Medela Pump in Style

Thread: "best and most affordable breast pump."

One, do not pump until you have baby unless directed by a doctor. It can cause contractions and put you into preterm labor. Two, if you're in the US, your insurance will cover a breastpump. Go to Aeroflow Breastpump's website. Three. Spectra is the best, there's some minor differences between the pink and blue one. Besides that, Motif Luna and Medela Pump in Style are good. For manual, I love the Medela Harmony but honestly they're all similar. Four, what's life after baby is born looking like from here? Are you staying home? Working/school? If you're staying home you may find it easier to just nurse and not bother with pumping, but having a pump on hand isn't a bad idea regardless. If you're working, depending on the job, you may want wearables which would change the pump options. You said you're okay with a wallplug so I assume that's probably not an issue right now. I wish you luck!

Thread: "Anyone else renting hospital grade Medela Symphony pump?"

I LOVED my Medela Symphony when I was renting it! It did wonderful things to build my supply (actually created a bit of an oversupply). I tried a Medela Pump in Style and hand pump and definitely didn't respond the same way to them! Probably like you, I got very used to how the hospital grade pump worked! Definitely a machine I'd look to buy if I was planning to EP and have multiple children.

Thread: "Anyone else renting hospital grade Medela Symphony pump?"

Hey there! I know you commented months ago, but can you share what you did to increase supply with the Symphony? I just rented mine but it's not doing that and I am concerned I might be doing something wrong.

Thread: "medela or spectra?"

I have a Medela (pump in style not the freestyle) but I 1000000% wish I would have gotten a spectra.

Thread: "Spectra S2 vs Medela Pump in Style?"

This $9.00 adapter allows you to use Medela partsand accessories with your Spectra if you go that route: https://www.amazon.com/Maymom-Breastshield-Connects-Backflow-Protector/dp/B01DGEDVUM?th=1

Thread: "medela or spectra?"

Definitely Spectra IMO. I have a Spectra S1 and a Medela Pump in Style. The spectra empties me better and has timer and light functions that have been surprisingly useful, especially for middle of the night pumps!

Thread: "On so-called “hospital-grade” breast pumps..."

Yea she actually recommended spectra for the at home pumping over the Medela. But it’s not hospital grade. They’re being sued over that

Thread: "What are the best Wearable pumps?!"

I would write this exact same review for both the pump in style and the hand pump. Why all the hate for Medela pump in style? I've always gotten enough to feed my baby, boobs don't hurt and I have also forgotten bottles so bring able to pump into the Dr. Browns bottles directly has saved me a few times I will say it's not super portable though. I used to have a more expensive model I could throw in the side of my boob or pocket and walk around/ wash dishes or whatever. Kinda miss that Edit: I actually forgot that the pump in style died on me a month after buying it. Customer service was awesome though and sent me a new one the next day. But it was stressful hand pumping and having to tack down to receipt to send in at like 6weeks pp! So there's that

Thread: "medela or spectra?"

I used the Medela pump in style for my first and am using the s1 with my second. Hands down the s1! Love that it doesn't need to be plugged in, it's quieter, more settings, easier to clean parts.

Thread: "Breast pump suggestions"

Team spectra. I also have the elve stride and it's not even comparable. My sister has the Medela pump in style which she likes, but when we compared the actual pump parts, we both agree the medela design isn't as good. (Looking at you little tiny flap piece)

Thread: "What are the best Wearable pumps?!"

Love my medela pump in style. SO easy to clean. My momcozy s9 drove me absolutely mad washing all the parts. It was very convenient I will say but other than that it wasn’t great. It actually made my nipples hurt. Ever since using the medela I’ve had 0 pain. I also love my medela hand pump. She’s secretly my fav. So easy, so quick. Feels so good to just pop it in your bag if you’re going somewhere and just want to make sure you can get a little out. It also fits dr browns bottles perfectly so on the go I pump right into the bottle and then put the cap and nipple on and feed my baby.

Thread: "Spectra S2 vs Medela Pump in Style?"

I just ordered a Spectra 2. This helped: https://momlovesbest.com/feeding/breast-pumps/spectra-s2-vs-medela-pump-in-style

Thread: "What is the Best/Affordable Hospital Grade Breast Pump?"

I have a medela pump in style and spectra s1. They both have pros and cons but the spectra s1 is much more customizable and the one I would suggest for someone needing to increase their supply.

Thread: "medela or spectra?"

I second this! I never tried a spectra, but hated my medela pump in style. The suction never worked well for me, I ended up using a baby Buddha for a majority of my pumping experience

Thread: "medela or spectra?"

I have the Medela Pump in Style and it’s great! Also portable. I like the brand, and have one of their hand pumps too which I really love.

Thread: "medela or spectra?"

Not sure if you have Instagram but @legendairymilk has an I for graphic on which settings to use for the spectra. I used to use the medela pump in style and it was not very effective at emptying me and with the instructions they posted I’m able to get more oz per pump. If you don’t have Instagram I can write out what they suggest. The post is from sept 2020 so a bit of scrolling is required Edit: infographic

Thread: "Exclusive pumping: best pumps? [MB]"

My recommendation is this (from a 2 time exclusive pumper): RENT. Start off renting. Google "Medela + rentals" and it takes you to a page on their actual website where you put in your postal code and it shows stores around you that rent the Medela Symphony (hospital grade) pump (i was honestly shocked at how many stores around me did rent it). Try it for a month. Then see if you think you'll be able to continue. If yes, there's many pumps out there (Spectra is great but need to order from the states), Medela pump in style (didn't love it, took me double the time to empty compared to hospital grade pump) but a main one on the market and easy to find parts in stores. Rent for a month. Pumping is not for everyone so before you go investing, I recommend renting before investing

Thread: "Best breast pumps?"

My insurance covered a spectra. It works really well, I don’t really have any complaints. I purchased the medela pump in style before I got my spectra and it’s awful. I should have believed the bad reviews it had!

Thread: "Why did you choose your wearable pump, what do you like about, what would you change?"

Is the cleaning/output issue with the M9s the only con for you? I have the momcozy M5 and I really like it, but I have to admit I don't have much to compare it to yet. I find it's comparable output wise to what I get with the medela pump in style. I do 30mins with the M5s and 15-20mins with the medela, and I get a total of 4.5-8oz per pump session (usually like 6-7oz). It sounds like both of these pumps have more parts to wash than the freestyle though based on what you stated. I am curious what output looks like for you with the M9 & freestyle & spectra if you dont mind me asking?? For OP in case they are considering these options... I think my biggest complaints with the M5 & pump in style are: 1. The M5 has a tiny piece I have to be extra careful not to drop into the sink & down the drain (literally happened the first time I washed them 🤦‍♀️ thankfully the set comes with extras of that piece). 2. It sounds these have less customizable settings than others like the spectra everyone recommends online? For me this is ideal right now because I would get overwhelmed if there were even more buttons and settings to configure. The M5 and pump in style do have some flexibility, but I'm more of a "press start and leave it alone" kind of person. 3. The medela pump in style has a battery pack, so I could choose to walk around with it, but it's less convenient since the whole thing hangs outside of my bra... easy to bump into and knock off. Plus the tubing would be annoying. So I just use that one plugged into the wall, and use the M5s when I want to walk around, use the bathroom, cook, etc. The M5 was recommended like crazy to me on tiktok and by friends and family. It's been super convenient, auto shuts off at 30min mark, will remember your previous settings and use those by default, and I think it's pretty easy to measure, pour, wash, and assemble. If you/your partner wanted a wearable pump to use alongside a nonwearable one, I could see the M5s being a good option to do some more research on.

Thread: "Best Pump for Working Moms"

I don't love my Medela Pump in style because it only has 2 settings. On my Ameda I got for my first baby, there were two dials that controlled speed and strength separately. I found it much easier to adjust to my needs. The pump in style does its own thing...not a fan I'd reccomend something that allows you to manually adjust for speed and strength.

Thread: "medela or spectra?"

Also agree. Had the pump in style and didn’t realize what I was missing until I got a spetrca S2. I make more and it’s less painful.

Thread: "medela or spectra?"

I start at massage mode 70, 5 Then at around 8-9 minutes go to cycle 54, 12 I just pump for 15 minutes for a morning pump while my husband gives baby a bottle. Mainly breastfeed now, but was doing this for the first three weeks PP every 2-3 hours and it worked. There’s a video n YouTube on how how to use it. Its actually very simple, I think you change cycles from the middle button, I don’t have it near me and I am blanking.

Thread: "Spectra S2 vs Medela Pump in Style?"

I didn't know this existed! If I had I may have been willing to try it this time a round.

Thread: "medela or spectra?"

Can I ask you what settings you use? I have the pump in style and the spectra S2 and have been using the pump in style. I would like to try the spectra but have no idea how to use it

Thread: "Exclusive pumping - what’s the best pump?"

1. I have only used the Medela pump in style. I would choose something else next time. It was adequate, but I honestly got more with a manual pump- but impractical for daily use (for me!) 2. Shouldn’t need baby to latch. Lots of moms have nicu babies that can’t latch and still manage plenty of milk. 3. I would still bring the nipple cream. I had issues with my pump at first because I had the wrong size flange. I have very large breasts. Once I got the correct size, I was much happier! I will say I don’t think the pump ever shredded my nipples the way the baby did. 4. Unfortunately, yes. The more you pump/nurse, the more you make. Until I got my supply going I would do that. Best of luck! I also recommend one of the hands free pumping bras. Mine was a lifesaver!

Thread: "Medela or Spectra?"

I was literally doing this too and torn between those two pumps myself about 30 minutes ago! I went with spectra s2 because it had way better reviews the Medela pump in style.

Thread: "Anyone else renting hospital grade Medela Symphony pump?"

So what did you ended up using after renting Medela? :)

Thread: "Do you need a hospital grade pump?"

Check with your insurance. I got a Medela pump in style through insurance- used it once and HATED it. I got a spectra when BuyBuyBaby had a sale and used that for the first 3ish weeks. Also bought a couple different wearables. BUT. I ended up at lactation for a whole host of reasons and turns out my insurance covers a Symphony rental for up to one year post partum! Total game changer and free!

Thread: "Momcozy pumps"

I just take mine time with assembling it back is all! Once I place the silicone flange on all the way around I go back over it a second time to make sure it is secure and haven’t had any issues with leaking in months. I’ve only had it about three months. I don’t have any pumping bras but I just wear a regular bra and if I am trying to be super mobile and get stuff done I wear one of my looser sports bras over it and I can move around without them falling off. But if I am just sitting, I feel like my regular wireless bras keep them in place just fine. I’m sure if you use a pumping bra you wouldn’t need to double up like I do but I didn’t want to invest in them. I use them a lot when driving (probably not safe) and when visiting family/friends houses but I never have used them out in public. They are quite noticeable and the motor is on the louder side.

Thread: "Momcozy pumps"

I’m deciding on the S12 pro because I’m a little tired of setting up the Medela swing maxi and being wired although slightly portable… and this sounds so promising! Can you elaborate on how you fixed the user error please? Was it just positioning? The bulk ones doesn’t bother you anymore? Do you ever use it outside of your home?

Thread: "Advice on a pump for low supply"

I’m not sure if I had a dud Spectra but I thought I had really low supply using the S2 (10 oz per day max). On a whim I got the Medela Pump in Style (which I know not everyone loves) and was able to double my output pretty quickly. I also use the pumpables genie advanced and respond really well to it too. I definitely think it’s worth trying another pump!

Thread: "Elvie wearable vs. Willow Go?"

My LC told me she liked the willow go the most, then the Elvie, then the medala. I went with the willow and I'm mostly happy. I don't have access to the 360 in Canada, but although it's more clunky and has weird shaped parts/milk bags, I would have appreciated the ability to bend over with no leaking. I will provide my thoughts below. I try to remember that if I were pumping 20 years ago, I'd be happy with any pump at all, and really, I'm lucky to have it today. The willow go is just fine for me. The following is more like a synopsis of my observations and some troubleshooting tips to refer to if you actually buy it, rather than a critical analysis to help you decide purchasing it (as it's a long and convoluted explanation), but I hope it helps. After purchasing it, there is very little info/helpful reviews online to guide me in my questions and challenges. Features I like about the willow go: 1. It's chargeable and I can run for 2.5 sessions, 25 min each Con - it's lithium battery operated. So other than the children in the Congo who are mining lithium for yet another device, it is also an air travel consideration, fire hazard, and you cannot charge while using (unlike a portable). Also, I have to really think hard when I'm disassembling for washing up, because I'm really really worried that some day I'm just going to toss the pump motor into the soapy water by accident and without thinking (because we are all so tired and brain fried) I think this is the reason it tells you not to use the fridge hack ie don't chill lithium batteries. The manual isn't super clear on the reasons behind its warnings of what not to do 2. It's app controlled. You can use the buttons on the thing without the app or internet, and at first I hated the app involvement, but I like the app now. It tracks things for you. Con - sometimes the app doesn't sync, requires internet, sometimes it erases your pumping data, it does not track volumes using a sensor or anything you must record it manually It times out at 25 min automatically. This seems like a con, but actually, you don't want to exceed 30 min per session as it can damage breast tissue. I think you can change settings if you want. So, 25 min per breast is actually ideal 3. You can do things free handed! I know this is a general feature of all wearables but yay! Con - it isn't leak proof. I cannot bend over more than 45 degrees if it's got more than 2 oz inside. I cannot go for mindless walks because it will slosh. I've gotten really good at squatting like I've got a book on my head. 4. The parts are easy to wash. People complain about long drying times, but I use hottish rinse water and flick it around in the air before setting on the dry rack. It dries in minutes in my dry western Canadian climate. If not, a quick wipe of paper towel takes care of it. Bacterial concerns aside, do ensure the suction parts are completely dry to avoid interfering with efficiency or getting moisture inside the motor (there is a small suction hole to be aware of Cons - the parts warp over time and are expensive to replace. You should definitely replace if any damage is observed, or if the plastic gets cloudy or scratched. It says not to use a bottle sterilizer but boiling is fine? I used my Phillips avent sterilizer anyway (as the initial sterilizer event) and I think it did actually warp the parts. Technically, steam is just ever so slightly hotter than boiling water so maybe that's why. The valve seems to pop off the white plate part now, but it seems to work ok either way. I attribute this to warping. Parts are sooooo expensive. Like, $150 to replace them all, which you are supposedly to do every three months, but that should depend on frequency of use and wear and tear. Use your discretion. I haven't tried to submit an insurance claim for that and I'm not sure it applies. So, I also got mine paid for by insurance but this is maybe a cost to consider if you go the willow route At one point, I must not have been cleaning it well enough because I had to scrape a thin film of milk around the flange edge of the white plate. Be mindful of this as it's a bacteria hazard but also affects leakage. People complain about leakage and I have also noticed this. You can troubleshoot by good cleaning, avoiding excess heat, replacing parts as they wear, and leaving forward at the end of your session to "suck" any milk forward (or pull it off your tits while it's still running). I do get a few drops out the nipple holes and if you don't fit the container parts together fully and completely, lord help you 💦. I haven't had much trouble with the containers themselves leaking as long as I fit the top edge together first and then seal it all up. In general, you do need to get used to fitting it all together. The medala is much easier for that (I don't know about elvie), but once I got used to it, it's fine. 5. You can buy a nice little case for it. It's hard sided and has saved my pumps while outside the home because I'm clumsy Cons - it's $100 and not insurance covered. It only fits the pumps and just barely fits my charge cables and a thin package of pump wipes. I have to carry an extra bag for my related equipment/bottles. ALSO, it does not include the usb bricks for charging, only the two cables! 6. It's a sleek design that fits inside your bra. It has the highest capacity of all wearables. It comes with 5 oz containers and you can buy 7oz containers as an add on (although i can't buy them from the website available in Canada). Cons - I look like a mechanical Dolly Parton. It's still pretty big and although relatively quiet, I still explain to people what the noise is and why my bra is huge. My husband says it sounds like tiny screaming goats. 7. There are imperial and metric measurements on the containers. Once you get the hang of it, you can easily pour them into bottles by inverting it Cons - these measurements are often inaccurate because of the distribution in the container. If the line is just a little off, you can read it inaccurately and I find I'll assume I pumped 2 oz (for instance) but my evenflo bottle only fills 1.5 oz If you aren't used to the container, milk initially pours out in a steady stream, but because of the splash protector, there is often a second gush of fluid that changes the stream and you have to be mindful of catching that too. I also find it hard to empty the last few drops

Thread: "Best Breast Pumps Available In Canada for First Time Mom [NL]"

Check out bymybreastfriend on Instagram. She is a fantastic resource for all things pumping. Many models aren’t available in Canada though. She’s not a big fan of the medela pumps but I’ve found the pump in style to be okay, not great but okay. I do really like the wearable cups.