Elvie Breast Pump review

Tested by

Becky is a mum of five, one of which she attempted to exclusively pump for before realising how difficult that was in a busy house! Her baby Rex is nearly 3 months old and has older siblings desperate to feed him a bottle of expressed milk.

First impressions

I’d heard of the Elvie Pump and was very excited to try one out. I was shocked when I opened it and realised how compact it is, yet still holds 5oz of milk. Everything looked so easy to work out, and I loved the fact there were only a few pieces, and it isn’t fiddly.

How easy is the Elvie breast pump to use?

The pump is easy to use, but I found the suction didn’t seem to be working a couple of times, so I took it apart, rebuilt it and then it worked perfectly.

The instructions show it being attached to the breast fully assembled, but I found it much easier to place the clear part on my breast first for optimal positioning and then attach the rest.

MFM parent tester Jenny used the Elvie pump for her 6 month old and says, ‘I was pleasantly surprised at how easy this pump was to set up. It was even easier to use. The fact that they also have information guides to watch on the app also helps to understand how to pump properly. For most first-time mums this is a GREAT help. I had no idea how to really use a pump as I have never needed one so these videos would really bring comfort to a lot of women who may be starting their breastfeeding and pumping journey.’

MFM parent tester Ausilia tested the Elvie pump for her 4 month old and says, “It’s really easy to use and really quite intuitive, especially with the accompanying app so the instructions are just detailed enough. It’s got this great function in that when a bottle is full, it stops itself so no awkward spills or continuous checking.”

How comfortable is the Elvie breast pump?

It’s a one-size-fits-all, so I can’t comment on the size for other people, but it felt like a great fit for me (I have smaller than average breasts). I found it was more comfortable than other pumps I have tried, and this was aided by the fact there weren’t the loud noises I associate with pumping.

MFM parent tester Ausilia agrees, “It’s perfectly handheld and bra-sized, and the strap extender makes wearing it comfortable. It isn’t heavy and feels expensive. When I wore this to visit my cousin and she had no idea I was wearing it until I pointed it out – it’s that discrete and that quiet.”

How effectively does the Elvie breast pump express?

Once I got the hang of it, I found it expressed roughly as effectively as other electric pumps. I got a similar volume of milk as when I hand express or use another brand of electric breast pump.

How well do the settings work on the Elvie pump?

I was impressed with how easy the settings were to use; you can change them on your phone or the pump itself.

There are 10 settings for strength, and after having a play around, I found the right comfort level for me alters between a 5 and 6.

Does the Elvie breast pump have a control pad or a smartphone app?

The pump has controls, but the smartphone app is the easiest way to use it. It is simple to set up and link the pump, and you can not only control the settings and turn it on and off, but it also tells you how much milk you are pumping.

If you are pumping in the office or on a train, then understandably, you won’t want to keep taking it off to check how much you have so I think the app is a really handy way to use the pump.

MFM parent tester Jenny loved the app and says, ‘The use of the app is genius. I really feel like you are getting the most out of the pump due to this. It is so easy to change the intensity or the mode. This makes it feel very up-to-date and helps you keep track of what you have pumped in case you have a volume of milk as your goal. The fact that you can control it through the app means that it can be controlled easily but more importantly discretely. You could quite easily be pumping while getting on with your daily activities and therefore would be very convenient.’

What are the best features of the Elvie breast pump?

The main selling point for this pump is that it fits in your bra and is completely hands-free with no wires, and this is definitely worth paying more for. It is very portable, comes with a storage bag and would be easy to keep in a handbag.

It charges via a USB port so it can be plugged in anywhere and is really light.

MFM parent tester Jenny says, ‘I love that it has an estimated volume of milk you have pumped so far so you don’t need to remove the pump (or ask my partner) to look at how much milk I have pumped. I also love the fact you can set a timer so that you can pump for the time you need. I also love the bra adapters that came with the pump as this makes it super convenient and comfy to wear inside my bra without pulling on my straps too much. Again, making it easy to wear and be on the go.’

How noisy is the Elvie breast pump?

It isn’t silent, but the Elvie pump is nothing like any other pumps I have tried. There is more of a subtle clicking noise as it works, rather than the loud noise I associate with pumps.

How easy is the Elvie pump to clean?

It is so easy to clean. It breaks down into 6 pieces, one of which houses the electronics so can only be wiped down after use. The other 5 are all dishwasher safe. I sterilise them all after washing and haven’t noticed any issues with staining.

The parts are really easy to disassemble and put back together, and it is by far the easiest pump I have used before.

How does the Elvie compare with other breast pumps you’ve used?

This is the first hands-free pump I have used. My previous experience has been with standard manual, and electric pumps, and I am so impressed with how things have progressed to make life easier for mothers.

What’s in the box?

• Complete breast pump
• Spare parts (everything except the electric base)
• Charging cable
• Bag
• Instructions

Now you’ve tested it, what would you have wanted to know before purchasing the Elvie breast pump?

I would have wanted to know the sound it makes and how bulky it looks in a bra on different-shaped women.

Who would the Elvie pump be most beneficial for?

This pump is most useful for women who need to pump regularly. If you need to return to work or exclusively pump to feed, this product is ideal. It is also useful for anyone who chooses to pump but doesn’t want to be tied to a sofa or chair every time they need to.

Is the Elvie breast pump worth the money?

At £269, this is an expensive piece of equipment, and for the occasional pumping session, it might be more than you are willing to spend, but for anyone looking to pump regularly, I think the convenience of the Elvie is worth the price tag.

How does it compare to other breast pumps on the market?

Where can you buy the Elvie breast pump?

It’s available from Elvie, Boots and Amazon.

MadeForMums verdict:

The Elvie pump is a game-changer for anyone looking to pump regularly. This is a product designed to make women’s lives easier and more convenient and the Elvie, despite the price tag, does just that.

Our MFM parent tester Jenny says of the Elvie pump, ‘It was convenient and trouble-free. It was sleek and stylish and the pouring spout really ensures that none of that milk goes to waste. I feel this pump can change my breastfeeding journey for the better. It looks discreet and is as close to silent as a breast pump could be. With the ease of the pump and the set-up and dismantling, it would be easy to have a few pump sessions a day and it was equally fast and efficient to pour the milk into my milk storage bags and then dismantle the pump ready for cleaning. The Elvie pump definitely makes it easier when it comes to pumping.’

Fellow MFM parent tester Ausilia agrees, ‘This is a product which absolutely opens up ‘normal’ life without limitations for breastfeeding mums. I’d not hesitate to use the Evie at work or out in public and my worries about returning to work soon have literally melted away.”