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Pumping… Expressing breast milk. However you want to say it. If you breastfeed, pumping comes with the territory.
Assuming you use an electric pump, one of the best accessories you can buy is a breast pump bra. Pumping hands-free is definitely the way to go! ๐
Though when you think of hands-free pumping, you probably think of “the horns” and pumping into bottles, don’t you? Definitely not the most attractive getup nor is it discreet whatsoever.
Enter Freemie!
Freemie are these plastic cups you slip into your bra that allow you to pretty much pump inconspicuously; you’ll just look like you have huge knockers. I stumbled upon Freemies during my maternity leave when I was researching the best ways to pump at work. I wasn’t too keen on having to take my shirt off, put on a pumping bra, and pray to God someone didn’t walk in on me. ๐ At least with Freemies they go under your shirt, and personally I wear a scarf to conceal my newly enhanced chest.
If you’re an exclusive pumper, I don’t recommend Freemies as your primary pumping solution. Many reviewers, including myself, have complained that these don’t empty your breasts quite as well as “the horns”. Honestly I felt like my supply took a dip because of this, but please don’t let this scare you off! Obviously other factors can play a role with decreased milk production such as missing pump sessions (which have happened while at work) and not drinking enough water to name a few.
Pros
Freemies are awesome for pumping in the car. I’ve pumped to/from work, to/from the gym, and on date nights in-between dinner and the movies. Seriously. If your commute interferes with a pump session or you have downtime while you’re out, Freemies are your best (or should I say breast) friends.
Cons
The suction isn’t as good as “the horns”. I tend to increase my breast pump’s dial when using Freemies to get a better suction.
The actual pumping process might be discreet, but the inserting and removing of Freemies is a little more conspicuous. I find it near impossible to insert these and get a good “fit” without looking down my shirt. I’m always self-conscious when I have to do this in a parking lot. I try and park far enough, next to trees, and not by anyone because I’d hate for someone to glance over and wonder why I’m sticking my hand down my shirt. ๐ณ And then when you’re done pumping and need to take them out, you don’t want to drip any milk, so you kind of tilt it away from your breast. Again, a little awkward if you’re not in a private area.
Freemies must be hand washed. With my “horns”, I rinse them in the sink and pop them in the sterilizer. Easy peasy. But with Freemies you cannot sterilize them nor can they go in the dishwasher. Not to mention before you even you use them you have to boil the parts, which for a new mom it’s a little inconvenient because our time is so limited.
Conclusion
If you’re a working mom and/or would like to have the option of discreetly pumping in the car, I highly recommend Freemies; however, I do not recommend them as their primary pumping solution. They’re perfect for the on-the-go though.
Have you tried Freemies? Or would you after this review?
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