Editor’s Note
While the Medela Pump in style is still available, there is an updated model to consider. It is the Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump. While it offers the same closed storage option and also mimics baby nursing, it includes some new features such as Bluetooth technology, giving you a connection to the Medela family app to track your stats and read parenting articles. It now has a built-in rechargeable battery and a USB for faster charging, giving you portability to pump without needing an outlet. It expresses 18% more milk with the simulation of a baby’s natural sucking pattern. Included with this pump is a backpack with a cooler pocket, lanyard, bottle stands, and breast shields.
The New Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow Breastpump, 2022 Version has combined Medela’s two phase expression technology with their new vacuum vibration MaxFlow Technology that allows mothers to get more breast milk every time they pump. Though this pump can be magically efficient it has also been known to be loud and shaky.
I received the Pump in Style with MaxFlow Technology from Medela for the purpose of writing this review.
Pretty Nice Reviews
Overall, the Pump In Style with MaxFlow Technology has excellent reviews. For the most part, people seem to love this product, just a few negative reviews brought the ratings down a bit.
- 4.2 stars, 216 Reviews – Target
- 4.4 stars, 272 Reviews – Walmart
- 4.4 stars, 272 Reviews – Bed Bath and Beyond
- 4.4 stars, 272 Reviews – Buy Buy Baby
New Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow
Key Features
MaxFlow Technology: The biggest selling point of New Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow is that it mimics how babies nurse. This helps moms build up and maintain their breast milk supply throughout their breastfeeding journey. Before a baby actually starts nursing they begin vigorously sucking in order to achieve milk let down. Then they began feeding normally.
This Medela pump mimics this behavior using a vacuum which delivers micro-vibrations in an effort to simulate the vigorous sucking and stimulate a more effective let down. This method has been thoroughly tested and proven to get mothers 18% more milk during each pumping session. By being able to better stimulate milk flow, and get more milk out each pumping session breastfeeding mothers are able to more effectively pump long term and this promotes a healthy breastfeeding journey.
Comfort: The Pump In Style with MaxFlow pump comes with 2 different sizes of breast shields. These oval shaped, silicone lined cups not only increase comfort but also effectiveness during pumping sessions.
Closed System: This breast pump is a fully closed system that prevents milk from seeping into the y-tubing and pump motor. You can rest assured that your milk will not be contaminated and it also simplifies the sterilizing and cleaning process.
Varying Intensities: The Pump in Style has 10 pre-programed settings that increase the suction intensity. You can also click the let down button to help express your milk in the beginning. The controls are easy to locate, on the front of the pack. The buttons are also very intuitive. There’s an on/off, a let down, a plus and a minus to easily control your pumping sessions.
Battery Pack: When you buy the New Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow, Electric Breast Pump Closed System, Portable Breastpump, 2022 Version it comes with a battery pack so that you can take it with you and not worry about having to find a plug. It frees you up running on AA batteries and it is easy to both bring along extras or buy more if you need them. The MaxFlow also comes with a Standard plug for another power option.
Covered by Insurance: One of the reasons that the Medela pump is well loved by mothers is that many insurance companies will pay for it. However, the delivery is a little sketchy. The pump will come in a unwieldy box with no safety packaging and may even be labeled “For insurance purposes only. Not for consumer retail.” Though it may not affect the quality much, it seems questionable whether it is a new and unopened product.
Can Use Any Bottles: Another excellent feature of the Pump in Style MaxFlow Breast pump is that you can use any mainstream bottle. You don’t have to buy any special brands, any bottle from your local stores will fit so long as they aren’t wide necked.
Mom Support Group: Every mom’s breastfeeding journey is different but every woman deserves support. Medela Pump in Style has a digital breastfeeding support group where moms can connect with experts and receive over a 100 dollars in perks and discounts. You can join their group here!
Easy to Use
Compact: The Pump in Style Maxflow Technology breast pump is very compact and so easy to setup! It has one hole for the plug in, one for the tubing, and 4 buttons with very clear impressions of what they do.
Light Weight: The Maxflow breast pump is lightweight, at only 1 pound! Taking it to work or into different rooms is easy with the water resistant bag that comes along with your pump.
Cleaning: Like all other breast pumps it is advisable that you sterilize your Medela Pump in Style Max Flow Technology Pump after each and every use. Since it is a closed system you don’t have to wash the tubing every time which is great. But you still need to wash the breast shields and attaching components. If you rinse everything immediately after use the milk will easily rinse off, but whoa to the mama who lets it sit for a bit before trying to clean out the bottles and suction parts after the milk has dried and adhered. And as every mom knows it’s not always possible to do things immediately. Though this is a definite caution it will be this way with almost any breast pump you choose to use so it is not a total deal breaker.
Suction: The original Pump in Style suffered from low-suction issues, but the new Maxflow was designed with that in mind. The new design get mixed reviews, while some moms felt that the suction was a bit too powerful, others reporting that they still felt full after pumping. Apparently it is tough to please everyone. Overall, the majority of moms report an increase in their milk supply while using this pump.
Assembly and Use
Cautions
Some Reliability Issues? My Medela pump arrived in good condition working like a charm. A few customers reported some quality issues.
8 Batteries Required: If you choose to purchase the battery pack, or buy the pump that includes the battery pack you will quickly discover that while it requires 8AA batteries they are not included. If you plan to use it in battery mode you will probably want to invest in rechargeable batteries.
Pump Vibration: The MaxFlow technology may increase your milk supply however this breast pump will definitely vibrate whatever surface it is on while in use. See the 4x fast video below. Note: This was a test run without milk flowing and it vibrates less when it is actually pumping.
Loud: I made this video so you can judge for yourself. Keep in mind there was no milk flowing in this test:
Pros – Things I Like
- MaxFlow Technology
- Comfort
- Closed System
- Easy to Use
- Any Bottle Can be Used
- Mom Support Group
Cons of the Medela Breast Pump
- Loud
- Shaky
Medela Pump In Style Advanced VS Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow Technology
I have had the pleasure of trying out both the original Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with Tote, Double Electric Breastpump, Portable Battery Pack, Adjustable Speed and Vacuum, International Adaptor and the New Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow, Electric Breast Pump Closed System, Portable Breastpump, 2022 Version. The MaxFlow has many improvements, the biggest being the new closed system. Also, the y-tubing leaves you with fewer loose ends and makes pumping just one side easier. Medela’s Maxflow technology combines the 2 phase expression technology with micro vibrations to get the most milk possible. It is also more compact and has a more user friendly interface. The MaxFlow also includes the battery pack which makes the new unit portable and convenient. Also, it is more comfortable and it comes with breast shields in two size options. I consider the Maxflow an all around upgrade to the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with Tote, Double Electric Breastpump, Portable Battery Pack, Adjustable Speed and Vacuum, International Adaptor.
My Overall Recommendation
I own the New Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow. It was easy to setup and has good suction. Overall, the reviews are great and it seems that most of the machines work flawlessly. The MaxFlow and Two-Phase technology allow you to capture more milk with each pumping session saving you time and could save you money. Though there is risk involved like there is with any product, I suggest buying and testing your pump ahead of time to keep yourself from getting into a lurch.
See our list of the best rated breast pumps here.
