Freemie Liberty Mobile Hands Free Breast Pump, Grey

I pump almost exclusively for my 2 month older daughter, due to a couple of reasons. So, I have been hooked up to a machine constantly for the last couple of months. My primary pump has been the Spectra S1, which I think is a fantastic pump. There are so many positive things about it, but this review is not for that. So, I will skip over that part.It is not unusual for me to be doing chores, or to be taking care of the kids (4 year old and newborn) while trying to pump. Needless to say, that can be very difficult and frustrating. So, I wasn't 100% satisfied with my level of mobility with the Spectra. The Freemie Liberty has been a wonderful solution to this problem. The suction is perfectly adequate for what I need. I can express milk fine on setting 5 or 6, and it goes up to 10. I have not seen a decrease in the amount I am pumping. I can now move around with minimal restriction (I can make myself some food, or change a diaper without having to carry around a pump, it just clips right onto my pants.) The cups themselves are pretty great. I am able to use the 28mm flange with no modifications (they do sell some inserts for people who may have sizing issues). I have not had any issues with the suction not working, or placement being difficult. My only caution is to make sure pieces are put together securely, and that the tubing is at the 12 o'clock position, or your milk will spill.I spent a lot of time going back and forth debating on whether or not to get the pump, or if I should just buy the collection cups separately and hook them up to the Spectra. It appears that Amazon does not sell the collection cups that come with THIS pump. They sell another version also made by Freemie (maybe an older model?) The Freemie website does carry these collection cups (and the other style), which are compatible with a Spectra and other pumps they list. I know that some people have complained about the other version of the cups, which is why I wanted to mention that these are different. I can't compare the two, since I only have this version. But, I have not had any problems.While this pump has a lot going for it, of course, it is not perfect. I don't think the battery life on my pump is quite as good as I was expecting. I pump for 30 minutes at a time, and I see a significant decrease after 2 sessions. But, it is chargeable by USB, so if I am out and about, there is always the option of charging it with a portable charger. You can pump while the pump is charging. My biggest gripe with the Freemie is the cost of additional parts. I like to have more than one set of flanges (or in this case collection cups). One extra set on their website cost me $79.95, plus another $19.95 for 4 extra valve pieces. This pump already runs for $300. I think the extra parts need to be more affordable.The bottom line for me is that I am very glad I decided to make this purchase. It has made my life easier!A few observations comparing the Freemie Liberty and Spectra S1, listing what features I prefer on that pump above the other...FreemieImproved mobility (pump is lighter and smaller, and it clips on instead of carrying around by a handle)More discreet pumpingCollection cups are more comfortable and less awkward than the bottles/hornsNo pumping bra necessary!Adjustable auto off timer (Spectra shuts off after 30 minutes, but I don't know about a way to program a different auto off setting)SpectraLonger battery lifeMore affordable replacement partsI am less afraid of dropping it, because the handle is bigEasier to spot, due to vibrant color

I really wanted this to work. The parts need to be boiled for a tight fit before you use the pump for a tight fit. The suction was so little that I got one drop out of milk after 20 minutes. I thought I might have boiled too long, or incorrectly, so I hooked it up to my Medela In Style and it worked when set at double the suction as I use with the flanges. I thought maybe I HAD boiled the part incorrectly , so I purchased a new set of cups. I had the same results. The company claimed that this is close to a hospital grade suction. I rent a hospital grade Medela Symphony that I keep at work. I took the Freemie to work and compared the two during the same session, and there was no comparison by far. I'm returning.

This pump has made pumping at work so much easier! I actually find the cups more comfortable than the traditional pumping flanges, and my production is the same as when I use my other pump (Spectra S1). I was a little hesitant to spend the extra money on a second pump, but it's definitely been worth it! I now use this more frequently than the other pump because of it's convenience and comfort.The company's customer service is awesome and extremely responsive as well. After 4 months of using the liberty multiple times a day I had my first problem with the pump. They responded to my email very quickly, and as the issue was covered under warranty, they shipped a new pump out to me the next day!I'm a full-time working mom (veterinarian) and an exclusive pumper. I can write records at my desk while I pump or walk around the office easily without feeling exposed. I wouldn't feel comfortable seeing clients with the pump on, but I have pumped during surgery and other procedures. Being able to multitask makes it feasible for me to pump multiple times during the workday without getting behind on busy days. I also use it at home to pump while I'm cooking, cleaning, feeding the baby, etc. and pumping in the car while commuting or running errands. You do have to be careful not to tilt your chest too far forward while pumping (I have forgotten a few times and dumped a little milk), but that's not very limiting for most tasks.A full battery charge will get me through 2.5 to 3 20 minute pumping sessions and it's no problem to pump with it plugged in if I forget to charge it. The recharge time is pretty fast - even while pumping at the same time the battery is 30-40% recharged after 20min.Being an exclusive pumper can feel like a bit of a burden, and at almost 7 months postpartum I don't know that I would still be going strong pumping without this pump. I like it so much I probably would have paid for a new one if my problem hadn't been covered under warranty!