I was asked to try the new Medela Freestyle Flex breast pump and after already being a user of Medela’s earlier models I was very happy to say YES! I’m a first time mum and just after my baby was born I was given a Medela breast pump and it made my life so much easier. It really helped to kick off my breast feeding journey as I was pumping in between feeds to try and build a stronger supply and it worked!
Just before I received the Freestyle Flex I had been offered a new job and the thought of starting somewhere new and also having to factor in pumping during work hours, was a bit daunting. However, having the Freestyle Flex with me meant that I could discreetly and easily pump with ease at work. I could have done this with the older models but the Freestyle flex makes it much easier.
First look
When I received my Medela Freestyle Flex I was very impressed! It looks pretty flashy and high quality all packed up in its box. However the box was BIG so I was a little worried about how large the pump and the attachments would be… But my fears were quickly allayed when I realised that the box was larger due to it including some fantastic extras to make on-the-go pumping much more efficient and fail safe.
The unit is sleek and modern looking with its light up display a much easier and user friendly system all together.
Ease of use
After using other Medela pumps, which I had great success with, part of me thought ‘how much better can this pump be’ but the Freestyle Flex has been created with changes that really make a difference.
Assembling the pump for use is really easy as it has less parts to put together or to take apart and clean. Plus the closed system means that milk can’t escape into the tubing so it feels like a more hygienic system.
Don’t get too stressed out mumma’s if you have one star performing breast over the other as you can see from this image my left produces more milk than my right and that’s just the way it is.
It is much quieter so it is much better for discreet pumping.
I found that the Freestyle Flex actually managed to extract more milk than my previous pumps and in a much quicker time frame which is really great.
Going back to work means I need to be efficient with my time so using the feeding bustier and double pumping on the go means that I can get ready for work and not be sitting at stationary point next to a power point. To Easy!
Useful features:
Standard out feature is that IT DOESN’T REQUIRE BATTERIES! I was buying so many little batteries for my other model when I was pumping on-the-go but this pump is rechargeable and doesn’t require you to be near a powerpoint when it is being used (provided it is charged up) and the battery lasts for up to 8 feeds which took away the anxiety of the pump potentially running out of juice mid feed. PLUS, if the pump does need charging, it has a handy USB charging point so I can continue working from my laptop and charge the pump or even pump at the same time!
It also came with a mini cooler bag with a perfectly fitting ice pack in the center to cool four bottles of milk and a simple black carry bag that can double as a handbag.
Effectiveness:
The breast shields that come with the Freestyle Flex have been upgraded and now have a much softer edge to them. With the kit you are given two sizes which is very helpful as you can make sure you have the right size for you. They are more flexible that the previous version and so they don’t mark your boobs after a pumping session.
The rechargeable battery is great, as I have previously mentioned. Being able to get up to 8 feeds from a single charge is so great! Plus you can charge from the USB port in your car or on your computer.
Medela have also created a clever app so you can track your pumping and milk quantities which I think would be really useful at the beginning of your breast feeding journey when you are trying to keep up and boost your supply.
There is a wrist strap on the unit which makes the pump easy to carry around. The pump unit is a little heavy though so it doesn’t really make it completely hands free unless you are sitting down and have the unit on the bench or table.
The included ice pack and bag make it easy to transport and mean you don’t have to go straight to the fridge after pumping.
I love that the unit has a timer on it so I didn’t have to time my sessions. The app also offers this feature which is great.
Recommendations:
I have a couple of friends who are due to have babies soon and I have told them they need to get this pump. Some of them have been gifted single pumps which doubles the time you spend pumping. A double pump is a MUST in my opinion and the Flex just seems to be the best of the best! As far as I’m concerned, if you are planning on breast feeding, a good quality pump will save you time and energy. It will also work wonders for increasing your supply if you are worried about that in the beginning.
This pump is simply convenient, effective and completely user friendly.
Medela Freestyle Flex Mummy Review from Newborn Baby on Vimeo.
