39 out of 39 people found this review helpful.
Medela Pump In Style Advanced Backpack - Style and Function
Date of Review: Nov 22, 2006
The Bottom Line: Attractive pumping unit. Very efficient with two phases to increase milk flow.
I prefer to breastfeed my babies, so when I found out I was pregnant with Jack, I knew I would need to purchase a pump. I borrowed one when I had Lauren and had since returned it. Fortunately, my husband had a great benefit at work to receive a Medela breast pump for a copay of $125. I immediately ordered!
What comes in the Backpack:
*Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump with 2 Phase Expression pumping in a stylish black microfiber bag: The bag has a handle at the top (between the shoulder straps) for easy one handed carrying as well as the backpack straps that are comfortable and wide. Each zipper has two metal pulls which clank together fairly loudly when you walk. If they are not together, the bag is unzipped, so no way around the clanking. There is a side pocket for a water bottle (I keep the car adapter in this pocket). There is a zippered wallet on the opposite side of the side pocket. I have used the mesh pocket inside the wallet area, but that is about it. I would not use this for a purse. I suppose this could be used to store small pieces of paper, etc. It would work for money - especially bills. The top portion has a rounded opening for the cooler carrier and the bottom houses the motor and has an area for the tubing and/or AC adapter. The back has an opening which is perfect for a newspaper, magazine, or thin books to be carried. Nice for entertainment while pumping!
*Removable cooler carrier: This has an identification areas on the top of the zippered bag. The inside is lined to help keeping milk cold. This is a rectangular bag which needs to be manipulated a bit to get into the rounded opening of the backpack. The insulation is great! I have forgotten the ice pack, but after refrigerating the milk, it stayed cold for over an hour.
*Removable motor unit: Might be nice if I want to convert to a backpack when I stop pumping.
*Double pumping accessory kit: Two horns. I don't have a handsfree bra kit so I tend to just pump one side at a time. I have one hand free to do other things like writing, turning pages, etc.
*Manual breastpump: I haven't used, I use the electric!!
*Cooling element (Freezer non-conforming plastic piece that is contoured to surround four bottles. The shape is great with Avent bottles. It surround a portion of the bottle to keep it cold. It helps cool the milk faster this way too.
*AC adapter: Heavy and the cord has twisted significantly over the past 3 months.
*Battery Pak with soft cover #9017004 I don't use this. It is a battery pack for anywhere pumping. I would think this would eat up batteries.
*4 collection containers and lids (small with lids, two are two piece lids) I used these to pump into when Jack was a couple months old. Quickly though, I outgrew the small bottles and have moved onto the larger ounce Avent bottles or use storage bags.
*2 container stands: To place the bottles, I have not used these.
*Breastfeeding Information Guide: Useful information about pumping and milk storage.
*Free breastpumping accessory samples: Very small lanolin sample. I do use lanolin so it was nice to have a small sample.
The Pump:
The pump has two cycles - 2 Phase Expression. The Let-down mode simulates your baby's initial rapid suckling to initiate faster milk flow. The Expression mode simulates your baby's slower, deeper suckling for maximum milk flow in less time. The button is available for convenience to skip the short quick cycle and move to the long rhythmical mode. If you do not want to or need to wait for the first cycle to complete, just press the button and the second phase begins. After two minutes it automatically switches to the longer rhythmical suctioning just like baby. There is a dial for the intensity of the suction. This is handy when you are sore from nursing. I do not notice pain with pumping and usually turn it to the highest setting. You can single or double pump. I tend to single pump - although it is more time consuming, I have one hand to do other things like surf the net, read, write, etc. I do not have a hands free bra set up.
My Experience
I love this bag. It is stylish and I have had many compliments about it (until they found out it was a breast pump!). It is heavy, but it fits everything you need for pumping away from home. It is easy to carry around.
The pump is efficient. Jack is four months old and I am able to pump approximately 22 ounces a day. I generally pump before Jack wakes up (when he cooperates!), once at work, and when I get home from work before getting Jack. Two days a week I pump in the car. The car adapter is difficult to get in and out of the car receptor, but it is a bit easier than when I first tried it. I do not notice a big difference in power using the car versus the wall outlet.
The pump does make noise. I don't think it is too bad. My in-laws say it sounds like a washing machine. At work, people outside my closed office door said they did not hear it. I'm not sure if it was that they didn't hear it or because it was a white noise. I don't have to turn up the t.v. volume when I am pumping if that gives you an idea of noise level.
Overall:
I am very pleased with this pump. I like the compactness and the style. It does not look at all like a breast pump and as I mentioned before, people compliment the bag and are surprised it is a pump. I am able to clean the bag with a damp cloth. I do not have experience with other brands, but I was pleased with Medela with Lauren and did not think about changing brands with Jack. Unfortunately, you can not use a breast pump on a trial basis. I would recommend researching the pumps, asking friends and lactation consultants and get one that fits your needs. Medela has limited edition styles out now, I prefer a basic black - it goes with everything. Good luck!
