Breast Pump vs Ladybug Milk Collector vs Shell – Which One Should I Use?

Unlike the pumps, the Ladybug is a passive collector. That means all it will do is collect leakage and let-down – milk that your breasts are already releasing. What it doesn’t do is actively draw out milk the way a pump does; rather, it is an alternative to breast pads. So why would you use a Ladybug rather than a nursing pad? First and foremost, using a Ladybug to collect that milk means you can still use it, rather than throwing it away in a used pad. If you empty it regularly (within two hours), you can add it to your stash to give to your baby, or if you’ve left it a little longer, you can use it in other ways, such as adding to your little one’s bath water. Check out our previous blog about different ways to use breastmilk – it’s handy for more than just feeding bubs, if you find you’ve been collecting more than you need. It’s worth reinforcing once more, though, that the Ladybug is not a pump. It won’t actively draw out milk, and the suction levels are minimal – only enough to keep it attached while you get it sorted in your bra. If you need to express milk, a pump will be the more suitable option for you.