https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 05 Apr 2026 09:27:08 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609845 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 11:32:25 +0000 MoreCoffee 2609845@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Chiming in on the simple wishes bra - I had the velcro one my first time around, and eventually the velcro was shot and it would pop open while I was pumping, which obviously was the worst. With dc2 I needed a replacement so I purchased the tie-back version that's cheaper than the velcro one. It's waaay better imo, and I just tie it over top of my unclasped nursing bra. I also keep a wrap cardigan in my pumping bag to stay covered up (great if I'm wearing a dress).</p> <p>As for the Freestyle, I don't think it's worth the extra money unless you know you'll need to be moving around to multitask while pumping. My insurance would only cover an Ameda (**shakes fist**) and while it's fine, I had to use my SILs PISA in a pinch on a trip and I liked it much better. And definitely look into the freemies - I'm able to pump in private so the ameda flanges aren't an issue, but the freemies are more comfortable to me and more comfort = better output. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609812 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 10:45:51 +0000 Mrsbells 2609812@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Amorini: Closed vs Open system basically refers to whether the tubing is blocked off from the milk. With an open system there is no barrier and milk can potentially get into the tubing which can be difficult to properly clean. Condensation and dust can also build up. With a closed system there is a barrier so the tubes always stay dry and clean. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609807 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 10:41:30 +0000 mdf106 2609807@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I never undressed to use the hands free bra. I put my flanges in the hands free bra first. I lifted up my top, pulled down the cups of my nursing bra, and put the hands free bra over my nursing bra, under my shirt. I work while pumping (in my office). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609713 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 09:15:06 +0000 KayKay 2609713@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've had the same Freestyle (no replacement parts or anything) since 2012. I pumped 1-3x/day for a year while working FT with LO1. I pumped 1-2x/day for a year while SAH with LO2. And I plan to pump 1x/day while SAH with LO3. It was super-easy and convenient to take with me and pump wherever when I travel for weekends away with just DH, or (for example) when I went to Paris for a week to visit a friend and had to pump in the airport or on the plane. I never had any problems with suction or my milk output, and the portability was awesome to have. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609708 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 09:12:57 +0000 avivoca 2609708@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sunny: Yeah, once I had a desk, it was better, but I just hated my hands free bra. I might need one this time though because I'll be sharing my pump room with someone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609697 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 09:05:46 +0000 mrsquincy 2609697@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have the Freestyle and the Simple Wishes bra and have loved both. It completely helped me establish pumping while on maternity leave. After I fed my LO, I'd pump in my bathrobe while making breakfast! It was great. I've heard the same recommendations that the PISA is more powerful, but this has worked for me. I don't have any good spot for pumping at work and the flexibility of not needing to be by and outlet has been huge. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609638 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 08:16:38 +0000 LuLu Mom 2609638@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wanted to chime in, a handless bra is necessary regardless of the pump you buy, it's really a lifesaver! And I went into pick up my pump set on the Freestyle, however the ladies at the breastfeeding specialty store talked me out of it and said the PISA is better. They have had so many women come back with a burned out motor on the Freestyle that they said they were not recommending it to anyone. Just something to keep in mind since you will be using it frequently. </p> <p>I also have a demanding job, with a dedicated pumping room, so the battery pack that came with PISA was enough for those few instances I needed it (and car outlet was nice too) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609634 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 08:12:01 +0000 snowjewelz 2609634@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Amorini: I left it at work during the week but I did lug it around here &amp; there on weekends b/c DD didn't nurse well in public... I have never tried the Freestyle (but I've seen it in action), but I didn't mind the PISA that much. I did buy a car adapter as well as a battery pack to make it truly portable. I used my own bag to carry everything, and I didn't think it was too bad! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609582 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 06:05:55 +0000 Shantuck 2609582@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sunny: That happened to me once and I bought a super cheap sports bra at the target next to work and cut two holes in it. Wasn't perfect but might be an option if that ever happens again. I worked while pumping so I couldn't afford not being hands free. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609564 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 03:45:57 +0000 Pumuckl 2609564@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Amorini: Freestyle user here and I love it (well as much as one can love a pump). I not only pumped at work but also at home and having the possibility to move around and tend to baby while pumping was really important to me. I didn't have that possibility with the hospital grade rental I had at first and it drove me crazy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609555 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 01:21:58 +0000 sunny 2609555@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: I forgot my Simple Wishes bra at home the other day and I found it to be TORTURE to hold the flanges up! :silly: I don't have the hold the pump on my knees though. I have a small table next to me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609521 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 21:48:43 +0000 LCTBQE 2609521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Amorini: aw, thanks for the silent rooting :) I'm getting so impatient to meet him. you're coming up pretty fast here, too! </p> <p>I also was surprised to find that only one of the 3 places I could order from through my insurance even offered the Freestyle. the other thing I forgot to add that pushed me to get that over the PISA (besides ardent testimonials from the second- and third-time August moms who I trust) is that with my options, the Freestyle came with all the crap that you need--the bag, the ice pack cooler thing, bottles, I forget what else--whereas the PISA didn't have any of that stuff, and I would have had to buy it separately. not sure if your options are similar, but something to consider. </p> <p>agree that the hands-free pumping bra is ridiculous. like @Shantuck: said, I'm thinking about getting a Dairy Fairy bra for when I go back to work, just going to feel it out because I'm so annoyed at how much money I'm spending on first maternity clothes and maternity bras for my now-huge boobs, then the pump/flanges/bottles, and now all these nursing tanks/nursing bras/pumping bras blahhhhhhh :meh: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609519 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 21:40:44 +0000 catomd00 2609519@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I prefer the PISA for daily pumping at work. As long as you will be able to access an outlet when you need to pump, there's no need for the freestyle. You can still wrk at your desk while pumping with the PISA. There's a battery pack you can buy or a car adaptor if you need to pump on the go occasionally. I'd spend the $$ on freemies instead. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609518 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 21:33:53 +0000 DesertDreams88 2609518@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Shantuck: Yes, definitely getting the dairy fairy pumping / nursing bra next time too! That would be awesome. I wonder if the sizing is as customizable as the simple wishes bra?</p> <p>In regards to "hands-free" I like that the bra gives me the option. I'd say in reality, about 50% of the time I'm also doing breast massage / compressions to get out more milk, which I couldn't do easily without the hands-free bra.</p> <p>And, as others have said, I just use the hands-free bra on top of my nursing bra. Not ideal, but it works. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609499 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 20:55:45 +0000 Shantuck 2609499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Others have mentioned the simple wishes bra (which I used with my PISA with my first) but I plan to try the dairy fairy bra this time. I hated having to change into the simple wishes bra. It would be nice to have a hands free pumping bra that you can wear all the time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609496 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 20:53:53 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2609496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Amorini: I'm curious what your other (less expensive) options would be for a pump?<br /> Also: looking back I wish I had a hands free bra and will definitely be getting one this time around.<br /> I couldn't do anything while pumping because I had to hold the flanges myself, and pumping was hard because even at full strength, I wasn't getting much output so I also had to manually "pump" my breasts to get more. So basically there was no such thing as hands free.<br /> But hopefully with a better pump and bra, that won't be an issue again </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609491 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 20:49:46 +0000 MrsF 2609491@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Amorini: yeah- you're right. I was contradicting myself there :silly: I really needed to make the driving and pumping work so I did, but it wasn't as effective. On a long highway drive I didn't need as much mobility as vacuuming or something.</p> <p>And I loved the simple wishes bra. Never took my shirt off, just pulled it up and put the bra on over my opened nursing bra. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609485 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 20:38:33 +0000 avivoca 2609485@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Amorini: I wore a nursing bra, so usually I just lifted my shirt, Unlatched the cups, and held the flanges on with one hand/arm and used the other hand to surf the web, watch videos of H, and massage my breasts. I only used the hands free at home where it didn't matter if I took my whole top off. I was pumping in a storage closet while balancing my pump on either my knees or a box, so the bra was just a hassle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609478 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 20:24:04 +0000 Amorini 2609478@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: What did you find made it easier for you (not undressing, etc.)? Maybe that's really the bottomline for me (making it as easy as possible).</p> <p>I have to say that the hands-free bras crack me up. They remind me of a Gaultier wardrobe item in Bladerunner. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609472 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 20:18:27 +0000 Amorini 2609472@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: @T.H.O.U.: @MrsF: Thanks for the reality check, ladies! But driving and pumping works?! Hm, I guess I'll figure out the range of motion allowed and go from there. </p> <p>@MrsF: Yes, I can definitely see your challenge with an unpredictable pumping situation. I would say I can predict 70-80% of my work day (where I will be and when) but the other 20-30% could go either way and that is part of my concern. And then there's work travel (day trips and some overnights) where the day is 100% unpredictable, but hopefully those will be infrequent over the next year.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609466 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 20:06:47 +0000 avivoca 2609466@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did not have it and also hated the simple wishes bra. I just could not get a good fit with it and still had to hold the flanges on. I also hated having to get completely undressed to use it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609464 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 20:03:53 +0000 MrsF 2609464@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: Yeah - same. I really needed to hand-massage to get milk out. Not good for multitasking. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609460 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 20:00:08 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2609460@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Amorini: I mean it's possible to do things like that but it's not totally practical. </p> <p>Also you often have to do some hand massage to really help the flow for your supply. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609457 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 19:57:08 +0000 DesertDreams88 2609457@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Amorini: in regards to getting stuff done, you can do pretty much anything that is stationary. Walking around is more difficult because if the flanges get too tilted, they can leak milk, and also I have to use 8 ounce bottles for all of my milk, so it gets more in the way. However, in the last month or two, I've noticed that I get more milk when I stop working and start relaxing / imagining baby / focusing on sensations.</p> <p>Also, if you're looking for convenience, look into using freemie cups with a Medela. Next baby I'm definitely getting them from the beginning. I haven't tried them, but I would love to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609451 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 19:43:26 +0000 MrsF 2609451@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Amorini: The freestyle was great for me but only because I really needed the flexibility. I'm a nurse in an ICU so I don't have an office and was always pumping in random places. I also have an hour-long commute so I pumped in the car on my way too and from work each day. The freestyle meant not having to worry about a power adapter for the car. If I had a job with a designated place to pump and didn't have a long commute I think the PISA would have been fine. I could never do anything around the house that involved movemnt and pump at the same time. </p> <p>All that being said, I bought the freestyle when I was pregnant with my first and ended up switching to formula before I even went back to work. Luckily I ended up EBF my second child for a year so the pump got lots of use! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609446 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 19:25:51 +0000 Amorini 2609446@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mdf106: Okay, maybe I'm unrealistic about how much multi-tasking one could do while pumping! I thought I read another HB girl would do stuff in the kitchen while pumping! Maybe she was even vacuuming!! At least I could be on the computer getting a jumpstart on emails or standing at the counter prepping breakfast or lunches....?</p> <p>@maddyz: I'm curious why you are having such difficulty! What I've found is that not all of the equipment providers offer it as an upgrade. I had to go to each website, one by one, and see what they offered. That's not the biggest deal, but I thought each one would offer it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609424 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 18:34:03 +0000 maddyz 2609424@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am trying to upgrade to the freestyle and having a hell of a time doing it. I often pump in all kinds of crazy places and have a subway commute. I had a battery pack for my pump in style but it was basically as big as the pump and sucked to carry around. I think I'll get the freestyle even if I have to pay for it myself... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609394 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 17:27:22 +0000 mdf106 2609394@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Amorini: No, the Simple Wishes bra is great. There are a lot more sizes, but I was thinking for extras. I have four sets (mostly the same size). This way, I can go a few days without having to do dishes (I run them in the dishwasher). It would be very hard to do other things while pumping, without something like pumpin pals. I always had spillage when I tried to do anything involving movement. I also rarely pumped at home after maternity leave (maybe 5-10 times with my first, and not yet with my 7 month old.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609379 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:57:24 +0000 Amorini 2609379@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Loving all of these thoughts. Thanks, ladies. The bra it comes with is a Simple Wishes bra, so I guess that's good to hear it will be something I would want anyway.</p> <p>@Mrsbells: Thanks for your thoughts! I guess I need to research closed vs. open system pumps and see what that means to me. Just when I thought I read what I needed on pumps...</p> <p>@sunny: Nice that you have a dedicated pump room! I share an office with me, myself and I at the moment and will be taking over the only room with a door as my pump room. I have a mostly desk job, so I guess the big portability advantage is taking it to home/work everyday and being able to pump on the go if I'm called out of the office at the last minute.</p> <p>@T.H.O.U.: I love the unequivocal vote of confidence in my splurge! Thanks!</p> <p>@LCTBQE: No HSA but it would be tax-deductible so thanks for that reminder. Yes, the PISA would be free for me, too! I'll have to re-read what Lucie's List says. Hmmm. I'm lurking on the August boards and rooting you on!!</p> <p>@snowjewelz: Oh cool, so the hands-free bra is where it's at. Do you have to port around the PISA and is it heavy/bulky/a PITA?</p> <p>@mdf106: Good strategy about where else to spend the money. The Freestyle package would come with two flanges (20mm and 27mm). Are there lots more sizes that a girl might need? Is the Medela hands-free bra another name for the Simple Wishes bra?</p> <p>I have a car commute but then a hike from the parking garage so that's where I'm thinking portability. Also my mornings already anxiety-inducing with two large fur-children to walk and feed and set up for the day, so that's another reason the portability and being able to do 2-3 things at once might help. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-really-want-the-medela-freestyle-upgrading-insurance-options#post-2609365 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:29:54 +0000 mdf106 2609365@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did not have it, and it was not necessary. I have a pretty demanding job. I almost always pump in my office, so the battery pack is not an issue. I very rarely pump at home, and there are outlets there. I have a car commute, so size is not an issue for me. The Ameda Purely Yours is very small if you only need a small pump. I have the Ameda Purely Yours and the Spectra S2, and they are both fine, although the Spectra has an easier time getting a letdown. </p> <p>A hands free bra is essential. However, I have a Medela hands free bra, and it is useless, because it is not sufficiently adjustable. </p> <p>I would spend the extra money on lots of spare parts (after the baby arrives so you know what size flanges you need). </p>