Customer Reviews for Medela - Freestyle Hands-free Double Electric Breast Pump - Gray
Customer Rating
3
Surprisingly powerful pump
on February 2, 2023
Posted by: KLawson
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I received this breast pump from the Stellar Product Testing Panel.
I was very impressed by the suction that this small and discrete pump provided. I wasn't expecting something rechargeable to have that much power. I have been able to pump as I cook dinner. It is great for a multitasking mom.
I also loved that there were only 3 parts to clean. Such an easy set up, and pretty much impossible to do wrong.
As a larger chested person, I did find the collection cups to be a bit bulky to fit well in a bra. I also found that the hard plastic flanges took some getting used to. It would be nice to have the option of a more flexible flange material to accompany this wonderfully powerful pump.
Response from medela.comBy *, Your Customer Solutions Team, February 8, 2023
Hi KLawson--- Thanks for sharing your feedback as it helps us to continuously improve upon our designs! We're wishing you all the best!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This pump is life-changing! I have been using it the last few weeks and have really appreciated how nice it is to be able to move around and not tied to a pump or outlet! It's been especially helpful to have the extra time to wash pump parts or clean up around the house.
Pros: - It has freed up so much of my time -- not just because I can now multitask more easily while pumping, but it's also much easier to clean and put together/take apart. - The suction and output have been fantastic. It's even a little more comfortable than my pump provided by insurance. - I love that it tracks time for me and dings after 15 minutes so even if I'm distracted with other things (baby), I don't go too long.
Cons: - I always drip a little milk inside my bra when taking it off because a few drops inevitably end up stuck in the flange behind the valve, and it's hard to maneuver it out of my bra without tilting it towards me. - The cups are just not totally stable like a regular bottle because of being lopsided. I am clumsy and tend to knock over the cups when they're on the counter while I'm trying to pour them in a storage bag or bottle, so I have to take out one at a time and empty it before setting it down to avoid catastrophe. - It is small and fits in my bra, but not so discreet that I would be comfortable pumping in public. It makes you look several cup sizes larger, and it's also louder than I'd like. But in a loud area with a jacket or sweater, I think it could work! - I've accidentally hit the buttons while the pump motor is in my pocket, so you have to be careful!
But honestly, even with these cons, it is still 100x better than a regular pump! And it's making my life so much easier. Absolutely worth it. Thanks to the Stellar Product Testing Panel for providing me with this breast pump, but the review, comments, and experience are all my own.
Response from medela.comBy *, Your Customer Solutions Team, March 31, 2023
Hi ungions--- Thank you for taking time to share your honest feedback! Your experience helps other parents make their product decisions a little easier. Best wishes!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I received this product through the Stellar Product Testing Panel for my honest review, and I can honestly say it is a life savior! The components are simple; pump, tubing, flange, cups, and the membrane. All parts are true to the Medela style, simple and easy to clean. The Medela Freestyle Hands-Free is perfect for on-the-go or to use while nursing. I used it while working and it saved me loads of time, not needing to step away to use a conventional pump (if you do not have the hands free pumping bra option). I also enjoyed using it while nursing my 4month old, having the option to use one side only. It is so compact and discrete while being powerful! It comes with 2 sizes of flange (I was able to use the smaller) that are comfortable for all size breasts. The only downfall is it does leak if not properly placed on the nipple or the cups closed completely. Those are things that can be overcome with more practice and use. Overall I am so very thrilled to have received this product and will continue to use it as my go-to pump.
Response from medela.comBy *, Your Customer Solutions Team, March 31, 2023
Hi HandFree--- Thank you for the great review! We’re so happy you loved your experience with the Freestyle Hands-free Breast Pump!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have another brand’s hands free pump and although it’s considered higher end, there are things about the Medela Freestyle I like much better. Due to the design and there being fewer small parts, the ease of getting the milk out of the cups is 10/10. I’m not able to get ALL of the milk out of my more expensive pump without spilling a bit, which is not ideal when you’re on the go. The pump is very easy to use and easy to clean. The only thing I wish was different is how loud the pump is. It’s quieter than my regular pump but definitely louder than my other hands free pump. It’s not a deal breaker, but if you’re looking to have a more private pumping option this may not be it. Overall I’m very happy with this pump! Thanks to the Stellar Product Testing Panel for providing me with this breast pump.
Response from medela.comBy *, Your Customer Solutions Team, March 31, 2023
Hi hmin--- Thanks for sharing your positive feedback!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I’m happy to say that Medela is definitely entering the game for hands-free pumps. This pump is surprisingly strong for how small it is. It slips into your bra easily and stays where you put it. My only problems with the pump are that the measurements on the side are very hard to read and when you pour the milk out through the pour spout (which is wonderful btw) some of it tends to spill out through the flange. It seems to trap a bit of milk in the little valve and it isn’t able to get it all the way inside the pump. I’d also love to see Medela add in a clip so that the handheld part could be clipped onto the waistband of pants, etc.
Overall I’m incredibly happy with the pump and will be using it as my main pump from here on out.
I received this pump as part of the Stellar Product Testing Panel.
Response from medela.comBy *, Your Customer Solutions Team, March 30, 2023
Hi Emily--- We appreciate your honest feedback as it helps us to continuously improve upon our design. Best wishes!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I’d like to thank the Stellar Product Testing Panel for giving me the opportunity to test this pump for my honest review. I’m going to start off saying I’ve tested a LOT of pumps. I have what I guess are called “elastic” nipples and between that and none of my kids latching well, I’ve exclusively pumped for all 3. My first two I only survived about a month and called it quite because I was tied to a wall. With my third, I wanted to give it my all because I knew he’d be my last. To do that, I KNEW I needed something portable since I have two young kids to tend to on top of a newborn. I immediately bought a portable pump and had it ready. Well, I soon found out it wasn’t emptying me well and I had to mainly stick with my wall pump. Just as I was about to give up AGAIN, I received this pump and immediately I could tell it would lighten my load on washing parts because there are only THREE parts to wash versus my 5 plus that I was doing. Better yet, these cups can be used for the “fridge hack” where other wearables have the motor incorporated and cannot go in the fridge. BONUS! Even LESS amount of time washing! This empties me well, and I’ve pumped while cooking and doing dishes because they are so lightweight since I’m wearing the pump portion on my hip! I’ve also done drives with them in and they are less discreet than other wearables (again, because the pump portion is not on the cups that you wear). Medela has done a great job designing these-the clear cup allows you to align easily and see how full they are. All in all, I think these wearables will further my pump journey and I am forever grateful! It is a great feeling pouring the milk in my pitcher and providing for my baby!
Response from medela.comBy *, Your Customer Solutions Team, March 30, 2023
Hi Mainahmom--- We're so honored to have played a small part in your breast milk feeding journey! Wishing you all the best!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Thanks to the Stellar Product Testing Panel for providing me with this breast pump. This medela pump slides right into your bra & is very discreet! Being bigger chested, it was wonderful to try a product that didn’t add much to my cup size but was effective at pumping the milk.It is very light weight and relatively quiet. I was able to do household chores like folding laundry and loading/unloading the dishwasher. I also used it numerous times while driving or in the car in the school pick up line. My favorite part is that there are only 3 parts to wash and it’s very easy to put back together without having to read the instructions again. The only con I have is that it turned off twice from my arm hitting it when I had it inside my leggings pocket but when I wore it in my jeans pocket I never had any problems. There are so many amazing things about this pump and it is a game changer with the in bra cups!
Response from medela.comBy *, Your Customer Solutions Team, March 30, 2023
Hi Kellee12--- Thank you for taking the time to share your great feedback!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] With both of my children, I became an exclusive pumper after returning to work from maternity leave. Pumping has always been a chore, but a necessary one that I was committed to until they each turned one.
I was given this breast pump to try as part of the Stellar Product Testing Panel. I was skeptical that a hands free breast pump would work for me. I am not a petite person, so I assumed that the cups inside of my bra would be anything but discreet.
I don’t know how I ever managed without this pump. This is truly a game changer! Even on a large chested woman like myself, the pump is super compact. If you look straight at my chest, you can definitely tell something is under there, but it is discreet enough that I can answer the door, drive, get the mail… all while pumping. When you are pumping 6-8 times a day for at least 15 minutes, that’s a lot of time to be tethered to a machine. I’ve gotten so much freedom back in my day! And not only is it compact, it’s efficient. I’m pumping the same amount per session as I was with my other breast pump, but the suction feels much more natural - more like an actual baby nursing. They even have little spouts for pouring the milk into a storage bottle, since you can’t store the milk in the actual cups (one more step than a normal pump with bottles attached). And cleaning is a breeze with just three parts to wash between sessions.
A few things I don’t like - The pump itself has a touch screen, and I wish there was a way to lock it. Often, I put the pump in my pocket so I can walk around while pumping, and it will pause or stop because the play button gets bumped. Also, I often spill a little when removing the cups, because some milk gets trapped in the center of the flange. I also found that I still need to pump with my regular old machine every other day or so in order to massage and do some hand expression to avoid clogged ducts. If you get clogged ducts often, this pump is prob not for you.
Overall, I love this! I love having some freedom back so I can continue to do what moms do best: multitask. Need to pump AND get dinner on the table? No prob.
Response from medela.comBy *, Your Customer Solutions Team, March 30, 2023
Hi Ajkali04--- We're so glad you have had a great experience with the Freestyle Hands-free Breast Pump and appreciate your suggestions as well. Wishing you all the best on your breast milk feeding journey!