As a mom of five with over 8 years of combined breastfeeding and pumping experience, I've pretty much seen it all when it comes to breast pumps. Spectra, Elvie, Momcozy, Medella, and the list goes on—I’ve tried them all.

When I had my fifth baby 2.5 months ago, I decided to try the Annabella breast pump, and let me tell you - it's been quite different from my previous pumping journeys! Being a full-time working mom means I've logged countless pumping sessions over the years, so I know exactly what makes a pump worth your time and money.

After using the Annabella pump for two months in preparation for my return to work, I'm ready to share my unfiltered thoughts on whether this pump lives up to the hype. Read below for my Annabella breast pump review.

Annabella Breast Pump: Quick Verdict and Key Specifications

For those who want the short version: The Annabella breast pump is a solid 4.6/5 stars in my book. It's surprisingly efficient for its compact size and offers some clever features that have made my pumping sessions more comfortable and effective.

Key specs worth noting:

• Weight: 0.95 lbs (significantly lighter than my other pumps except for my wearable pumps)

• Battery life: 100-170 minutes (my experience has been on the higher end of this range)

• Noise level: very quiet. Like, I-can-pump-while-on-the-phone-and-no-one-will-notice quiet.

• Pump modes: 9 levels of suction, adjustable tongue height

• Included items (for double pump): Vacuum unit, long and short vacuum tubes, massage units, adjustable breast shields, duckbill valves and connectors, bottles, extra bottle lids, vacuum seal, vacuum seal cup, vacuum seal cover, and charger

• Price point: $199 for single pump, $379 for double, and they sometimes run sales (pricing is according to their website and based on most up to date pricing as of date of publication)

What I was very intrigued by was the clinical study that found the Annabella breast pump resulted in 50% more milk output than a top competitor. I was also curious about if or how the pump mimicked a baby’s tongue, as it claimed. Of course, I wanted to see if it lived up to the hype. Keep reading for my thoughts on this!

I also really appreciate Annabella’s brand story and have a special place in my heart for businesses founded by moms who truly want to make motherhood better for others.

My Experience: First Impressions and Setup

When I first unboxed the Annabella pump, I was honestly a bit skeptical about its size given the claims made about having the highest milk output. After using a variety of other pumps including traditional and hospital-grade with my previous four kids, this compact device seemed almost too small to be effective.

The instruction manual deserves a special shoutout - it's refreshingly clear and includes helpful diagrams. As someone who's had to decipher confusing pump manuals at 3 AM with a crying baby who wouldn’t latch properly, this was a welcome change! It took me about 10 minutes to sanitize all the parts and get everything assembled. I appreciated how straightforward the setup process was.

One thing I particularly appreciated was how the pump parts clicked together intuitively. The first time you assemble any pump can be tricky, but I found myself getting the hang of it much faster than with other pumps I've used over the years.

Also, I definitely recommend that you use a hands-free pumping bra. The Annabella hands free pumping bra comes along as a complimentary gift if you purchase from their website ,but you don’t necessarily have to use their bra with it. My other hands-free pumping bra I got off of Amazon works with it too.

Comfort and Design Features

Let me tell you - after nursing and pumping for five babies, comfort is non-negotiable. The Annabella includes two flange sizes (24mm and 28mm), and what really impressed me was the soft silicone cushion that comes with each flange. If you've ever pumped through cracked nipples (ouch!), you'll appreciate this feature as much as I do.

If the adjustable 18mm-24mm breast shield that comes in the box doesn’t work for you, they do have a larger option availble on their website that can be purchased separately.

The tongue feature is very unique to the Annabella pump. I found that it does feel very similar to my baby suckling. The tongue speed is adjustable. It does seem like the tongue feature helps to more closely mimic an real infant and gets more milk out (more on that below!).

The noise level is genuinely impressive. It's quieter than any other electric pump I've used, including some supposedly "whisper-quiet" models. I can actually pump while on video calls without anyone noticing - a huge plus for those of us working remotely!

The backlit display has been a lifesaver during those middle-of-the-night sessions. The controls are simple enough that I can adjust them even when I'm half asleep, which, let's be honest, is a must-have feature for any nursing mom.

Pumping Performance and Efficiency

Now for the part you're probably most curious about - does it really live up to that clinical study claiming 50% more milk output? While I obviously wasn’t able to replicate a full clinical study, I did evaluate the Annabella pump compared to my others. Overall, I have to say I'm impressed. Here's what I've found:

• My average output is about 20-25% more than what I typically got with my previous high-end pump

• A complete session takes 12-15 minutes (comparable to my other pumps)

• The massage mode genuinely helps trigger letdown - I usually feel it within 30-60 seconds

• Suction strength is remarkable for such a compact pump, and it’s adjustable

• Battery life easily handles a full day of pumping

While I can't verify the 50% claim personally, I definitely notice a significant improvement in output compared to other pumps and more than enough to meet my baby’s needs as well as add to our freezer stash.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Annabella has fewer parts than some other pumps I've used, which is a big plus in my book. All milk-contacting parts are dishwasher safe (top rack), which is a feature that I highly value due to its convenience. That said, the Annabella pump parts are not microwave safe, so that may be a downside for some moms who like to use sterilizer bags in the microwave.

I usually quick-clean between sessions each day and then do a thorough cleaning in the dishwasher at night.

My tried-and-true breast pump parts cleaning routine:

• Quick rinse immediately after use and put in a ziplock bag in fridge (Side note - Is this what the CDC recommends for breast pump part sanitization? No. Have I done it this way for over 8 years and with all 5 kids without issue? Yes)

• Wash parts in top rack of dishwasher once daily, or sterilize with hot water and soap

• Monthly inspection of valves and tubes for wear

Pro tip: Get an extra set of parts if you're pumping at work. It's been a game-changer for me!

Cost Analysis and Value for Money

Let's talk money - because breast pumps aren't cheap! The Annabella's price point ($199 single/$379 double) sits in the mid-to-high range. Here's my detailed cost breakdown:

Initial Investment:

• Single pump: $199

• Double pump: $379

• Extra duckbill valve and vacuum seal: $29.99 (recommended, especially if you will be using your pump outside of your home)

• 25mm-28mm breast shield if you do not fit the standard 18mm-24mm size: $49.99 each for qty 1, so $100 if you have the double pump and need 2.

Recurring Costs (3-12 months or as needed):

• Replacement duckbill valve and vacuum seal: $29.99 for qty 1 of each, so double that if you have the double pump

• Replacement single pump vacuum tubes (every 6-12 months): $29.90

• Replacement double pump vacuum tubes (every 6-12 months): $79.99

(Note - all prices listed above are based on the Annabella website as of the date of this publication. We will make updates over time to retain accuracy. Always check the Annabella website for exact pricing and any current sales.)

Insurance Coverage: Many insurance companies cover this pump, including mine. Definitely check with your provider before you purchase the Annabella pump or any breast pump - you may be able to get your pump partially or fully covered by insurance.

Pros and Cons After Two Months of Use

Pros:

• Impressive milk output

• Truly quiet operation

• Comfortable flanges with cushioning

• Excellent battery life

• Easy to clean - parts are safe to use in the dishwasher (top rack)

• Clear instruction manual

• Portable and lightweight - especially when used with a hands-free nursing bra

Cons:

• Higher price point than some other pumps if paying out-of-pocket

• Replacement parts are expensive compared to other pump replacement parts, which may lead to higher costs over the lifetime of the pump.

  • For example, the double pump vacuum tubing replacement for Annabella is $79.99 on their website. Comparatively, replacement double tubing on Spectra’s website costs $14.99.

• Parts are not safe for microwave sterilization. (This was zero issue for me as I’m a dishwasher or hand wash pump parts cleaner, but some women prefer microwave bags).

• If you’re looking for a true “wearable breast pump” like the Elvie or Momcozy S12 or Willow that slips into your nursing bra and can walk around with zero cords, this isn’t it.

Who Should Buy the Annabella Breast Pump?

Based on my experience as both a mom of five and a working professional, the Annabella is particularly well-suited for:

• Anyone struggling with their milk output using standard pumps

• Moms who prioritize comfort during pumping sessions

• Moms who pump multiple times daily

• Those who value quiet operation

• Tech-savvy parents who appreciate smart features

• Working moms who need reliability and portability

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Annabella breast pump hospital grade?

While not classified as hospital-grade, its suction strength and efficiency compare favorably to hospital-grade pumps I've used.

Can I pump directly into storage bags?

Not really. You can transfer milk from Annabella bottles to storage bags, but you cannot pump direclty into storage bags.

How long does the battery really last?

In my experience, about 5 hours of actual pumping time. For me, that's typically 2-3 days of regular use.

Is the Annabella pump covered by insurance?

Yes, many insurance companies cover it. Check your insurance provider for specific coverage details.

Can I use the Annabella pump while charging?

No, you cannot use the pump while charging.

How loud is the pump really?

It’s truly and genuinely quiet. Quiet enough that I will pump while on conference calls once I’m back at work.

Does it work with standard bottle threads?

Yes, it's compatible with most standard-neck bottles.

Annabella Breast Pump Review: Final Thoughts

After two months of regular use with my fifth baby, I can confidently say the Annabella breast pump has earned its place in my pumping arsenal. While the price point is higher than some competitors, the combination of improved output, genuine comfort, and thoughtful features makes it a worthwhile investment.

The quietness and efficiency have made my preparation for returning to work much smoother, and the smart features, while not perfect, add genuine value to the pumping experience. Based on my extensive experience with different pumps over the years, the Annabella offers real innovations that make a difference in daily use.

Remember, every mom's pumping journey is different, and what works brilliantly for one might not be perfect for another. But if you're looking for a reliable, efficient pump that can keep up with a busy lifestyle, the Annabella is definitely worth considering. Have questions about my experience? Drop them in the comments below!

Disclosure: This review is not sponsored by Annabella or any other entity; the opinions shared here are my own. I was gifted an Annabella breast pump to test and try. This post has affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.