If you are planning on BF’ing, you will most definitely need a pump — even if it’s just a manual one. Yes, even if you are exclusively breastfeeding — and you won’t allow a single foul bottle near your precious baby’s mouth (*rolls eyes*) — you still need a pump. How else will you relieve engorgement or stimulate a weak supply?

*Before you spend your own money on any of this:

Since 2013, the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obamacare) requires health insurance providers to cover pumps, lactation consulting, and other related equipment at no cost: get the lowdown here. Every plan is different, so you need to call your insurance company to find out what your options are. It’s best to make this phone call earlier rather than later – sometime in the second or third trimester.

Furthermore, if you want to purchase a type of pump that isn’t covered, know you can use your HSA (or FSA) account.

You’ve got three options, mummy mumskins:

1. Rent a hospital-grade device
2. Get an electric pump (read: get through your insurance)
3. Use a manual/hand breast pump

1. Rent a Hospital-grade Device

Given the changes in insurance and the availability of at-home double electric pumps these days, renting a hospital pump is not as popular as it once was — but it’s still an option and some may actually prefer it. If you’re interested, it would probably be a Medela Symphony Plus (or maybe an Ameda Platinum) — both of which are no-frills, double-electric commercial-grade behemoths that are designed to be used by multiple users, so you will have to buy your own collection kit.

These pumps are available to rent either from hospitals or other third-party retailers, which used to be quite annoying, but has become easier with digital/online technology. For the Symphony Plus, you can search for locations on Medela’s website or click here to rent and have the pump shipped directly to you.

Spectra also offers a hospital-grade multi-user pump; it’s available for rent through “DMEs” — companies that rent out durable medical equipment. The “S3 Pro” is similar in design and form to the single-user Spectra pumps, but specifically engineered with higher settings. If you’ve used a Spectra pump before and are looking for a hospital-grade rental, this might be something to check out.

If you’re given the option of renting a hospital-grade pump (vs. buying a “regular” pump), there are a few things to keep in mind…

First, hospital-grade devices are hands-down more powerful than “at-home” units (yes, even the ones that say they’re “hospital-strength”) and are better/more efficient at pumping milk, which in turn means they’ll do the best job of stimulating your supply. Thus, renting a pump is a great option for mothers with specific needs, such as moms of preemies (or sick babies in the NICU), moms of multiples, or those who have a weak supply. Many a working mother also opts for these powerhouses to help them maximize their stash (yes, even if you WFH, this can be a big help).

Another plus with renting is that this is a much more eco-friendly way to go. Instead of using a single-user pump and then having to throw it out (at least, this is what the companies advise), multi-user rental machines amount to much less waste. Spectra’s reps are even excited about the prospect of placing the S3 in “lactation centers” set up across public areas and workplaces, where women could bring their own parts, pump, and depart.

Legislation is in the works in some states for this kind of arrangement, and it would be a very exciting development indeed. (Not to mention, this would also help ensure that more women have access to state-of-the-art breast pumps.) Anyway — the green factor is a definite “pro” in the rental category.

The big downside, though, is that unlike some of the higher-end “at-home” pumps (below), commercial-grade devices are HUGE, heavy, and can be very intrusive and loud (though the newer ones are surprisingly quiet). For comparison, if at-home pumps are crop dusters, commercial-grade pumps are fighter jets. They lend to neither discretion nor portability.

And, if you’re paying out-of-pocket (you’ve only been offered an outdated pump and it isn’t getting the job done, for example…), renting a pump can be pretty costly. Although rates vary across locations, the average price is at least $50/month. For example, CHOP – one of the foremost hospitals in the country – has rates of $75/month or $200/3 months for a Symphony. At retailers, prices are similar (if not more costly). Plus you need to spend ~$50 on some of your own parts (bottles, shields, etc.) Obviously, the longer you need it, the more it will cost.

*If you go this route — make sure to inquire about what your insurance covers before handing over your credit card, friends.* Another tip, if you’re interested in checking out a rental: ask if you can try one out at the hospital right after birth, where your lactation consultant can help you out and you can see how you like it.

Like we said — renting is an option, but if you plan on breastfeeding and know it, it’s more likely worth it to (also) get your own double electric pump through your insurance company. This brings us to option two:

2. Get an Electric Pump Through Your Insurance Company (or buy one on your own…):

In their first incarnation, breast pumps were clunky, loud, slow, inconvenient, and intrusive… if not downright painful. And they pretty much stayed that way… for decades.

The first breast pump was actually invented in the 1850s (!), and the design was pretty similar to every pump prior to the 1980s, go figure (it was modeled off an actual milk machine for dairy cows!).

By the way, guess who designed all the milk-making contraptions for all those decades? Men.

Yes, even up until just about twenty years ago, the absolute most innovative thing on the market was… wait for it… a double electric breast pump! Medela developed the first at-home unit in 1991, which revolutionized the world of pumping because it allowed moms to continue breastfeeding for longer (especially working moms).

In the past few years, we’ve found ourselves in the midst of another technological turning point — thanks to a huge increase in demand, engineering developments, and a surge in breastfeeding rates over the last couple decades, mothers who opt to pump now have some new options available to them. In fact, choosing a breast pump has become a tough decision, where once there was no choice to be made.

Now — none of this is to say that pumping today is a picnic. It’s not. Just because newer pumps offer more discretion and portability doesn’t make them actually truly discreet or portable.

“If men could breastfeed, surely the breast pump would be as elegant as an iPhone and quiet as a Prius by now.”

Courtney Martin, NYT

The way we see it, electric home breast pumps fall into one of two broad categories:

• “traditional” (in the functional sense); or
• “niche” (as in avant-garde and $$$$);

We’ll elaborate slightly on each below, but the long and short of these distinctions (and trying decide what might suit you best) is that a traditional pump is probably going to be the best (and primary) pump for most women. *A point: among these options, there is no single best breast pump for everyone — much like your favorite jeans, everyone has a different body and different personal preferences.

The “niche” pumps, including wearable options like the Elvie or the Willow, are marketed as lifestyle products. They may work well for some women — and we appreciate that these developers are pushing the envelope when it comes to pumping tech — but in reality we don’t see these as universally superior upgrades. They have limits: they can be finicky, for one thing, and they tend to come with a steep learning curve. Not to mention that they may simply not be as efficient or as effective at achieving their main goal: extracting enough milk.

In other words — unless there is some particular feature that is *super important to you (wearability, say, or smart data tracking — which some traditional pumps also offer), we think you’re better off shopping for a traditional (and potentially more cumbersome, yes) type of pump.

Okay, mama — here we go (are you ready??) — here are our favorite electric pumps, in order of price, lowest to highest…

Note that these exact pumps may not be available through your insurance company’s DME (durable medical equipment provider) — but they may offer a watered-down version (i.e., it’s the same pump housing, but doesn’t come with a bag, or they offer the S2 but not the S1). Often, you can opt to cover the difference between the watered-down version and the more deluxe version, if you want to. This is usually worth it, especially if you are a working mom. *And don’t forget! You can use your FSA or HSA dollars. (Get the skinny on: Breast Pumps Through Your Insurance.)

Traditional Pumps

Jump ahead to learn about our picks:

• Spectra S1/S2 — Editor’s Choice
• Ameda Mya
• Baby Buddha — Most Efficient
• Medela Freestyle Flex
• Medela Sonata — Most Comfortable

RIP Medela Pump-in-Style Advanced

For as long as we’ve been covering pumps, we’ve always recommended the Medela Pump in Style Advanced (the “PISA”) — we loved it for being a tried-and-true workhorse that had the added benefit of being widely available through insurance.

But in 2020 Medela “updated” the PISA to the Pump in Style with MaxFlow. While the newer version has a closed system, in nearly every other way it is far from an upgrade: it has worse suction, finicky technology (malfunctions often), a loud volume, and simply isn’t very effective. User reviews of the MaxFlow Amazon are scathing: “the worst pump ever,” “disappointed,” “total garbage,” “doesn’t last long,” “this is a nightmare,” “11.8% more milk my a**,” and “I hate this pump” (just to name a few).

Some insurance co’s are still offering the original PISA, and if you can get the *original PISA (left, above), we still totally love and recommend it! It doesn’t have a ton of fancy bells and whistles, but it will serve you well. Please double check what you’re receiving, though, because again, we do not recommend the new Pump in Style MaxFlow.

Spectra S1 Plus/Spectra S2 Plus ~$216/$159 — Editor’s Choice

A bit newer on the scene is the Spectra (the S1 and S2). We’ve watched this brand closely and have been very impressed. Dethroning the Medela was no easy feat, and Spectra is continuing to convert many former loyal Medela devotees.

The S2 (pink, below) is a double/single pump and the S1 (blue, at bottom) is the same, but it comes with a built-in rechargeable battery — meaning you don’t need to plug your pump in when you’re using it. Other than the color, this battery feature is the ONLY difference between the S1 and the S2. If the ability to pump without immediate access to a power source is key for you, then you probably want to opt for the S1.

The S1 and S2 are marketed as hospital-strength pumps, but for everyday, at-home use. (Spectra now also makes a hospital-grade/multi-user pump (the S3 Pro) which you can rent.)

Let’s talk about the system first – shared by all of the Spectra pumps. It’s a lightweight, “closed system” (meaning it prevents milk from flowing back into the tubing or housing, aka backflow protection) that’s easy to take apart and clean. Moms rave about the nightlight, the timer function, and the low noise level — it’s super quiet (a huge perk for middle-of-the-night pumping).

The Spectra offers customizable settings and adjustable cycles, which is important because not all breasts (or pain/discomfort tolerances) are created equal.

One of the best things about the S1 and S2 is that they simulate a nursing baby (as the company says, these pumps “suckle” — not “suck”), which aids in let-down and speeds up the whole pumping process. Some women (including our very own Charlene) even believe it has helped increase their supply.

The S1 and S2 are known for gentle, comfortable, pain-free pumping (i.e., comfortable flanges) — and we all love that!

The downside to the Spectra is that the accessories and bottles it comes with are not the greatest. The system comes with two sets of 2 flanges (24 & 28mm), tubing and valves, etc., as well as two wide neck bottles. Neither model comes with a bag/tote. Lastly, the S1 and S2 are not compatible with normal, non-wide neck bottles or Medela bottles; however, there is the option to purchase adapters for use with Medela parts.

All in all, this pump has everything most pumping mothers need, and the price is right.

Also available: Spectra 9Plus ~$180

The 9Plus is Spectra’s portable breast pump offering, and it’s pretty dec. It’s not recommended as a primary pump (primarily because it has fewer settings and less powerful suction than the S1 and the S2), but it could be nice to have around, depending on your situation.

The 9Plus is cordless and rechargeable; it weighs about 1/2 pound and is roughly the size of a passport. You can fit it in your back pocket easily and — with a pumping bra — walk around, do work, make dinner, etc. Spectra’s in-house lactation consultants tell us it’s best for moms who already have an established milk supply and want something for on-the-go and/or travel. If you know you like Spectra pumps and want something portable as a secondary pump, this might be a great fit.

Ameda Mya ~$257

The Mya is the newest pump out from Ameda. It’s small (~1/2 pound), wireless, and portable, with a rechargeable battery that’s supposed to last approximately 2 hours. But since some women say the Mya won’t quite make it that long, we do suggest keeping the power charger handy. In terms of noise, the Mya is quiet, but far from silent (users say they wouldn’t use it on a work call, for instance).

In terms of suction, the Mya is comparable to the Spectra (S1/S2), and tons of women love having the Mya as an accompanying pump to their Spectras or Medelas (although some do use it as a primary pump with great results). The LCD display shows your suction level (1-10 in expression mode) and also has a timer feature, with an auto-shut-off after 30 minutes.

Pumping moms say they wish that the Mya had a longer battery life and that it came with a belt clip, and some women dislike that the LED screen on the front is quite bright (and can’t be adjusted), especially in the middle of the night.

One other thing — the Mya is compatible with Spectra parts, and many women love using it with Freemie cups to enhance its mobility. Great idea.

*Many insurers offer Ameda pumps, and this is hands down better than most of Ameda’s other pumps. In particular, we highly recommend the Mya over the Purely Yours, which frankly is pretty lackluster.

Baby Buddha ~$249 — Most Efficient

Readers have been writing to tell us how insanely awesome the Baby Buddha is, and we agree. It’s ultra-portable and ultra-efficient — power and speed are the name of the game.

Medela Freestyle Flex ~$325

Medela Sonata ~$329 — Most Comfortable

The Medela Sonata was the first smart pump we reviewed (in early 2017). With a smaller, quieter pump motor and a smart tracking app, it encapsulates some of the new developments in the pump world… but still falls into the traditional category. It has a decent battery life and is loved most for the comfort and ease factors. Note that most health insurance plans do not offer the Sonata on the menu of choices… but some do!

Niche

The lifestyle aims with this category are admirable: no more being hooked up to wires and mechanical contrivances fit for the likes of dairy cows; no more enduring hours planted in place near an electrical outlet; no more worrying about the ridiculously-loud sound of your pump broadcasting exactly what you’re doing to anyone within a 1.2-mile radius.

We’re on board with all this (really, we are) — and innovation counts for something. But in reality, these pumps, though they DO work well for many women, are not a slam dunk. Though advertised as completely freeing (with pics of women strolling around the neighborhood, typing away at the group desk in the office, and chatting at the coffee shop), that seems to be somewhat of an exaggeration. At the end of the day, these newfangled pumps can’t change the fact that it’s still breast pumping. We get as many readers writing to tell us that they hate the Willow/Elvie and want to throw the damn thing against the wall as that they love it and cherish it, yada yada. We think you should know this before you shell out the big bucks.

Keep in mind that if you’re a first-time mom, these may be trickier to get the hang of. And if you’re a seasoned pumper, they may be easier to get the hang of but tricky all the same just for being so different from your standard.

As with any benefit, there are trade offs…

Like this (please allow us this one final note on the nature of the “breast pump tech revolution”): 

We think it’s fantastic that people are dedicating time and resources to improving breast pumps. But these little devices are not everything — renowned Harvard historian and writer Jill Lepore derided the modern breast pump as “the cheap way out” when it comes to supporting nursing moms.

As Lepore writes — many women stop breastfeeding when they return to work, and “there are three ways to bridge that gap: longer maternity leaves, on-site infant child care, and pumps. Much effort has been spent implementing option No. 3, the cheap way out.” Better ways to support breastfeeding moms, she suggests, would entail improved family leave policies, more flexible work opportunities, and universally available, high-quality, affordable child care.

We agree. 

All that said — there are women who love these! If wearability is important to you, the technology is there for you to take advantage of. Here are your options:

Freemie Liberty ~$299 — Top Wearable Option on a Budget

The Freebie Liberty is a more budget-friendly wearable breast pump (roughly $200 cheaper than comparables like the Willow and the Elvie); we also love Freemie’s wearable collection cups, which you can purchase separately and rig up with (almost) any other pump you prefer.

The Elvie ~$499

Designed to “bring women’s technology out of the Dark Ages,” this new wearable pump is all about freedom — it’s wireless, rechargeable, portable, and hands-free — but it doesn’t 100% deliver.

Willow (Gen 3) ~$499

The Willow is the new(ish) kid on the block, but it’s already changing the game, so to speak. Like the Elvie, the Willow may be worth the splurge if discretion and portability are your top priorities.

Coming soon to a theater near you…

• The Babyation ($450) is marketed as a super-quiet, super-discreet pump. Instead of attaching collection bottles to your breasts, this pump allows for easy use under a shirt because the collection bottles are distanced from your breasts. Sounds pretty great. We’ll keep you posted.

3. Use a Manual Milk Pump

In addition to an electric pump (or, for infrequent pumpers, in lieu of an electric pump), I recommend a simple hand pump that you can throw in your bag when you’re leaving the house for a long period of time.

Yes, yes, I know, it seems archaic, but believe me — it comes in handy.

Here’s the scenario: you’re going to visit a friend for the day who lives an hour away. Your baby isn’t as hungry as usual and your breasts are getting really full. Uncomfortably so.

This is the situation I (as well as five of my mommy friends) experienced on a day trip to Napa when our babes were about 5-months-old. I was DYING and had forgotten my hand pump. It felt like someone had poured concrete on my right breast and allowed it to dry. That’s what it feels like to be engorged.

A manual pump is also a must-have convenience for airplane travel. Trust me, you do not want your giant Pump In Style cement-block-of-a-bag to be your sole carry-on item. You will have lots of other sh*t that you have to carry. And if you need to pump while flying, for example… it’s all good.

I have actually used my hand pump while on a car trip — because you (obviously) can’t breastfeed while the car is moving. So, just pump in the back seat and bottle-feed! This makes men-who-hate-to-stop very happy.

Honestly, after four years of pumping, I will tell you that you can indeed get a very strong suction from a handpump, and a nice long pull.

Personally, I think the Lansinoh Manual Pump is the best manual breast pump (because the shields are very comfortable), but really, any of them will do.

Pump Parts & Pieces

Admittedly, there are a lot of bits and pieces that go along with a pump. If you’re buying a new pump, all the accoutrements should come with it.

*Note: If you have one of the new-age wireless pumps, you’ll need to consult the brand for help with parts — this is more of a general overview and only applies to the more traditional (cough — older) pumps.

You may need to spend money on more shields (see below) to get you through the day, especially if you are Pumping At Work. If you’re borrowing or inheriting a second-hand pump, you may want to buy new tubing and breast shields, or just sterilize the ones you inherited. It’s fine. Really.

Here’s what’s what:

The breast shield (above) goes over your nipple and funnels your milk into a bottle (or storage bag). It looks like a megaphone or a horn (it’s more fun to call it a horn, non?).

Your nipple goes into the horn and the flange creates a tight seal on your breast. You’ll want to have MANY of these on hand so you don’t have to run to the kitchen and wash them each time you need to pump again. OH — and, they come in five different sizes. It’s okay for them to be a little too big, but if they are too small, you will squeeze the bejesus out of your poor nipples. This can cause damage and pain, which you do. not. want. Plus, it can hinder your pumping outcome.

The default size is Medium (24 mm). This works fine for normal-sized nipples (and dainty English nipples). If you have big Italian pepperoni nipples, you need to get the larger horns (they come in 30 and 36 mm). If you’re not sure if your nipples are big or small, they are probably big.

In between the bottle and the horn is a little white piece of plastic that acts like a valve. It keeps the milk flowing in one direction. If the valve is not in place, the pump will simply not work. Before you freak out when your pump isn’t working, always check to see the valve is in place. You can buy extra valves too because they get lost easily.

All non-wide mouth bottles should screw into whichever breastshields you buy, so you don’t need to buy special bottles for pumping unless specified. Ideally, you should pump directly into the bottle you are going to use to save on dish washing.

For an electric pump, there are two plastic tubes (or one tube, if you are using a single pump) that go from the housing and connect to the back of the shield (horn thingy).

The air in these tubes creates the suction that expresses the milk. They don’t ever get wet or anything, they only carry air. You only need one pair and you can always buy replacements.

Nobody enjoys pumping, you guys. But isn’t it so cool that we can do it? Technology is so great.

The post Picking a Breast Pump appeared first on Lucie's List.

Freemie’s newest pump, the Liberty (out in 2018), offers a few improvements to the original design (which we liked alright, BTW) and remains a much more affordable option for women looking for a wearable, wireless pump. 

That said, we hear a lot of complaints with this pump, and we’re still not 100% sold that wearable pumps are the way to go for everyone. Perhaps where the Freemie shines is actually in its component parts — more women love using the Freemie cups with a separate pump apparatus (see more below) than love the Liberty itself.

The pump itself is a small hexagon with an LCD screen — it’s roughly the size of your palm, weighs just about ½ pound, and you can clip it to your clothes. It has a rechargeable (USB) battery, which typically lasts for about an hour, give or take (thus, the battery life leaves something to be desired). It’s pretty quiet, though not 100% silent, clocking in at 50dB (for comparison, the OLD Medela PISA was ~60dB and the Medela Sonata is ~44dB).

The Freemie collection cups fit inside your bra (much like the Willow or the Elvie), making the Liberty ultra-portable. In fact, you can walk around, get in your car, leave the house — whatever — with it. It’s hands free (the collection cups do connect to the pump via tubes, just FYI).

The cups are reusable and hold 8 oz. each. This is more storage than other parallel options, such as the Willow, which holds 5 oz in each cup. (What this means for you: even if you’ve got a big supply, you probably won’t need to empty out the cups in the middle of a pumping session, which is SO annoying to have to do.) 

One of the biggest improvements with the Liberty (over Freemie’s previous pump offerings) is that its “Next Generation cups” ($89) now make for a closed system, meaning that milk won’t leak back into the tubing from the collection cups. Since this was a frequent complaint with the earlier iteration (and closed systems are just better, really…), we’re very pleased with the change.

Note that the Freemie collection cups, while subtler than traditional pump flanges and bottles, will still give you large, Madonna-like boobs while you’re using them. It’s 10 times more discreet than the standard alternative — bottles hanging off your boobs — but it’s far from invisible. 

Like pretty much every other wireless breast pump currently available, it will take a bit of finagling to both get things set up and then disassembled at the end. That is, you’ll likely need/want some privacy at the front and back end of a pumping session. 

The Liberty has an auto shut-off described as a “sleep timer,” which is nice… although we’re not sure that “sleeping while pumping” is quite as common as “sleeping while nursing.” Anyway, it’s there if you want it, and it’s in line with the auto-shut-off many other pumps also offer. (And many women say they really do benefit from this kind of feature because they’re more prone to lose track of time — while working, or something, mind you, not sleeping — with pumps like the Freemie, and the timer reminds them to call it quits.)

Note that the Freemie Independence breast pump, which is $50 cheaper, at $249, is identical to the Liberty save for the LCD display (it doesn’t have one) and the “sleep timer” (it also doesn’t have this).

If neither of these features are important to you, save the fifty bucks and go for the Independence.

*By far the biggest downside with the Freemie pump is that it simply doesn’t have the power other pumps like the Spectra, Baby Buddha, or Sonata (note that this is true of all the wearable breast pumps). While many users report the suction power does the trick, many others complain it takes much longer to pump and may even diminish your supply. 

It’s also a huge pain in the a$$ to clean, since the cups are not dishwasher safe (WHY?) and extra cups are hella expensive on their own ($79-89). 

Freemie Liberty Breast Pump Review — bottom line: Many moms are happy with the Freemie Liberty, while others wish it were stronger. If discretion while pumping is of the utmost importance, and you don’t want to shell out $500 to try out the Willow or the Elvie, give the Liberty a whirl. Better yet… since most moms seem to rave more about the “idea of the system,” and the cups themselves, rather than the actual Freemie Liberty Pump: just buy the collection cups to use with a stronger pump (may we suggest the Baby Buddha?) for the best of both worlds. Create your own Frankenstein breast pump!

The post Freemie Liberty Breast Pump Review appeared first on Lucie's List.

The Baby Buddha is more of a traditional pump in the sense that it looks like your standard double-electric, but it has some game-changing tweaks, and moms are simply gaga over it.

If we had to boil our Baby Buddha breast pump review down to a single word, it would be: powerful.

Let’s state the obvious first: this pump’s motor is unbelievably SMALL… like as small as an old-school Nokia phone. (Are you too young to know what we’re talking about? OK, then it’s like your parents’ garage door opener. No? OK, a TV remote. Wait. Nevermind.) Compared to the classic Medela Pump in Style, which we joke is the size of a cinder block, the size difference is night and day.

The pump itself hangs on a lanyard around your neck (what!?? that’s crazy), and the flanges attach to your breasts in much the same fashion as any standard pump.

Unlike the Willow and some other newer pumps, Baby Buddha is not going for discretion — i.e., you won’t be pumping in your cubicle, on the subway, or at lunch with friends. Instead, the strengths here are related to portability and power. 

Portable, Wireless and Hands-Free

Other popular battery-powered pumps like the Medela Freestyle and the Spectra S9 have let women pump on the fly, but the Baby Buddha takes portability to a whole new level. The pump is small and lightweight enough to wear around your neck, like your dorm card from college. It’s designed to be used with a hands-free pumping bra so that you can move about with no wires tethering you to a specific spot — a freeing feeling for many users and a huge improvement for pumping mothers who need to get sh*t done, whether it’s at home or in a private office.

(Note – the kit does not come with a pumping bra — you’ll need to purchase one separately. The upside here is that you have the freedom to use any bra you like. If you need some suggestions, check out our favorites.) 

Pro tip: Many women love using the Baby Buddha with Freemie collection cups, which help brings discretion into the experience (these now also come in a “slim-fit” edition). Indeed, it can be hacked to work with many other brands’ components, and we think using with Freemie cups is totally genius. It practically transforms the powerful Baby Buddha into the likes of the Willow or Elvie… for half the price… and the suction of a hospital-grade pump! 

Reviewers who’ve used Freemie cups with the Baby Buddha pump for a sort of DIY wearable say they’ve successfully pumped on planes, while biking, at dinner, and at the grocery store. (If you try this at home: know that you’ll probably want to wear a scarf or a loose top. The Freemie cups are not small… For more on the Freemie (including cups), read here.)

Suction, Power and Efficiency

Perhaps the key distinguishing features of the Baby Buddha are its power and efficiency. If users say anything about this pump, they say that it is strong. So much so that some women can only use it on the lower levels – ha! Be prepared :).

Yes, when it comes to extracting that liquid gold, the Baby Buddha outshines all other compact pumps — from the Freestyle to the Willow. In fact, some women say that the Baby Buddha’s suction is even superior to the Medela Symphony — a behemoth of a hospital-grade pump that’s known to help decrease the time it takes to pump and boost milk production.

According to many, many women, the pump’s impressive suction helps increase milk supply and does so much more efficiently (less time pumping!), getting them to “empty” more consistently than any other pump.

Win-win-win. Note: some women had sore nipples for the first few days, so there may be a bit of a “break-in” period. Make sure you’re taking care of your nipples!

Some additional things to keep in mind:

• The Baby Buddha is not particularly loud, but it does have the classic breast pump auditory features. (It’s comparable with the original Medela PISA, slightly louder than the Spectra models — many women say it can be heard over the phone.)

• If you’ve used other breast pumps before, you should know that the suction pattern on the Baby Buddha is different — it’s a “long pull pattern,” so it will likely feel different (personally, I love a long pull, but hey, everyone is different). 

• The Baby Buddha only comes with 24mm flanges, and since the suction is so strong, it’s extra important to make sure you have the correct size flanges for your breast/nipple size, lest you are in for a world of hurt. (Note — tons of women have confirmed that you can use Medela parts with it: score! In fact, the Baby Buddha is quite a “hackable” pump — it can operate with hardware from Lansinoh, Medela, Spectra, and Freemie brands. The company even spells it all out for you with a “component hacks” webpage — love this!)

• The pump’s parts are top-rack dishwasher safe, although the manufacturer admits they wear more quickly with dishwasher washing. 

• The charge on the Baby Buddha lasts about one hour, or roughly 2-4 pumping sessions. Although this battery capacity isn’t impressive, it doesn’t seem to bother most users since pumping sessions tend to be shorter. Many women say that a nightly charge works just fine to get them through the day. (Plus, it has a USB outlet, so it’s quite easy to charge on the go anyways.)

Bottom line: The Baby Buddha is small, portable, powerful, and downright delicious. It’s great for moms pumping at home (or perhaps a private office or nursing room at work) who value speed, output, and portability above all other things. In other words, the Baby Buddha is powerful, and it isn’t for the faint of heart! Unless you intend to hack it with Freemie cups, it’s not great for moms trying to pump discreetly in the company of others (during meetings and whatnot), those who know they need an extra long battery life, or those who are looking for an ultra-quiet pumping experience.

Enjoy!

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Wearable, Portable and Hands-Free

The Elvie pump fits directly on your breast(s), featuring a motor located within the breast cup itself. This is a big departure from a traditional breast pump where the motor is located in an external box (like the Spectra or the old-school/original Medela Pump in Style).

The Elvie is wireless, tubeless, incredibly quiet, and hands-free. Everything, from the machination to milk collection, is all contained within a single unit that fits inside your regular bra. 

The long and short with the Elvie pump is that it has a lot of potential but also some snags — and some women hate it just as much as others adore it… Let’s take a closer look.

Setup

To get set up, you’ll need to assemble the wearable pump (there are 5 pieces for each side, which easily fit together) and place it directly against your breast. You’ll likely need two hands to get started, to ensure the pump is properly positioned at your nipple; you can clip your nursing bra closed after you experience let-down. 

Note that the Elvie pump needs some serious support — especially for women who produce enough milk to fill the storage bottles, you’ll want a good nursing bra to hold the pump (and milk) securely in place at your breast. Afterwards, in theory, you can sit back, relax, and… do whatever you want. 

Performance 

Many women who’ve used the Elvie really love it, but a sizable number also really don’t… While some hail the Elvie as “game-changing” and “emancipating” in comparison to other pumps — and totally think it’s worth the price tag — others sum up that they “love the pump in theory, but it doesn’t work great” or say that it’s “useless.” (Keep in mind that most insurance companies do not cover the newer hands-free pumps like the Elvie and the Willow.)

Yes, much like with the Willow, there are equal numbers of women who are obsessed with Elvie as there are who regret buying it. There’s a clear split between the fan club and frustrated users — and unfortunately there’s no foolproof way to predict which category you might fall into, because everyone’s body is different.

The most frequent points of praise for the Elvie are that it’s portable, convenient, and discreet.

The most frequent complaints about the Elvie are that it leaks (*this is a HUGE problem, in our opinion, and it tends to be exacerbated when you’re mobile… which is supposed to be the whole point, right?), it’s temperamental, it doesn’t have powerful suction (many women say they wind up needing to pump separately after removing the Elvie to empty their breasts fully), and that the app gives faulty info.

The Elvie (like the Willow) is a bold attempt to redefine some of the priorities behind pumping. Other wireless pumps have shifted the focus of pumping to mobility, but the very design of the Elvie is doubling down on that — and, to a certain extent, it’s doubling down on discretion, too. 

Though it does succeed to some extent, again — there are tradeoffs:

Discretion

Yes, you can use this in public, at work or lunch, or anywhere. The ability to pump breast milk in front of people without their knowing is revolutionary, friends, seriously. But because the Elvie was also created to store 5 oz. containers of milk “on site,” your boobs may look comically big, at least to you. One reviewer said: “I do look a little bit… crazy.” Another said she felt like a femmebot from Austin Powers.

The Elvie also doesn’t completely eliminate the need for some private space on the front and back ends of pumping. To get things set up and begin pumping, you’ll need to access your breast and pay attention (it does take some finagling). Same thing goes for the finishing up of a session. 

Pro-tip: If, like many women, you’re uncomfortable about your boobs appearing bigger (much bigger), try using a nice oversized scarf to help conceal your bust. 

Tracking and visibility

The collecting bags are in the breast cup itself, so there’s very little visibility or physical access. Because of that, many women say it’s tough to gauge how much milk they are actually collecting, which can be somewhat confusing, if not downright nerve-wracking. If you are a first-time pumper, this may simply be your norm, but if you’ve pumped before, know that not having that real-time visibility can be a big adjustment.

Mobility

The biggest reason women who love the Elvie love it is because it enables them to retain some measure of independence while pumping. You can walk around, eat your lunch, work at your desk, drive, or take your dog for a (slow) walk — all of which is great. But the device still requires more-or-less “stationary activity.” It falters with bending or any real activity. **To repeat: MANY users warn that the Elvie leaks if you do anything that entails bending over.

Power

Lastly, unlike the wireless BabyBuddha, the Elvie is not known for its power and has a weaker suction than that of the Spectra S1 pumps (and others). In fact, many women say it’s less efficient than other pumps because of its gentle suction. For this reason, it’s not the best choice for increasing milk supply. 

Insurance Coverage, the Smart Phone App, and the Elvie vs Willow Debate:

• Some insurances may cover it, which distinguishes it from its other newer “classmates.”
• Many users complain about the Elvie app, saying that its volume tracking is inaccurate and unreliable… which is a problem since you can’t actually see how much milk you are collecting (in a few instances, it even resulted in spillage when the app didn’t pick up on the actual milk volume in a collection bottle).
• Regarding the Willow v. Elvie showdown: there isn’t really a clear-cut winner; we’ve heard from women who line up to defend both brands. But because of its app’s enhanced milk-tracking accuracy, its reputation for (slightly) stronger suction, its having fewer parts to deal with, and the fact that it now offers reusable collection containers, (if we had to call it) we’d probably say the Willow is the better option, but it’s close — and we don’t universally think these wearable breast pumps are better for everyone.

Bottom line: if discretion is what you’re after, give the Elvie a look. It (might) allow you the freedom to pump anywhere (though not while bending over). However, the downside is that it’s not particularly powerful or fast and the tech can be buggy. If speed and power are of utmost importance, you may want to look elsewhere for enhanced milk production.

The post The Elvie Pump appeared first on Lucie's List.

If you’re not planning on using your pumped milk within 4 hours, you should put it in the refrigerator (in the bottle is fine). If you’re not planning on using it within 4 days, you need to freeze it. In the freezer, it will stay good for a maximum of 6 months. *You may not want to pump too far ahead because the composition of your milk – and your baby’s needs – will change over time.

Remember:

Four hours (out/at room temperature); four days (in the fridge); 6 months (in the freezer).

How do you store it, you ask? You can store your milk in containers, but the go-to for most pumping mothers is breastmilk storage bags, which are more convenient and take up less space. This is one arena in which there is room for product development, IMO, as there is simply not very much on the market that’s super impressive… but for now the leading favorite remains the Lansinoh storage bags.

Especially given all the new breast pump technology in the 21st century, it drives me bonkers that there aren’t better breastmilk storage solutions for pumping moms. To be frank, there isn’t a whole heck of a lot to be that excited about… However, many pump makers are starting to manufacture their own storage bags, so check if your particular pump offers those, because you can often pump directly into them, which is nice.

Milkies Milk Trays allow moms to freeze expressed breast milk in 1 oz servings (note — there is no 1 oz. line indicator on the tray, so the measuring is imperfect). Each tray freezes eight ~1-oz milk sticks, and the design is specific so that each one can fit into bottle openings (this is why you can’t just use a regular ice tray — well, you could, it would just be super annoying). Some people love this option, but others find it prone to “loss” given the pouring and transport. You may want to put the covered tray inside a big freezer ziploc, too, for a better seal around the whole thing. *Made in the U.S.A.

Kiinde also makes the Twist breastmilk storage system, and I have to say it’s pretty darn cool. With the Twist, you can pump, store (freeze), organize, re-heat, and feed — all without having to transfer the milk. Best of all, there is only one little piece (the nipple) to clean. People are gaga over this one (even though he went to MIT and I went to Tech — the real Tech, that is — we can still be friends). One thing to consider with the Kiinde Twist bags are that they take up more freezer space (because they don’t lie flat) compared to the Lansinoh bags, or something similar.

Check out the video here shot at the 2015 ABC Baby Show:

Yes, I highly recommend the Kiinde system for pumping mothers.

I also suggest getting the milk storage organizer by The First Years [below] to organize your milk by date.

If you plan to be pumping at work at any point, check here for a few other basic supplies…

That’s it for feeding, folks! Next up is our baby clothing guide, which features baby clothes that are comfortable.

The post Breast Milk Storage appeared first on Lucie's List.

Note that you can also use a standard swaddle blanket in a pinch. It happens.

There are a few different options in terms of styles: apron covers, which loop around your neck much like an apron; shawls, which generally fit more like a poncho or loose-fitting cover up; and scarves, which unfurl into an oversized garment piece you can use to cover up.

Each category has its pros and cons (see individual product descriptions below for more on this), and also know that at the end of the day, the big secret is: you don’t actually need a nursing cover, per se. Yes, there are many non-maternity clothing items out there you could use to get the job done, most notably a poncho, loose-fitting shawl, or even a flowy wrap-around cardigan. The products below are all nursing-specific, and they’re the hands-down crowd faves in the nursing cover department, but if you want to use something else, go for it.

*One thing that moms (and babies) always complain about with nursing covers is that it can get VERY hot under there — like a mini-inferno. So if you live in a warm climate or are expecting a baby in the spring or summer, we suggest opting for a thinner, more breathable fabric.

One other word for the wise — use your nursing cover at home a few times before bringing it out “into the wild.” It usually takes a few tries to really “get it” and it’s much more comfortable to work out the logistics in private vs. in public (especially if you have a screaming baby on your hands).

Best Nursing Covers

Here are our favorite nursing covers for breastfeeding, in order of price:

Boppy Nursing Cover ~$19 — Economy Pick

From the makers of the beloved Boppy nursing pillow, this is a high-quality nursing cover many moms love. The strap around the neck is adjustable, and the neckline has some heft/structure to it so it’s easy to peek down to see how baby is doing. (It’s similar to the Bebe Au Lait cover, below, but at a better price point.) It’s also machine washable and folds into a little easy-to-carry pouch.

Bamboobies Nursing Shawl ~$24 — Best Coverage (Tie) & Best for Full-Figured Moms

This is a lightweight, breathable, stretchy poncho-esque cover-up that many women love because of its cute look. This type of nursing cover provides full 360-degree coverage, which is more comfortable for many moms, so that’s another plus (no side boob here!). It also comes in a kimono version, which you can opt to wear open, like a robe. We like that you can keep using this piece long after you’re done nursing, and it also doubles as a (lightweight) car seat cover. Note that the style works well for larger-breasted and plus-sized mamas.

Copper Pearl 5-in-1 Nursing Cover ~$26 — Best Coverage (Tie) & Best Prints

This stretchy and versatile nursing cover has been a quick hit among young mamas — you can wear it like a poncho to nurse plus use it as a fashionable scarf, a car-seat cover, a high chair cover (WHY?), or a shopping cart cover (also why). In case you can’t tell, we think this is really a 3-in-1 product, but still — it’s *super comfortable and it’s actually cute. This one definitely takes the cake on print options — choose from a number of chic designs that are reminiscent of a softer Lilly Pulitzer kind of look.

NüRoo Nursing Scarf ~$29

Another fashionable and versatile option is to scoop up a nursing scarf, like this one from NuRoo. The upsides with scarves are that they’re subtle and you can keep wearing one long after the nursing days are over — the downside is that you have to really have the hang of it to use comfortably and confidently for breastfeeding in public. Nursing scarves give less coverage and things tend to be more… visible. If you’re OK with that, this is an excellent (and stylish) choice! Many reviewers hail this as a great dupe for the fan-fave Lulu Lemon snap scarf.

Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover ~$36 — Best Nursing Apron

The Bebe Au Lait is a longstanding favorite that comes in a handful of different colors/patterns. Since it’s an apron, it’s quite accessible and especially good for warmer temps (but not so much for windy days!).

Seraphine Bamboo & Cotton Nursing Shawl ~ $55 — Upgrade Pick

This drapey (is that a word??) shawl from Seraphine is made with a breathable bamboo-cotton blend and snaps at the shoulder for easy access. Definitely a fashionable and comfy piece to keep wearing beyond nursing. (For more similar pieces from Seraphine, see here.)

One thing to note: for whatever reason, Amazon is flooded with crappy, cheap nursing covers — watch out for these!

Honestly, nursing covers are super helpful for breastfeeding moms. Don’t leave home without it!

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Nursing pillows are designed to be used while mom is sitting upright. An alternative approach is “laid back nursing,” which many feel is a more natural position. If you find that laid back nursing is more comfortable, these pillows won’t be of much use.

Here are some of the best nursing pillows, in order of price — these are the five pillows that mamas love most:

The Boppy Original ~$34 — Budget/Economy Pick

The best-selling Boppy is a thicker, horseshoe-shaped pillow that fits around your waist (no buckling necessary). (It comes “bare,” so if you want a design and/or a washable cover, note that those are sold separately for ~$12 each.)

It’s easier to get on (and off) than the My Brest Friend (below), but it may not feel as sturdy.

The Boppy is a multi-use pillow; your baby can hang out in it on the floor or on your bed (*not for sleeping!), and you can use it later for tummy time. Heck, I even used mine as a sleeping pillow.

In my experience, the Brest Friend (next on the list) is wonderful during the early days when your baby has no head control, while the Boppy is better around 2-4 months because it’s less of a hassle to get on and off. After about 4 months or so, your baby is big enough to nurse without a pillow.

There’s also the Boppy Best Latch ($49), which is a two-sided nursing pillow. It has one soft side (like the Original Boppy) and one firmer side (shockingly similar to the My Brest Friend). And like the My Brest Friend, it wraps around you and clips in place. Some think this pillow is the best of both worlds; others find it too big and complicated. *Not recommended for short-waisted or petite women.

My Brest Friend ~$45 — Best Most Unfortunately-Named Nursing Pillow

The My Brest Friend is essentially more like a nursing shelf. It wraps around your whole body and buckles on the side, which makes it very secure.

Because of this, the setup is a little more tedious; you need both hands. On the plus side, the security is wonderful — and you don’t feel like baby is going to slip between you and the pillow.

However since it’s tightish around your middle, the My Brest Friend is not ideal for C-section moms (not until you heal, at least).

Some people find it hard to hold the baby and wrap this thing around you at the same time. I agree, but I still think it’s a great tool. It also makes a very fashionable skirt or tutu to model for your friends, lol.

They also make one especially for twins (~$74, see also: best nursing pillows for twins). My lord, you could land an F-16 on this thing!!

One Z Nursing Pillow ~$59 — Most Back Support

The singleton version of their popular Twin Z pillow, this one is GIANT (about the size of a dog bed), but soooo very comfortable.

If you get this, I recommend you keep it where you nurse most frequently because you won’t want to be carrying it from room to room. You can also use it as a baby lounger (again, not for sleeping). (Also comes in plus size.)

Luna Lullaby ~$59

While most pillows are ‘U’ shaped, this one is an ‘L.’ A few advantages to this:

1. It’s not tight around a sore postpartum or C-section belly
2. This pillow is longer than most, so it won’t be outgrown as quickly
3. It looks fine on your couch and doesn’t scream “nursing pillow!!” Many moms even report sleeping with it.
4. Many plus-size women prefer the L-shape for comfort

Because there’s no clip in the back, it’s not as secure or tight-fitting as the Brest Friend or Boppy Best Latch; people either like this about the Luna Lullaby pillow or they don’t.

Blessed Nest Nursing Pillow ~$98 — Upgrade/Organic Pick

The Blessed Nest pillow is shaped like a crescent moon and made of buckwheat hulls — yes, buckwheat hulls — with an organic cotton cover. It may sound weird, but the grain filling actually makes for a great product. The Blessed Nest is heavy (5.5 pounds, to be exact) and moldable (like a bean bag). It’s designed to conform to your baby and help keep them in place while you’re nursing, rather than just support your arm (like most nursing pillows).

Like the Luna Lullaby, this pillow can go on to serve other purposes beyond breastfeeding because it’s so comfy — sleep with it, snuggle with it, use it as a leg rest, use it for tummy time, etc. It’s quite versatile (for a pillow!).

Many moms and lactation consultants prefer the Blessed Nest to the Boppy or My Brest Friend for its heft and support — if you can splurge and/or you definitely want something organic, this is where it’s at!

The post Nursing Pillows appeared first on Lucie's List.

We talk a lot on this site about how difficult breastfeeding is in the beginning (#realstory), so I made a small collection of items (below) that I recommend you have on hand to prepare for the travails of nursing. You can usually purchase all of these things directly from your LC, but you will probably pay double (not that you give a flying F at that point about what things cost…).

The DIY Breast Care Kit

Your nipples can take a lot of abuse in those early days of learning how to latch properly. Think of the abuse your clutch took when you were learning how to drive a stick shift for the first time (if you’re too young for that, then, NM…) — same thing for your nipples.

There are four things we recommend to apply directly to your nipples:

Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter ~$13

This is an olive oil-based cream that is much less viscous than a lanolin-based cream. Applying thick, honey-like lanolin to sore nipples can, in and of itself, be painful. Use this instead.

Mother Love Nipple Cream ~$12

This literally goes on like butter. It is so soothing to your sore, cracked, bleeding nipples. Best of all, it’s completely safe for baby so you don’t have to rub it off before baby — ouch! — latches again.

Neosporin ~$4

If there are open sores on your nipples, you can apply Neosporin to help them heal quickly. My lactation consultant said you can use a little bit without having to wash it off before nursing (why does it matter, you ask? Because washing your nipples hurts). If that freaks you out, consult your pediatrician. It works well, trust me!

Lansinoh Soothies ~$10 for a 2 pack

Soothies are cool, silicone pads that pamper sore (cracked, bleeding, oozing) nipples. The $10/pair price tag becomes a complete non-issue if you end up with latching difficulty and thus, a lot of pain. I suggest having one pair on hand to start; you can buy more if needed. (Each pair lasts for several days.)

More help…

• If your nipples become damaged, use breast shells ($15 for 2) to prevent them from touching… anything, including your own bra. Ah, oooh, ouch ouch ouch. So painful.

• If your baby has trouble latching or if your nipples are flat or inverted, you may benefit greatly from a nipple shield (~$7… don’t use long-term; consult a lactation consultant for more information). Many moms say this nipple shield was the secret bullet that allowed them to nurse successfully.

• For pumping specifically, a lanolin-based nipple cream (~$12) is perfect for smearing around the inside of the breast shield (see below). Like pistons in your car’s engine, your nipples also need to be lubricated while pumping or else they can become badly chafed. Think of this as Valvoline for your nipples. I don’t recommend using it directly on your nipples if they are damaged – this stuff is super viscous and may hurt just to apply it.

Relieving Engorgement

At some point in your nursing career you will almost certainly experience engorgement and/or blocked ducts. Trying to balance a bag of frozen peas on your sore breast will only get you so far.

A few options:

• This 6-pack of round hot and cold packs (~$17) are made of gel beads, which you can heat or freeze, and have a soft fabric backing so they are comfortable to use directly against your skin. Reviewers love these, saying they mold perfectly to the shape of the breast (or whatever body part you want to use them for).

• I love these ice/heating packs (~$15) by Philips Avent that are circular shaped for your breast. They’re hard to find these days… (hence the hefty price tag — they’re often out of stock).

• You can also use cabbage leaves, which fit very nicely into your bra. Keep them in your fridge and pull one out when you need it. (Note: overuse of cabbage leaves can decrease milk supply.)

• Yet another alternative is wetting and freezing a diaper (a disposable diaper). This makes for a perfect booby ice pack.

• You can also try Lansinoh’s TheraPearl Breast Therapy Pack (~$15) or Bamboobies Soothing Nursing Pillows (~$19). The Lansinoh Therapearl Pack can be used independently or with a breast pump, which is a nice feature. The Bamboobies Pillows have a flaxseed base and are dual-sided.

*For both of these, you can throw them in the microwave for a hot press or in the freezer for a cold pack. Then, slip them directly into your bra for instant relief — from everything from mastitis, to clogged ducts, to engorgement to nipple pain. Many women report great success with these while suffering from severe nipple pain, engorgement, and/or clogged ducts while nursing or pumping.

Nursing Pads

Drip, drip, drip.

Your breasts will leak milk when you aren’t nursing, especially in the beginning – and especially during your let-down (the point when your milk starts coming out).

If you don’t wear breast pads, you will get embarrassing milk circles on your bra/shirt, which is suuuuuper sexy… but no. Some people leak for almost a year (me – ha!) and others stop leaking after a few months. You will be buying breast pads as often (perhaps) as you buy diapers, so stock up!

My favorite solution in the beginning is an old-fashioned disposable breast pad. There are tons of different kinds on the market, but the favorites are Medela and Lansinoh.

A couple of annoying downsides for both of these disposables are:

1. They come individually wrapped in plastic, so you have to unwrap, peel the sticky tabs off, blah blah. This requires two hands. It’s kind of a pain. (Plus — what a waste…)
2. They aren’t totally smooth, so you may have that I-stuffed-my-bra-with-Kleenex look. Oh well… you’re nursing. Looking smooth may not be at the top of the priority list.

I’ve tried a couple of other solutions, none of which I liked. Lilypadz ($19) are silicone cups that fit tight against your skin. It makes your nipples look like bugs on a windshield. These are washable and reusable and are supposed to last for weeks. However, I found them to be itchy and suffocating and they did NOT last very long for me – maybe 10 days or so. Meh. They are good, however, for special occasions when you need to wear a tight-fitting or tailored shirt or dress. Fine.

There are other reusable nursing pads out there, if you don’t mind the hassle of washing them, which will save you money (and landfill space) over the long-run. *I definitely do not recommend these for beginners or anyone whose nipples might be sore or damaged, as they will stick to wounds on your nipples and just make the situation even worse. A favorite is the Bamboobies Nursing Pad set (~$17).

See also: Nursing Supplements, do they work?

The post Breastfeeding Supplies appeared first on Lucie's List.

It was hard at first (it’s hard even for a singleton), but after the initial learning curve, it became much easier.

We highly recommend a nursing pillow for new nursing moms—especially for MoMs. Getting two tiny, wiggly babies in the correct position and holding them in place is no small feat. Newborns can conceivably spend four hours a day on the boob (a piece), so it’s important to get comfy. Here are our recommendations for the best nursing pillows for twins.

Best Nursing Pillows for Twins

Twin Z Pillow~ $119

I love my Twin Z Pillow!

If I had one item to bring to a desert island, it would be the Twin Z pillow. It’s truly amazing. During the first few weeks I literally just lounged in this pillow with the girls while they ate and slept. The middle section comes up and becomes a backrest, while the two sides wrap around you and clip in front. With all the different uses (nursing, bottle feeding, tummy time, sitting up and lounging), this pillow is my top pick. It’s also on my list of Top 5 Most Useful Items for Twins.

My Brest Friend Twins Plus Deluxe~ $74

My Brest Friend has a twin breastfeeding pillow that gets rave reviews. It’s a little different than others in that it clips around your back, providing back support and a stable base for tandem (or single) nursing. The best part is the pocket on the side, so you never lose your ever-important iPhone and water during those first few frenetic days of nursing. I used this, and it was one of the best and easiest ways for me to tandem-nurse – definitely a twin baby registry guide must-have!

TwinGo Nurse & Lounge Pillow ~ $179

Yes this pillow from TwinGo is a bit (okay, a lot) spendy, but here’s why we think it’s worth it: not only is it an amazing nursing and bottle feeding pillow for twins (and, because it comes with two pillows, it’s stackable too — so you can adjust the height! No more hunching over babies to feed them!), but it has sooooo many other uses as well. Use the pillows for tummy time, lounge-time as babies get older but can’t yet sit up unassisted, it can be a lap pillow for adults, and — get this — you can use it as a massage table for adults, too! <– YES! For real! (I want one…).

We also love that the TwinGo Nurse & Lounge Pillow has a super firm back pillow for lumbar support, and that its unique buckle system ensures a good and comfortable fit for parents of all sizes.

Luna Lullaby ~ $58

This pillow is highly recommended for nursing twins because of the ‘L’ shape. It’s not tight around a sore postpartum or C-section belly and it’s longer than most. It’s also a comfy pillow to use during pregnancy or for reading at night. Yes, very versatile indeed.

Boppy ~ $45

I was able to use the Boppy to tandem feed, but it works only if you can fit the darn thing around your waist (the postpartum twin belly is something to behold…). This isn’t as hands-free as a tandem feeding pillow, but I would prop the baby’s heads up on the side and hold my arms around them. Again, not our favorite, but if you can borrow a Boppy from your friend (because everyone has one), it could be a nice extra for a second floor.

Brest Friend Travel Pillow~ $30

If you plan on going places with these babies, and you know you’ll be gone for more than three hours (livin’ on the wild side), you’ll need a way to nurse them. I did my fair share of feeding in the car when the girls were little.

Yes, I could feed them one at a time just about anywhere, but that stressed me out because they both always wanted to be eat nowwww (!!!). Inevitably, one baby will be crying and you will wonder how much longer the other baby will be eating – ACK! Trust me… it’s too much.

Instead, do ’em both at once with this handy dandy inflatable nursing pillow. Since it’s made for one baby, you can actually fit it in the front seat (while the car is off and in “park”, people) and (semi-) discreetly feed both babies at once.

Recap: Again, if you have a big house, or plan on feeding in different areas, it’s important to get one pillow for each area. Trust me, “running upstairs to get something” after a c-section is NOT advised.

Don’t be afraid to mix it up; I had the Luna for the family room, the Boppy for the nursery, and Twin Z for the main playroom. Get a little crazy!

The post Best Nursing Pillows for Twins appeared first on Lucie's List.

Too good to be true? Well, yes, and no — the Willow comes with a pretty hefty price tag ($499.99, to be exact), and though it does have a fan club, it’s not without flaws. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the investment, the answer is… maybe.

There are as many women who say that the Willow is a MUST HAVE!! and LIFE-CHANGING! as who label it a COMPLETE WASTE OF MONEY!! or WORST PUMP EVER. Depending on whom you ask, the Willow will either “give you your life back” or wind up being a $$$ piece of garbage. This is the way of things with breast pumps. Much like with baby bottles, swaddles, or even your favorite pair of jeans, what works for one may be a total fail for another. If the Willow wasn’t five hundred dollars and non-returnable, we’d totally think it was worth seeing if you’re one of the women it works well for, but given the price tag, it might be a bit of a gamble.

If you’re a breastfeeding mom who has been on the internet in the last two years, you’ve probably seen ads for the Willow breast pump. It’s a gorgeous piece of machinery: two sleek bra-cup shaped pumps designed to slide into the bra you’re already wearing so you can pump breast milk literally anywhere. The pitch is compelling: no more hiding in an office bathroom or being tethered to the nearest electrical outlet.

The Willow is the third breast pump I’ve used, and while I didn’t find it to be the most powerful or effective at pumping milk, I did find it to be the most convenient… and, dare I say, liberating?

Before Setting it Up

Willow’s packaging is just as lovely as the pump itself — opening it feels as close to Christmas morning as opening a new breast pump could.

The instructions booklet is long, but thorough. You might be tempted to start pumping the second you open the box, but make sure you read the instructions first. The step-by-step guidance (on everything from positioning to charging) may be tedious, but you won’t regret the time investment.

You’ll also want to download the Willow app. That’s right — joining the smart-pump trend, the Willow breast pump is app-enabled and allows you to track your sessions: how long you’ve pumped, how much you’ve collected, how strong the suction was. The app is not just really cool to watch — it’s actually an essential part of your experience with the pump. Unlike other more traditional pumps, you can’t actually see how much milk you’re collecting while pumping with the Willow, so you’ll rely on the app to keep track for you.

On your device, you can see (in real time) how much milk you’ve expressed on each side, supposedly down to a tenth of an ounce. The app also shows your total milk volume and the duration of your pumping session. It’s kind of addicting to watch the numbers go up.

Personally, I found the app experience frustrating at first because as I tried to create an account, the verification email never came so I couldn’t move forward. I contacted customer support and was told it could take up to 24 hours to receive the verification email. Mine never came, so I tried again with an alternative email address, and the verification email arrived about four hours later. It was a minor inconvenience, as the pump still works and stores all of your information without the app, but still an annoyance.

Set Up

For me, setting up the pump was a cinch. There are just three parts: the wireless pumps, the flextube and the bag (or the container). It couldn’t be easier and the instructions are very clear.

The most difficult part is making sure your nipples line up with the pump’s flange. There is a very specific way the Willow has to rest on your breast to create a seal and extract milk. I used a mirror to make sure my nipples were positioned correctly. Contrary to the manual’s suggestion, I had more success with a traditional underwire bra than I did with a nursing bra. After nursing two babies, my boobs are a little floppier than they once were. I found a stretchy nursing bra just made everything sag too low to get a good suction, but a supportive underwire bra actually held my boobs to the pump just right.

Seamless, Wireless, Quiet — The Verdict

The best part about this hands-free pump is how discreet it actually is. Willow advertises that it is so quiet you can use it during a conference call. That is 100% true. The pump is nearly silent.

The beauty of this pump, in my opinion, though, really comes with its ultra portable design. Since the cups are wireless and can be tucked away under your bra, you’re not glued to an electrical outlet, and you don’t have to hide in a designated pumping area. You might not want to wear this pump during an in-person meeting or at a business lunch, but you could totally wear it in your office or cubicle with confidence.

*That said, I do look like Dolly Parton when I use the Willow. At 5’2’’ and 115 pounds, I have a pretty small frame, and wearing it transformed me into some kind of Austin Powers breast pump femmebot. I would not suggest wearing the Willow to a meeting with your boss, but for casual office use or on an airplane, a baggy cardigan or sweater hides it just fine (and larger framed women might have less of a problem with this). Though, for many women, the aesthetic is enough that they don’t feel comfortable wearing the Willow out of the house at all.

The Output

The suction felt strong, though not painful like some other pumps I have used. Even still, I wasn’t able to pump as much milk as I expected. My daughter is 8-months-old and weighs 24 pounds, so I know she’s well fed, but I only produced between 1-4 ounces during my 25-minute sessions with the Willow, while with my Spectra, I am able to get 4 ounces on each side. I’m not sure if this is a problem on my end, or if the suction needed more umph. [See also: Our review of the Spectra]

Which takes me to my next point…

Collection Bags and Containers

Since the pump is small and discreet, the bags that collect the milk are too. Bags for the Willow Generation 3 only hold 4 ounces, and for some women, the small bags present a large problem. (*Gen 2 collection bags were actually 5 oz. bags — whhhyy did they make them smaller?)

One mama who shared her experience on Babycenter was unhappy about the small amount of milk each pump bag could hold, writing: “The bags only fit 4 oz, but this is best case scenario. I have never been able to get to 4 oz, because the air in the bag counts toward space available. I typically get to 3 oz, then have to stop and replace a new bag in order to continue. My left breast always pumps way more then my right. A typical session is 5 oz left, and 2 oz right. So my one pumping session ends up with 3 bulky bags (7 oz total).”

The bags are expensive, too. The pump itself is $499, and the bags are $23.99 for 48. Since you have two boobs and will use two bags at a time, that’s only enough for 24 pumping sessions, which means you’re paying $1 per pump session. The cost adds up.

The good news is, the leak proof bag really is leak proof. I even tried shaking and pressing on the bag and the milk stayed in place. Some milk does leak out of the flextube when disassembling, though. Willow says just a few drops, it seemed like about ½ teaspoon or more to me.

I used the bags, but you could also opt to purchase the reusable milk collection containers (above), though they are also pricey (at $49 for a pair). Unfortunately, many women complain that these are glitchy and hella-annoying to clean, and Willow says that they generally only last a couple of months before needing to be replaced (what??!). But, it’s an option.

Cleaning

The Willow is super easy to clean. Once you pull the bag out and store it in the freezer or refrigerator, you’re just left with the flextube and the flange. The pump comes with a brush for cleaning inside of both — and all the pieces have a storage bag for tossing in your purse.

*Note that the reusable containers are a little more annoying to clean…

Charging the Electric Pump

Because there are no cords on the pump, you have to remember to charge it. One full charge lasts 2+ pumping sessions. But (and it’s a big but)… you only get one charger for two pumps, so your charging time is automatically doubled.

Costs and Insurance Coverage

At $499, the price point for the Willow is quite high (understatement?). It’s more than double the Spectra S2 ($199), more than the Medela Pump in Style ($169), annnnd more than Medela’s smart pump, the Sonata (~$359).

And, of note, Willow is now approved for full or partial coverage by many health insurance companies. You can also pay for the Willow Breast Pump with an FSA or HSA account. And if none of those are an option for you but you still really want to give the Willow a try, it is now available on payment plan by Affirm.

The Bottom Line

If pumping discretion (and having a wearable breast pump) is of the utmost importance to you – especially if you are a working mom – the Willow might be well worth it. But if you don’t *need the wearable feature, you might be better off with a traditional pump (this is less “risky” of a purchase, at least).

I have a friend who is a destination wedding photographer. When she’s on the job, she can’t spend 30 or 40 minutes in the bathroom while a wedding is happening, so she wears the Willow Pump while shooting and then hands it off to an assistant to put in the fridge.

If you’re wondering if it works better than a traditional pump, my answer would be no. But can you use a traditional pump while shooting a wedding ceremony? Ehhhhh – no.

Ultimately, whether or not the Willow is worth it depends on your needs. If you only pump occasionally from your home, then this may not be for you. But if, like my friend, are always on the go and are struggling to find a place to pump discreetly and peacefully, then the Willow is a potential option.

See also:

• Spectra Review
• Medela Sonata Review
• Our Favorite Breast Pumps
• New Breast Pump Technology
• Our Guide to Free Breast Pumps (& Lactation Services) through Insurance

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