Medela Pump in Style Advanced Backpack Breastpump

Retail price – $280.00Medela Breastpump

Perhaps my least favorite thing about nursing is using a breastpump.  Never have I felt more like a dairy cow than when I’m hooked up to one of these contraptions.  Don’t get me wrong, I am a big proponent of breastfeeding and am willing to do whatever it takes to give my boys the best start possible.  However, if you want any sort of break from the seemingly constant demand for more milk, or especially if you are returning to work, it’s a necessary evil and this is one product where I wasn’t willing to skimp.  If you’ve considered using a manual pump – best of luck!  Try using one, you find it can be a temper tantrum inducing endeavor.  Not only does it take a long time, it takes considerable effort to get enough to fill a belly.

Medela has a number of different products and a ton of accessories for the nursing mom. I opted for the backpack, because it seemed easiest to carry when I was schlepping it along with my briefcase on the subway everyday to my NYC office.  I also like the detachable cooler where you can store the pumped milk.  Accessory items that I have found helpful include the storage bags (if you are pumping and freezing), the quick clean wipes (convenient and more private than cleaning your breast plates in the public bathroom), and the car lighter adapter.

Ever wonder how to feed your infant while on a long family road trip without constantly pulling over?  Here is the system we recently perfected while on a three day road trip from SoCal to Oregon.  While AJ drives, I plug in the breastpump with the car adapter, pump away while waving to all the truckers honking at us (man they’re friendly), then pop the nipple on the bottle, turn around to the back seat and feed Kai till he slumbers into a nice full-belly sleep.  No heating required.

The Skinny:

• USE – Necessary evil for the nursing mom returning to work.  The pump is relatively easy to use, has all the features one needs to get the job done, and the portability of the backpack is a big plus. One feature I wish this product had would be a silencer.  It’s a bit difficult to multi-task, like making phone calls, with the rhythmic noise in the background.
• AFFORDABILITY – It’s not cheap, but the time and energy you save using the maximum settings makes it worth the cost.  I’m guessing if you compare it to the cost of formula feeding your baby, you come out way ahead.  Not to mention that it is way healthier for your baby.
• SIZE – Pretty small and has all the needed features.
• SIMPLE STYLING – The black nylon backpack is as clean and basic as it gets.  Only those in the know, know what’s in the bag.
• SANITY – Well designed, good product.