Customer Reviews

Medela New Pump in Style Original Breast Pump

5 star:		(125)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

Speed & Quantity
As one who expressed 30-ounces a day in order to keep up with my little guy I can attest to the speed, and efficiency of the Pump In Style. While on vacation, I misplaced the membranes to the Pump In Style, which are vital for operation. Considering my breasts were ready to burst, I purchased an Avent Isis hand pump. The Isis was great in a pinch, or for a weekend away; however, the Pump In Style was superior in speed and quantity. With the Pump in Style I expressed 16-ounces in 20 minutes, whereas it took me 30 to 40-minutes to express 10-ounces with the Isis.

Comfort
Using a breast pump takes time and practice. It can also be painful especially if your nipples are cracked and bleeding. I used the PurLan breast cream after each session, so I never experienced discomfort. The Pump In Style accommodates small and large chests alike. Small breast shields are provided as well as large breast shields for optimum suction, and comfort. The suction is adjustable, and it's recommended that one start with the lowest of speeds. I quickly graduated to the highest speed, which made for very effective pumping.

Set-up & Cleaning
Setting up the Pump In Style is a breeze compared to the Isis pump. There are 5-simple steps in all, and it takes 2 to 3-minutes tops. Make sure the tubing is fitted securely, and that the membranes are dry, and laying flat. Start pumping. After each session, disassemble and wash. Most of the parts in the accessory kit are dishwasher safe, and can be used in a steam sterilizer as well. Although, the membranes and tubing should be hand washed only. If running through the dishwasher, store the valves in a basket for protection from the heating element.

Storing
The Pump In Style includes a built-in insulated compartment with zipper enclosure. The compartment stores up to 20-ounces of breast milk. 3-rectangular cooling packs keep the breast milk cold for hours. Medela includes 20-CSF collection bags for storing, which I bought separately. They feature measurement indicators in both milliliters, and ounces. Labels are included as well, so the date can be recorded. I do not recommend storing full bags in the insulated compartment as it has the potential for making a huge mess. They should go right into the freezer, or refrigerator. I didn't like the twist tie assembly, so I used them for stock piling frozen breast milk. The bags are durable, and they freeze well; although, I had a difficult time propping them up so they wouldn't fall. Spilled breast milk is something to cry about.

Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator, or in the freezer. Freshly expressed milk may stand at room temperature for up to 4-hours; however, it should be refrigerated if temperatures exceed 77°. Breast milk will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. One may store expressed milk in a self-contained freezer for up to 4-months, and up to 1-year in a deep freezer. Frozen breast milk can be defrosted in the refrigerator, in a bottle warmer, or at the tap. Never re-freeze thawed breast milk.

Portable
The Pump In Style is a working moms dream. One can pump between meetings, and store in the refrigerator, or in the built-in insulator. If storing breast milk in the refrigerator at work, be sure to mark it, as others may be tempted to flavor their coffee unknowingly. The pump and all its parts weighs 7-lbs. This isn't heavy, but when loaded with 3-frozen ice packs, and 4-full bottles it can weigh up to 12 pounds. The weight was rarely a problem for me, but it's something to consider if carrying a fully loaded breast pump, a newborn, a diaper bag, and a purse. The battery pack is great for on-the-go pumping, but it eats batteries, so I didn't use it much. Oh, and on the road pumping with the vehicle lighter adapter is available for an additional fee. I would have definitely invested in one had I known about it.

In evaluating this breast pump, there are so many positives it's actually difficult for me to find negatives. Therefore, I believe the benefits outweigh any objectionable points. If asked to present a con, I would suggest the following. Upon occasion, breast milk will leak into the tubing. This isn't a huge issue. All you do is remove the tubing, and soak it in warm soapy water. Hang the tubing to dry. If dried breast milk is discovered in the tubes, then disinfect them by boiling in a pan of water. Hang the tubing to dry. Thus, I found it best to sit up straight when pumping. For me, this pump was a way for me to offer my son breastmilk, so I definitely recommmend it!

If you are planning to pump on a regular basis, you will really appreciate this reliable, portable pump. Admittedly, it is not as strong as the hospital-quality Medela pump which I rented initially. However, once you get used to this pump you will find it very convenient.

My biggest suggestion for new users is to experiment with the speed and intensity dials. I actually got more milk using a lower speed and intensity level than a higher one. So if you're not getting that much milk at first, try making some adjustments and you may find an improvement.

I know women who have used other pumps and found pumping a very frustrating experience. But with this pump, it will be about as convenient as pumping can be. My advice is to get a magazine or book, keep it with your pump and just relax - the pump will do the rest. (You'll have to stop every minute or so to turn pages - you will risk spilling the milk otherwise).

I agree with one of the reviewers that you do have to lean forward a little bit or the milk will spill, but I think that's probably true with any pump.

I think it's a great investment, because the more things you do to make breastfeeding and pumping convenient and enjoyable the more likely you will continue with it. (My baby is nine months old and still exclusively breastfed). Good luck!

This pump is okay for an electric double pump. I didn't give it 5 stars because there are two things wrong with the design. First, the shields are built in a way that make you hunch over while pumping, because if you don't then the milk MAY dribble or leak out of the shield where your nipple is attached to it. So you end up getting a sore back. Second, it is not a hands-free pump. So, you are tied to the machine until you are finished.

It takes me about 10 minutes per breast for 4 oz of milk, unless I pump both at the same time (which leaves more time for sleep), then I can get 8oz in 10 min.

Here are some tips for this pump:
-Make sure you play with the setting for speed and suction. I like the medium suction with a speed of 4.
-If you aren't getting much milk, stop the pump and massage your breasts and try again or wait 10-15 min. before trying to pump again.
-This pump is not only for those who are planning to return to work. I pump so I can get 5-6 hours of consecutive sleep (while relatives or my husband watch them - twins) or so i can run a few errands without the twins.

This is a reply question. Did you only just give birth and start lactating in this past week? For most new mothers it takes anywhere from two to six days for brest milk supplies to come in fully. The first few days may only be drips of colostrum then as the infant nurses more the more your supply will "come in" and your milk will develop as well as increase in amount. Electric breast pumps such as this one will eventually work for you, but you have to be patient as it is a matter of biochemistry and bonding with you new baby. It is recommended that you pump every 3-4 hours around the clock to bring your milk in and sustain that supply.... that is if you're not nursing your baby in the mean time and/or just bottle feeding the milk instead.. a matter of personal individual choice. Otherwise babies can nurse as often as every 1 1/2 hrs to 2 or 3 hours when they are newborns. Your milk will work on a supply and demand principle, the more the demand the more the supply provided you take good care of yourself. I work in a Level 3 NICU as an RN and head our breastfeeding committee for our unit. We use stronger Medela pumps for our brestfeeding/pumping mothers, but the "In style" pump model does work well for those I know who have bought/rented them. However, like I said, you have to be patient... relax, get plenty of rest as is possible, eat and drink regularly and you will be fine. I know being a new mom can be VERY stressful. I know because I am about to have my first child soon too as well as with my many years of professional experience. I really truly do hope this helps you and perhaps other readers who may get discouraged in the early weeks of their baby's new lives. Just remember, it takes time to adjust to this new life and may not be the pumping, but rather a case of time and patience. Hang in there!

I got this pump as a hand-me-down from my friend. It worked great even after many years... I eventually purchased the Pump In Style Advanced Limited Edition where the pump can be separated from the bag. It takes up less desk space (no extra space required for the bag). Also, it's more portable if all you need is the pump. I pump all over the house (study, bedroom, living room while watching TV with my husband).

Just a note to some people having problems getting milk out with the Medelas... It may not be the pump itself but the size of the flanges. Every woman's breast and nipples are different sizes. Initially, I was using the standard 24mm flanges (suction cup things that go over your breasts). It was painful to pump and my milk would not come out even though I was engorged with plenty of milk. It would take me 2 hours just to get 2 oz of milk! I went to see a lactation consultant who suggested I try the next size up flanges (27mm). She got me one to try and it made a world of difference. I could immediately pump 2oz in under 5 mins. Now, I pump daily to stock up and can get 4 oz from both breasts in under 10 mins (estimate since I don't really time it cause it's so fast).

I am now planning to pump to donate my milk to a milk bank. This pump made a world of difference. I think Medela makes flanges in 3 different sizes. The standard 24mm that comes with all their pumps, the 27mm and a 30mm.

This pump really got was worth the $$. I nursed my son for 15 months and couldn't have done it without this pump. I work full time and found that this was quick and easy. By the way - I figured the cost of the pump, the cost of the nursing bras and pads, and the cost of the storage bags, PLUS, we bought an extra freezer to store milk in - and I figured I still saved over $500 over formula feeding in just the cost of the formula for that 1st year. A quick tip, though - don't buy the extra milk containers. Gerber sells 6 oz baby bottles for $3 - $5 for four of them. They screw onto the breast shields and go in the dishwasher just fine. I found this much cheaper.

I love this breast pump. I only wish I bought it sooner. I bought a cheap breast pump at first, but it broke down after only a month of use. Due to daycare issues, I had to leave my son with my parents for a week, so I had to pump exclusively. After the second day with the cheap pump, my milk production cut in half to about 3 oz total from both sides every 3 hours. Then I had to wait longer to even get that much! I went out and bought this pump out of desperation and couldn't be happier. It took me about 4 pumping sessions for my body to get into a rhythm, but then it was great. I started pumping more milk in less time than the cheap pump. Now I use the pump 2-3 times a day at work and occasionally on the weekends.

A couple of tips: If you have larger breasts, buy the larger shields. I am a D cup and the 27 mm shields are perfect for me. As soon as I switched to the larger shields, the minor discomfort I had pumping went away and I started getting about another ounce of milk out on each side in the same amount of time. Also, to use the dual function, turn on the pump before you put the shields to your breast. I've been doing that and I haven't had a problem positioning them correctly with the pump on.

I've never had a problem with cleaning the pieces. I make sure and give the pieces a really good washing once a day, but in between each pumping, I wash everything quick with soap and my hand and let it dry. I've never had a problem with the pieces not drying in time before the next pumping. Also, when I bought my pump, they included an extra set of membranes. You can also buy microwave sterilization bags from Medela to clean everything in, including the membranes, which can't go in the dishwasher. Also, since the pump works with any bottle, you don't have to continually wash one bottle to use with the pump. I just stick nipples on the bottles I pumped in and take them to daycare, then grab the next set of clean bottles out of the cabinet for the next day.

I must say, this pump saved my milk supply. I even have a freezer full of extra breastmilk. Even though it is much more expensive than some of the other pumps, I've saved more than its cost in formula, so it's been worth it financially, not to mention the extra benefits of breastmilk that my son has continued to have. I plan on keeping mine for my next child and I would definitely recommend this product to other moms.

can pump from 6-13 oz in 10-15 mins. I recommend the back pack because it is little heavy, especially at the end of the day when carrying the precious cargo. Same price and I bought mine at the BabiesRUs store. The battery run adapter lasts forever and has same power as AC adapter so convenient to use anywhere. Although the car adapter would be a great plus to save $ on batteries. The Medela bags are not spill-proof and hard to handle. I Recommend the Lansinoh doulbe zip lock bags.

After intending to breastfeed my baby I was shocked when she arrived 2 months early. I felt lucky that I had received an Evenflo dual pump as a shower gift. However, after a week of use it was taking far too long to get the job done. The NICU where my baby stayed for 2 long months had the Medela Lactina and after using it just one time I was convinced that I needed to get a better pump as I had a long "pumping road" ahead of me. The nurses in the NICU recommended the Pump in Style. We were a little nervous about the price, but in the end it was totally worth it. My pumping time decreased from 45 mins every 2 hours through the night to 25 mins. Most hospitals use the Medela brand hospital grade pump and all the parts are interchangeable with the pump in style. Eventually I ended up purchasing additional bottles and valve assemblies so I didn't have to wash/reuse bottles all night long. The set-up is extremely easy and so is clean up. In fact, Medela makes steam clean bags that are re-usable up to 20 times in the microwave. This was great for rinsing and then sterilizing on the fly. The bottles work with standard nipples. Since my baby has been home that feature has come in handy too. She was so small that she had a difficult time staying awake long enough to empty the breast. She would give it her best try and then I would pump, put on a nipple and offer the bottle. Very easy. I would especially recommend this pump to women who plan to have more children. That way the cost can be spread out over several babies. But even if, like me, you only get one; the Medela is well worth it. Despite its cost, it's still cheaper than formula!

I love, love, love this pump. After struggling with the Avent Isis manual pump (you get what you pay for, I guess), I felt absolutely liberated by the Medela. Pumping was so much faster due to the powerful motor and double pumping. It is definitely worth the price, even if you plan to only pump about 1-2 times per day. I was staying at home with my daughter and not pumping that frequently, but I still felt like I got the most out of this product. Cleaning was really easy and finding replacement parts (tubing, etc.) is a snap, and you won't develop any repetitive use injuries like you can with the manual pumps. A must for nursing moms, whether working outside or inside the home.