December 2015 Moms
rzaremba
member
Freemie pumping system: any reviews??
rzaremba
member
Has anyone or is anyone using the Freemie pumping system? It looks really interesting, and could be really useful while on my long morning commute when I go back to work. Any reviews??
Re: Freemie pumping system: any reviews??
1. So much more comfortable than normal breast flanges! I usually use the 24mm Medela shields and, despite it being the best size (tried ALL of them), they still pulled in a ton of areola and were pretty uncomfortable. I use the 25mm Freemie shield and it is great. I think because the tube is shorter, so not as much tissue gets pulled in.
2. You'll need you find the right bra and/or shirt. I first tried it in my regular bra and definitely felt the shields were pressed too hard against me. I think I'd end up with clogged ducts or lowered supply if I did that regularly. Then I tried just putting it in my nursing tank under the first layer, but that felt like they were just going to fall off. Finally, I put it under both layers of my nursing tank and that seems to work well. I think I'm going to get a leisure or sleep bra that will work nicely.
3. More suction needed! I have to turn up the suction on my pump, which is fine for me since I was on a really low setting anyway. I feel more best tissue being stimulated by these shields rather than just my nipple being tugged.
4. Totally hands free! They really are! I can actually hold/feed my babies or eat dinner while wearing them and not have to hold my arms in some strange position to avoid milk bottles. However, you CANNOT lean forward or backwards or you are just asking for milk in the tubes.
5. Not at all inconspicuous!! These are also marketed as inconspicuous, which they are most certainly not! They look like perky, flat alien boobs. Luckily, I work mostly from home with the exception of a few hours a day, so this isn't an issue. However, if you are in a more public place, I saw a great suggestion to use a decorative scarf to drape over yourself to hide any alien perkiness.
6. No noticeable supply drop. A common review I read is that people experienced a drop in supply with these. I tracked my supply for a coupe days with the Medela shields and so far I am right on par. I think people probably had issues because they didn't adjust their suction or because they had them to tightly against their breasts.
7. Finally, these have a simpler set up. These don't have as many parts as my Medela set ups. No tiny membranes that I'm constantly trying to keep healthy.
So that's my feedback! I hope they continue to perform well because they are so much less awkward and uncomfortable.