Medela Pump In Style Review: Expert Buyers Guide

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Published by 
Jess Miller
Last updated: 
March 27, 2023

medela pump in style review

Medela, one of the industry’s leading pump manufacturers, has created the most innovative product in decades. The Medela Pump In Style Advanced is a bag and pump hybrid, giving you either a bag with a built-in pump or a stylish bag specifically designed for their removable pump. Either way, you get peak chic, with maximal convenience for when you’re on the move.

Gone are the days of us mothers sitting at home caring for our babies. We have lives! We’re out and about, but that shouldn’t stop us from caring for our babies. The Pump In Style gives you more privacy, convenience, and speed, three things that all of us mothers would agree that we desire.

Medela offers a wide variety of breast pumps and other accessories which was covered in the review on Medela breast pumps, making them one of the more sought-after brands for expecting women. I think that the Pump In Style in revolutionary and in this Pump In Style reviews, I’ll be explaining why it’s fantastic, how it compares to its competitors and what accessories to grab and which to leave behind.

Medela Pump In Style FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions people are asking online about the Medela Pump in Style.

Does the Medela Pump In Style take batteries?

The Pump In Style uses 8 AA batteries, which come included with the product. Regardless of which style of bag you choose they all require the same type and number of batteries. Currently, there is no way to use the Pump In Style plugged into an outlet or to recharge the batteries in the product. However, you can use replaceable and rechargeable batteries.

Does the Medela Pump In Style come out of the bag?

It depends on which type of bag you choose to purchase. The Tote and Backpack have a built-in pump which you can't easily remove. The Metro Bag has a removable pump which also has its separate bag. If you need a pump that can come out of the bag, you should choose the Metro.

Medela Tote

Medela Backpack

Medela Metro Bag

Which bag is best?

It’s hard to say which bag is best, but the Metro is the most versatile because you can remove the pumping machine from it. The most popular is likely the tote, but the backpack is the most convenient because of its strong straps, keeping your hands free to help your baby.

Where can I buy it?

The Pump In Style is available from some retailers across the country, on their website and simplest of all, you can purchase it from Amazon and get it shipped straight to your door in days.

When should I replace the parts?

According to Medela, you can replace the parts every 1 to 3 months. Having read many responses from other Medela users, the average for a mother pumping daily is to replace the parts every 6 to 8 weeks.

How does it work?

The Pump In Style works the same as any other double-electric breast pump. Two bottles are attached to the suction pads, which cover your nipple and breast. The machine is turned on, and it creates a tight but comfortable seal around the breast, gently sucking the milk out into the bottles.

Unlike other pumps, this pump is attached inside of a bag so that you can grab it and go without having to remember to pack the pump. When it is time, you can simply open the pouch and start pumping.

Here is a video from Medela that shows how to use the Pump in Style.

Medela Pump In Style Advanced Reviews

Having read many other Medela Pump In Style Advanced reviews, I know that I’m not alone in thinking that this product is an absolute godsend. It offers unparalleled convenience, extra privacy and gives mothers the ability to get out, enjoy the world and feel empowered.

Traditional pumps are cumbersome, ineffective and you need to remember to pack them into your bag. I can’t even fathom how many times I’ve forgotten a pump at home, only to realize later in the day and I’m sure I’m not alone! The Pump In Style fixes all of those problems.

For the mother that likes to get out of the house, either to work or to explore the world, it’s hard to think of a greater solution than this.

Related Post: The best manual breast pumps

Incredible convenience

Certainly, the biggest reason to invest in this pump is the convenience that it offers you. But more importantly, it’s what that convenience allows you to do with your life. It’s hard enough already to plan an event with a newborn baby, which can often lead to mothers staying at home and feeling trapped or depressed.

The convenience of this product is empowering, giving you the freedom and the resolve to get out of the house with less stress and worry, knowing that your pump is literally in your hands. With alternative products, you have to remember to grab the pump and then try your best to stuff it into a bag that it wasn’t designed to fit into, what a hassle!

Tremendous performance

You’d be forgiven for thinking that a product like this was a gimmick and wouldn’t have good performance. The truth is, this might be one of the best Medela pumps. Unlike others, they don’t have to worry about size because it fits into the bag. This means that the motor can be larger and more powerful, forming a stronger seal and drawing more milk out.

The most common problems that women experience with pumps are around suction and milk removal. Usually, these problems occur because the cup isn’t attached correctly, the motor fails to provide enough suction, and therefore a vacuum can’t be created to draw out the milk.

But with well-shaped cups and a more powerful motor, the Pump In Style makes light work of the process, drawing from both breasts at once for double the efficiency.

Long-lasting and durable

Medela pumps are expensive, that’s undeniable, but they offer incredible quality. Plus, they will last through multiple children, giving you tremendous value for money. Unlike their competitors you don’t need to replace the parts monthly, they typically last longer than this, driving down the total cost further.

Public perception and reviews

Having read countless reviews from other mothers, along with forum discussions and blog posts, I like to think that I have a fairly good idea of the public opinion concerning this pump. The majority of mothers have found it incredibly useful, not least because it’s one less thing that they have to think about when they leave the house.

Many of the reviewers who have left comments about the Pump In Style mentioned that they were impressed with how powerful the machine was, comparing it to the Freestyle and other quality pumps.

How it compares to other models and brands

Understandably, you’re probably interested in hearing about how this compares to some of the other options available, both from Medela and other comparable brands.

Perhaps most notable is the Medela Freestyle, their most popular advanced pump. The Freestyle is equally powerful, but it has the advantage of attaching to your wall sockets to charge, rather than taking batteries. However, it doesn’t have the same quality of carrying bag and isn’t built-in like the Tote or Backpack.

If you’ve searched for pump bags before, you’ll have heard of “Kelly” by Sarah Wells. Rather than being a pump within a bag, it’s merely a functional bag that has the perfect space and utility for a breast pump. While not as convenient or easy as the Medela, it’s another option for mothers that want a bag but who might prefer a different pump.

The Spectra Baby USA S1 is a hospital grade double pump that uses a rechargeable battery to offer you some mobility. Arguably it’s the best pump on the market, but it offers practically zero portability. Ideal for use at home or in the hospital, it’s incredibly popular on Amazon. But for mothers who want a lightweight, portable pump, the Pump In Style is a far better choice.

Other products to buy

The Pump In Style comes with everything that you’ll need to start pumping on the go, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some useful accessories that you might like. Many women choose to use the Pump In Style as the only pump, using it in the home and the office too. For those mothers, having extra bottles and other goodies is a life saver.

Medela Breast Milk Bottle Set

Can you ever have too many bottles? I’d argue that you can’t. The Medela bottles are dishwasher and microwave safe, allowing you to easily store, heat and wash the bottles for a more simplistic life. Each set comes with three bottles and a variety of lids, nipples, collars, and caps to help you when it comes to feeding time.

Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags

If you’re looking for longterm storage, either in the freezer or the fridge, these storage bags are a must. Many women need to pump continuously throughout the day to prevent discomfort, and if your baby isn’t hungry, you can store it rather than wasting the milk. These bags are easy to use, and with 100 in a pack, you can simplify your life.

Medela Quick Clean Wipes

Accidents happen, especially when it comes to babies! Occasionally a little bit of milk is going to leak, or you’ll need to quickly clean up your pump and accessories while you’re out and about. Rather than heading to the bathroom with soap, grab these safe wipes which are ideal for pumps as well as changing tables, high chairs, and toys.

Conclusion on Medela Pump in Style

The Pump In Style is a game changer, but more importantly, it’s a lifestyle changer. It allows more women to get out of the house with their children by reducing the stress and giving those mothers and easy way to pump quickly, conveniently and with more dignity.

For the mother who wants a life and who wants to get out and explore the world with her baby, the Pump In Style is a clear choice. There are no alternatives that offer the same tremendous performance and convenience in a single bag, quite literally.

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