I was out of the loop for the past couple of weeks because I was so busy expressing milk for my baby. In my last post, I was asking for advice on which electric breastpump to get. Well, I got myself a Medela Freestyle dual electric breast pump. Before getting the Freestlye, I used two manual pumps. Today I will review these three pumps.
Farlin Manual Breast Pump
Thumbs up:
-
One of the most affordable pumps in the market
-
Compatible with standard neck bottles
-
Available in most malls
-
User friendly
Thumbs down:
- Handle is hard to grip. For someone like me who does not have that much milk, it can be very tiring to use this product.
-
Low milk let down. I barely got an ounce for almost an hour and my hands hurt a lot.
-
Breast shield is hard and painful
Recommendation: If you’re on a tight budget and do not intend to use it often, but rather, just a stand-by pump in case your baby did not empty your breast upon latching, then this product will work for you. In my opinon, this pump is not for heavy duty use.
Avent Manual Breast Pump
Thumbs up:
- The handles are soft and very easy to grip.
- Very user friendly.
- Available in most malls
- Very comfortable on the breast since its breast shields have silicon which decreases the pressure on the breast.
- Good milk let down
- Because it is easier to grip, you can dictate your own pressure
Thums down:
- One of the most expensive manual pumps in the market.
- Can only be used with Avent bottles, which are also quite expensive.
Recommendation: If you intend to use a pump at home for moderate use, and has additional budget, then go for Avent. Most of my friends still opt for Avent because of its user friendliness and better milk let down. It also works for those with sensitive breasts like me.
Thumbs up:
- The dual pump makes me express twice as fast compared with a manual pump.
- It has a good pull which makes the let down easier.
- Very convenient for moms on the go.
- Excellent for heavy duty use. I use mine 6-7 times a day.
- Long battery life.
- Can fit with standard neck bottles.
- Excellent let down. With the proper size of the breast shield, you can actually increase your milk output compared with using a manual pump.
- Aside from the pump, you get several accessories such as handsfree accessoriers (which makes the electric pump really really cool and convenient), and cooling bag with blue ice (you would not want your precious breastmilk to spoil before you arrive home from work!).
- It has a memory function which allows you to record the progression of the expression milk that you prefer.
Thumbs down:
- One of the most expensive electric dual breast pumps but not as expensive as Avent ISIS dual electric pump.
-
Quite complicated to set up and use but after a while you will get used to attaching and detaching the parts.
-
Not readily available in most malls. In fact, I have not seen any Freestyle in any malls. I got mine from the exclusive distributor. I will soon write a post about it. Medela brand is usually available in Rustans and Ayala Malls but limited products only.
Wow great review!!!
I’m a new mom and I’m contemplating which breast pump should I buy 😉 but after reading this one I am now decided to get the avent Isis ( n n )
I am glad you find my post helpful Eloisa! Congratulations and welcome to motherhood! I am always so thrilled to see more and more moms getting on the experience of breastfeeding their babies. Enjoy the journey!
hi, is it advisable to buy a breastpump before delivery? I’m due next month and I’m a first time mom. At this early I’ve decided to feed my baby with breastmilk. What do you suggest? Thank you.
Hi Chek! Congratulations on your baby and welcome to this wonderful and exciting world of mommyhood! Thank you for checking out my blog. I recommend getting a pump a few weeks after giving birth. It is best to have the baby latch to you all the times so you can increase your milk flow. If the baby does not seem to get enough, hand express your milk. You can also ask the help of your OB-gyne or Pedia to give your breast a massage for a better and faster let down. Also, another reason why you I do not recommend getting a pump before giving birth is because your breast size will change. For brands which gives you an option to customize the breast shield, it is best to have it measured when your body has adjusted post pregnancy.
For now I suggest that you attend breastfeeding seminars or classes just so you will know what to expect with breastfeeding especially this is your first time. 🙂 Medelamoms have those I think or maybe the hospital where you will give birth has that too. Once again, congratulations and I must say, you are making the best choice in deciding to breastfeed your baby.
I love your blog. 🙂 now i know that being a housewife pwde nako sa manual pum and will be looking for a avent pump. And after giving birth nako magbuy. Nov 5, 2015 is my due date. Thanks again
Thank you Alyn! Congratulations on your pregnancy! Yes, if you’re at home, a manual pump will do. It is more important to latch baby as much as possible. Will include you in my prayers for your safe delivery!
Hi Miss Kat,
I am Michelle Igcas from Farlin . Thank you for your blog about the product . I saw it when I searching about Farlin . Can we incorporate it to our site?
Author
Hi Michelle. Thank you for your interest in my blog. As much as I appreciate your intent, since my review was done a few years back, i would rather that it will not be posted on any recent site. Should I ever post another entry about Farlin products, I will get in touch with you so you can include a more recent content. thank you!