https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 20 May 2026 00:12:59 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1873409 Mon, 22 Sep 2014 16:42:44 +0000 ninjaduck 1873409@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used the hospital medela in the first week of my son's life, then my hygenia q came and I used it (with my medela parts from the hospital since you can use medela parts with the hygenia they were already sanitized) and found it VERY similar to the hospital grade medela and AM extremely pleased with my decision so far. Only thing missing is the automatic letdown feature, but it doesn't bother me too much. I couldn't find too many reviews and was nervous not to get the medela, but I am very pleased with my decision now that I've used it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1873362 Mon, 22 Sep 2014 15:47:26 +0000 AmandaB8 1873362@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm on the Hygeia train also. I've used it as an exclusive pumper for 8 months (and going strong). It's compatible with all Medela parts, which is awesome. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1873278 Mon, 22 Sep 2014 14:54:31 +0000 birdofafeather 1873278@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>hygeia for sure! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1873129 Mon, 22 Sep 2014 13:40:34 +0000 cmomma17 1873129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I pumped for a year with the PISA, loved it (as much as you can love a breast pump that is) and never had to clean tubes in a year of pumping! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1873121 Mon, 22 Sep 2014 13:38:36 +0000 PurplePeony 1873121@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a Medela PISA and it's fine, but I would have preferred the Hygeia. I got mine as a gift (my insurance is stupid, but that's another story) so I wasn't about to complain!</p> <p>And actually, I wish my pump had come in a small bag instead of the tote. I travel a fair amount and it sucks to either have to lug the stupid tote around (I don't like it much) or take out the pump and find a bag to put it in that won't get ruined by the Velcro all around the faceplate. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1873043 Mon, 22 Sep 2014 12:58:05 +0000 MamaG 1873043@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for posting this, I'm following along as I'll be making this same decision shortly. I'm hoping to order from a different company where I will have out of pocket upgrade options, but these are the two pumps I had narrowed it down to as well. Medela is clearly a popular choice, but I've read many good things about Hygeia too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1873034 Mon, 22 Sep 2014 12:51:22 +0000 mrs. tictactoe 1873034@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have the medela PISA and I liked it. Cleaning out the tubes wasn't a big deal and didn't need to be done everyday, maybe once every other week. If you let the pump run when you're finished, the tubes will be flushed out with air, so that helps dry out any moisture that may have accumulated.</p> <p>I voted for the Hygeia because I'm planning on getting a second pump this time so I can have one at home and leave one at work and that's the one I've been thinking about. Plus, since I already have the PISA, I'd like to get something different to try. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1873017 Mon, 22 Sep 2014 12:41:57 +0000 Mae 1873017@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have the medela and I never cleaned the tubes... :/ thy are clear and look clean to me?! nothing gets in there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1873007 Mon, 22 Sep 2014 12:37:43 +0000 sailgrl18 1873007@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Love my Hygeia and it works with Medela parts. Also, I ordered from Yummy Mummy and it came with a nice bag. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1872393 Mon, 22 Sep 2014 01:21:50 +0000 lemondrop 1872393@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love my Hygeia! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1872317 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 21:30:27 +0000 fairy 1872317@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hygeia! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1872316 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 21:29:49 +0000 photojane 1872316@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hated pumping and quit early on, so take my review with a grain of salt, but I had the insurance-provided Medela (the Hygeia was my other option as well), and I never once had a problem with the tubes. Most of my friends have Medela, and the tube cleaning "problem" is not common. As much as I can like a breast pump, I liked it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1872305 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 21:09:27 +0000 LemonLong 1872305@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think mrs bee wrote a blog post about finding mold in her medela. I have the Hygeia and like it a lot! It's quiet and empties me quickly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1872295 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 20:55:05 +0000 jetsa 1872295@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another PISA user who's never cleaned her tubes. I've never had milk get in them </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1872206 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 19:40:44 +0000 meesker 1872206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have the Hygeia and love it. It is compatible with Medela parts, so don't let the ease of obtaining parts dissuade you too much. I use the Hygeia pump, with Medela personal fit connectors, valves, and membranes, and Pumpin Pal flanges. I was using he original Hygeia tubes, but recently replaced them with the Mayfair Mom Tubes for Medela and have had absolutely no problems.</p> <p>If you are concerned with the lack of battery, you can purchase an external battery pack and/or car charger on Amazon or through Hygeia themselves. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1872167 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 19:07:41 +0000 AprilK 1872167@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have the hygiea q and have been able to get spare parts easily on amazon. But the def aren't something that you can pop into a store and buy. I love it, I think it's a great pump. I also have the freestyle and think the hygiea is more efficient. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1872163 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 19:04:01 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1872163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would take the tube factor out. The medela usbt "closed" but I've pumped for over a year and never had milk in the tubes. It's more just a CYA warning they out in there because it bacteria and other things "could" get in there. But I've never had it in there and never cleaned my tube. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1872152 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 18:53:22 +0000 danda 1872152@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hygeia vote here. I have an Ameda and love that it is closed system. Milk generally won't get in the tubes but there's a real chance for moisture and mold to get into the Medela pump motor which carries some small risk...which is why you aren't supposed to use the Medela again for a subsequent child. Knowing more now than when I originally got my pump, I'd go with Hygeia if that were an option...sounds like people are generally pleased with performance and it's closed system. Win! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1872149 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 18:51:44 +0000 Trailmix 1872149@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had the insurance Medela, which was identical to the PISA except it didn't have a battery pack. I only cleaned the tubes maybe 1x per month and that was just by sticking them in the sterilizer bag in the microwave for 2 mins. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1872144 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 18:47:13 +0000 Charm54 1872144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Loved my pisa. I was an EPer and there were many times where Id be out of town and had forgotten a part... It was very convenient to be able to run to Target and get replacement parts easily. </p> <p>I didn't find the tubes a pain...I never got any milk in them...sometimes some water but I would just run the pump for a few minutes without the flanges attached and it would clear up. Once every couples of weeks Id throw it in the microwave steaming/sanitizing bags. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1872138 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 18:43:21 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1872138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have the PISA and so far I like it!</p> <p>ETA:</p> <p>I'm not nursing now and can efficiently type!</p> <p>I have the PISA through insurance. It's pretty great, though loud. I have mine set up on the couch, which is against a wall, so I pump comfortably in front of my television. </p> <p>It does have a let-down button, but it also goes into let down mode automatically after two minutes. </p> <p>I like that I can run into any target and get replacement parts if I'm out and forget something. We plan on getting the car adapter. We have a small soft cooler from my first pregnancy &amp; freezer packs, so we use those if I have to take my pump somewhere. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1872135 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 18:41:39 +0000 gilmoregirl 1872135@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have no experience with the Hygeia, but I like my PISA and I've never had to clean the tubes in the nearly six months I've been using it. The directions say only to clean the tubes if they happen to get milk in them and I never have. I'm not sure that it's something that happens often. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-breast-pump-which-to-choose#post-1872091 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 17:53:22 +0000 LaughLines 1872091@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Through my insurance I get to pick a free breast pump. They are the basic sets - no bags/coolers/extras are included. I'm ordering through Byram Healthcare</p> <p>Here are the two options i've narrowed it down to:</p> <p>Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump Starter Set (MY57081)<br /> Personal-use pump<br /> 2-Phase Expression' technology with one-touch let-down button<br /> Adjustable vacuum settings<br /> Compact motor unit in a soft bag (not a carrying bag, just a small case to enclose the motor)<br /> Compatible with Medela Battery Pack<br /> Double pumping kit with: Medium (24mm) breast shields, 2- 5oz/150 ML breast milk bottles and power adaptor.<br /> --no bag, plug in version (not battery), no cooler</p> <p>Hygeia Q Breast Pump (HG100056)<br /> Independently Adjustable Speed &amp; Suction Controls<br /> Hospital Grade performance in a personal use pump<br /> Allows For Double &amp; Single Pumping<br /> Closed system with a bacteriostatic filter to prevent contaminants.<br /> --no bag, plug in version</p> <p>This is what I think are some pro/cons based on reading reviews/HB prior posts.</p> <p>The Hygeia is a closed system, so no milk in the tubes = less cleaning and no mold. It also seems like a hospital grade so it's possibly stronger? Only downside i see is that it doesn't seem as "common" and maybe parts aren't as readily available.</p> <p>The Medela seems well liked by reviews, but it is not a closed system which seems annoying to have to clean out the tubes frequently. It has the letdown button, which seems like a plus, but I don't really understand what it does. Seems extremely common, so i think parts would be easy to find</p> <p>I'll be a SAHM, so the portability is only moderately important compared to people taking it to work everyday (I would still take it other places, just not every day). </p> <p>Any advice? I think right now i'm leaning toward the Hygeia. </p> <p>These are the ONLY options I have to choose from, so Medela Freestyle, etc are not options </p>