When I heard I would be receiving Freemie Collection Cups to review, I was beyond excited. Freemie Collection Cups were created to be a hands free and discreet breast pump milk collection system. Let’s be real, it sounds appealing, doesn’t it?
Why was I so excited to try these you ask? As a full-time school counselor and new mom, I was excited to try anything that would make pumping a little less dreadful. I mean, to have my hands free and not have giant horns popping out of my shirt? I’m all in.
When first opening the package, they included simple and easy to follow directions on what needed to be connected to each part (a few of the parts needed to be boiled first). These collection cups look nothing like the “horns” we’re used to. However, there are 3 major parts just like with the “horns.” You have the collection cups, valves, and then the shields/funnels. The collection cups each hold 8 ounces which is fabulous since I can usually pump over 5 ounces that the typical bottles hold. The valves are an awkward shape, however, they just click into the shields just like the “horns”. The shields (they call them funnels) are either 25 or 28 mm and both sizes are included. As a side note, I have a Medela Pump in Style pump which does not need any additional adapters, but some pumps do. The Freemie website shows which pumps need additional adapters. To use the Freemie with my pump, I just had to switch out the tubing and replace it with their tubes (included).
Usage: Freemie claims they fit into your bra and that you can pump with your shirt on. The collection cups stick out about two to three inches so I don’t know about you, but I can’t fit two-three inches into my bra. However, with a nursing bra I was able to unhook it as if I was going to nurse and slide them in. I usually wear a cami of some type under all my shirts, which also supports the collection cups. Once you get the hang of sliding them in, your hands really are free! The first time I used them, I was sitting there with a straight back (not even leaning over), my shirt on and free hands. It was like the Pumping Gods threw me a bone! As I was sitting there, I was thinking of all the possibilities since my hands were free. I picked up my phone, hopped on Facebook and relaxed for 15 minutes. If I’m super busy at work, it’s a great time for me to send out some emails uninterrupted while still pumping. After pumping a few minutes, I noticed that the collection cups started fogging up which was kind of a bummer because I usually keep an eye out for when the milk stops then I’m done compared to a certain “time” amount. (This is pretty expected, because it’s difficult to keep a product like this from fogging with the extreme temperature differences. However, Freemie is working on this!) After several uses I now know you can lean over a little bit and check the bottom where it has lines to show the ounces. I know about how much I pump during the day and use that method for now.
Once I was done pumping, I was able to just slide them out of my bra, take the tubing out (make sure you turn your pump off first or you’ll end up with milk in your tubes), take apart the collection cup system, and then pour the milk into a storage bag or container. Personally, I am able to pump in my office and then I put all the parts and my milk into a lunchbox and put it all in the fridge. I do wash out the Freemie collection cup system prior to putting into the lunch box. The collection cups are super easy to clean, too. I soak mine in hot soapy water every day after work, do a quick scrub then I lay them out to dry.
Overall, I love the Freemie Breast Pump Collection System! However, there a few cons. Like I said above, the cups get foggy and you are unable to see if the milk is still flowing. I find this to be the biggest downfall. In addition, the first few times you’ll likely get milk in the tubes (once you get used to it, it doesn’t happen often). It’s also not quite as discrete as they lead consumers to believe, but you are still able to pump with your shirt on, it just makes you look like you have giant boobs (and I mean giant). Even with these cons, I personally still think the pros outweigh the cons. They stay in place, are easy to put together/take apart and are truly hands free. I highly recommend Freemie to any mom!
– Cierra, Guest Blogger
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