Customer Reviews

Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breastpump With Metro Bag - Medela 57036

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Firstly, I am a resident doctor and knew when I got pregnant that I would have to pump in order to give my child exclusively breast milk, so I researched all of the options available, polled some Obstetricians who breast feed and other doctors and nurses at the hospital where I train, and I chose Medela.

I also have the medela hand pump, which is great to bring to a quick outing where you can go to the bathroom and pump once and not have to carry the electric pump with you.

TIPS AND TRICKS--I began pumping within days of birth because I knew going back to work within 4 weeks that I didn't want my son to have difficulty taking the milk from a bottle. During my time at home and after I returned to work I figured out a few things:
1. It is very tedious to have to hold the flanges against you for the 15 mins I had to pump every 3 hours, so I found a hands free solution and that is 'Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bustier Bra'. I am able to insert the pumping devices into this bra and read or use the computer, or just be hands free while pumping. It is such a lifesaver that I bought two and I wear them everyday. I found that if I distract myself while pumping that I pump until I am empty rather than giving up just when
2. The flange that comes with the pump is not 'one size fits all'. It is important to have the lactation consultant in the hospital 'fit' you for the right size for your nipple. I had to go up a size, and then I had no trouble getting everything out.
3. Make sure you follow Medela's guidelines to allow the pump to run about 4-5 mins after you detach the bottles to remove the condensation in the tubing, as this will protect your machine and decrease contamination.
4. When you are done, leave the tubing attached and coil them together into a circle the size of a large orange, and tuck them in the pump box and close.I haven't had any issues with damage doing this.
5. If you are pumping at work, there isn't always a microwave handy to sterilize after each pumping, so find a sink and run the water as hot as it gets and rinse out the pumping attachments (excluding the tubing) with hot water. Sterilize nightly after washing with soap and water. The 'Munchkin Bottle and Nipple Brush' is awesome for cleaning the bottles and the pump equipment. For some reason the dishwasher can't remove all of the fatty residue of milk from it, so it is best to wash by hand...especially the bottle nipples. I also bring an extra large zip lock storage bag to keep my pumping stuff inside in my bag so they won't make everything else wet.
6. I really didn't like the medela nipples as my baby wouldn't take them. He loves the Nuk orthodontic series. Eventually we got the Nuk orthodontic 10oz bottles with the wider base and they are awesome (UPC 015000788735 ). The medela bottles, however, are great for storage and don't leak.
7. Medela freezer storage bags are great, but do leak and are pretty costly, so I switched to the Lansinoh after reading reviews and prefer them, just make sure you 'burp' or take all air out of the bag after putting the milk into them to prevent freezer burn.
8. The metro backpack is large and can accomodate all I need, but it doesn't close at the top, which is a little annoying, but I make it work.
9. I have used the car charger and the battery pack successfully on long road trips, and they provide equivalent suction.
10. One lady mentions the suction isn't enough...my son has great suction when he does feed, but I find if you pump for 15 mins (even if you haven't pumped for 5 hours) you can still get enough suction to get the milk out. I always wait for the 'second let down', or use the 'let down' button stimulate me to get it. It is important to pump until completion so you get the foremilk, mid milk and hind milk (hind milk has the fatty stuff in it that makes my son sleep longer--4 month old and 7hrs in a row).

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
I called Medela when part of the tubing broke off because I hit it against something hard--they sent me new tubing for free, no questions asked.
I called Medela when my pump stopped working after 4 months (I know everything mechanical can have possible defects, so I figured they would cover it under warranty) and after trouble shooting over the phone, they sent me an entire replacement for free (all I had to do was ship back to original product with them paying for shipping). To me this is above and beyond service. I would recommend Medela to people just for the customer service, let alone for the fact that their product is brilliant.

NEGATIVES
1. I always use a nursing pad underneath the pump as I remove it from my breast, as it would drip onto my clothes otherwise (and breast milk leaves a water mark until it is laundered) but I expect this as I really can't see another way (unless it is way more expensive) to prevent this.
2. If you leave the bottles attached by the tubing as you set them down on a hard surface you increase the chance of them tipping over and the milk spills out of the top of the attachment. The hole there is necessary for the pumping mechanism, so you have to carefully set the bottle down and make sure you use a large enough bottle to pump into otherwise it can spill over while pumping.
3. I have found it sometimes difficult to find the separate pieces to buy (I have two sets of pumping supplies so I can take a fresh one in the morning while the other can be sterilized.
4. The cost is pretty steep, but I found it to be very worth it.

All in all, this product has saved me a lot of trouble and a lot of money. If I didn't pump my own milk, besides the myriad of reasons breast milk is best, it would cost me >$150 per month for formula. And residents get approximately $12 an hour for the hours we put in and my husband stays at home and goes to school, so we couldn't afford it otherwise.

No, the bag does not stay closed and yes it is heavy, but the pump itself was the most important part to me. I pump full time because my son had such trouble nursing. I pump 8 times per day, so I really have used this pump hundreds of times. It works fast and is easy to clean and operate. I have never had any issues with it at all. I tried a hospital grade pump first and it felt like it was going to rip me apart. This was a relief in comparison and I was very glad to have it. It's quick to set up on the go with the battery pack and I use the cooler bag to transport milk for his feedings while away as well as to hold the milk I pumped. It stays cold for hours and does not sweat. There is room in my bag for my phone and a book so I have something to do while I pump. I use this at home mostly, and the pump itself is small and easy to operate with one hand. If you intend to pump more than occasionaly, I would recommend this. I didn't buy it for fashiion, despite it's name. I needed serious results, and I got them. I pump for 15 minutes every 3 hours and I usually get between 5 and 6 ounces per pump. My son eats 24 ounces per day, so I get to freeze about 4 bags of 4 oz each for later. I did not get as much from the other pump and it took 20 minutes at a time.

Thhis is the only pump I have ever owned, and it does the job well. I like the "clean work surface" that's included, the battery power pack, and the mesh pockets on the side of the pump for storing the tubing and AC adapter. I have been using it at work for 3 months.

However, I would not spend the extra money on the metro bag. Yes, it looks stylish and it is made of nice sturdy material, but unlike in the picture often seen with the product, the flap does not hang neatly and there is no closure to keep it from flying open. When the bag contains all the pump items, the flap rests on top and does not even fold over. The strap has no grippy strip and the bag is always slipping from my shoulder. Scrunching up my shoulder combined with the misshapen look of the bag undo any style this bag is supposed to have. If I were to buy again, I'd go for the simple black bag, which is usually about $30 less (although I don't know if that bag would behave the same way).

I got this in January 2009. The pump works great and has had no issues. I do however really regret getting this Metro bag. I bought it because I thought it would be discreet looking as I carried to and from work and would hold a lot. The problems are: #1. The bag does not secure closed so stuff can fall out and or the lid can open and people can see what is in it. #2. It is heavy. #3. It is big. It takes up a lot of space and is big to carry. My advice: buy the pump in another bag.

I love my new medela pump!!!! I was using an evenflo double breast pump which said it has a quiet motor and works well for a working mom. Come to find out that the motor is almost as loud as a pick up truck...okay I might be over doing it but just put it this way it was too loud and it did not feel at all like a babies rythym. I am a full time mom and after 3 months of pumping 2 times a day the motor started to give out...so I bought a medela pump...which works wonders..it expressed more milk than my other pump, was extremely quiet and felt just like a real baby, which I guess kinda tricks your body to let down quicker and produce more milk...medela is the brand to go for and it is worth every penny!!!!

I bought this pump before having my child- who ended up being born premature, which made breastfeeding impossible for quite some time. Therefore- this pump became my lifesaver. While in the hospital i was able to use the commercial grade Ameda pump- and this Medela pump, in my opinion, is superior to that. The soft shields for the pump are great and make for a FAR more comfortable fit and pump than those available with other pump lines.
The pump is so compact and easy to carry around as needed in the very stylish bag it comes with! And, if you don't use the bag to tote your pump around -it is a fabulous diaper bag! The pump does a great job of fully expressing my milk and helped me build my milk supply over the first 3 months of my daughters life. Additionally, the pump has a car charger available as an additional accessory, which is really great when you are out and about and cannot find an appropriate place to pump- and need to hide in your backseat to pump. I HIGHLY recommend this product.

I have access to a Medela Lactina at work and this pump is quieter and more efficient. The high efficiency is due to the 2 stage pumping action, which mimics the real sucking action of a baby (quick at first, then slowing to a constant rhythm. I love the ability to pull out the small pump with the cord in the side pocket!

Pros:
- Super Quiet
- Very efficient (even at low suction, wheew!)
- Battery Pack included! What a handy bonus!
- pump can be easily removed and is self contained in its own case (5 stars!)
- both battery pack and AC adapter can be stored on the pump (mesh saddlebags)
- provided work surface ensures a clean pumping station
- Stylish bag, very modular, discreet, and lots of space
- handy mesh bags for holding your pumping supplies
- Everything is easy to clean with a damp cloth.
- Lots of pockets in the main bag

Cons:
- Bag is large and bulky (but it has to be to hold all that stuff)
- Magnetic bag latch is not very strong (opens too easily)
- must remove the tubing to close up the pump (just a convenience issue)

Safety note: This is a personal pump meant for one person only. It cannot be sterilized. Do not share or sell this pump to others.

I bought this pump just before I had my son. Which was perfect, he was a preemie and couldn't nurse so I had to pump. This works almost as good as the hospital grade ones they had me use. As I pump about 8-10 times a day the fact the motor came out was a lifesaver for me, it now sits ont he headboard and is there when I need it. I haven't gone back to work yet so I don't know about it being heavy, though I wouldn't be surprised. I get anywhere from 6-13 oz a time for pumping, and since he's only a month old and drinkin about 2-3 oz I freeze most of it for later. The more I can freeze the better. But this is 10x better then my pump in style I had in my prior breastfeeding days. The bag is stylish and many people won't know what it is. My sister even said this was alot better then the pump she got from someone. She now wishes she had bought this one or the swing on. Definitely for someone looking to pump continously.

First - I feel it is important to note that I was not keen on the idea of breast feeding prior to having my little one. Breast feeding was incredibly painful the first four weeks and I thought about quitting frequently. However, I'm glad I stuck it out...

About the pump - awesome...

A. It works.

B. Adjustable speed / suction power. The pump has two general modes of action. There is the 'stimulation phase' and the 'expression phase'. The idea behind the stimulation phase is to allow your milk to 'drop'. Personally, I skipped this phase as I didn't need it. The 'expression phase' comes with a dial that allows you to adjust for comfort (frequency and seemingly the power of suction). Be certain to always start with this dial turned down - or you are most certain to feel some discomfort.

C. Assembly. This breast pump is easy to assemble. I liked that there was room in the bag to just coil up the tubing and keep it secure to the ports of the pump. The breastshield, connector, membranes, valves and bottles are easy to assemble. This does take a little bit of time, but it is not difficult.

D. Cleaning. Okay - this was a pain. However, I can't imagine any other breast pump being easier. The valve (the yellow thing that the membrane snaps to) is the most difficult. Milk puddles in it and it is difficult to get a washcloth, scrubber, etc. to fit well. Also, the connector is difficult to clean for the same reasons as the valve - it is just difficult to reach all areas, even with a super tiny bottle-nipple scrubber. However, I would occasionally drop these items in boiling water or zap them in the microwave to steam clean them.

E. The Cooler. This worked well. I am a working mom, I liked that the cooler fit into the bag and that I could somewhat discretely carry around a breastpump and mostly pass it for a purse without being super obvious by having to carry some external cooler. I would just place the ice block in the freezer in the morning and it would keep my milk cool during my commute home (sometimes over two hours...).

F. Battery Pack. This turned out to be wonderful. For some reason I often found myself needing to pump in areas that lacked electricity (long drives to visit family and so on). I know that the manual states it will last for approximately 2 hours, but, it seemed to last much longer than that for me.

G. Medella customer service - great! I had a super small flaw with a zipper (the flag fell off (the part you can easily grab)) and I e-mailed Medella to let them know that this was a problem and they offered to mail me a new pump. Wow.



H. Pumping tip - this has nothing to do with the pump itself, but, may help working moms. I would show up at work with a sterile pumping apparatus. After the first pumping session I would place my assembled pumping parts (breastshield, connector, membrane and valve) into either a sterile tupperware container or plastic bag and set in the refrigerator (skip cleaning). When the next pumping session came to be I would just pull out the assembled parts and be ready for pumping.
In an ideal situation I would clean the parts. Which I ALWAYS did when I could. But, at work this was just not possible. According to the Mayo Clinic [...] breast milk can be safely stored at room temperature for 6 to 8 hours and in the refrigerator for up to 8 days. Because I was needing to pump twice while I was at work, roughly 3 to 4 hours apart, and because this is well into the 'safe' zone I decided this was the most sterile (and easy) method. Plus, I did discuss this plan with some friends who are PhDs (in health/science fields) and an MD and given the thumbs up. Additionally, I have been fortunate to have a healthy baby which leads me to believe that this is an acceptable method for those who also cannot find an acceptable place to clean pump parts.

I own both the medela pump in style with backpack and ameda's purely yours pump. Ameda's pump is better than medela. See below. I don't use my medela pump at all despite having wasted about $300 on pump and spare parts.

I am a working mom so I pumped a lot with baby #1 and am doing same with baby #2 - already have a freezer full of milk.

Why ameda is superior to medela:
1) NO MOLD growth - milk cannot get into tubes. See below. After I found mold on my medela pump I went out and bought an ameda pump right away.
2) about half the price as medela if you just buy the pump and not the bag etc.
3) the ameda pump is easily freestanding, also has nice slots on the pump to hold your pumped milk in bottles.
If you remove the medela pump from the backpack or bag you'll see the pump casing - the medela pump has holes in the casing around the pump so you don't really want to take it out of the bag - and nowhere to put your pumped bottles so they don't fall over.

FYI Ameda pump has lasted since 2008 with pumping daily 5 days/week (I breastfed baby #1 for 18 months) and it is still going great - I'm using it again now.


Medela knows about the milk in the tubes problem - in fact there are instructions about this in the booklet that comes with their pump. Well, I got milk backed up in the tubes more than once despite following the instructions in the manual. Then I had to stop pumping and dry the tubes out. No more pumping that day as I did not have spare tubes. And, to my horror, despite running the MEDELA pump for a couple of minutes after every pumping as per instructions, and drying out the tubes if they got milk in them, I opened the faceplate of the medela pump one day and found MOLD growing on my medela pump. That was it, I bought an ameda pump and have never gone back.