I've been using these for 3 months now. Let's face it, I have a love-hate relationship with my Freemies, but as a (nearly) exclusive pumper, I just couldn't live without them.
Why I love them...
FREEDOM! I purchased these to use with my Medela PISA starter set (https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Advanced-Breastpump-Starter-Set-Model/dp/B00IJJRVR4?th=1&psc=1) and battery pack (https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Battery-Style-Advanced-Breast/dp/B000HL2JOC). Before I discovered the Freemies, I was pumping on the go with my traditional funnel system, but the Freemies are much more efficient for on the go pumping. Just in the the first day, I cleaned, cooked, went for a drive, disconnected and pumped gas, helped a lady from Australia pump gas in her rental car (She never noticed. Also, do they have different gas pumps in Australia?!), drove home and continued pumping while walking inside... and then, my baby cried and I actually HELD MY BABY! I could now easily feed him while I pumped at the same time. That in itself was worth it to me because feeding him while pumping with the funnel system was always so impersonal before. I would prop him up on a boppy while I pumped, and it was awkward and difficult, especially if I needed to pick him up. If I was not able to feed my baby from the breast, I at least wanted to be able to hold him while he drank his bottle. This in itself meant the world to me! (Sincere THANK YOU to the inventor of the Freemies!) I also find that it is easier to become misaligned while twisting and reaching with the funnel system. The Freemies seem to stay in place better, but DO NOT bend over or reach forward! (More on that later...)
MODESTY. Aside from putting them in my shirt, I am never exposed. Honestly, I could probably maneuver in a way to even put them in without pulling my shirt down as far (unless it was a tight collar and I needed to insert from below), but I just find it easier to correctly align if I pull it down farther and get a good look at what I'm doing. The other day, I had lunch with a coworker while I pumped at work. She had literally no idea I was pumping until I pulled them out (even though I told her I was... she assumed I had just not hooked up yet). I have also pumped at get togethers at friends houses and everyone always remarks that they did not know I had them in until I mentioned it. That said, you will look like you have enormous boobs, something only very obvious to those who know you. One friend actually thought I had just gotten a new padded bra.
TIME. Before I got my Freemies, I would attempt to pump in my car but sometimes it was not worth hooking up because it took SO LONG with the funnel system that a lot of the time I wouldn't even bother setting up. The Freemies take no time at all to slip into your bra and plug up, and I find that I use them even for short drives. Oh, and did I mention NO MORE PUMPING BRA! YASSS!
SLEEP. Yes! It's possible! I have actually slept FLAT on my side with these in place. The cup is designed with one small hole (the pour spout) that faces upwards. This is also the insertion site for the tubes and is the only place that milk could escape. I simply inserted them sideways in my bra while I laid on my side with the hole facing upwards towards my armpit. I have also done this to pump one breast while my LO nursed the other while I laid on my side. (I have a massive oversupply and have to pump following bf'ing which is a huge pain so I love being able to multi-task.)
VOLUME. I can pump A LOT and can easily overfill a bottle if it has been more than 4 hours or so since my last pump (I easily pump 11+ ounces per breast with my morning pump) so I was worried that these would not adequately support large volumes. There are clear, hardly visibly markings on the side indicating 2-4-6-8 ounces, but I have actually pumped around 9 ounces in these without leaking, backflow, or other issues. It would appear that you could even pump more, but when the Freemies are removed and rested on their side, milk will dribble out of the pour spout if you have more than 9 ounces in the cups. As another user mentioned, these do not become weighed down and uncomfortable when pumping larger volumes as the funnel system does.
Why I hate them...
VISIBILITY. Or should I say lack thereof? I read a lot of reviews that mentioned that you could not see if you were properly aligned or if your milk was still flowing. Unfortunately, this is true. The cups are made of an opaque plastic (BUT WHY THOUGH?! Come on, your failing me, Freemie inventor!). I don't feel like it's as big of a deal with alignment as I can make sure I'm correctly aligned during insertion, but I always feel like I'm kind of winging it when trying to decide if I'm finished pumping. I usually just pump for about 5 minutes longer than it typically takes me using the funnel system just to be sure I'm empty (which, of course, I'm NOT sure, 'cause you can't be sure). One reviewer mentioned that she used the light on her phone to shine through the bottom. I tried this and even though I could see if I was aligned, I could not see if my milk was flowing. NOT. ONE. BIT. I even tried removing my bra (so that it didn't hinder the light) and shining the light directly through the bottom of the cup. Nope and nope.
PAIN. Oh, the pain! Let me preface this by saying that I use the Pumpin Pals flanges (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0085CBA90/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it/144-4017854-4491147?ie=UTF8&qid=1500859580&sr=8-1&keywords=pumpin%2Bpals&dpPl=1&dpID=31fp62yyihL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1) when using my funnel system which I find INCREDIBLY more comfortable than the Medela flanges! Side note to my fellow pumping mamas, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you get a set of Pumpin Pals! They changed my life! (Or, you know, the large portion of my life that I spend pumping.) Like the Medela flanges, the Freemie flanges have a sharp angle that causes increased friction and raw nipples. Ouch! The Pumpin Pals do not have sharp angles but taper downward gradually are designed to pull the entire areola instead of just the nipple. Twice now, I have actually removed my Freemies to find the slightest amount of blood-tinged milk. That said, I had probably been pumping a good 45 minutes or so as I had lost track of time while cooking, cleaning, being free and untethered, and since they ALWAYS hurt at least little when pumping, I really didn't notice anything that was out of the norm. I will say that the level of pain is similar to that of the Medela. I have just been spoiled by my totally awesome Pumpin Pals.
SUPPLY. Since a few reviewers mentioned that the Freemies decreased their supply or were unable to efficiently empty them, I conducted an experiment where I pumped for about 5 minutes longer than I typically spend pumping with my funnel system (you know, since you can't see your milk flow) then removed my Freemies and continued pumping with my funnel system for another 5 minutes or so. I did this the first three times I pumped with them. The first time was during my first of the morning pump where I typically pump for a good 40-45 minutes and yield between 7-11 ounces per breast, depending on how long the babe let me sleep in that morning. I removed when the cups were about as full as they could be, measured 9 ounces, then continued to pump another 3 ounces with my funnel system. I felt as though this wasn't a conclusive result since I pumped far more than normal and could not be sure that I was empty when I switched to the funnel system even though I pumped for a good 45 minutes. The second time I pumped for 30 minutes, about 3 hours since my previous pump, and had a yield of about 3 ounces per breast. I switched to the funnel system and pumped another ounce between both breasts, so about a half ounce each. The third time was again, about 3 hours since my previous pump, and this time I made sure I was completely empty by emptying the Freemies after 30 minutes, then hooked back up to the Freemies, shined a light through the bottom while the cups were empty so that I could see if I had any milk flow before disconnecting. After a few minutes when I was sure there was no milk flow, I switched to my funnel system. During this session, I pumped about 3 ounces per breast with the Freemies and only an additional half ounce between both breasts (7.5 ml each breast) with the funnel system which is hardly anything. That said, I have been using these for about 3 months now, and, even though I haven't tested it like I did with my first three sessions using them, I actually do feel like I tend to pump a little bit on the lower side of my average when I use the Freemies, I suspect because of how uncomfortable they are. Because of this, I only use my Freemies when I have to, which can sometimes be 5 times in a day. At the very least, my first of the morning and last of the day pump will always be with my funnel system so that I can ensure that I am emptied adequately.
MILK IN TUBING. Be prepared that if you bend over or even lean forward to reach, milk WILL back up into the tubing. I have had it get all the way to the pump when I wasn't looking. Luckily it didn't ruin my pump. I removed the tubing from my pump and let my pump run without tubing to blow the milk out. I haven't had it happen in a while, but every time I have had it happen, I can attribute it to leaning forward or bending over.
Other things to note...
SPILLING. Some reviewers mentioned issues with spilling milk, but I actually find that I spill LESS milk with these than the traditional funnel system. Again, the only possibility for milk to escape is through the hole (or pour spout) at the top. You don't even really have to be careful, per se, when removing them and it's rather difficult to have any splash out.
POURING. This took a tiny bit of practice to get the hang of, and I recommend filling them with water and attempting to pour them the first time. I have found the best method is to pour quickly and with confidence to avoid dribbling.
VALVE BACKFLOW. Other reviewers referenced a backflow that occurs through the valve and into the flange where the nipple sits if you have pumped more than about 4 ounces. I wanted to clarify that backflow through the valve only occurs when the cup is removed and placed on it's side. The milk will slowly backflow into the flange (see picture). The milk does not overflow from backflow. At best, it makes it *slightly* trickier to pour, but not really once you have the hang of it. I have never had milk back up into the flange while I was actually pumping.
TUBING. The tubing that comes with the Freemies is a short pvc tubing (maybe 18-24") that is meant to connect with an adapter to the tubing that comes with your pump. I used the Freemie tubing and adapter for a while without issue but eventually replaced with a regular set of Medela tubing by cutting off the yellow adapters. The blunt tip of the pvc tubing itself is what fits into the Freemie cups.
As a frequent Amazon shopper, I rely heavily on reviews so I already strive to leave thorough reviews. If you found this review helpful, please let me know and feel free to comment if you have any questions!
These connect to spectra pumps without any extra parts. They really should advertise that.
The best pumping accessory yet!!! This is my second go at breastfeeding. Although this time was successful getting my LO to latch, I'm a FT working mom with a commute, therefore need to pump.
What do I love about the collection cups?
1) I can drive VERY comfortably with these. This is crucial as my commute usually lands during my pump time and it's 40-45 min. A great way to multi task. What I love especially is that I put the cups in, go to my car, hook up the pump (yes I have multiple pumps, one for home, work and car) and go. I used to pump with the funnel system and well that was awful.
2) I can pump and be comfortable. As in, I crotchet and knit while pumping. I also have napped, yes napped. Although you can't lay down, you can slightly recline/prop yourself up, get cozy and catch some shut eye. I've done it, it's possible especially in the early baby days. My lunch time at work is spent pumping, and these are out of my way making eating easier
3) personally I hate seeing what's happening to my girls while I pump. This system covers it up. I don't see it, my 5 yr old boy doesn't see it, the people at my Moms Oscar party didn't see it....
4) they hold 8 oz. with the funnel system I had to be careful I didn't fill the small bottles, as I usually do in the am. The 8oz bottles would get so heavy and awkward. I have pumped 8oz in these with no discomfort.
5) I no longer do the pumping slouch. The cups are secure in my bra and there's no need to "rest" bottles on a table or hold them while pumping. I'm sitting straighter and my back has been feeling better
6) no more pump bra!! One less thing that I'm bound to forget and one less step to get to pumping. I was very leery about the cups fitting into my bra as I wear a 36H. Never a problem, never uncomfortable. Wired bra to nursing tank, I haven't had a problem. I only have a problem in PJ tops, because the "support" is never supportive enough, so I just wear a sleep bra or tank and problem solved.
7) I can easily unattach the tubing to go get the glass of water I left in the kitchen, tend to a baby, answer the doorbell or answer a question at work and reattach with out having to re set up everything
FYI:
I had seen on reviews that it's hard to see and make sure your lined up. In the beginning I guess I could see that, but I've been using these for 2 months now and don't even think about it anymore. I can only remember one time I was out of alignment and fixed easily
I personally haven't had the ease of slipping the cups in as in the video, but that point has never crossed my mind as a deal breaker.
Pouring the milk, I practiced with water before the liquid gold and once you know how, it's not a problem. In fact I like this feature as it makes it easier to use any bottle, not just the one you pumped into.
What am I most looking forward to? Having lunch outside on my break during the spring and still be able to pump discreetly.
I added a photo of me pumping in the car getting ready to go to work
I almost didn't buy these because of the bad reviews, but I'm so glad I did. I am a full time nurse, mommy, and ministers wife, and an exclusive pumper. Pumping takes up a lot of time in my day and I am very busy, so I pump on the go a lot. I didn't like using the regular set up of pumping into bottles and using a pumping bra because the bottles hanging off my chest were just too awkward to work around, and pumping bras are expensive when you pump every day and need more than 1 or 2. With the Freemie cups, I can pump in any bra I have and I can get stuff done while I pump.
Now, if you are looking for a system where you can pump in front of people without them knowing, this will not meet your expectations. But I don't know of a pumping system on the market yet that will. You use these cups with your own pump, so it's only as quiet as your pump. Also, the cups are not going to look natural under your clothes. But as they hold 8 oz, they're about as concealable as it's going to get right now. The other complaint that I read against them is that they have a bad problem of milk backing up in the tubing. This can be an issue at times, but it is avoidable for the most part. Make sure to read the instruction manual that comes with the cups. It shows you how to assemble and position the cups in your bra to avoid this issue. Also, you will have to be careful as to not lean too far forward or too far back, this will cause milk to back up in the tubing. Another thing that can cause this issue is if you overfill the cups, but they hold 8 oz each, so this isn't an issue I come across frequently.
The only reason I didn't give the Freemie cups 5 stars is because they do take a little time to get set up the first time (it is much easier after the first time), and there is a slight problem with milk backing up in the tubes.
Overall, I have been quite pleased with this system. I can pump comfortably, and modestly as I don't have to keep my shirt pulled up to pump. It is also easier for me to get stuff done while I pump without bottles hanging off my chest. I hope this review helps other moms decide if this system is right for them.
UPDATE/PUMP HACK!: Baby's here and loving this pump. Very easy to use and much better than putting on pumping bra for my medela bottles. I have found a hack for being able to see nipple placement. Turn the flashlight on on your phone and place it below the cup (through your bra if you have a bra that is sleep bra material. Wouldn't work with a padded bra that doesn't let light through.) you can see if your nipple is in the right place and you can see how much milk is in there and see it coming out of your nipples etc. Clear cups were a good idea.
Just got these yesterday and trying them for the first time today. Shipping and everything amazon related was as us usual with no complications. I have Medela pump in style advanced pump. After looking at the picture on the directions, hooked them up in maybe 10 seconds. Not difficult. I attempted with a medela sleep nursing style bra and a plain crew neck tee and placed them through the neck of the tshirt. I haven't got the "feel" for placement yet, but I can tell that soon I'll probably be able to place the cups without lifting shirt to look for placement over nipple. It is harder to see if your nipple is "off" to one side or rubbing one of the sides like with the normal medela pump, but I'm really liking the hands free, shirt ON kind of pumping life. Still not pumping enough to fill the cups, so no issues for me with spillage or leaking or anything like that. Will try to remember to update. Seems like it will be great for work.
UPDATE: now using at work and have constant issues with the valve falling off into the milk and the milk will then back up into the tubing. They should redesign so that the valves somehow lock on so that this does not happen. I am a nurse and fishing in the milk cup for the lost valve is not something I enjoy doing as I have to throw the milk out after my hands have been in it... 😒
Feature Product
- Compatible pump not included.Compatible with Freemie Freedom Double Electric and Equality Double Manual pumps, Medela Pump in Style models, Symphony, Lactina, Ameda Purely Yours, Hygeia Enjoye, Q, Philips Double Electric, Lucinacare Melodi, NUK Expressive
- Includes Standard Connection Kit for compatible Medela and Hygeia pumps
- Connection Kits for Ameda, Philips, Lucina and NUK sold separately (Freemie part FG020)
- These open system cups are not compatible with the new freemie mobile pumps
- Kindly refer the User manual before using the product.
Description
The Freemie Hands Free and Concealable Breast Pump Milk Collection Cups are an alternative milk collection system for use with the most popular electric breast pumps for single or double pumping. The with Standard Connection Kit for the most popular US pumps.
New update: just did my first work travel with multiple flights. Love, love my freemies. Best purchase ever. The cons I described are really insignificant coloring to the practicity of a discret pumping session anywhere.
This is an updated review after 2 weeks of use of the freemie cups. I actually love them but I still think some improvement is needed.
The concept is great. Being able to pump without having the "horns" in your way is great. You can pump and hold your baby, work on your computer, prepare dinner --> light activities but definitely not activites like cleaning the house or anything very active cause if you bend forward, your milk will got in the tubing which is super annoying (happens to me 2 times).
The main reason I bought them was to be able to hold my newborn when pumping, play with my toddler, when I am travelling for work and need to pump in uncomfortable places like airport --> you can do it without being look in the bathroom (just trip to bathroom to put them on/off).
The cons :
- My flanges are 21 mm so I bought a 21 mm adaptor --> very bad idea, so uncomfortable. Since I have using the 25mm-> it was
Not but not super comfortable at first but now I am use to them and think that they are comfortable
- the set up is complicated at first with a lot of parts (and small parts)--> I don't like the fact that you can lose something and then the cups are useless. The cleaning is ok.
- There is condensation in the freemie tubes after use or the possibility of milk if you bend over—> I don't like that. I learn a little trick. If it happens clean your tube with water and dry them inside with compressed air bottle (the same than to use to clean keyboards)- I put a pic of what I bought on amazon.
I have 2 spectra pumps S1 and 9 plus - look on youtube for the hacks to adapt the kit to your pump without buy the adaptor kit. It works great. I have attached a pic of my connection.
Conclusion : I would buy them again but would have loved to see the improvements
Paired with a Spectra Pump, you can pump virtually secretly. It is compatible with lots of pumps and there are conversion kits if your pump isn’t on the list. The pump goes between the breast and bra so it will make your chest look a bit larger, but it allows you to pump hands free and without bulky parts in front of you. You can’t lay back while pumping or it can leak, but you can definitely sit a bit more comfortably because you don’t have to maneuver around the large flanges and bottles that your pump comes with. I was nervous about transferring milk from the Freemie to bottles/storage bags based on others’ reviews, but what I’ve found is it’s easiest to pour first to a bottle and then to a bag and follow the instructions for pouring that come with the Freemie. Basically, pour from the spout quickly. Don’t hesitate or it has a tendency to run down the side. It’s a lot easier than it sounds once you get the hang of it! Lastly, I was concerned that changing up the flange would affect the suction of my pump, but if anything, they increase the suction and my output. I would 100% recommend this pump accessory to anyone who has the need to pump discretely.
I put off buying these because of the bad reviews... I wish I had just gotten them from the start! I had no intention of being an exclusive pumper, but my baby wouldn’t latch, even after several visits to the lactation consultants. I was struggling with pumping, it’s restricrive, you have to stay in one spot, etc etc. I got these today and boiled them for the 10 minutes and whipped em on and started pumping. I love them! No more pumping bra that I need to change into all the time! I purposely bought my nursing bras a cup size bigger and the freeme cups just fit, the bra is barely over them but they stay in place nicely. They are easy to assemble and now I don’t have to have those bottles hanging off the front of me. I think I’m going to buy the Medela freestyle pump so I can actually walk around, change a diaper, and feed my baby without being tied to a pump. I was considering quitting pumping, but now I think I will continue! Don’t hesitate to get these. My only complaint is the tubing that comes with them is the way too short, i just used spare tubing that came with my pump.
This product has literally been my saving grace. If I hadn’t purchased them, I know for sure I would have given up on pumping. My son has never latched properly and i have a low milk supply. In addition to that, he is a very clingy baby. With regular pump flanges, I was lucky if I could pump 3 times a day. I bought these on the suggestion of our pediatrician and I am so glad I did. I have been able to double the times I pump each day and provide my son with half his milk needs. I use them with my Spectra pump and while the suction isn’t as great as when I use the spectra flanges, it isn’t horrible either and my output seems to be the same. They are relatively easy to assemble and clean. My only real complaint is that sometimes milk will spill out while transferring to a storage bottle. Even though the manual tells you to practice with water first, it doesn’t really matter how skilled you are. Sometimes the milk almost bubbles up when pouring it out and ends up spilling, which can be devastating for someone like myself who already has a low supply. Overall, a good product that I am very glad I purchased. I may not make enough milk to fully feed my son but every little bit I can give is good and the freemie cups definitely help me deliver that.
This is a great idea! Totally hands free pumping that fits inside your bra. Sweet. I placed the order and was super excited to be able to pump with my hands free. Especially since I exclusively pump and bottle feed my twins.
I've been using this for a month now. I prep bottles, hook up the pump, turn it on, and feed babies in boppys. Here's what I have to say:
- do not for whatever reason change position while the pump is on! Dont lean over forward especially. Your precious breast milk will go right into the tubing and you can't clean that out easily. Not to mention that that milk is now gone forever.
- the suction isn't as good as it was with the regular phlanges/collection system that came with my ameda purely yours pump. (You do have to purchase the adaption kit for this pump too. Annoying.) Not sure why it's not as strong, but I do have to crank it up further to get proper suction.
So I guess this is a good product. Could be executed a lot better. But to me, since pumping is the worst anyway, this makes the best out of something usually quite frustrating. It makes pumping bearable, but don't expect to be able to run around free and still get the pumping done. You'll lose all the milk in the tubes and down your shirt with any position changes!
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