choosing a breast pump.
