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12/26/17 UPDATE: Since I wrote this review a few months ago, I have docked this one star (from 4 stars to 3 stars). I no longer believe this is the best pump for a few reasons:
--The Spectra S2 is now the best IMO. First, the "letdown" feature (mimics a baby suckling to stimulate milk release) feels more gentle and natural and like a baby.
--Also, the Spectra lets you adjust speed and force *independently* while the Medela gets more forceful as it speeds up. This is huge. You will notice that, as you breastfeed, your baby sometimes sucks fast and clamps down hard, or sucks slowly and gently or slowly and forcefully etc. The speed at which your baby sucks does not always match how *hard* your baby nurses. A pump that mimics this fools your breast better and makes you release more milk, in my experience.
--The Spectra S2 is quiet. Over the years, Medela's competitors have grown quieter, while Medela has not. This pump is now one of the noisiest on the market and the whirring and churning of the pump sound like one of those remote-controlled children's toy cars turning in circles. This is not a deal breaker for me because I have a private space to pump and have been pumping so long that I am not self conscious. For moms with less privacy or who desire to be less conspicuous, a less noisy alternative might be best.
Even though the Medela is not the best pump, this backpack feature it still makes it the most portable. That counts for a lot with me because I need to be able totravel from point A to point B really quickly, pump, and pack up even quicker.
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I have been pregnant or breastfeeding for the past four years and I have worked throughout. I typically work 70-80 hours a week with an unpredictable schedule. I write all of this to put my review in context. I am a mom who needs a pump that works very well and is user-friendly.
PROS:
--Excellent Double Pump: For the new moms, "double pump" means you can pump both breasts at the same time. The pump's letdown feature (applies pressure at a fast rate to encourage milk secretion) combined with the adjustable suction makes for effective removal of breast milk.
--Portable & User-Friendly: The bag is divided into segments, with the pump at the bottom, a cooler for 4 bottles at the top, and flaps in the front and bag to store slim items such as breast pads. The way the bag is divided makes it very easy to access anything that you put inside it. This is very important if you are someone who has to pump quickly.
--Professional: The backpack is very well tailored and high quality. You would never know there is a pump and breastmilk supplies inside.
CONS:
--Hidden Pump: The pump cannot be taken out of the bag or opened to be cleaned. Over time and use, this could mean mold is hiding in the pump undetected.
--Too-Few Bottles: The cooler holds only four six-ounce bottles. This is probably enough for moms who have an exactly 8-hour work day and pump twice. If you pump more frequently, however, or have a very long workday, you are going to find yourself running out of room and having to pump into bottles that are already heavy with milk.
--Smallish Bag: The bag could be made a little bigger so that it is the size of a standard small backpack (think slim Jansport). This would have no effect on how portable the bag is, but would leave more room for you to carry things like a small makeup bag, wallet, and keys. That way, you would not have to carry multiple bags throughout the day.
| Product Dimensions | 13.14 x 6.13 x 9.08 inches |
|---|---|
| Item model number | 101041362 |
| material_composition | Various |
| Number Of Items | 1 |
| Style | Pump In Style,Portable,Double,Simple |
| Pump type | Electric |
| Batteries required | No |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Country/Region of origin | USA |
