[*krista*]

I've been using my Medela Swing pump. It is a great little pump, my only complaint is that it is just a single pump so it takes 30 - 40 minutes to pump both sides. Since I'll be pumping full time, I thought I might as well splurge and get the Medela Freestyle, so I did. Well, with my $100 Swing pump I get 3-4 ounces each time I pump. Almost $400 Freestyle? 2 oz at most.

Anyone else have this problem with the Freestyle? Can you return a pump? I wonder if I would have the same problem with the Pump in Style. I think it has the same pump structure as the Swing... the Freestyle is different because it is so called "hands free", but the hands free straps are awful!

[**jessie**]

I have no clue Krista I have never had a freestyle nor known anyone who has. I'm shocked that you're not getting out more. I've had a PIS Traveler (that Alice has now) and a PISA. They both work well.

Where did you get the pump from? Could you try to repackage it up so it doesn't look used? Maybe you could say it isn't working properly and see if you can exchange it?

Sorry bf'ing has not worked out for you. Been there, done that and it sucks. Pumping is not nearly has hard as everyone makes it out to be, especially once you get a supply established. I EP and Chel does too, if you ever need anything.

[bittersweet]

Wow, that would be frusterating. I'm pretty sure most stores won't take bake used breast pumps. But it is worth a try.

I have the In Style and I love it. How long have you been using the Free Style?

[Oriyan]

BRU took back our pump and gave us a full refund when it broke even though it was used.

I was much happier with my hospital grade ameda. I would get 5-6oz from one side in 10-15 minutes. My other boob only produced 1oz each session (had trauma to it when i was a teen).

It takes time to play with the suction/pumps per minute that is right for your boob. My boobs like lots of suction and a medium setting for the pumping.

[**Jenn**]

I never had the Freestyle but I did have the PIS and now I have the Swing. If you've used the Freestyle you cannot return it. But you could try craigslist or ebay to sell it used, just without the washable parts.

I loved the PIS and I'd still be using it but the diaphragm cap (inside) ripped and there's no replacement for it. I was so bummed, luckily it got me through both boys. I only feed one side at a time so the Swing is perfect for me, then again I only pump once a day to build up a stash.

I wish my PIS was still in action, I'd send it to you. Since you think you'll be EP it's definitely worth the money to get a pump that will actually work for you. And see if you can sell the Freestyle.

[*krista*]

We just got the Freestyle yesterday. I'll get DH to try to return it, I suppose trying couldn't hurt. It obviously isn't functioning the way it should. Maybe if BRU won't take it I can call Medela. If I can get some kind of refund for it I'll go ahead and try the Pump In Style.

I haven't tried toying with any of the settings other than the suctioning power. Then again it came with no manual to tell me how to work the stupid thing!

[**Jenn**]

Thats really odd it didn't come with a manual. Did it look like it had been previously opened? Sounds like it was already returned to the store and they put it back out on the shelf...

[~*sierra*~]

yes i think you should return it, sounds like it might not be working right, because my SIL has the freestyle and she's been pumping 5+ oz total each time she pumps since day one.

[LisanAndy]

I'm sorry I have no advice on that. I only used my Medela Lactina for over engorgement/storing for when Rylie ate cereal from a bowl. Good luck hun!

[*krista*]

I looked at the box and there is a seal on it saying if it is broken it can't be returned. So that put my mind at ease that it hasn't been previously used, but then again I can't return it. I called Medela and they said it can take my body some time to get acclamated to the new pump because it is probably drawing from different ducts. They said I should give it a week to a week and a half. Sounds like a load of bull to me, but I guess we will see.

[..Christine..]

I have two of the PISA and one seems to work better for me then the other. I've stopped using one of them all together because lately everytime I use it I get a clogged duct and I never did before. I was also going to suggest you try it a few more
times and let your body get used to it.....

[Mars]

I hope that the length of pumping times improve with using it a bit more. I don't have any experience with the Free Style pump.

[Resi]

It sounds like the motor might not be as strong which doesn't make sense. That is just my guess but who knows. I have the Pump In Style. I would usually pump about 3 oz off each breast every few hours in the beginning when I went back to work. I know everyone is different with that. Are you using the old pump since it works better? Do you think your supply changed and that could be the cause or are you pumping more often?

[greeneyes]

I know it has that safety seal on there but I would still try and return it. Tell them it's a faulty pump and see what they say, when you spend that much money on an item managers tend to help ya out.

That being said, the only pump I could ever get a decent amount with was the hospital-grade Medelas. I had a PISA but I never got anymore out than when I just used my little manual Medela. I'm not even going to buy a pump this time, I'll just spend the $15/month for the hospital grade one. Even if I rent it for a whole year that's still only $180.

[Resi]

Originally Posted by greeneyes

I know it has that safety seal on there but I would still try and return it. Tell them it's a faulty pump and see what they say, when you spend that much money on an item managers tend to help ya out.

That being said, the only pump I could ever get a decent amount with was the hospital-grade Medelas. I had a PISA but I never got anymore out than when I just used my little manual Medela. I'm not even going to buy a pump this time, I'll just spend the $15/month for the hospital grade one. Even if I rent it for a whole year that's still only $180.

That is so cheap! I rented one from the hosptial and it was $60 per month!

[szczepanski]

I've had great success with my pump in style and it is second hand. When I pump - rarely - I get 5 ounces out on one side in about 8 minutes.

I agree with taking it back. If it doesn't work and you spent that much money on it, raise a BIG stink.

[~*sierra*~]

do you have the bra to attach the freestyle to? my SIL was telling me that her pumping bra is like wearing thin in patches, so it seems like that is a vital component of the freestlye system, but i dont think it actually came with the pump from what i remember.

hope that all is going well with little charlotte!

[**jessie**]

Try to return it anyway. Go into wherever you got it from and say that the suction is not working properly and the pump is defective. Whether or not it actually is, they should just assume it is... it's not like they are going to make you put it on and try it out for them!

Because it does sound like the pump may be defective. At the very least they should exchange it for you, and then if a new Freestyle doesn't work you can just try to resell it and get another.

[*kyle*]

I think you should try to return it... at the very least exchange it for a new one of the same brand in case this particular one was defective.

It might not help you, but for what it's worth, I've been using the Avent Isis IQ Duo and it has been very dependable. The amount I can pump totally relates to my fluid intake and how long it's been since I last fed/pumped. It can range from 3-4 oz up to maybe 7 or 8. If I'm very engorged, 9.

[*krista*]

Well it seems to be working better. Maybe I jumped the gun when I said the lady from Medela was full of it. I'm definitely going to get the hands free bra though, maybe I can use it without the goofy hands free straps it comes with.