Finally, a more comfortable breast pump is within reach 

A new breast pump promises to make pumping more comfortable and productive.

Annabella, a first-of-its-kind breast pump, launched in the US market on Jan. 4. But you may have already heard about it because of the notable investors behind the product (one is Yasmin Lukatz from the TV show Shark Tank Israel).

What’s different about this breast pump? The mechanism it uses to stimulate milk production better mimics a baby’s tongue, plus it has adjustable shields. If you’ve ever used a regular pump, you know these are important factors to have an efficient and pain-free pumping experience.

More than 4,000 Annabella breast pumps have already been sold in stores in Israel. The pump is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The product raised more than $3 million in crowdfunding as well as an $8.5 million seed funding round, which will expand the product to the US and contribute to upcoming products.

Next-generation pumping

“Mothers shouldn’t have to choose between comfort and efficiency when breast pumping. Now with the Annabella pump, they don’t have to,” Masha Waldberg, who co-founded the company, said in a statement.

Waldberg also spoke exclusively to Motherly, saying that the Annabella pump is the first ever to simulate natural breastfeeding. The unique design incorporates a tongue feature, which creates a wave-like motion similar to how a baby’s tongue moves, and is intended to help remove more milk rather than suction alone. 

“We had to develop a special pump where we could move the mechanism in different directions and also switch out parts until we got to the right dimensions,” she adds.

“Although not our initial goal, moms reported that using Annabella felt almost like breastfeeding,” Waldberg notes.

The pump replicates a baby suckling, prompting oxytocin and prolactin that drive milk production. The hormone response initiates milk production naturally, so that it’s not only pain-free, but an efficient process, Waldberg notes. A study on the suckling technology is forthcoming and will be published, she adds.

Annabella is an adjustable breast pump

The breast pump also has an adjustable breast shield that can fit most sizes, so women won’t have to buy separate flanges. A knob rotates so it can adjust the size of the breast shield.

“A lot of the time efficient pumping depends on the breast shield size,” Waldberg says. “Often moms don’t know that even if they did find the right fit at first, their size could change throughout her breastfeeding journey.”

Many women feel pain, and can even injure themselves by using the wrong breast shield size. Annabella’s adjustable breast shield solves this problem. Plus, the breast shield is completely covered with soft silicone for maximum comfort. 

Is the Annabella breast pump covered by insurance? 

It’s great to know that the needle is moving in a direction that prioritizes women’s comfort and makes pumping as efficient as possible. But how much is this going to set you back?

Waldberg says the company is in the process of working with insurance companies to cover the breast pump.

“This is an important priority for us to make sure that our pump is not only the best, but accessible to all,” she adds.

For the first few months, the pump will cost $199 USD, and it will then go up to $250. If you sign up for the company’s newsletter, you can get 10% off your purchase. You may be able to use an HSA/FSA account for reimbursement, but clarify first with your insurance company.