What to Know Before Getting the Medela Pump In Style Pro+

Every parent’s feeding journey looks a little different. Some exclusively breastfeed, some pump and bottle-feed and many do a mix depending on what works best for their family. There’s no one “right” way, but having a pump that feels reliable, comfortable and easy to use can make a big difference, especially in those early postpartum weeks.

If you’ve ever used a hospital pump and wished you could bring that same experience home, the Medela Pump In Style Pro+ was designed with that in mind. It comes in two versions—Hands-free and Traditional—so you can choose the setup that fits your day-to-day life. In our video breakdown above (jump to 0:31 for a side-by-side look), we break down how both work and who each one might be best for.

Two designs, same performance

Both the Hands-free and Traditional Pump In Style Pro+ deliver the same core pumping performance, including a hospital-inspired rhythm (more on that below), 16 suction levels and clear digital controls. The difference really comes down to how milk is collected and how you want pumping to fit into your routine.

Medela Pump In Style Pro+ Traditional

$169.99

Add to Babylist

Buy

Babylist

$

169.99

The Traditional version pumps directly into bottles and comes with bottles and lids, a connector with membranes, tubing and a power adaptor (see what’s included at 0:25). For many parents, that straightforward setup is exactly what they want. Pumping straight into bottles means you can cap and store milk immediately—or feed baby right away—without transferring between containers. If you prefer a more classic pumping experience, like being able to see exactly how much you’ve collected while pumping, or you mainly pump while sitting down at home or at work, the Traditional can feel simple, familiar and easy to build into your day.

Medela Pump In Style Pro+ Hands-Free

$189.99

Add to Babylist

Buy

Babylist

$

189.99

The Hands-free version uses wearable collection cups that sit inside your bra instead of pumping into external bottles (watch how it fits in-bra at 0:32 in the video). It comes with wearable cups, membranes, multiple shield sizes, tubing and storage bags—everything you need for a more mobile setup. In real life, that means you can move around during a busy morning, multitask with a toddler nearby or pump away from home without it feeling like a whole production. Because everything sits in your bra, it’s also more discreet, which can make pumping feel less disruptive if you’re navigating older kids, visitors or pumping outside the house.

Hospital-inspired pumping at home

One of the standout benefits of the Pump In Style Pro+ is that it’s modeled after Medela’s Symphony hospital pump* and uses a pumping pattern similar to what Medela calls “Maintain mode” on that hospital pump. (Maintain mode is the steady rhythm used once milk has come in and you’re working on maintaining supply.) In practical terms, that means the Pro+ follows a similar established pumping rhythm, offers 16 suction levels and begins at level three as its default starting point (you can see the controls in action around 1:33).

Why this matters in real life: If you started pumping in the hospital, you don’t have to come home and learn a completely different system. And even if you didn’t pump in the hospital, you’re still getting a pattern designed to support effective milk removal from the start, which can help you feel confident about your setup in those important early weeks.

Designed with comfort in mind

Both versions are designed with a massaging rhythm to help stimulate milk removal, followed by a gentler release. The goal is efficient pumping that doesn’t feel overly aggressive (we talk through what that feels like at 2:38 in our review).

Why this matters in real life: Comfort isn’t just a nice-to-have—it can be the difference between sticking with your pumping plan and dreading every session. When pumping feels manageable, you’re more likely to stay consistent, whether you’re exclusively pumping or just adding a few sessions a day.

Multiple shield sizes for a better fit

Both pumps include multiple shield sizes, but they’re designed specifically for each setup. The Traditional Pump In Style Pro+ comes with PersonalFit PLUS shields, while the Hands-free version uses shields that pair with its in-bra collection cups. In both cases, having size options matters because fit can directly affect comfort and milk flow. A shield that’s too small may pinch and restrict flow, while one that’s too large can pull in too much areola and reduce effective suction. Having options makes it easier to find the right fit for your body—and heads up: that fit can change over time. You can see the different shield components up close at 1:02 in the video.

Why this matters in real life: Especially in the early weeks, when everything feels sensitive, getting that “just right” fit can support both comfort and milk output.

Skip guesswork with clear digital controls

Both Pump In Style Pro+ versions feature a display that shows your suction level, which mode you’re in (stimulation or expression) and your battery status. Instead of guessing whether you’re trying to trigger letdown or actively expressing milk, you can glance down and know exactly what’s happening (watch the display demo at 2:16).

Why this matters in real life: When you’re exhausted and multitasking, that clarity makes a difference. Being able to fine-tune your level instead of powering through can help make sessions more comfortable and feel more in your control.

Quick setup and simple cleanup

Both versions are designed with fewer parts and a straightforward setup to help reduce the learning curve (see the assembly at 0:52). When it comes to cleaning, the Hands-free has three parts per side to wash, while the Traditional has four parts per side, and the washable components are dishwasher safe.

Why this matters in real life: If you’re pumping multiple times a day, that simplicity adds up. Fewer pieces to wash—and the ability to pop them in the dishwasher—can make your routine feel much more manageable.

Rechargeable and ready when you are

Both versions have built-in rechargeable batteries with clear indicators so you can see how much power you have left before you start. The display lets you know if you have over an hour remaining, around 40 minutes left or if the battery is running low (battery check shown at 3:20).

Why this matters in real life: If you’re pumping between errands, at work or anywhere away from home, being able to check the battery ahead of time helps you avoid mid-session surprises.

So, which one should you choose?

Since both versions offer the same hospital-inspired pumping pattern, 16 suction levels, clear digital controls and a rhythm designed with comfort in mind, the decision really comes down to lifestyle. If you want added mobility and in-bra discretion, the Hands-free may fit your day better. If you prefer direct-to-bottle simplicity and a more traditional setup, the Traditional keeps things straightforward.

Either way, you’re getting clinically proven performance designed to help make the transition from hospital to home feel smoother. And in those early weeks, having a system that works with your life—not against it—can make all the difference.

*In a study, Pump In Style Pro+ performed similar to Symphony, the #1 breast pump used and trusted in hospitals.  Pro+ emptied the breast with similar effectiveness and speed to Symphony.  And moms rated similarly rated the comfort.

This article is sponsored by Medela. Babylist’s free site, apps and emails are made possible by our sponsors. We limit our sponsored content to relevant partners that offer products and services we believe in and use ourselves.