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There are exciting developments in the world of breast pumps! I feel so sorry for myself for being stuck in a chair pumping. Outdated, old tech is the worst.
I really look forward to better innovations and was greatly saddened to hear of the demise of the Naya Breast Pump.
We need more investment in this industry; It should be better designed, more comfortable, quieter and better looking! I have much respect for women who put up with pumping in the workplace.
At least the existing giants in the market have started listening to the changing consumer :
Freemie Liberty Mobile Hands Free Breast Pump (by NUK)
Not the prettiest, but comes at a reasonable price point. Most loved for its reusable collection cups.
PROS: Some women get more milk than from a regular pump! Allows you to move around (get stuff done!), reusable milk containers (no extra expense). As a side note, Freemie cups are compatible with many pumps.
CONS: Some women report they get a lot less milk than with their traditional plug-in type pumps. Must be charged often. Tubes can get dislodged and milk can leak. Quieter but not silent (can it ever be?).
TIPS! Play around with suction/speed setting to obtain best output. Highest suction setting is not the best choice for all women. Leaving the collection cups and flanges in the fridge between pumps can affect its ability to create a good seal. Ensure you have the right size flange (you have uneven breasts, use 2 different sizes to make a custom fit)! Wear a tight (holds cups up firmly) but not too tight (that blocks the flow) bra.
WIRED review of the Freemie Liberty here.
PROS: Powerful suction. This is too strong for some and the suggestion is to plugging it in gradually. If you’ve been using Medela, it can be modified by using Pumpin’ Pal Flanges with Maymom Backflow Protectors and Adaptors (use this guide and apply to the Buddha) which some say provides a better experience. Switching setting preferences, using expression mode until let-down then using stimulation mode to express, sometimes works better too. Many women report to emptying breasts completely in less time. Compact and looks great. Comes with funnel covers! Use with Freemie Closed System Cups to take it to the next level. Baby Buddha actually has very helpful instructions on how to hack its own product . Now that’s confidence in what you sell!
CONS: Battery only lasts for an hour’s session- needs charging between uses. Not a truly tubeless system. Comes close though.
Read a great review here.
PROS: Familiarity of a trusted brand name. Mixed reviews regarding the power of suction, level of quiet and efficiency in milk expression. Connects to an app- MyMedela that helps keep tracks of not only feedings but diaper counts, naps, growth and more. Unlimited access to a certified lactation consultant over the phone for 30-days with purchase. May be an upgrade option with insurance.
CONS: Price is on the high side. App may experience glitches and have trouble syncing. Mixed reviews as stated above.
Willow Wearable Breast Pump (available on the Willow site)
PROS: Portable! No tubing! …Portable! This is hopefully just the beginning of a complete overhaul in the pumping industry, guys. (UPDATE** The Willow now has a reusable container- compatible only with the 2.0 version) Quiet (not boardroom meeting quiet though, whoa whoa temper expectations of miracles). Has an app for tracking.
CONS: Expensive! Constantly have to buy liner bags (UPDATE* Willow now offers reusable containers but they only work with the Willow 2.0). Liner bags also fill with air so you won’t fill these pricey suckers up to the top. App is not perfect, especially when measuring output, but it gives you a good idea. The biggest drawback is that many women say this just doesn’t get as much milk as they would with a plug-in unit. For women who are trying to build up supply/have undersupply/exclusive pumping, this may not be a good option. This can be a pump to use for travel or when going out, but would I drop this kind of money on a second unit? Hmm. Willow offers these tips if you find your supply is significantly less milk (Ensure you’re aligning your nipple right to the middle of the flange, tighten your bra so it’s supporting the units well). Both the container and bags hold a maximum of 5 oz, for those who pump more than that in a session, you’ll have to stop to empty before continuing.
I love the game-changing design, but I also think you need to take an honest look at your lifestyle to see if this would be suitable. Personally I had times when I needed to boost my supply and power pump so this wouldn’t have been a viable option for me.
Read this detailed review of the Willow pump I found very useful.
PROS: Not stuck pumping near an outlet. Wireless. Tubeless. Portable. Willow competition. Often described as “beautiful” and likened to Apple products. Reusable containers that are more traditionally shaped bottles- which you may find easier to clean.
CONS: Mixed reviews on milk extraction effectiveness. Some give glowing reviews saying they get as much as their hospital-grade pumps, and some say they got clogged ducts and needed to pump with their old stand-by after a session with the Elvie. Battery needs to be charged frequently and takes up to 3 hours for a full charge. Reports of leaks. Lots of complaints of the app reporting inaccurate information regarding output.
Detailed review here, with the conclusion that it’s a great secondary pump.
It seems like a common thread in discussions about the completely tube-free pumps is the lack of suction. However, I know some women pump more milk with less suction, so this would be ideal for them. If a glitchy app, steep learning curve and hefty price tag don’t deter you from trying for a chance at freedom, I highly suggest the Elvie or Willow pump.
As with any truly innovative idea that bucks the trend, it’s a bit of a gamble at first. It’s a tough thing, to try to make a change in such an established industry. But change it must! Women should not be using what still looks essentially like a mini cow milker!
Naya Health Breast Pump: Uses water inside the flange to simulate gentle suction. There were complaints of it being shipped with missing parts, malfunction- including units that stop working after a few weeks to water leaks ruining breastmilk. The company has since shut down (Jan 2019) due to what seems to be a lack of capital.
The Pump by Babyation: A long tube gets rid of the bottles-hanging-off-boobs look. I greatly looked forward to the release and seriously considered the hefty price tag. Though originally set to release by the end of 2017, there is still no news of a product hitting the market.