Medela Freestyle Breast Pump

I decided on the Freestyle pump after considering the Pump in Style Advanced. From the reviews, it was obvious that the PIS has stronger suction and is a good alternative. However, I decided on this finally due to the size and compactness of the entire package.The good:- whole package including a universal voltage pump, all-in-one solution including hands-free package and an ice-bag.- The pump was easy to use, with illuminated display and simple but versatile function. To my relief, suction was strong enough for expression.- With the option of suctioning one or both breasts at the same time, I can breastfeed the baby and express from the other breast at the same time.- Love the bag - conspicuous but very functional, with lots of thoughtful compartments.The not-so-good:- flimsy hands-free kit - the clamps look like a strange contraption, and although we bought a breastfeeding bra with clasp, the clips tend to be too tight and presvent adequate expression, or too loose and cause leakage while pumping. Based on other reviews, we decided to buy the Easy Expression bra instead.- The bottles tend to topple over, and with both pumps being used, both bottles tend to topple due to the pull of the suction tubing. A simple stand adaptor like the harmony pump should be included, especially if pumping intermittently.- Sound: would be noticeable in a quiet environment, e.g., in a toilet cubicle. Otherwise I was not bothered with the sound at all.Overall we are extremely happy about the Freestyle pump. My suggestion for further improvement:a) option for a sling instead of a belt clipb) removable/replaceable battery as the pump tends to lose power especially in heavy use after a whilec) a stand to prevent accidental topplingd) consider including an easy expression bra (it retails for $26 for one) - way better (and cheaper) than including all the flimsy clip contraptionse) Including a teat would probably top off this all-in-one kit very well. Even better, include the fantastic "Calma" teat - good marketing strategy if you ask me

WORTH EVERY PENNY!WHY BUY?...*Freedom to pump anywhere*Freedom to multitask*Portable*Comforable to use*Multiple flange sizes available to accommodate all nipple sizes! (Very important to use the correct size. Correct size = more milk!)*All flanges are one piece withiut worrying about inserts to create the right size which is Ameda's pumps down fall.*Easy to assemble*Quick and easy to switch from double to single pump.*Super easy to clean.*Fast charge less than 2 hours after initial charge.*Long lasting Battery. I use it 2-3 daily for 15-30min each time. The charge lasts 3-5 days for me.*Easily fits into diaper bag/Purse.*Memory recall that memorizes the speed/suction that works best for you.*Very easy to use.*Pocket clip... also fits in pocket :)*Great travel bag with lots of extra space for other needed items. I recently had surgery and was able to pack this pump, manual pump,the cooler with ice pack, storage bags, 4 spare bottles, 4 2.5oz collection bottles, phone charger, yoga pants and a tshirt in this bag. It's durable, roomy and not ugly. It also doesn't scream "I pump."*The cooler and ice pack are the cherry on top! The ice pack was still cold 24hrs later for me. It storages 4 bottles nicely. Or as a tip you can store 2 bottles, ice pack and pump parts if you are unable to rinse them so they are safe to use for your next pump session.*Medela is smart with product design. All the collection containers, bottles, pumps, nipples, and lids are interchangeable. This is makes life so much easier to just pump, store with lid, heat, replace lid with nipple and feed!I have zero complaints about this pump. Just one heads up. Even with all the freedom this pump offers you cant fully bend over while pumping especially if your bottles are more than half full bc it will spill.This pump is amazing! I have been using it daily for over a month now with baby #2. I breastfeed baby #1 until 18months and wish I had this pump then! I used a combination of Ameda Purely Yours, Medela Harmony hand pump (I also recommend this hand pump) and a Nuk double electric pump for a back up.If you want freedom while pumping this is the pump you want! At this point I can't imagine juggling my 2 year old and a newborn while being tethered to am outlet. I use this pump with a medela bustier, which is a hands free pumping bra which I received for free with a coupon that came with this pump. I am able to cook, clean, play with my toddler, get ready for the day, change diapers and do almost anything I want while squeezing in a pump session! This is a must have if you have more than one young one!!!!If you are a working mom especially don't hesitateto buy this. It was horrible lugging my huge pump to work every day for a year with my daughter. Also do yourself a favor and get a hands free pumping bra so you can actually enjoy eating or relaxing during you break times instead of trying to juggle holding your flanges while staring at your food. I know it seems like a large investment but it's worth it bc it's something you will use daily. Even if you divide the cost over a year it's less than a dollar a day to make your life so much easier! A pump is something that is worth investing in to help make this experience a better one.

Pros: Light and portable which is HUGE when taking it back and forth to work, or just moving it from room to room in your home. I got the same supply from this pump as I did with the hospital-grade Symphony model. I used it with my twins and I'm using it again with my newborn.Cons: The clip on the back of the pump is difficult to open so I usually just carry it from place to place, the bra attachment device is cumbersome (a simple pumping bra works better), the bottles will leak if you bend over while pumping or if they tip over with milk in them, and it is on the louder side compared to the Symphony pump. It is difficult to clean; you need a straw cleaner to get between the grooves under the back cover. It also won't pump if any of the parts are wet so you really need to get everything clean and dry in between pumpings (to solve for this, I just rinse it most of the time and take it apart for a full cleaning once a day, then sanitize it once a week).For what it's worth: You can use any normal size bottle as a milk collector, you don't have to use the small bottles it comes with. The smaller breastshields can be replaced with larger PersonalFit Breastshields without replacing the whole connector device. Also, some insurance companies will cover most of your breast pump purchase if you have a prescription from your doctor. Just call them in advance to find out if you have that kind of coverage and how to properly file the paperwork.Bottom Line: This is a great pump and I highly recommend it!