Medela Freestyle Breast Pump
by Medela
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List Price: Our Price: $321.99 You Save: $58.00 (15%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Baby Product See more product details |
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Baby Products Reviews of Medela Freestyle Breast Pump
Customer Review: Skeptical mom turned true believer of non-hospital grade pumps
Summary: 5 Stars
I cannot say enough positive things about this pump. I researched a handful of electronic pumps to include reviews, functionalities, etc. When I came across this one, I thought too good to be true but I decided to give it a go.
I was renting a symphony at the time I bought this one and had no intentions of returning my rental until I was sure this worked and wouldn't result in a loss of milk supply. I have now been using this for 4 weeks and eventually ended up using it exclusively despite still having the rental. Here are the pros and cons I have found:
Pros:
-super light and small
-great hands free option
-no need for an outlet
-suction is plenty strong
-love the timer option
-quick recharge
-set up easy enough to use that I have done this driving (set up done while stationary of course)
-with bra adapters, the hands free fits all my bras (including non-medela ones)
Cons:
-at higher settings.. it really is louder than I would like.. esp for middle of the night pumpings
-the set up isn't air tight.. so unless you squat down (i.e. not bend over) to pick something up you will spill milk which can get frustrating
-converted to hard plastic shields as soft ones got painful
I had read several people say the hands free set up was confusing, I have to agree the first run isn't so much fun, but once it's all set up I think it gets much easier. I am exclusively pumping and have been able to build up my milk supply enough with this pump that I am now only pumping 5 times a day despite my son still on 6-7 feedings.
two tips:
-Make sure the parts are dry before use otherwise water droplets can get pulled up into the motor which I assume can cause issues.
-Check with your lactation consultant for purchase. Since they often buy in bulk, they may have it at a lower price.
Overall, I think well worth the money even if you stay at home(as I am right now) and if you are returning to work and continuing to pump, this will be a huge help.
Customer Review: Bad Suction, Loud and Not Recommended by Hospital.
Summary: 1 Stars
Just wanted to give information seekers a heads-up on the Freestyle. Due to it's price, I foolishly assumed this was the best breastpump out there for a working mom. So, when I found it on sale, I immediately scooped it up. I haven't had my baby yet (due next month), but opened the pump last week to figure out it. What I found was not reassuring. I really wasn't impressed with how weak the suction was. I even had my mechanical-wizard husband check it out, and he agreed that the level of suction, even on the highest speed, was really not that intense. I was also turned off by the loud noise of the pump, and I know that the person whose office is next to mine is not going to appreciate hearing that very loud noise 3 times a day!
But, my greatest concern (and the reason for the one-star), is that I just came back from my hospital's breastfeeding class, and the lactation consulting specifically advised everyone in the class AGAINST the Freestyle. She said the hospital ONLY recommended the Pump in Style for working mothers and wasn't even going to sell the freestyle anymore b/c it had such workmanship problems, leaked, had very poor suction and was inexplicably $100 more. Needless to say, I was sickened to hear this news and realize that I had dropped all this money on a subpar pump, but it did confirm some initial concerns I had about it. Just to verify the information the hospital was giving me, I tested the Pump in Style the hospital made available at the class and found that it was both quieter and had better suction.
Apparently, since I already opened my Freestyle (even though I haven't used it), there is no way I can return exchange it now. So, I write this review as a cautionary tale to all of you looking for and researching breast pumps: stay away from this one! I am actually pretty irritiated that Medela would market such an expensive but poorly-performing pump to working mothers (it frankly seems unethical), so, if any of you are have breast pump options other than Medela, you might consider taking a harder look at those.
Customer Review: Working Mom
Summary: 1 Stars
At first I loved this product, but it's now my nemisis.
Why I loved it: Small and light, dual-phase pumping, the thought of hands-free was alluring.
Why I hate it:
1. Suction is horrible. I've switched shields, replaced parts, replaced tubing. The next step I guess is the motor, but it never comes anywhere close to emptying my breast. Today, after pumping for 20 minues (and not pumping anything for the last 5 minutes), I was able to hand express another ounce myself when it was done and could have done more had I had the time. I've been pumping less and less and was wondering what was going on - I'm doing everything they recommend to keep my supply up and nothing was working. I happened to forget my pump at home last week and luckily a friend at work had extra parts/tubing for her Pump in Style Advanced. Yes, I know you shouldn't share pumps, but I was desperate since I work an hour from home. With her pump, I pumped twice as much as I usually do in half the time. Actually stopping at the hospital tonight to rent the Symphony just so I can get my supply back up quickly.
2. Hands-free is a pain. First it takes way too much time to get the handsfree set up - frequently re-adjusting the elastic straps that hook to the side to make sure the shield is on straight, not to high, too low, not leaking out of the bottom, etc. Second, if you don't like the SoftShield provided (sticks so your skin and causes pain over time), you have to use a the Personalfit. Unfortunately, the Personalfit have longer tubes at the back of the shield and since the elastic handsfree strap only stretches so far, it essentially flattens your breast against your chest which is very uncomfortable when you're full and ready to pump. Third, similar to the PersonalFit Shield issue, if you're anything over a C-cup, your breast ends up a flat to get hands-free strap to properly fit.
3. Loud, Loud, Loud. My mother-in-law laughs that she can hear my cow mooing everytime I call her to check on my baby while I'm pumping.
Customer Review: Worth Every Dollar Spent
Summary: 5 Stars
The Medela Freestyle was definitely one of the best purchases I have ever made! Prior to purchasing this pump about 2 months ago, I was using a Medela Symphony when at work (where I had to travel down 3 flights to a lactation room to use it) and an older model Medela Pump in Style when at home. I feel the Freestyle is as good if not better than the Symphony (because of the features) and definitely better than the Pump in Style. The best features I like are: 1)The THREE HOURS of RECHARGABLE battery! (10-12 15-20 minute pumping sessions before having to be plugged in to charge! and now I can stay on my floor's breakroom at work without needing a plug in.), 2)The timer feature on the display (no more searching for a watch or view of a clock and guestimating how long it's been), and 3) It's compact size (you can put it into any bag, although the bag it comes with is very discreet and handy). The hands free set up for nursing bras is fairly simple to set up, but personally, for me, it is a little bit more of a hassle because I have nursing bras that work just as well. But I LOVE being able to clip the lightweight (only about a pound or two) and compact pump on my pants pocket or belt and not be tied to one spot. It operates fairly quiet also. I use it in the break room at work and sometimes people don't even realize that I am pumping. I also like the lighted display. I have used my breastpump while traveling (as a passenger, never while driving) at night a few times, and the soft glow gives me just enough light undneath my drape to see what I need to see, but not give other motorists a show. :-) The only thing I didn't like and changed were the breast shields. It comes with the soft breast shields, but I couldn't get a good seal with them and prefer the hard plastic breast shields. However, I definitely recommend the Freestyle to anyone looking to purchase a breastpump. It is by far a great purchase that is worth every dollar spent. My only regret is that I didn't buy it sooner.Customer Review: H.A.T.E. this pump!
Summary: 1 Stars
Ugh. I just absolutely cannot fall in love with my Medela Freestyle. I understand that many people love it (it is almost $400, so someone loves it), but I really have more complaints than compliments. So, if you're considering a Freestyle, just take this into account:
Don't let them make you think they are the only hands-free pump. Just buy a $20 pumping halter and virtually any pump is hands-free. Many even have optional battery power. Albeit, Freestyle has the handy belt attachment, but unless you are mountain climbing while pumping, I'm not sure what purpose that serves.
I hope you have oversupply, because this pump leaks like crazy. If you so much as lean forward or - Heaven forbid - tip a bottle over while the flange is still screwed on, there goes your entire pumping session. Bring a spare pair of pants or a towel to work with you if you plan on leaning forward at all. (This inability to lean forward also makes me wonder when on earth you'd use the belt).
It's loud. Really loud. I have to hold the pump on my lap for my morning sessions because it vibrates through the floors and the wall and wakes up my husband and baby.
They advertise the 2 different suctions - 1 for let down, 1 for pumping. Yeah, my (other cheaper brand)pump has only one suction and works just fine. In fact, I always get let down with it and often get more milk than with the Medela.
The softcups are a pain. They stain and get all bent out of shape. Mine needed to be replaced after 4 months because they were so wrinkled they did not work and milk pooled in them while I pumped, dripping all over me and running down my rib cage when I unhooked it.
There are 8 parts to clean. 8. That's a lot. My other pump has 2.
Again, many moms absolutely love it, but I just wanted to share so that you are going into it with eyes wide open if you are considering a Freestyle.