What is Shabbat Mode™ on a breast pump?
By The Zomee Team · Updated September 25, 2026 · 3 min read
If you keep Shabbat and pump, Shabbat Mode™ lets your pump run with nothing to press. You set a schedule before Shabbat begins, and the pump starts, runs, and stops on its own.
Shabbat Mode is built into the Zomee Z2 and the Mother's Nature™ H1, and both pumps are Star-K certified. Without it, many observant moms pump extra ahead of Shabbat, then use a manual pump or hand expression on Shabbat and discard that milk.
How does Shabbat Mode work?
Before Shabbat begins, you plug in your pump's power adapter, choose two settings, and turn on Shabbat Mode.
Pumping duration is the total time the pump runs in each session. On both pumps, you can set it from 1 to 30 minutes.
Interval time is how long the pump stays off between sessions. When the interval ends, the pump starts the next session on its own.
What do I need to pump on Shabbat?
Your pump, plus the Zomee Hands-Free Collection Cups or the 2-in-1 Pumping Bra. The collection cups or breast shields have to stay in place on your body before and during each session, with no support from your hands. If a collection cup or breast shield shifts during a session, you can reposition it with your elbow.
The collection cups sit inside your bra, and milk collects in them instead of bottles.
The 2-in-1 Pumping Bra holds the breast shields in place, and milk collects in the pump's bottles. Both pumps are also sold with the collection cups or the 2-in-1 Pumping Bra included.
What is allowed when I pump on Shabbat?
The certification guidance says you may use the pump on Shabbat for any reason, including convenience. It treats Yom Tov the same as Shabbat.
The guidance also covers these situations:
- Putting on the bra: You may not put on the bra with the collection cups or breast shields after the pump starts. You may take it off before the pump stops.
- Without the bra: You may not hold the collection cups or breast shields in your hand. In extenuating circumstances, talk to your rabbi.
- Adjusting the collection cups or breast shields: You may adjust them during a session only if doing so won't interrupt milk expression.
- Reusing the collection cups: If you need them again on Shabbat, you may clean them with cold water.
- Saving the milk: After the pump stops, you may save the milk for after Shabbat and move it to the refrigerator. Ask your local rabbi before you use it.
Who certifies Shabbat Mode?
Star-K, for both pumps and their bundles. Both pumps are also certified by the Institute for Science and Halacha.
Star-K is a nonprofit kosher certification agency that also certifies appliances. At the Institute for Science and Halacha, rabbis, engineers, and scientists work together on using modern technology within Jewish law.
Should I choose the Z2 or the H1?
Choose the Z2 if you want a compact, lightweight double electric pump. Choose the H1 if you want to set each side on its own.
Both reach 300 mmHg hospital-grade suction, and both have three modes. The Z2 has nine suction levels and a 3-year pump warranty.
The H1 has a motor for each breast, and it's the first breast pump with suction, speed, and cycle control on each side. It has 12 suction levels, is rated for 3,000 pumping hours, and has a 4-year pump warranty.
Where to get help
For halachic questions the certification guidance doesn't cover, talk to your local rabbi.
For pump, sizing, parts, and support questions, call The Mom Line™ at 1-888-662-7159. Real moms and certified lactation consultants answer it.
Questions moms ask
Can I use Shabbat Mode on Yom Tov?
Yes. When you use the pump, the certification guidance makes no difference between Shabbat and Yom Tov.
Can I keep the milk I pump on Shabbat?
Yes, once the pump stops, the certification guidance lets you save the milk for after Shabbat and move it to the refrigerator. The CDC says freshly pumped breast milk keeps up to 4 days there. Ask your local rabbi before you use it.
Do I need a special pump for Shabbat Mode?
No. The standard Zomee Z2 and Mother's Nature H1 both have Shabbat Mode built in. On Shabbat, use either one with the Zomee Hands-Free Collection Cups or the 2-in-1 Pumping Bra.
Does the Mother's Nature W1 or the Zomee Fit have Shabbat Mode?
No. Of the four Zomee pumps, only the Z2 and the H1 have Shabbat Mode.
