Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)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.
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Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump with Metro BagProduct Description: The newest addition to the popular Pump In Style family! Exclusivelyavailable in a classic black & butter-yellow multi-purpose bag. The new PumpIn Style Advanced Metro Bag features the latest 2-Phase Expression breastpumptechnology complete with a stylish multi-purpose bag loaded with extras. Features and Benefits : *Roomy messenger bag in a durable, stain-resistant nylon provides plenty of spacefor all the essentials. * Adjustable strap for customized drop length is also reversible for a differentlook * Completely removable internal parts, so the bag can be used long after mom'sdone pumping* Removable work surface provides a clean place for mom to work with* Color-coordinated cooler bag keeps milk cool for 12 hours * Two mesh storage bags designed to hold loose pieces and parts in between pumpingsessions *Chosen for you and your baby - All parts that come intocontact with breastmilk are BPA/DEHP Free.* This product is a single user item. Use by more than one user may pose a healthrisk, performance questions, and voids the warranty. What's Included :* Stylish messenger bag with adjustable strap* Removable motor unit in its own case* Battery Pak (8AA batteries not included)* Removable cooler carrier* 4 collection containers & lids* 2 SoftFit™ Breastshields* Breastfeeding Information Guide* 2 valves* 4 membranes* Cooling element* Removable work surface * Mesh Storage Bags* Instructions
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