https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:39:34 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/choosing-a-pump#post-2742620 Thu, 01 Jun 2017 09:36:09 +0000 pmerr 2742620@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LCTBQE: I was wondering about the battery life and suction on using a battery. I know when I used something other than a plug with the PISA (car charger/batteries), the suction wasn't great. I EPed last time, and am not sure if I'll be EPing or doing some nursing (I will go back to work, so I'll need to pump some). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/choosing-a-pump#post-2742619 Thu, 01 Jun 2017 09:34:51 +0000 pmerr 2742619@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kes18: Yeah, I have some hand me down medela bottles that only the lines are left on. I have so many bottles that I probably wouldn't use the spectra ones, especially if I was just connecting it to the medela parts since I have doubles of all of it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/choosing-a-pump#post-2742617 Thu, 01 Jun 2017 09:26:10 +0000 kes18 2742617@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pmerr: well the spectra tubing is real easy to slip off, the little diaphragm things are kind of annoying since you have to open them up and dry them out every time (but you have to do this even if you use the medela parts since they are the piece that make it a closed system), and for whatever reason (maybe most annoying) the bottles are already washing off 4mo in (so you can't see the oz markings). I have medela bottles 3 years old in perfect condition still! WTF! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/choosing-a-pump#post-2742610 Thu, 01 Jun 2017 09:11:44 +0000 skinnycow 2742610@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have the same freestyle set up posted above. I really love that it doesn't need to be plugged in constantly - it's great on the go. I have nothing to compare it to so not sure how output compares to the PISA. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/choosing-a-pump#post-2742605 Thu, 01 Jun 2017 09:01:27 +0000 pmerr 2742605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kes18: That's funny. I've had a few people say they'd rather use the spectra and get the adapter to use with the medela parts, so I was considering doing that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/choosing-a-pump#post-2742372 Wed, 31 May 2017 15:20:17 +0000 LCTBQE 2742372@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: now that I've seen the pisa in real life I am so glad you and pwnstar encouraged me to get the freestyle! So easy to pump while I'm getting ready in the morning and so much less bulky for my commute. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/choosing-a-pump#post-2742371 Wed, 31 May 2017 15:15:38 +0000 LCTBQE 2742371@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pmerr: I use the freestyle and got this setup through a medical supply place using my insurance. You don't plug the bag into the wall because the pump is so small and has a great battery life that it's not necessary. I EP (almost, I pump 4x a day every day of the week) and I only charge mine for a couple of hours every third day or so. The tote bag is nothing amazing, but it's light and easy to clean, and super easy for carrying back and forth from work. </p> [attach=6423/17/oqu2y2.338x600.IMG_4691.PNG] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/choosing-a-pump#post-2742342 Wed, 31 May 2017 14:35:32 +0000 kes18 2742342@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have the Medela PISA tote bag and I LOVE the bag. It is so so handy. Mine is on my second baby and seems to still be going strong (I bought it retail). I've never tried the freestyle though, seems useful. </p> <p>I also have a spectra and while I like it I still prefer the medela. They are pretty comparable but I don't get any more milk out with it and I find I actually need to do more compressions with my spectra. Plus, I really hate the spectra parts (compared to the medela ones). I might be in the minority though, who knows. There are conversion parts though, maybe ~$20 to use the medela flanges you already own and bottles. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/choosing-a-pump#post-2742243 Wed, 31 May 2017 12:54:01 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2742243@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I really like my Freestyle over the PISA&gt; </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/choosing-a-pump#post-2742239 Wed, 31 May 2017 12:51:48 +0000 pmerr 2742239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: After EPing for almost a year, I know my motor was definitely pretty weak, but could be a nice back up, or something to leave at work so I don't need to transport it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/choosing-a-pump#post-2742237 Wed, 31 May 2017 12:48:58 +0000 snowjewelz 2742237@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just got the Medela PISA both times; it's just easier to be familiar with it, and I like putting all my pump stuff in my own bag. </p> <p>My old pump is def not as good as the new one... I think the motor is just less powerful after using it and sitting around so I keep that as a spare at home. I have to turn it higher to get the same suction as my new one.</p> <p>I really wanted to try the Spectra that people rave about but I was just more comfortable with what I know and using everything I already have! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/choosing-a-pump#post-2742234 Wed, 31 May 2017 12:41:01 +0000 pmerr 2742234@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm looking at different medical suppliers to pick a breast pump (going through insurance), and am having trouble picking! </p> <p>I got the Medela PISA last time (it's been more than 3 years since I got the first one, so I can use insurance again), and would like to stay with Medela, since I have the parts (I EPed last time, so I do have double parts already).</p> <p>I'm looking at the metro bag or on the go tote or the freestyle...are those ones you can plug into a wall? I definitely like being able to plug in the pump if possible, and like that style bag since it would be a little easier to carry in.</p> <p>My other option is to just get the starter kit- the machine itself and parts and stick it in the bag I currently have. I just haven't taken the old pump out of storage yet to see what has happened to it since it's been sitting in a box for 3 years. </p>