https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 23 May 2026 09:49:18 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2200467 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 14:48:09 +0000 Charm54 2200467@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I EPed (everywhere, in the car, in hotels, at my parents, at home...) with a PISA and had no issues, it worked perfectly for what I needed it for. Mine came with the battery pack which came in handy, but you might run through a lot of batteries if you were regularly going to away from an outlet...the freestyle might be better for that reason </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2200460 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 14:40:41 +0000 turkeylurkey 2200460@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used both the PISA and Freestyle with DS1. both I borrowed from my SIL's. Had to give them back this go around since they need theirs. I got the PISA from insurance, couldn't upgrade. I really wanted to upgrade to the Freestyle because I could fit the pump and parts into my purse and take it in with me places. I also liked that it had a timer on it so I knew how long I was pumping on each side. I got spoiled to having the two pumps. I kept the PISA at work and the other at home for outings and the few times I needed to pump at home. I'm thinking I might buy the freestyle just to have both.<br /> Also, blackbird mentioned the freemie. You can buy a converter kit for those cups to work with the PISA </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2200413 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 14:01:53 +0000 ShootingStar 2200413@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I only ever used the Freestyle, but I liked it a lot. I paid ~$100 to upgrade from the basic Medela double electric. I liked that I could use it around the house if I needed to, and didn't need to be tied to one spot. I also liked how small it was. I usually had a TON of stuff in my pumping bag (extra parts, bottles, hands free bra, burp cloth) and I'm glad I didn't have the weight of a gigantically heavy pump on top of that. I also liked that it didn't have the flange thing that the PISA/my manual pump has. That that was tiny and hard to wash without losing, and they're always going bad.</p> <p>I never had a problem with the suction power at all. I used it on one of the lower levels (4 out of 10 maybe?) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2200409 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 13:59:39 +0000 mrsjyw 2200409@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: pumping power! Suction was better! But that might've been because of being plugged in vs battery vs anything different than the two pumps! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2200391 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 13:49:29 +0000 hellobear 2200391@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i have used the ameda purely yours with rechargeable batteries at work now for 4 months without problem. i stash pump, parts, bags in a lunch cooler i bought on amazon with icepacks and can either carry as a lunch pack or throw it into a larger bag such as a large longchamp. haven't had to plug it in since i've switched to recharge batteries.. not familiar with the medela PISA but can u use batteries in it when not plugging it in? i bought a set of batteries + charger for around 30 dollars i think and like that i can use the batteries for other stuff once my pumping days are over. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2200379 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 13:42:30 +0000 LindsayInNY 2200379@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LBee: Makes sense. Sounds like I'm making a bigger deal out of it than I need to!</p> <p>@CakeLady: I'm thinking of leaving it at work during the week, if I can? Buy multiple parts, only bring those home, etc. Maybe have a manual pump on hand at home?</p> <p>@T.H.O.U.: I saw a brand new one on CL for $100 or $125. I might get the PISA through insurance now and buy that as a second one, if necessary? Agh, why is this so difficult, LOL!</p> <p>@mrsjyw: What made you like the PISA more?</p> <p>@snowjewelz: I saw them on Craigslist too so if pumping/BFing works, I could always go that route down the road?</p> <p>@yellowbird: Is that the best part about the Freestyle? The portability? Any other big pros or cons compared to the PISA?</p> <p>@magnolia: That's my other option - keeping a manual on hand at home or something. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2200219 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 11:17:14 +0000 JenGirl 2200219@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have a pump yet, but my insurance is the same and I actually plan to upgrade to the Spectra S1, which exactly the same as the S2, but has a battery. No experience, but I read a ton of reviews and overall it seems like the Spectras are more gentle and comfortable than the Medelas. And I really wanted a battery, hence the upgrade to the S1. Just something to consider. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2199849 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 06:13:04 +0000 Miss Ariel 2199849@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I use a Pisa and bought a medals bag from target that came with a cooler. I use a battery back too. When I went back to work bought rechargeable batteries and charge them on the weekend. So far there's only been one occasion where I've needed to buy extra batteries </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2199828 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 04:31:38 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2199828@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had pretty much the exact situation with my insurance and I paid a $150 up charge to get the Freestyle. It has been working really well for me so far but I admittedly have nothing to compare it to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198869 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 10:54:52 +0000 jape14 2198869@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had no problems pumping with the PISA at work (pumped for about 5 months, I'm a dropout), and also used it in the car a few times on road trips with the car adapter. I ended up not needing to use the battery pack but a friend of mine used it for travel without issue. </p> <p>Like @LBee: I also rocked the bag lady look with my pumping gear in a longchamp, plus my regular work bag (plus my lunch bag most days). If you have a large longchamp or similar bag, it's the perfect size! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198728 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 09:31:10 +0000 Happygal 2198728@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I only have the PISA and don't find it to be that comfortable. Not awful, not great. I just got the Spectra through insurance (no bag) and will be able to report about it if that interests you. It got excellent reviews. And not that anyone except the pumper really cares, but it looks pretty cool, too. :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198724 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 09:27:24 +0000 magnolia 2198724@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have the pisa (covered by insurance) and the manual pump (gifted to me on my registry). I honestly love the manual pump even though I pump regularly with the pisa. The manual pump is very freeing! I use it when I just need a little relief or need to start/stop or am just annoyed with the electric pump sound. :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198681 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 09:05:27 +0000 yellowbird 2198681@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have the PISA and the freestyle and the freestyle is way better. It's so convenient and portable. I paid 90 dollars for the up charge because my insurance only covered the PISA. I say its way worth it </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198642 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:49:39 +0000 blackbird 2198642@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have three: a PISA, a freestyle, and a freemie. The portability of the freestyle is awesome. I prefer the simplicity of the freemie'a cup system. I can just shove them in my bra, not take stuff off, put a hands free bra on, insert the horns.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198627 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:45:39 +0000 snowjewelz 2198627@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I replied to you on another thread already so you know how I feel! I was faced with pretty much the exact situation and I'm happy with my PISA! And it's so true; I didn't know how my nursing/pumping journey would be so it would have been annoying if I had paid for something and ended up not really using it! </p> <p>I'd rather use that money and splurge on a cute pump bag! That's one thing I regretted not getting. Hauling all my pumping stuff in a random big bag isn't as discreet/fun as doing it in a fashionable bag that can just double as a handbag for work so I don't have to lug so many things around! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198616 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:41:01 +0000 buttermilk 2198616@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: I'm pretty sure it comes out of the bag. If I could get the freestyle for $100, I would probably upgrade. But there's no way I'm laying $200+! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198593 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:31:16 +0000 mrsjyw 2198593@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm going to against the grain of Freestyle fans.</p> <p>I bought a Freestyle with giftcards prior to knowing that my insurance covered a free pump the year I was pregnant with DS1. </p> <p>I opted to keep it and got a free Medela double electric (much like the PISA). I actually preferred the pumping power of the PISA and left that one at work exclusively. I liked the portability of the freestyle, (I'd pump one side in the m orning as I got ready for work) and used it frequently during maternity leave while I was trying to build my stash, but I much preferred the PISA for work pumping! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198588 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:24:47 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2198588@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: Absolutely get the Freestyle. </p> <p>My friend and I both paid completely out of pocket for the freestyle but also have the PIS for back up. Even when I'm next to an outlet I prefer my freestyle. And on the go, its invaluable. In fact, today I'm heading to a conference and will pump in the car. </p> <p>I find the Freestyle easier to hold (I don't always have time to hook up to a hand free bra and I can manual massage to get more if I'm holding). Also, I prefer the membrane style of the freestyle and they need to be replaced less often.</p> <p>My husband put it this way, yes its an extra $100. But if that increased convenience and comfort helps you pump even 2 weeks longer, we have saved $100 in formula costs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198576 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:19:15 +0000 avivoca 2198576@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have heard really good things about the Hygeia and the Spectra 2, both of which I'm considering for my next pregnancy. I haven't used either of the Medelas, but I had two Amedas. The older one was great, the newer one started having problems after 4 months of use and was completely toast by the time I quit pumping (I used it for the last month to help me pump wean).</p> <p>In terms of traveling with my pump, my Amedas came with their own bags, but I used the one with the newer pump. It worked really well and I was able to keep my pump, its' accessories, my bottles, and the cooler pack all in one bag. It was great for going back and forth. I don't travel much for my job, so I was able to leave my pump at work all week and just take the cooler pack back and forth. When we went out of town, it was a breeze to have the whole thing with me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198565 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:14:27 +0000 CakeLady 2198565@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had the PISA and it got the job done, but it was pretty heavy to carry to work everyday. I also ran into a few situations (only once or twice in 9 months) where there wasn't an outlet. I also have frequent meetings in places other than my office and something lighter and the didnt depend on an outlet would have been nice - but not 100% necessary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198564 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:14:18 +0000 mrsog 2198564@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: I agree with @buttermilk. I got the free insurance medela and a separate battery pack and cooler and i put it all in this bag <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nurse-Purse-Breast-Pump-Bag/dp/B00H0O9DRA" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Nurse-Purse-Breast-Pump-Bag/dp/B00H0O9DRA</a> - which is big enough to put also put the rest of my stuff in too. I commuted on the train and subway and needed everything in one bag and it really worked great. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198562 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:13:50 +0000 LBee 2198562@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have been pumping at work for 9+ months with a PISA and not had a problem. I travel for work, too. I take an extension cord and have found that I can always find a plug and make it work. People are incredibly understanding and usually I just explain that I will need a plug wherever the put me. I also predominately pump in bathrooms and there is always at least one plug in there. I know this sounds obvious, but when you need to pump - you make it happen. Not being able to find a plug has never stopped me! </p> <p>In terms of traveling with my pump, I have a long champ that I store my pump (I originally had this huge bag it came in, but I borrowed a different one that was the one in the little black case) in with a small cooler, all the accessories, extension cord, and towel. It fits perfectly. I look a little like a bag lady with my briefcase and the longchamp, but whatever. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198559 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:12:08 +0000 MenagerieMama 2198559@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just a thought, I've heard the freemie is awesome! Might look into that </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198558 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:11:45 +0000 LindsayInNY 2198558@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@buttermilk: Does the PISA come out of that little black case/bag thing or are you saying you're going to put that into another bag? I take public transit so I'm likely going to be stuck taking two bags everywhere. :/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198548 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:10:04 +0000 buttermilk 2198548@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Im in the same situation but my freestyle upgrade is $200! So I decided to get the free PISA and just put it in my own bag and buy the battery pack and my own cooler, etc. I would rather not have an entirely separate back to have to cart around anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pump-options#post-2198538 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:06:19 +0000 LindsayInNY 2198538@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Trying to weigh out my pump options... My insurance covers the Medela PISA, which seems to be my best option (also covered Ameda Purely Yours, Evenflo Deluxe, Hygeia Q, Spectra S2, Freemie). It doesn't cover the Medela Freestyle but I think I might be able to pay the upcharge for it which is $125 or so? I can't remember where I came across that amount. I will be pumping at work and on the go since I visit clients during the day. I know the room at work has an electrical outlet but not sure I'll always have access to one. I know the rocker in LO's one is not super close to an outlet either (the joys of pre-war living!).</p> <p>So I'm trying to decide... Do I get the PISA and buy the battery pack thing for it or also have a manual one on hand OR pay more for the Freestyle? Is the Freestyle really that much better? From what I've heard/read, it sounds like it but a lot of people have no complaints with the PISA either. And a part of me is worried about paying the upcharge and then having supply or pumping issues and essentially it being a waste. Help me out pumpers - what should I do?! </p>