Editor’s Note
While the Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump is still available and ranked one of the top breast pumps, Medela has added a package deal in their new option of the Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump with Bonus 100 Breast Milk Storage Bags. The breast pump remains the same but they now provide an option that includes 100 double sealed, double zippered hygienically pre-sealed storage bags for a small additional cost. These bags are 6 oz and can stand up and lay flat for easy filling and storing.
The Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump allows moms to pump anywhere they go with a small, unobtrusive, portable pump. It’s light, compact, and has a rechargeable battery to give you the flexibility you need.
While the price runs high, this breast pump offers everything a nursing mom needs to feed their baby breastmilk, even when working.
Features of the Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump
Breast pumps used to be so large you need a suitcase to take them to work. Not anymore! With the Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump, you get the ultimate portable pump that will not tax your favorite handbag.
You do not need to worry about lugging around a giant ostentatious bag. Instead, grab a small breast-pump bag with a cooler. First though, let’s check out all of the features of the Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump.
Lightweight
A top breast pump offers ease of carrying and use. Not to mention, a low weight makes the pump much easier to carry if you need to pump from work or anywhere else. The Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump weighs less than a pound, making it a fabulous option for moms with busy schedules.
Small Motor and Housing
The device is a small remote control sized item with rounded corners. It’s a pale yellow in color with accents in bright yellow. A black cord makes it easy to attach the device to your wrist or to a chair rail for easy access.
Next, the device has a touchscreen that’s backlight so you can see the buttons even when you need to pump in the dark at night.
Once the device is turned on, you can press the play button at the bottom to choose your settings. From there, you can choose the let-down button to start the first stage. After, choose the increase or decrease vacuum buttons to add or reduce suction.
Furthermore, you can use the start button to either start or pause the device. All of the controls go invisible one in use until you switch the device on.
At the top of the device are several indicators to help you track the settings easily. The display includes a power indicator, battery level, vacuum level, stimulation phase, expression phase, and a Bluetooth indicator.
Rechargeable Battery
A rechargeable battery makes using this option a breeze. Charge it at home where discretion is not an issue and take it to work fully charged to use when ready. The lithium-ion battery offers a long life to last through years of pumping.
At the top of the pump is a set of bars to tell you the battery level. A lighting bolt tells when it’s currently charging (sadly, this is not a Harry Potter reference). After the first charge session, you can pump while the battery is charging.
Charge the battery using the charge on the go USB port and cable. Do not use any other power adapter or cable to charge the pump. Once charged, the battery can last a total of two hours which could translate to four feeding sessions before you need to recharge.
2-Phase Suction
The Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump uses a 2-phase expression to mimic a baby’s natural sucking rhythm.
At first, the suction will be a little faster to help stimulate your milk to flow freely. As you continue pumping, the pump will slow down for a slower feed that’s more comfortable and efficient too.
As for vacuum level, the device has a suction range is -45 mmHg to -245 mmHg.
Quick Assembly
Assembly of the breast pump depends on which way you will be pumping. You get two different sets of shields to help fit your breast correctly and comfortably. Moreover, you can use hands-free with the connectors along with either set of shields.
To assemble, you will need the tubing, device, two breast shells, two bottles, lids, connectors, and membranes. Do not let all of these pieces boggle your mind, you will learn the setup very quickly.
First, insert the membrane into the connectors and click it shut. Second, screw the connector onto the bottle before adding the shield to the connector. Rotate the shield until it fits comfortably on each breast.
Connect the tubes to the device and to the connector on the breast pump. Now you are ready to pump. You can choose a single or double breast pump.
How to Use the Freestyle Flex Pump
First things first, turn the breast pump on, then charge the battery for two hours before use. Next, you will need to connect to the app. There is literally an app for everything now, and we wouldn’t want your breast-pump to feel left out.
Turn on the pump from standby mode by pressing the on/off button on the side. Add a shield, wash your hands, clean the parts, then put the pump together using the video and instructions above.
Now attach the breast shields to your breasts and use the device to determine speed. Use the delayed start feature to leave your hands free to change the position of the breast shields.
Alternatively, use the Easy Expression Bustier to go completely hands-free.
After expressing, place a lid on the milk, remove the breast shields and wash everything before drying and storing it in the bag.
How to Clean the Freestyle Flex Pump
Before cleaning, disassemble the breast pump. You can wash the parts by hand or in the dishwasher. However, the device itself is only surface clean, and it should never go underwater.
Medela suggests you use a washbasin instead of placing the pump pieces in the sink directly to avoid contamination. The tubing needs to be hand washed.
Do note the pieces can become discolored with use.
Furthermore, you can sanitize the parts in boiling water or in a Medela Quick Clean Bag in the microwave. Always allow the pieces to air dry before use and store them in a clean area.
The tubing can become moldy in which case it needs to be replaced completely. You can easily buy more tubing for the Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump.
Smart Phone App
If you want to use the smart app features, then simply download the MyMedela app on your smartphone or tablet. Like with all apps, you need to create an account with a login and password. For this app, you need to enable Bluetooth on your phone.
From there, turn on the breast pump from the side button. Now press and hold the on/off button for two seconds to pair the breast pump with your phone. Take note of the pairing code and connect your breast pump in the MyMedela app settings.
Once the Bluetooth sign on the device (not the phone) lights up continuously, your phone is paired to your device. Use the app to log pumping sessions, track milk expressed, track time per breast, and view your pumping progress.
Accessories Included
The breast pump does not just come with the pump and shields. It also includes a storage bag and even a cooler bag with an ice pack. As long as you like the simple black bag, you will not need to purchase a separate bag. Thanks to the cooler bag, you can keep your expressed milk safe and cold until you can get it into a fridge.
Important Benefits of the Medela Freestyle Flex
Dual Breast Pump
With the Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump, you can pump from both breasts at the same time.
Inside the box, you get:
- 1 Breast pump with rechargeable battery
- 2 21 mm PersonalFit Flex breast shields
- 2 24 mm PersonalFit Flex breast shields
- 2 Breast shield connectors
- 4 Bottles each 5 ounces with lids
- 2 Bottle stands
- 1 Set of tubing
- 1 Carry bag
- 1 Cooler bag with cooling element
- 1 Power adapter with charging cable
All of these parts lead to tons of options on how to use the pump, either both breasts at once or a single.
Closed System
As all of the parts of the pump are in a closed system to prevent breastmilk in the tubing from entering the internal mechanisms. What’s great is the overflow protection protects your investment.
Low Noise Levels
While the device, of course, makes some noise, it’s a deep sound that managed to stay quiet. You will not be making a show of what you are doing based on the noise level! It’s one of the quietest pumps on the market.
Concerns About the Medela Freestyle Flex
High Price
The price is rather high and may not fit in every budget. At over three hundred dollars, you can definitely find more affordable options. However, mom’s who need a portable item with a small footprint, you really cannot do better.
Short Lifespan
A small percentage of customers complained about the lifespan of the item. Additionally, because they purchased it months before use, they were not able to return the pump.
Make sure to purchase your breast pump as close to your baby’s birth as possible or even after, so if you run into complications, you can easily get a solution. Medela is committing to working with its customers. Keep the receipt and the original box to ensure your purchase.
Lastly, make sure you charge the device for two hours before the first use to prevent any issues.
The Freestyle Flex vs Philips Avent Double Electric Breast Pump
Philips Advent makes high quality breast pumps like the Double Electric Breast Pump. Both this option and the Freestyle Flex can express milk from both breast at the same time with an electronic pump. With Philips model, you can choose from three settings – low, medium, and high along with a gentle stimulation mode.
The Freestyle Flex actually starts out a little strong instead of gently to get the milk production started faster. Another difference is the Philips model comes with a significantly larger motor making it more difficult to take to work with you. However, the Philips option comes with better breast shields with a soft massage option or a power cushion option.
Last of all, the Philips option has fewer separate parts with a more intuitive design making less work for busy moms. The price is significantly lower two at around half the cost of the Freestyle Flex. Keep in mind the Philips does not offer an app either for this product.
The Freestyle Flex vs BabyBuddha Pump
The BabyBuddha Pump can work on a single or double breast and it has a lower price than the Freestyle Flex. Moreover, it can work hands-free and it’s very small like the Medela option. Both options also include an app too!
As for differences, the Baby Buddha has a lanyard so you can hang the pump on your neck like a necklace to pump while doing other things. It’s also very easy to use with multiple modes too in both stimulation and expression mode, with more of each than the Freestyle Flex.
What we really love about the Baby Buddha is it has an anti-backflow design, so you do not have to get into a specific mode to pump. The same is possible with the Freestyle, but not quite as comfortably. It has fewer pieces to assemble, too.
Keep in mind the Freestyle lasts half an hour longer than the BabyBuddha, meaning you won’t have to charge as often. Some people complained the suction is painful on the BabyBuddha pump.
FAQs About the Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump
How can I store breastmilk safely?
Store the milk at room temperature (60 to 77 degrees) for up to four hours, in the fridge at 39 degrees for three days, or zero degrees in the freezer for up to six months.
Will insurance cover this breast pump?
You can check out the insurance page on Medela to find out if your breast pump is covered. Otherwise, you can check your insurance to see if you are covered. Also, check to find out if you are covered if you have the Affordable Care Act or under Medicaid.
Can I charge the pump in my car?
Unfortunately, you cannot charge the breast pump in your car. The company recommends you only use the breast pump charger and cord provided
Is this a hospital-grade breast pump?
No. This breast pump is designed for home use. Do not worry, hospital-grade is a marketing term and simply means it’s not recognized by the FDA for hospital use. Hospital pumps are stronger and may be the right choice for someone with low supply.
Other Medela Breast Pump Options
- Sonata – high end, app-connected, quiet, double electric, quality pump made for pumping multiple times per day
- Pump in Style – the earlier high-end model
- Freestyle – smaller, more portable version
- Swing – single
- Harmony – manual (not electric)
Conclusion
If the price was more reasonable, we would shout praises for the ultra-portable Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump.
However, with the price so high and another more affordable option with equal usefulness, we would suggest customers check out the BabyBuddha Pump. Both offer the same benefits at a much more affordable price.
