Pros: Quick and efficient. Easy set-up. Portable. Discreet. Durable.
Cons: Milk can leak into tubing. Not compatible with Avent bottles.
The Bottom Line: I definitely recommend the Pump In Style Breast Pump. It’s great for back-at-work moms, engorgement, or active moms who what the flexibility of using bottles. Worth every penny!
marybatson's Full Review: Medela Pump In Style Breast Pump
Are you pregnant? Well, prepare yourself, as nearly every person you’re gonna meet in the final stages of your pregnancy will ask you, “Are you going to breastfeed, or bottle-feed your baby?” Why do strangers feel the need to ask this question? Better yet, why do they nominate themselves the almighty infant advisor? You moms know what I’m talking about. “These people” approach expecting mothers like there’s a sign pasted to their forehead that says, “I’m stupid, tell me everything you know about babies.” We’re pregnant, NOT obtuse! Then, of course the barrage continues once baby’s born…(eyes rolling).
I never thought to evaluate formula feeding, as the decision to breastfeed was the most practical for me. I admit I was one of those presumptuous, first-time, mothers-to-be, who assumed I would be breastfeeding. Then, when left to feed my bundle of joy for the first time, I was confused, and somewhat dismayed by the awkwardness and challenge of it all. My son was a congested baby due to allergies; in addition, I have “flat” nipples. Both of which interfere with successful breastfeeding. Despite the assistance from several lactation consultants, and my continual attempts to feed my son the natural way, I finally gave into the bottle. Fortunately, my sister had the foresight of lending me her Medela Pump In Style months before the big day. I ordered a new accessory kit, and disinfected it so my “super suction” pump was ready to go. Upon our homecoming, I set the pump up, and within minutes, I was serving my son. I was on my way to a breast pump existence, and never looked back.
“What’s a breast pump existence?” you ask. Well, when I started, I was pumping 5-times a day, but after a week or so, I cut back to 3-times. Pumpers generally express until empty, and for me that usually amounted to 20-minutes plus clean up. Full-time pumpers sanitize twice as much as formula fed parents. There are collection bottles, storing bottles, feeding bottles, and of course the pump to clean. Feeding time takes about 20 to 30-minutes per bottle. Multiply that by 8 to 10 feedings a day. In the beginning, my feeding routine averaged 6-hours a day. In speaking with mothers who breastfed, they averaged slightly less than 5-hours a day. I was pleased to have the opportunity to offer my son breast milk, so the time differential didn’t matter to me.
Speed & Quantity
As one who expressed 30-ounces a day in order to keep up with my little guy I can attest to the speed, and efficiency of the Pump In Style. While on vacation, I misplaced the membranes to the Pump In Style, which are vital for operation. Considering my breasts were ready to burst, I purchased an Avent Isis hand pump. The Isis was great in a pinch, or for a weekend away; however, the Pump In Style was superior in speed and quantity. With the Pump In Style I expressed 16-ounces in 20 minutes, whereas it took me 30 to 40-minutes to express 10-ounces with the Isis.
Comfort
Using a breast pump takes time and practice. It can also be painful especially if your nipples are cracked and bleeding. I used the PurLan breast cream after each session, so I never experienced discomfort. The Pump In Style accommodates small and large chests alike. Small breast shields are provided as well as large breast shields for optimum suction, and comfort. The suction is adjustable, and it’s recommended that one start with the lowest of speeds. I quickly graduated to the highest speed, which made for very effective pumping.
Set-up & Cleaning
Setting up the Pump In Style is a breeze compared to the Isis pump. There are 5-simple steps in all, and it takes 2 to 3-minutes tops. Make sure the tubing is fitted securely, and that the membranes are dry, and laying flat. Start pumping. The breast shields are not compatible with Avent bottles. For those using Avent it just requires more sterilizing on your part. After each session, disassemble and wash. Most of the parts in the accessory kit are dishwasher safe, and can be used in a steam sterilizer as well. Although, the membranes and tubing should be hand washed only. If running through the dishwasher, store the valves in a basket for protection from the heating element.
Storing
The Pump In Style includes a built-in insulated compartment with zipper enclosure. The compartment stores up to 20-ounces of breast milk. 3-rectangular cooling packs keep the breast milk cold for hours. Medela includes 20-CSF collection bags for storing, which I bought separately. They feature measurement indicators in both milliliters, and ounces. Labels are included as well, so the date can be recorded. I do not recommend storing full bags in the insulated compartment as it has the potential for making a huge mess. They should go right into the freezer, or refrigerator. I didn’t like the twist tie assembly, so I used them for stock piling frozen breast milk. The bags are durable, and they freeze well; although, I had a difficult time propping them up so they wouldn’t fall. Spilled breast milk is something to cry about.
Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator, or in the freezer. Freshly expressed milk may stand at room temperature for up to 4-hours; however, it should be refrigerated if temperatures exceed 77°. Breast milk will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. One may store expressed milk in a self-contained freezer for up to 4-months, and up to 1-year in a deep freezer. Frozen breast milk can be defrosted in the refrigerator, in a bottle warmer, or at the tap. Never re-freeze thawed breast milk.
Portable
The Pump In Style is a working moms dream. One can pump between meetings, and store in the refrigerator, or in the built-in insulator. If storing breast milk in the refrigerator at work, be sure to mark it, as others may be tempted to flavor their coffee unknowingly. The pump and all its parts weighs 7-lbs. This isn’t heavy, but when loaded with 3-frozen ice packs, and 4-full bottles it can weigh up to 12 pounds. The weight was rarely a problem for me, but it’s something to consider if carrying a fully loaded breast pump, a newborn, a diaper bag, and a purse. The battery pack is great for on-the-go pumping, but it eats batteries, so I didn’t use it much. Oh, and on the road pumping with the vehicle lighter adapter is available for an additional fee. I would have definitely invested in one had I known about it.
Description:
The Pump In Style is an electric breast pump designed to express both breasts simultaneously. The pump, and all its parts are concealed in a black leatherette bag, which might be confused as attaché case. The Pump In Style includes the following:
● Built-in motor with adjustable 5-speed suction
● Accessory kit ~ tubing with adapters, breast shields, valves, membranes, four 5-ounce bottles for collecting breast milk, 4-bottle lids, 2-bottle stands
● Battery pack for on-the-go pumping
● 3-rectangular cooling packs
● Manual pump
● 1-AC adapter
● 20-CSF collection and storage bags
● 100-sample of PurLan breast cream
● Breastfeeding Support Guide
The bag features the following:
● Adjustable strap for portable use
● Zippered storage compartment for accessory kit, and parts
● Zippered built-in insulated compartment for storing breast milk
The Owner’s Guide includes written instructions as well as photographs for clarity. It is quite comprehensive, and is printed in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
Closing Remarks:
In evaluating this breast pump, there are so many positives it’s actually difficult for me to find negatives. Therefore, I believe the benefits outweigh any objectionable points. If asked to present a con, I would suggest the following. Upon occasion, breast milk will leak into the tubing. This isn’t a huge issue. All you do is remove the tubing, and soak it in warm soapy water. Hang the tubing to dry. If dried breast milk is discovered in the tubes, then disinfect them by boiling in a pan of water. Hang the tubing to dry. Thus, I found it best to sit up straight when pumping.
I was fortunate. I didn’t have to pay for the Pump In Style. Knowing what I know now, I would definitely purchase one, even though the cost is steep. If you consider the cost of formula for a year, then it’s a no-brainer, especially if you plan to have more then one child. My advice to any mother who’s considering breastfeeding, is to have a pump available before your baby’s born whether it be a hand pump, or electric model. Engorgement sets in quickly. I was lucky, I didn’t have to the discomfort associated with that since I started the day after my son was born.
My sister’s Pump In Style is like the energizer bunny… it just keeps on going. With my sister’s permission, I’ve lent it to half a dozen friends. Each has acquired a new accessory kit, so there’s little to no risk of disease. I happen to believe the health benefits in breast milk are substantial, thus if blessed with another child and the motor finally wears out, I’m taking the plunge and purchasing my own Pump In Style!
Happy Feeding,
Mary
Medela Inc.
P.O. Box 660, McHenry, Ill 60051-0660
www.medela.com/
Medela Pump in Style Original Breastpump Brand New Condition/ Never Used - 2004/2005 Model Superior performance with outstanding comfort for today's a...More at eBay
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