Medela Freestyle Breast Pump

Your going to appreciate our review on the Medela Freestyle Breast Pump, why because as the most expensive pump you need to know if your getting your moneys worth.
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 Consumer Reviews of the Medela Freestyle Breast Pump

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The Freesytle offers all the things a busy working mom wants, portability, hands free, cute bag and cooler.  But does it deliver on all these things?   The review will set the record straight.

The Medela Freestyle Breast Pump is a Daily, Double Pump Electric.

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Features of the Medela Freestyle Breast Pump

• Hands Free Use
• Two Phase Expression
• Comfort
• Everything Included

Hands Free Use

As the name implies, the Medela Freestyle Breast Pump offers hand free expression sessions, with a convenient carry on person motor assembly.

The motor itself weighs less than a pound and seems to be stronger than many in this size class, but not overwhelmingly.

The hands free use is accomplished by means of straps that attach to your bra.  The motor in turn can be worn as well.

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Two Part Expression

Like with other Medela Pumps the Two-Phase Expression Technology is incorporated into the pumps operating system.

This Technology incorporates an advanced pumping pattern that mimics a baby’s natural nursing rhythm with the first phase stimulating the breast with rapid sucking to begin the milks flow.  Phase two begins after the flow has started and simulates the slower and deeper suckling which is gentler and efficient.

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Comfort

Comfort is attained in part from the breast shields.  The Freestyle comes with a SoftFit Breast Shields which are more pliable, thus more comfortable.

The other comfort comes from the convenience.  Unlike most portable breast pumps, the freestyle is rechargeable.   The charge is good for about 3 hours, and it charges fast.

Another comfort and convenient feature is the large LCD screen, which is backlit and easy to read even in the dead of night.

Because you can adjust the pumping pattern, you can the comfort level which works best for you, and then save that pattern in the pumps memory for use later.

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Everything Included

• Attractive tote bag
• 2 replacement bra adapters -- universal
• 2 replacement bra adapters -- hook & eye
• Support belt & extension
• 2 -- 24 mm SoftFit™ breastshields
• 2 breastshield bodies; 2 membranes; 2 back caps
• 1 set of tubing
• 4 -- 5 oz breastmilk bottles, lids & travel cap
• Wide base slow flow nipple
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Power cord & charger
• Contoured ice pack
• Removable cooler carrier
• Instructions & quick start card
• Breastfeeding Information Guide

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Pros and Cons of the Medela Freestyle Breast Pump

Pros

The small size factor of the pump coupled with its having adequate strength is a great feature.  The LCD screen, and ability to save favorite pumping patterns makes this one of a kind.

The rechargeable battery will save loads of money over time and should be considered to offset the cost if  you plan on using the battery feature of another pump a lot.  At least it should be part of your check list as Batteries are expensive.

The Two Phase Technology to express milk more naturally is nice, though the Simplisse has an even newer technology that seems to do the same but in a more gentle and even more natural fashion.

Great Customer Service.

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Cons

An open system pump, so proper cleaning and drying of  all parts in contact with milk a must.

The hands free “Contraptions” don’t last, the end peices which clip break easily.  Better to take a cheap sports bra and cut small holes at the nipples for the shields to fit through as one consumer advised.

The pliable breast shields discolor quickly and aren’t as comfortable over time, most switch to the larger ridged flanges not long after purchase.

With such a hefty price tag that goes along with Medela’s newest introduction, one would expect more reliability.  There is obviously  a pump problem with what sounds like carbon buildup coming from the motor, likely from the motors brush assembly.  This may have been reengineered by now, many customers have reported customer service touting a new type.

The motors seem as prone to failure as the much, much cheaper models.  Many consumers report motor failure within the warranty period, but customer service is top notch at resolving and replacing defective components.

The valves which are built into the lines seem to be problematic as well, but this is a first edition, no doubt as the product ages, the new models will continue to improve.

There are 72/142 five star reviews on Amazon from Consumers, so almost half love their Freestyle breast pumps, but there are 47/142  one, two and three star reviews  (balance of 23 four star), which should give you at least pause for thought on a product which costs as much as the Medela FreeStyle Breast Pump Does.

This pump is touted as the definitive toss and go pump, as a daily pumper, perfect for work and use in public places with discretion.  However its too loud to be considered discreet unless you work in rivet gun testing factory.  Ok, maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but its noticable noisy and will not be a secret in your cubical at work.

Remember this is a Medela Product so more is expected from a company with their reputation, more so for their most expensive home unit.

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Final Thoughts on the Medela FreeStyle Breast Pump

Its a good pump for on the Go, love that its rechargeable, but the noise level makes pumping a work unlikely.  For the price its unfortunate that the pumps tend to fail at about the same rate as less expensive pumps.  But like the inexpensive pumps when you get a good one, they seem to last.

We think that if Medela changed the advertising and removed the quiet and discreet part, then consumers wouldn’t be so upset when they find it to be the opposite.  After all people feel duped when forking out so much with plans on use at work etc. to only find that its anything but discreet.

That having been said, we think that its a good pump with good features for those planning to use it without worrying about discreet pumping.  If that’s you, it could be a perfect fit.  If you need more discretion, they have other pumps which are quieter and cheaper.

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Medela Freestyle Breast Pump as Reviewed by e-breastpumps.com