The present application relates to a breast pump system comprising a pump unit, an actuator for driving the pump unit, and a power supply for supplying electrical power to the actuator, and also to a method for use in such as system. An actuator speed regulating module is provided to drive the actuator at a first speed when the pump unit is turned on, and to continue to drive the actuator at a second speed higher than the first speed after a load on the actuator reaches a predetermined level.