As a new mom, every minute feels precious. Between diaper changes, feedings, and a never-ending stream of laundry, finding time to pump can feel like a luxury. That’s why I was so excited to try the Hygeia breast pump, known for its portability and affordability. Could it be the answer to my time-starved pumping prayers?
Pros
- Affordable compared to many competitors
- Highly portable with rechargeable battery
- Quieter than hospital-grade pumps
- Adjustable suction levels
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Not as efficient as hospital-grade pumps
- Standard-size flanges may not fit all users
- Some users report discomfort or pain
- May require longer pumping sessions for some mothers
- Product Name: Hygeia Enjoye Breast Pump
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
- Suction: 250 mmHG
- Warranty: 1 year
69
Out Of 100
We score breast pumps based on objective testing data. Our scoring factors are weighted based on pump's efficiency, portability, comfortability, hygiene and designed to showcase the best breast pumps.
Overall Score
Testing the Hygeia: Efficiency, Portability, and Beyond
To put the Hygeia to the test, I evaluated it across several key factors: efficiency, portability, comfort, hygiene, noise level, and of course, price. Here’s what I discovered:
- Efficiency: The Hygeia boasts a powerful motor and adjustable suction levels. While it wasn’t quite as efficient as my hospital-grade pump, it did manage to express a comparable amount of milk in slightly longer sessions.
- Portability: This pump is a winner! Lightweight and compact, it easily fit into my diaper bag for on-the-go pumping. Plus, the rechargeable battery meant I wasn’t tethered to an outlet. But compare to Elvie and Willow it’s huge.
- Comfort: The Hygeia comes with standard-sized flanges, which worked well for me. However, some users with larger nipples might find them uncomfortable. Upgrading to larger flanges is an additional cost.
- Hygiene: The pump parts are easy to disassemble and clean, making it a breeze to maintain hygiene.
- Noise Level: Compared to my hospital-grade pump, the Hygeia is significantly quieter. It wouldn’t win a silent disco award, but discreet pumping in a quiet environment is definitely possible.
- Price: Here’s the big draw – the Hygeia is priced significantly lower than many other electric breast pumps on the market. At the time of writing, it costs around $329.99. (prices can fluctuate).
The Hygeia Pump: What’s in the Box and How Does it Work?
The Hygeia includes everything you need to get started: the pump motor, flanges, bottles, tubing, a carrying case, and a power adapter. Operating the pump is straightforward—you simply choose your desired suction level and express milk into the bottles.
Hygeia vs. the Competition
There are many different brands of breast pumps available in the market but here are some of the top quality breast pumps alternatives;
| Feature | Hygeia | Elvie | Willow | Spectra S1 | Medela Symphony |
| Wearable | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Portability | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Hospital Grade | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Price (Approx.) | $329.99 | $549 | $499 | $198 | $1679 |
What Mom’s are Saying: Hygeia Breast Pump Reviews
Customer reviews on Amazon and other online retailers paint a mixed picture. Some moms rave about the Hygeia’s affordability and portability, while others find it less efficient than pricier pumps. The overall global rating on Amazon is 3.1/5 based on 48 reviews. To give you a well-rounded view of the Hygeia breast pump, we’ve gathered reviews from various online platforms. Here’s what moms are saying:
Here are a few excerpts;
“This pump is a lifesaver! It’s small enough to take anywhere and the battery lasts a long time. Plus, it’s way cheaper than other pumps I looked at.” – Sarah B. on Amazon
“The suction just wasn’t strong enough for me. I ended up having to pump for longer sessions than with my old pump.” – Emily J. on a parenting forum
Amazon Reviews: “This pump is a lifesaver! It’s small enough to take anywhere and the battery lasts a long time. Plus, it’s way cheaper than other pumps I looked at.” – Sarah B.
“It’s painful and I barely get an ounce when I pump with this but get 5 ounces when I pump with the Medela pump n style. This was a waste of money and it hurts.” – Danielle
Reddit Experiences: “I’ve been using the Hygeia for about 3 months now. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done. The portability is a huge plus for me as I’m always on the go. The suction could be stronger, but for the price, I can’t complain too much.” – u/newmomlife
“Switched to the Hygeia from a hospital-grade pump. It’s definitely not as powerful, but it’s so much more convenient. I use it for my daily pumps at work and it’s been a game-changer.” – u/workingmomma2022
Quora Insights: “The Hygeia was my first pump and I found it to be user-friendly and efficient. However, as my milk supply increased, I felt I needed something more powerful. It’s a great starter pump though!” – Maria L., Lactation Consultant
“I appreciate the eco-friendly aspect of the Hygeia. The fact that it’s a closed system means I can pass it on to another mom when I’m done, which is a big plus in my book.” – Claire T., Environmental Activist and Mom
BabyCenter Forum: “The Hygeia saved my breastfeeding journey. I struggled with my supply at first, and the adjustable suction levels helped me find what worked best for me. It’s not the fanciest pump out there, but it’s reliable and gets the job done.” – BusyMom123
“I have mixed feelings about the Hygeia. On one hand, it’s affordable and portable. On the other, I find the flanges uncomfortable and had to buy separate ones. It’s okay for occasional use, but I wouldn’t recommend it as a primary pump.” – FirstTimeMama2023
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the Hygeia a hospital-grade pump? A: No, the Hygeia is not classified as a hospital-grade pump. It’s designed for personal use and may not be as powerful as hospital-grade models.
Q: Can I use the Hygeia as my primary pump? A: While some mothers successfully use the Hygeia as their primary pump, others find it more suitable for occasional or on-the-go use. Your experience may vary depending on your specific needs and milk production.
Q: Is the Hygeia Breast Pump Right for You? A: Whether the Hygeia is a good fit for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re a budget-conscious mom who values portability and convenience, it’s definitely worth considering. However, if you need the power of a hospital-grade pump or have specific flange size requirements, you might be better off looking elsewhere.
Q: How long does the battery last? A: The battery life can vary, but many users report being able to get through several pumping sessions on a single charge. The average battery life is around 3-4 hours.
Q: Can I get Hygeia breast pump through insurance? A: Coverage varies by insurance provider. Check with your insurance company to see if the Hygeia is covered under your plan.
Bottom Line
The Hygeia breast pump offers a balance of affordability and portability that makes it an attractive option for many new mothers. Its compact design and rechargeable battery make it ideal for on-the-go pumping, while its price point is significantly lower than many competitors.
However, it’s important to consider that the Hygeia may not be as efficient as hospital-grade pumps, and some users report issues with comfort and milk output. The standard-size flanges may not be suitable for all breast sizes, potentially requiring additional purchases.
Ultimately, whether the Hygeia is right for you depends on your individual needs, budget, and pumping requirements. For mothers prioritizing portability and affordability who don’t need the power of a hospital-grade pump, the Hygeia could be an excellent choice. However, if you require frequent, high-volume pumping or have specific comfort needs, you might want to consider other options.
Remember, every mother’s breastfeeding journey is unique. What works perfectly for one may not be ideal for another. We recommend consulting with a lactation specialist if you’re unsure about which pump is best for your situation.
Have you used the Hygeia breast pump? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts in the comments below to help other moms make an informed decision.
