Customer Reviews

Medela Freestyle Breast Pump

5 star:		(100)
4 star:		(28)
3 star:		(20)
2 star:		(20)
1 star:		(30)

 

 

After a few weeks of feeling like a pack mule dragging my Medela Pump in Style from my first child back & forth to the office and using the Avent hand pump when I traveled, I finally splurged and bought the Freestyle. It is so light and easy to use it was worth every penny. I have now used it at home, in the office, in the car, on airplanes, at airports...

Why I love it:
1) It's superlight...the entire Freestyle pump feels like it's about the same weight as the power brick from my Pump in Style.
2) The fact that you can take the unit and put it in any bag you want is terrific.
3) The valves and tubes are easier to deal with than the Pump in Style (esp. the valves).
4) The digital display with timer is surprisingly useful.
5) The rechargeable batteries make it easy to pump in places where there may not be outlets.

The only negative: I think the hands-free mechanism is kind of convoluted, but I just use the Easy Expressions Bustier (which looks ridiculous but is nonetheless effective).

I previously used the Avent IS IQ duo and while the hospital grade pump was helpful in maintaining my supply I had a number of other complaints about it that left me very frustrated (you can see my review on this site for more details).

I purchased the Freestyle immediately after it came out and have really enjoyed using it. There are very few negatives.

Positives:
* Small size- can even put it in my purse!
* Battery power works great. I only charge it once a week, and pump off battery at work for the entire week. It is also handy for travel- no need for a manual pump when this one is so small.
* Ready supply of accessories- we don't have a sink in our lactation room at work. It is quite easy to purchase additional parts (kits and horns) for this pump (compared to the Avent). I have 3 sets and wash them at night.
* The Medela Quick Clean Wipes are great- I keep some in my bag and have come in handy a couple of times when I have forgetten pump parts at home. Likewise the Medela Pump & Save Storage Bags are nice as well. I have used them in a pinch when I didn't have enough bottles. Medela says that they are not recommended for the Freestyle, I haven't tried them with the pump- just pour the milk in there.
* The hands free kit really works!!! I can't pump without it now. It really allows me to work on other things while I am pumping- reading, computer, surfing the net, etc.
* The pump is so small, portable and lightweight and the bag is really discreet. No one ever knows that I am carrying a breast pump.
* The envy of all the moms in the lactation room. Not that anyone looks at what any of us are doing, but everyone who has seen my pump (I often show it off before I pump) wants one.
* All the parts that come into contact with the milk as well as the bottles are BPA free. This is NOT the case with the Avent Isis IQ Duo

Cons:
* The lining in the bag is a little flimsy- kind of like a lightweight silk. This make it hard to put the pump in the pump pocket- takes two hands. I usually just dump mine in any old place because of this.
* The bag is a little small. It is a tight fit with 3 sets of parts, and other accessories. Even if I only put one set of parts, I cannot fit the cooler, which becomes one more thing that I have to carry. Would be nice if I could at least clip the cooler to the handles of the bag.
* The pump isn't quite as strong as the Isis IQ Duo. My milk supply tends to drop off a little over the week, but it may partly be my fault due to getting lazy from time to time and only pumping twice. Don't get me wrong though, this is no wuss of a pump. On the highest setting you really feel the pull.
* I wish that the automatic setting would let you save just the suctions for the let down and the regular phase rather than also the time for the let down phase. I am not consistent in how long it takes for let down.
* I wish that I could control the length of the "suck" like I can with the ISIS- I like a slightly longer time than the Avent allows me.

However, all of the cons are really minor, and I wouldn't trade this pump for any other. Thanks Medela for making a product that really takes into account the needs of us working moms.

You may, like me, be a dad perusing breastpump reviews in order to decide whether the Medela Freestyle would be a nice gift for your wife. No...? Am I the only one...? Well, whoever you are, please read carefully, because as my old boss used to say: "Hear me now, believe me later."

My wife had had good success with the Pump in Style for kid #1, but was interested in trying some newer technology (smaller, less conspicuous) when she went back to work after kid #2. And I naively thought I had done my research. My error was discounting all the naysayers who had given the Freestyle a bad rap on the Internet. Those people were not cranks, they were just correct. Here are some of the problems we've identified with the Medela Freestyle in about four months of daily use:

- Less suction, as compared to Pump in Style, at least--and its congener the PiS Advanced. The Freestyle is cordless, i.e., powered by rechargeable batteries. If you've ever used a cordless drill, you know that they are chronically underpowered. The same goes for just about all cordless devices. With the batteries there is just a design tradeoff that the engineers working with line power do not have to face, and the result is less power.

- Don't let the company fool you into thinking that the two-phase milk letdown system will compensate for the lower suction. YOU WILL GET LESS MILK. So unless you are oversupplied, and I mean oversupplied by 50% or more, you will endanger your ability to feed your child if you use this pump.

- Gone from the Freestyle, and from Pump in Style Advanced for that matter, is the ability (present in Pump in Style) to separately control speed and vacuum. This is a major issue. When you are squatting on the bathroom floor trying to pump in the five available minutes, you really need all the degrees of freedom you can get.

- The hands-free system is absurd. It was obviously designed by a man. Flimsy straps clipped here and there, a complex system of clip adapters that you will almost immediately lose, and... a belt clip?!? For the times you go jogging while using this thing? Every time we have tried to use this in our house, it has been either too loose or too tight, or both. The hands-free rigging reminds me of the flying contraptions my friends and I tried to build in high school. Correct concept, but just hopelessly impractical.

- A lot of parts to clean. In the office this has been a major pain in the neck for my wife. The shields and valves have many parts (four on each side) and each has many, many grooves, nooks and crannies. Difficult to clean and slow to dry.

- Astronomically expensive. I mean, I understand this is cheaper than formula, and is a medical device made with medical-grade silicone and other space-age ingredients. But in an era when I can buy a laptop computer for $350, a vacuum pump and some bits of plastic should not also cost $350.

So this is where I get to the idea that the Freestyle is not worth the risk. It isn't worth taking the risk that it will not be the best pump for your family, when you really do not want to have to buy more than one. Medela compounds the risk by making it totally impossible to try before you buy or to return the pump if it doesn't work for your family.

We are actually going back to the Pump in Style, because with the Freestyle, as of pretty much now, the milk deficit is becoming untenable. I wanted to like the Freestyle--all the more after I dropped mucho bucks on it. But I just can't give it more than one star. Please take my advice. I sure didn't. I thought the people grousing on the Internet were just cranks. I don't know what pump you should buy, although the Pump in Style we bought on eBay for kid #1 was in retrospect pretty awesome--speaking as an impartial dad who frankly would rather be done with the whole milk phase of life. What I do know is that Medela does not deserve to be the leader in the breastpump market, or whatever they claim to be, if this is their flagship product. It's actually an insult to the hardworking moms of the world, struggling to keep their babies full and happy, that this is the best this company can do.

I have had the motor replaced after 3 months of using it 3X per day.
The pump just stopped working (output gradually got lower until it was barely pumping anything).
The new motor worked well for about another month (so it wasn't my supply but the pump) but I am again loosing suction.
So I have replaced the motor, the spare parts kit twice, and the hose.
When I received the new motor, my output immediately went back up, but its now going down again.
I am running out of stuff to replace on this pump.
Even though I love the size and convenience of hands free, bottom line is that since the suction starts to get weak after a few months, then its not worth it.
I will be contacting company AGAIN (ugh) to try and get the pump in style advanced.
My recommendation, hold off on getting this.
Hands free looks nice, but the overall quality of the pump is lacking.
And not to mention, cleaning all the spare parts everynight on this kit is so very exhausting. Yet another issue I have with this pump.
Bottom line: Pump did not hold up for full time use. (I've been using it for 7 months now - 3 months at 3X per day).

UPDATE:
Since I've written this review, I did get the pump up and running well again. I did however have to contact Medela who decided the second time around to send me a new motor and a new battery. When both of these were replaced my pump started working like a charm again. Of course I cannot say how long the newly replaced parts would last for since I stopped pumping for my little guy only 3 months later. However, all in all, I was able to successfully pump for a total of 15 months with the freestyle. I was able to pump everywhere from my car, plane, in my room while on lunch break, in a bathroom (I know yuck) while at a conference. I wouldn't have been able to do that as easily with a bigger/bulkier pump. I was able to pump enough to feed my little guy exclusive breast milk with this pump. Despite the hurdles and obstacles and troubled maintenance I am still happy with it and I hope it does last if we chose to have another little one someday. Although I would definitely have a backup, even a single electric pump if I were to do this over again.

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.

I am a pediatrician and a working mom who has pumped for both my children--the first with a Pump In Style Advanced and the second with a Freestyle. I work in a nursery and have also used several different hospital-grade pumps as well. If you are trying to decide between a Pump In Style and a Freestyle, this review is for you.

My first child was born in 2008 right before Freestyle was released, so I bought a Medela Pump In Style Advanced instead. In my experience, although the suction was not quite the same as a hospital-grade pump (and I have access to many of them at my workplace), it was more than adequate and I pumped successfully for 12 months with the Pump In Style Advanced. However, I found it limiting to be attached to an outlet all the time, and the Pump In Style Advanced was not ideal for traveling.

When my second child was born in 2010, I did not hesitate to spring for a Freestyle, even though my Pump In Style Advanced was still in excellent condition. I've since used the Freestyle for 13 months (pumping 5-6 times a day), and here are my thoughts:

Pros:
1) Extremely portable. I've taken the Freestyle on three extended business trips and I've pumped in the car, bathroom stalls, airplane bathrooms, random closets...you name it, I've probably pumped there. If the lactation rooms are busy at work, I can just find someplace private, put on a Hooter Hider if necessary, and pump when I need to.

2) Cordless. Although I don't use the ridiculously complicated hands-free set-up, I do enjoy being able to sit down anywhere in my house or at work and pump without being attached to the wall. I have friends who have done housework while pumping with the Freestyle; I'm just not that ambitious.

3) Small. I can just pack my pump and pump parts in my regular work bag or a small shopping bag. I leave the large black vinyl bag at home.

Cons:
1) Suction is not as strong as the Pump In Style. I own both, I've compared them, and I find this to be true. I use both on the maximum pump settings, I use hard plastic flanges with both (I didn't like the softcup flanges that came with the Freestyle), and the suction is weaker on the Freestyle. I've always had a great milk supply, so this was not a deal-breaker for me, but I have had more problems with plugged ducts since using the Freestyle, and I think this is from inadequate emptying of the breasts. I also have to pump longer with the Freestyle (about 15 minutes compared to <10 minutes with the Pump In Style).

2) Battery problems. When my battery is down to one bar, the Freestyle loses suction even further, so I charge it every 3 or 4 days. Last night, my Freestyle started flashing a battery error message and I'm afraid that I may be forced to buy a new battery after 13 months of use. After spending so much money on this pump, I'm disappointed that this is an issue and it makes me even more nostalgic for my Pump In Style.

If I had to do it over again, would I still buy the Freestyle? I'm not sure...I love it for its convenience, but overall I feel that the Pump In Style Advanced is a more reliable pump. If you end up getting a Freestyle, don't give away (or sell) your Pump In Style just yet!

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.

I've got both the Freestyle and the Pump in Style breast pumps.

The Good:
Having a timer is awesome, no more squinting to see the time. Not having to hunt down an outlet is nice when I'm traveling. It's portable. It's cute.

The Neutral:
I'm not a big fan of the rubber shields. They make a mess when I pull them away from my breasts when I'm done pumping. It's not a big deal at home, but at work, in work pants, it's a hassle. I'm buying the plastic shields this weekend.

Why I Prefer the Pump in Style:
It pumps more milk in less time. My breasts feel more empty when I'm done which makes sense because the bottle is more full. Bells and whistles are great. But, when push comes to shove, my primary criteria for evaluating a breast pump is its ability to pump breast milk. And, on that count, the Pump in Style wins, hands down.

Disclaimer:
I haven't tried hands-free mode yet, so I have no idea how well it works.

I own both a freestyle and pump in style advanced (PISA) and PISA is far superior. Freestyle does not result in as much milk and over a few days my milk supply decreased. Also the large rubber valves and rubber cone cause uneven suction, resulting in uneven rubbing on the nipple and chaffing. The rubber cone is prone top chaffing whereas the old fashion plastic cones get wet and slippery. The rubber catches on your skin and rubs your skin off over time and frequent use.

As a working mom a good pump is key to successful breastfeeding. The freestyle does have some advantages: 1. the digital face lets you know how long you have been pumping so you don't lose track of time and forget 2. It is super lightweight 3. It is tiny and cute. 4. You can tend to your crawling infant and wash dishes while pumping.

The bells and whistles for this pump are wonderful, but it does not deliver well for comfort and its actual purpose, to express milk and stimulate more milk production. Buy the PISA instead.

Medela would be wise to manufacture a PISA pump with a built in rechargeable battery. That would pretty much eliminate the need for the freestyle pump although the PISA is a bit heavier to tote around while washing dishes and tending to your crawling baby.

One last thing, I would not dream of using any breast pump without:
Easy Expression Hands Free Bustier Nursing Bra (Medium)
This is completely necessary item and I would not buy pump without buying this too.

I was one of the test moms for this pump before its release. Initially, I was leary because I have always needed a hospital grade pump. I was happily surprised that with the Freestyle, I was able to pump the same amount of milk as with my Medela Lactina Select hospital grade pump. Also, the hands free kit really works! I have tried several different types of hands free "contraptions" but none worked for me. It was great to be able to pump in my office at work, using the hands free kit, and still be able to work on my computer, etc. I strongly recommend this pump.