Freestyle - A review

Let me tell you, Freestyle is in a class of its own!

You know how much I love my Swing. I consider Swing a superb pump as it is. But when I tried the Freestyle, this is my first impression – it’s exactly as if someone had known what I loved and don’t love about the Swing and then take the good bits and improved it to make the Perfect Pump!

I found that Swing had great things that I wanted in a pump, but it’s a single pump. I would like a double pump actually, to be able to simulate both sides at the same time so that I can produce more milk and minimize pumping time. So they come up with a double pump.

I had a problem (theoretically) with a double pump in the sense that, how do I manage handling both pumps, at the same time I need to press the on/off or letdown button..or to increase suction. I see other people do it all the time, but I can’t multitask well. So they come up with hands-free double pumping. The handsfree pumping really works! When I bought the pump I didn’t actually expect to be using the hands-free kit all the time. Honestly I didn’t really believe how that would work. But it really works! The pumps are fitted perfectly and I don’t have to do a single thing to support. I can read the Quran, books, or walk around doing other things. I’m so relaxed when I pump now. I’ve always looked forward to my pumping sessions, but even more so now.

I sometimes had milk coming into the tubing with the Swing though I’ve mastered how to take care of it immediately, in time and how to avoid it. So when I got my Freestyle and read the manual, I immediately looked for the Troubleshooting section, expecting to quickly memorise how to clear the tubing if milk came into it. To my horror, they didn’t have a section on how to clear the milk out! Eventually as I used the Freestyle I realised that they do not need that section since it’s impossible for the milk to come into the tubing – the milk is not in contact with the tubing in any way.

I needed to buy rechargeable batteries for my Swing but Freestyle came with its own rechargeable batteries that charges like a phone.

The 2-phase expression of course is super, like Swing. But I like how I could switch back and forth between the 2 phases with the Freestyle, without having to switch the pump off and on again. I could get at least 2 let-downs each time which really helps improve my production. With Swing dpt 2 let-downs juga but each time only one breast is being emptied. Even kalau I pam after Adam just fed pun, I can easily still get a letdown.

The rest the performance is as great as Swing. The suction is wonderful. I don’t find it harsh at all unlike other testimonial I heard. Maybe because I’m used to medela? i’m not sure.

I love how compact it is. The motor is as small as Swing’s, probably slightly smaller. Everything fits in the nice bag that has many compartments. Senang nak organise plus it’s not heavy at all once everything is inside. My pumping buddy ckp pump I mcm walkman! Hehe..

Only 1 complain I have – the noise. It’s not loud, but not as quiet as Spectra. Well, I can live with it no problem. But other people might not. Medela need to develop technology kedap bunyi lah…hehe..

That’s what I have to say about Freestyle for now. I’m so contented with the pump. Hopefully dpt guna sampai 5 anak…heheh

Thank you so much Munirah =)

p/s: thinking of selling my Swing motor. oh i'm probably gonna cry though if i do. anybody interested to buy?