Medela Freestyle Breastpump Review

Mummy Product Review_Medela Freestyle Breast Pump

It is now my second time breastfeeding but really just the first time I'm using a breast pump. Before my first born arrived, I already knew and planned to stop breastfeeding early at 3 months postpartum so I was hesitant of getting a breast pump knowing how expensive they can be. I wanted to give it a go to try and see if I could make do with total direct latching and eventually it worked for me so I was rather lucky I would say. Baby F. was on mixed feeding since the night she was born b'cuz my milk hadn't kicked in and she needed more so we supplemented 30% of her feeds (night feeds) with formula milk. I did have engorgement the first few days but was quickly regulated with the regular feedings and the lactation massages cleared out all the blocked milk ducts so everything went well.
 
This time I did the same thing again, tried out direct latching but 100% breastfeeding. B'cuz Baby. H. was born prematurely, she was really sleepy the first few days and didn't really wake up to drink much though I still kept trying to feed her every 2-3 hourly. This helped tide thru the initial 2 days before my milk kicked in on the 3rd day. Everything was going fine until she failed her jaundice test on her 1st week check-up and had to be hospitalized for photo therapy that very same afternoon. Even though knowing that jaundice is really common in newborns especially breastfed babies, the thought of having her away from me was terribly heartbreaking I cried. I really couldn't control myself 'cuz the separation anxiety was real, plus I guess the postpartum hormones was taking a toll. I went home all worried 'cuz I had no pump with me and my little human pump was at the hospital, so immediately I sought advise on good breast pumps from my Mummy friends. I was recommended two brands in particular but majority of my friends recommended the Medela Freestyle Breast Pump. I got to know through a Mummy friend thatMums & Babes was having a 20% promo for the pump so I ordered it and Hubs collected it from their Toh Guan office right away since it was urgent.

Hubby came back with my brand new set of breast pump after 6 hours since I last fed baby, boobs super full already but lucky I had no engorgement. I was excited but nervous to try 'cuz it was my first time expressing my BM through pumping. Since Hubs was the one who collected the set, he was taught how to use the pump so we opened up the set together and he taught me how. 

 
This was how the brand new set looked like when we first opened up.

And these were all the items included in the box set:
  • 1 Freestyle pump
  • 1 Lithium ion battery (rechargeable)
  • 1 AC adaptor/charger
  • 1 Double pumping kit - includes: (2) breast shield bodies, membranes and back caps, (1) set of tubing connector
  • 1 Set of 24mm PersonalFit Breastshields
  • 4 5oz/150mL breast milk bottles and lids
  • 2 Multi purpose bottle lids
  • 2 Bottle stands
  • 1 Portable microfiber carry bag
  • 1 Medela cooler system including ice block
  • 1 Calma (feeding device)
  • 1 Medela breast pad sample (4 pcs)
  • Instructions manual and warranty
 

You will find general and useful breastfeeding guidelines in the instructions manual.
This was especially useful for me since I'm a first-timer to storing breast milk.
 
Parts of the pump were all taken out, washed, sterilized and dried first before using. The pump motor unit had to be charged first but I used it while charging 'cuz I couldn't wait out any longer. So far after using it for more than 2 weeks now I've charged like 3 times? I would say it takes charging every once a week and I've been doing 3 pumps a day.
 
Tah-dah.. all ready for use. 

 
This was my yield after the first pumping session which took me 12 minutes. It was easy and hassle-free to use, even for a first-timer. Totally no complains at all! Now I understand how Mummies feel after pumping, to see what wondrous liquid gold we're able to provide our 'lil ones with. I felt a sense of achievement though my supply was not that full yet, and I feel happy having soft boobs again. Haha. Medela Freestyle Breast Pump, my total life saver!!


My little humble stash after 2 weeks of pumping and collecting of let-downs. I latch my girl in the day and my nanny cup feeds her at night thus keeping some fresh milk in the fridge for the night every day. 

 
Finally after 2.5 weeks postpartum, my first bag of liquid gold ready to be frozen.. ahhh.. the satisfaction was explainable. Now I understand why lactation consultants always say that a good breast pump is very important b'cuz it helps Mummies build confidence while 'doing our jobs', I couldn't agree more. B'cuz the breast pump was so easy to set up and use, I was totally stress-free. Definitely recommend this to any Moms who's looking for a reliable, sturdy and compact breast pump. The size is totally portable to bring out and battery life sustains pretty well. Thumbs up!
Oh yes just to share that Mums & Babes is the official distributor for Medela products in Singapore and you can find many other Mummy & Baby products on their online website as well as their stores. When you purchase your Medela breast pumps from the local authorized dealers, you are entitled to attend a breastfeeding workshop organised by Medela Singapore. The workshops are held on a monthly basis and I managed to attend a session with some of my EDD Mummy friends before we popped. We thought the workshop was really informative even for a STM (second-time-Mom) like me. I would definitely recommend Moms and/or Moms-to-be and also Daddies to attend this workshop especially if the whole breastfeeding topic and pumping is new to you. Get yourself equipped with some knowledge to prep for the day you really need it practically. For those who are keen in the workshops you may visit Medela Singapore's Facebook page where they update the workshop details on a monthly basis, or click here for the direct link.

So that's all for today and I hope you liked my review for the day. Do feel free to leave comments in the comment box below if you have any question/s regarding the topic and I'll try my best to answer them if it's not already stated in my blog above. And that's all for today, bye~! ; )