- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Breastfeeding
Medela Freestyle- leaking issues? Please help
Hi, I bought the medela freestyle last week and so far its been nothing but a nightmare. First the soft shields stopped working, I loved them at first but then something happened and they stopped having good suction... i think i washed them in too hot of water or something? Is that possible?
then i tried to use it hands free with those god awful contraptions that attach to your nursing bra, I end up losing half the milk from the bottom of the shield, it drips down and onto my stomach or shirt which is SO upsetting since this milk is like liquid gold.
any ideas how to go hands free and have it work? Does that bra they sell really work? I am not sure about spending another 30 dollars on it but i hate the contraptionst that came with the pump, I have to push the hard shells into my breast just to keep leaks from happening.
beyond frusterated with breast feeding in general and at this point I want to quit but I keep telling myself, one more feed, one more day, etc..
between this stupid pump, and using a shield because I cannot get her to latch for more than two seconds with out, I end up wearing most of my breast milk which makes me cry since she is feeding every single hour overnight and even a 3 oz bottle doesnt seem to satisfy her!
Please help!
ps. she is two weeks old.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Medela Freestyle- leaking issues? Please help
I ditched the hands free thing it came with and opted for this -
https://kellymom.com/bf/pumping/hands-free-pumping.html
Also, the leaking from the shields is probably because you need a bigger sized shield. I'd try going up a size.
The handsfree bra is worth every penny. I never even took that ridiculous contraption that came with the freestyle out of the package!
And I agree, it sounds like maybe your flanges don't fit? They shouldn't be rubbing your nipples, but they also shouldn't be sucking in half your boob.
I too ditched those crazy hands-free contraptions and use the hands free bra. SOOOO much better. I read, watch tv, play with DD, walk around the house/attend to DD as needed...all while pumping. And I agree with the pp - your flange size is probably off. First, try the hands free bra - it just might be the way you're attaching the straps on the hands free that's bringing the flange up and ruining the fit; but while you're at the store (BBB or BRU has both items), pick up a size 27 set.
It's the early days and it's rough. I too made it by saying one more day over and over and over. Keeping working with your LC, the shield, and LO - and don't hesitate to ask for help!
Caitlin 4.17.11 Madeline 10.20.13
This... you should not be leaking out of the shields if they are the correct size. I had to get a size up, maybe you need to go smaller or bigger. I would see a lacation consulatant to help with the pump fit and your daughters latch. My daughter used a shield for an entire year. No harm in that. Do what works for you!
I also hated the handsfree thing that came with the pump. I just stick the shields inside my bra and it holds them up. I don't really walk around with them, but my hands are free to work.
I can't help you about the nipple shield, but it is very normal for babies at her age to eat very frequently. She is probably going through a growth spurt. I know it is exhausting, but it will pass.
As for the bottles - BF babies don't realize that they are full from a bottle the same way they do while nursing, which could be why she still seems hungry. It just takes them longer to realize they are full when using a bottle.
Honestly - I wouldn't even worry about pumping if you don't have to. Your baby nursing will build your supply much better than the pump. BFing is really hard the first few weeks, but I promise it does get easier. I was you 11 months ago, but things did get easier and I really fell in love with nursing by DD.