Medela Freestyle

Bottom Line

The Medela Freestyle is an ultra-lightweight, portable, double electric breast pump that gets mostly raves for ease of use and fast, efficient pumping. It's supposed to be hands-free, but moms say that feature doesn't work well and setting it up is complex. Still, they love the portable battery pack and versatility of pumping options, saying this is a great choice when you don't have access to a power outlet.

Performance

Powerful pump, small package. At less than 1 pound, the Medela Freestyle is easy to take anywhere, users say; the fact that it's not attached to a bag like other Medela models makes it even more versatile. It can be operated via battery or electrical power, and the rechargeable battery pack holds a charge for about three hours. Owners say they generally have to recharge it only once a week, and working moms love being able to use battery power without a significant loss of suction. Speed and suction are both adjustable, and the Freestyle can be used as a single or double pump.

The Freestyle uses the same two-phase expression technology as Medela's other pumps, and moms report that it helps stimulate the letdown reflex and milk flow. A number of users say it helped them either establish or increase a poor milk supply. They also call it comfortable. The Freestyle comes with both medium and large breast shields, with several size options available to accommodate women of different sizes.

More than a few reviewers complain about loss of suction or poor suction, but the reasons are unclear and there doesn't seem to be a single consensus for what causes the problem. A number of users say customer service is very responsive and immediately replaced their units. Moms add that the hands-free feature is very confusing; many say they prefer using the optional Easy Expression Bustier (*Est. $25) for hands-free pumping. Others warn that the hands-free option is limited: If you bend over while pumping, you'll leak milk.

The Freestyle gets good reviews for speed and efficiency, with most users saying it pumps quickly and they get a good volume in a reasonable period. Many say it's noisy, however, with some working moms being embarrassed by the noise when they try to pump at work.

Ease Of Use

A breeze to set up, use and clean. The Medela Freestyle gets great reviews for its uncomplicated setup, attachment and breakdown. Moms call it easy to rinse and clean, and all parts are dishwasher-safe on the top rack. The stylish tote bag gets good feedback for "looking like a tote bag" rather than a piece of baby or nursing equipment, and for having plenty of room for all the pump's components. It includes an insulated cooler and ice pack to make it easy to store breast milk until it can be refrigerated.

Among all of the pump's features that moms say makes pumping easier and more efficient are a pumping timer and a memory button that remembers suction preferences. The only extra that gets panned for being difficult to use is the hands-free feature; moms say it's complex and doesn't have good suction. Even those who say it works well warn that they have to pay careful attention to attaching the pumps and be sure to hold fairly still.

Customer Service

Top-of-the-line service. The Medela Freestyle comes with a one-year limited warranty on the motor and a 90-day limited warranty on other parts. Medela has a sterling reputation for customer service, and a number of reviewers praise the company's response to problems with their units. Medela provides a high level of support for breastfeeding moms, with helpful representatives talking a number of users through pumping issues. Medela also provides online support from a certified lactation consultant.