I do really like this pump, I needed something that I could travel with as we are military and PCSing soon and I needed to take it to work. It definitely gets the job done and it’s fairly quiet! It took me a little while to get used to the massaging feature at the beginning. I would dread pumping because the sensation bothered me so much. However, it got better with time and now I’m adjusted. Second issue I ran into is that I always have to check to ensure the connectors are shut correctly over the membrane, it’s not exactly guaranteed that just because it closes, it’s correct. I ended up leaking all over myself one day because everything appeared correct, but there was the tiniest gap and so the milk did not go where it needed to go. So double check that before ... MoreI do really like this pump, I needed something that I could travel with as we are military and PCSing soon and I needed to take it to work. It definitely gets the job done and it’s fairly quiet! It took me a little while to get used to the massaging feature at the beginning. I would dread pumping because the sensation bothered me so much. However, it got better with time and now I’m adjusted. Second issue I ran into is that I always have to check to ensure the connectors are shut correctly over the membrane, it’s not exactly guaranteed that just because it closes, it’s correct. I ended up leaking all over myself one day because everything appeared correct, but there was the tiniest gap and so the milk did not go where it needed to go. So double check that before pumping! I will also say the battery pack for this pump runs out quickly. I’ve gone through SO many batteries which is a bummer.

I was really disappointed in this pump. I love Medela bottles, and by baby did amazing with them and had no nipple confusion issues. But the suction and flange sizes left a lot to be desired. There was no guide to find the right flange size, only two were included, and the "max flow" feature really doesn't do anything. The suction started out okay, but I had to turn it up super high to get anything. I ended up getting more from hand expressing or using the manual pump. I love the ease of finding replacement parts for Medela pumps, so I was really disappointed that this pump itself didn't work out.

I really liked the convenience of this pump and being able to use it in the car or on the go with an outlet. The nipple covers it comes with didn't fit so I had to buy a new piece but the parts are to buy in every store which is convenient. I've heard great reviews of this brand and I wasn't disappointed! Once this unit is plugged in you connect the bottle to the pump that goes over your breasts, then you connect the air tube to the machine and to the pumps (you can do one at a time, but I would suggest both at the same time or you may over produce on one side or under produce milk and end up lopsided!). One the tubes are connect you place the cups over your breasts and hold down trying to get a good seal. Now the tricky part if you don't have a hands free bra to ... MoreI really liked the convenience of this pump and being able to use it in the car or on the go with an outlet. The nipple covers it comes with didn't fit so I had to buy a new piece but the parts are to buy in every store which is convenient. I've heard great reviews of this brand and I wasn't disappointed! Once this unit is plugged in you connect the bottle to the pump that goes over your breasts, then you connect the air tube to the machine and to the pumps (you can do one at a time, but I would suggest both at the same time or you may over produce on one side or under produce milk and end up lopsided!). One the tubes are connect you place the cups over your breasts and hold down trying to get a good seal. Now the tricky part if you don't have a hands free bra to place the pumps in is that you are stuck holding them on you the entire time. So I highly suggest getting the hands free pumping bra! Then once you turn it on, you start with the lowest suction possible which is level 1. The first type of suction is quick and fast (you can hear the air intake to know), this helps to mimick the suction of a newborn latch to help get milk production going, after a few minutes it switches to the level one suction. Once you have pumped and feel you have no more milk you turn the dial of suction to as low as it goes without turning it off which will change the mode to let down mode. Voila, you have done it. Now if you find that the first level is not sufficient enough or you have used it a few times and are used to the suction (believe me it takes a bit to get used to the pump and the suction on your nipples, power through and put on a movie or music to get through it, you can do it), then you can move up the levels to whichever one feels better or most efficient. Now the bottles the pump come with don't allow you to collect more than 4 Oz. so you have to keep an eye on them for when they fill, you can place the milk collected in milk collection bags to store in fridge (24 hours) or freezer. This unit comes with some samples of collection bags to use for the first time, so you may have to buy some more if you plan on keeping a supply! Or you can place the milk directly in a bottle for a feed. Now when you first start pumping or breastfeeding or a combo, don't be discouraged if you don't collect a lot at first. You're breasts produce milk on demand, meaning that the more you do it (frequency and length) the more you will produce. This also goes hand in hand with your body having the energy to produce it, meaning you need to keep yourself hydrated and fed too! So don't neglect yourself and try not to be discouraged! Something else is that once you first have a baby you will produce collustrum which is a more yellow thicker substance, otherwise known as liquid gold. This is amazing stuff for baby and packed full od nutrients snd what not needed by baby. So don't be surprised if the first time you use it, that's what you get in the bottle. It doesn't last forever so try and get as much as you can so baby has a solid start with it :). Finally you may notice that if you breastfeed or your nips aren't used to this that they get raw, chapped or even bleed. Sometimes you can get a little pink or red milk pulled. Don't worry, and dont think you have to throw it out. This unit is amazing for first time users and is very versatile, but you still need to store your accessories safely so you don't have to replace parts too often or ever. Keep the air tube in a zip lock bag. Clean the cups and disinfect after every use, don't put the bottles through the dishwasher. You will be fine, you got this. A final note is to check with any health insurance or benefits you have Most should cover the entire cost of this unit except for a few dollars. Most GP doctors or obstetricians can write a note to provide you stating the need of a breast pump. P.S. for any men or partners or family members reading this, you can see there's some work in pumping, and lots that go into it whether they are creating a supply, on demand feeding or combo feeding. Once a bottle is finished, you take it from momma and you go feed the baby. Give the lady a break! P.P.S. If you can't create a supply for any reason or feel unsure, talk to a your doctor or a lactation consultant or find some mom groups to speak to. Many woman also donate if they over supply and are happy to help or perhaps you would also like to! Good luck!

Bad bad bad.

I have had the worst experience with this pump (Medela pump in style max flow), and I'm only 7 weeks PP. I received one free through my insurance, and after about 2 weeks, milk started getting into the tubing because the valves and membranes would hold milk. The only way this wouldn't happen is if I watch the pump and pull my nipple out of the flange to let the milk flow into the bottle. I've gotten a replacement pump through my insurance, and it's already lost suction and doing the milk in the tubing thing. New membranes don't make a difference in letting milk into the bottle. I've bought different sizes of flanges, I've paid for more valves and membranes. At this point, I feel like I'm wasting my money, and should just look for a different brand altogether.

Bad. Clogged ducts all the time.

The only good thing about this pump is that it is quieter than past models. Problems with the pump include: 1. Does not empty the breast. Currently fighting yet again multiple milk ducts that clogged, and mastitis. This is the second time in 2 months. Never had this issue with my past two children. And I am pumping every 2-3 hours. 2. The pump will not turn on every time you push power. I have to repetitively push power to get it to turn on. 3. The pump will start out with a suction around 4 which is extremely painful for me. I have tried 3 different flange sizes thinking that might help but no. 4. The new suction parts will trap milk if not pumping. After each pump I have to let it run in the air a little to try and get all the milk out and into the ... MoreThe only good thing about this pump is that it is quieter than past models. Problems with the pump include: 1. Does not empty the breast. Currently fighting yet again multiple milk ducts that clogged, and mastitis. This is the second time in 2 months. Never had this issue with my past two children. And I am pumping every 2-3 hours. 2. The pump will not turn on every time you push power. I have to repetitively push power to get it to turn on. 3. The pump will start out with a suction around 4 which is extremely painful for me. I have tried 3 different flange sizes thinking that might help but no. 4. The new suction parts will trap milk if not pumping. After each pump I have to let it run in the air a little to try and get all the milk out and into the bottle. 5. If you use past parts with it milk will get into the tubing almost every time. I have tried multiple positions to avoid this but I end up just watching it as I pump with isn’t good. I got this with my insurance and will be reaching out to switch to the spectrum or get the hospital grade pump.

Incredibly Discouraged

I did A LOT of research before ordering this pump. I looked at the reviews on multiple websites and believed this would be a good pump for me. Unfortunately, this is not the case. When I first received the Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow, I was eager to use it. Shortly after, I realized that the suction was not consistent and I was constantly having to adjust the flanges throughout and even then the suction “sucked” (in a bad way). I also noticed that milk got lost in the “new and improved” connectors. The suction tubes were kinked when I got them, so I was hoping this was the issue. I contacted Medela and they sent me a new one. Nothing changed, nothing improved. My son is currently in the NICU because unfortunately my water broke at 28 weeks 3 days pregnant. ... MoreI did A LOT of research before ordering this pump. I looked at the reviews on multiple websites and believed this would be a good pump for me. Unfortunately, this is not the case. When I first received the Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow, I was eager to use it. Shortly after, I realized that the suction was not consistent and I was constantly having to adjust the flanges throughout and even then the suction “sucked” (in a bad way). I also noticed that milk got lost in the “new and improved” connectors. The suction tubes were kinked when I got them, so I was hoping this was the issue. I contacted Medela and they sent me a new one. Nothing changed, nothing improved. My son is currently in the NICU because unfortunately my water broke at 28 weeks 3 days pregnant. He was born at 29 weeks 6 days pregnant. I spend all my time in the NICU worrying about him and the fact that this pump isn’t working well is making everything so much harder. I dread pumping with this model and when I contacted Medela they said there was nothing they could do besides send a replacement. I even asked if I could pay a fee to either buy a different one of their pumps or return it altogether to get a pump that works better for me. Medela recently renamed their app, Medela Family. It doesn’t feel like they are a very family oriented company at this point. Insurance said they would be happy to let me get another pump if Medela lets me return the one I have. I don’t have enough money to afford a new pump on my own because of my hospitalization when my water broke and my baby’s NICU stay. I cannot tell you how disappointed I am and how big of a stressor this is. Medela has lost my future business and when friends and family ask what pump they should get, I will have them steer clear.*Two different lactation consultants monitored when I was pumping and sized me correctly with this pump. They said to see if I can return it as well.

Medela In Style Pump is GARBAGE

I absolutely HATE this pump. If i could give it 0 stars, I would. This pump is total garbage. The suction is inconsistent, half the time the suction malfunctions and doesn't pump properly so I end up having to constantly turn it off and on until it starts working again. Low suction setting doesn't express any milk. I have to use high suction setting to get any milk out, and then it becomes painful to the point that it gives me literal skin tears on my nipples. I consulted with lactation specialist and am sized correctly. I own every flange size and nothing helps. I loathe pumping because of it. It is poorly designed and engineered. It is uncomfortable and inefficient. Even with high setting for max time (30 min), I barely get any milk out and still leaves me feeling ... MoreI absolutely HATE this pump. If i could give it 0 stars, I would. This pump is total garbage. The suction is inconsistent, half the time the suction malfunctions and doesn't pump properly so I end up having to constantly turn it off and on until it starts working again. Low suction setting doesn't express any milk. I have to use high suction setting to get any milk out, and then it becomes painful to the point that it gives me literal skin tears on my nipples. I consulted with lactation specialist and am sized correctly. I own every flange size and nothing helps. I loathe pumping because of it. It is poorly designed and engineered. It is uncomfortable and inefficient. Even with high setting for max time (30 min), I barely get any milk out and still leaves me feeling full. This pump makes me so angry, I literally just threw it in the garbage and went out to buy the Spectra (which i hear very good things about- even tho it is clunkier). I warn every new mom I can against wasting their money (or insurance money) on this. Steer clear!

Never empties breasts

I received this pump through my insurance and I wish I had picked literally ANY other pump. It worked great for the first 2 months and it’s been downhill since. The connector design is terrible. I replaced my parts because my output was low and the next day, one isn’t even pulling a drop of milk, while the other is outputting 2 ounces in under 10 mins. Yes, I troubleshooted and no, it didn’t solve anything. The connectors are also awful to clean. Even with all my little bottle brushes, I can’t get the milk out of little crevices. I don’t have anything to compare it with, but it’s also quite loud .I really do not recommend this pump.

Newer isn’t always better

I used the medela pump in style for my first baby, and it worked great. So when my free pump through insurance for my second baby was the newer model of the same pump, I assumed it would be great as well. No such luck.First, there is an odd vibration: medela says this is meant to simulate the feel of a newborn suckling at the breast. I have never experienced an infant making my breast vibrate, so the first few times I used this pump, it was difficult for me to relax enough to let down.2) There is no protection from the bottles overflowing while pumping. The last model, the flutter valve went down inside the top of the bottle; when milk passed this valve, the bottle no longer allowed milk to be pumped into the bottle. With the new pump, there is no such luck. I ... MoreI used the medela pump in style for my first baby, and it worked great. So when my free pump through insurance for my second baby was the newer model of the same pump, I assumed it would be great as well. No such luck.First, there is an odd vibration: medela says this is meant to simulate the feel of a newborn suckling at the breast. I have never experienced an infant making my breast vibrate, so the first few times I used this pump, it was difficult for me to relax enough to let down.2) There is no protection from the bottles overflowing while pumping. The last model, the flutter valve went down inside the top of the bottle; when milk passed this valve, the bottle no longer allowed milk to be pumped into the bottle. With the new pump, there is no such luck. I assume like most moms, I am reading a book or watching videos of my baby while pumping and not staring at the level of milk in the bottle. I did not realize I had pumped enough to overflow the bottle until my jeans became soaked. Once the bottle is this full, there is no way to stand up and disconnect without spilling additional milk. This was heartbreaking for me. Every drop is so precious!

Terrible pump! Find and older style Meleda pump to use!

Terrible pump! I just had my seventh baby and am quite familiar with Medela pumps. I’ve used them with all of my children. The first cycle is too short to get proper letdown so I have to switch it back. For fist time mothers, they may not understand this and could be quite frustrating when they are in the second cycle with little to no milk being expressed. I’m having a difficult time with letdown, something I’ve never struggled with before with the older Medela pumps. The suction is not right. I can’t really get milk out because the setting is too high(causes pain) and turning the suction down just makes it so no milk comes out. The pump doesn’t have separate tubing for each breast like the old pumps and think maybe that’s the problem. Design flaw!!! Another thing, ... MoreTerrible pump! I just had my seventh baby and am quite familiar with Medela pumps. I’ve used them with all of my children. The first cycle is too short to get proper letdown so I have to switch it back. For fist time mothers, they may not understand this and could be quite frustrating when they are in the second cycle with little to no milk being expressed. I’m having a difficult time with letdown, something I’ve never struggled with before with the older Medela pumps. The suction is not right. I can’t really get milk out because the setting is too high(causes pain) and turning the suction down just makes it so no milk comes out. The pump doesn’t have separate tubing for each breast like the old pumps and think maybe that’s the problem. Design flaw!!! Another thing, After having a baby it was always easier for me to pump one side at a time. It helps with letdown and my body responds better to it so that was another big disappointment when I opened the box. It’s too bad because Melela had a great reputation. I think they went for a lighter and more stylish look and in the process made an inferior product with a serious design flaw. Breast pumps have one function and it’s to express milk and this pump fails to do the job. I have an older style pump and will use that one instead. I don’t even want to give it away because it’s that bad!